When Ronald Reagan invoked JFK on behalf of tax cuts, it used to drive liberals, Teddy perhaps above all, into self-righteous fits.
Over the years the invocation has lost its edge, but the following campaign ad by the Republican contender for Teddy’s open seat may restore it, if anything can. That longshot Scott Brown, facing traditional lib Dem Martha Coakley, would likely be a bill-killing 41st vote against Obamacare deepens the irony – or, if you’re a keeper of the flame and defender of “the dream,” could intensify the nightmare.
Or maybe it’s just kind of a fun ad.
Comments 4
When Ronald Reagan invoked JFK on behalf of tax cuts, it used to drive liberals, Teddy perhaps above all, into self-righteous fits.
Unfortunately,JFK,not RR,was the last Pres who presuded over a balanced budget,and uninterrupted economic growth during his short administration. Economic growth under RR was more about slowing the decline than “Sustained” growth. Debt was always a major problem for RR,and without Volcker,a Carter apointee,things would have gotten more out of hand. BTW,I voted for RR twice.
December 30th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
We always vote for one guy in consideration of the policies likely to be implemented by the other guy. RR did what he could with the hand he was dealt, not perfect; but a whole lot better than what Jimmy Carter for another four years.
Meanwhile, if that guys numbers improve to where it appears he will even come close to beating Coakley in Taxachussetts Dems will be running for political cover all over the country.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
@ Sully:
No one seems to have any recent polling on the race, since I think it’s been generally assumed there’s not a prayer that the Kennedy seat would go to an R. I wonder if Brown is calculating that thrilling the rotten tooth is his only chance of getting noticed.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
It’s getting to be a crazy time, a Perot like time.
And even in Massachussetts there’s a substantial minority that recognizes bills must eventually be paid. Romney managed to get elected governor.
December 30th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
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