Aaaaaand ... let's try a different tack

Republicans still revere Reagan. Even critics call him the "Great Communicator". His "Morning in America" was brilliant PR. He boosted confidence in a non-specific way that encouraged people to tell themselves, "Things are getting better."

Critics at the time said, "You can't just say things are getting better and that makes them better." Except that if you can effectively change a mood -- with a figurehead speaking reassuringly and a huge political machine dedicated to agreeing with him -- you can help to foster a virtuous cycle.

If, on the other hand, the huge political machine is dedicated to questioning everything the current figurehead says, it seems reasonable to suppose this could foster a negative spiral.

Now is where you say, "Gotchya! You just admitted that uncertainty can depress the economy."

Then I point out that the uncertainty isn't caused by what the figurehead is saying, but how the political machine responds to him. When I said earlier that the Republicans could end the uncertainty immediately by simply agreeing with whatever Obama says, that wasn't facetious.

If you really think uncertainty is the most important factor in continued slow growth, shouldn't you be advocating going along with Obama for the good of the economy?

I'm still not agreeing with your premise that uncertainty is the primary factor at work, just saying that to the extent that it is, it's a problem not of Obama's making.

Post #334,023 by drook 10/11/10 5:39:56 PM Reply	Aaaaaand ... let's try a different tack Republicans still revere Reagan. Even critics call him the "Great Communicator". His "Morning in America" was brilliant PR. He boosted confidence in a non-specific way that encouraged people to tell themselves, "Things are getting better." Critics at the time said, "You can't just say things are getting better and that makes them better." Except that if you can effectively change a mood -- with a figurehead speaking reassuringly and a huge political machine dedicated to agreeing with him -- you can help to foster a virtuous cycle. If, on the other hand, the huge political machine is dedicated to questioning everything the current figurehead says, it seems reasonable to suppose this could foster a negative spiral. Now is where you say, "Gotchya! You just admitted that uncertainty can depress the economy." Then I point out that the uncertainty isn't caused by what the figurehead is saying, but how the political machine responds to him. When I said earlier that the Republicans could end the uncertainty immediately by simply agreeing with whatever Obama says, that wasn't facetious. If you really think uncertainty is the most important factor in continued slow growth, shouldn't you be advocating going along with Obama for the good of the economy? I'm still not agreeing with your premise that uncertainty is the primary factor at work, just saying that to the extent that it is, it's a problem not of Obama's making. -- Drew
Post #334,024 by boxley 10/11/10 6:00:43 PM Reply	you had 3/4 of the repo party chanting voodoo economics with the dems picking up the charge after reagan became the candidate. Boy you have a selective memory Any opinions expressed by me are mine alone, posted from my home computer, on my own time as a free American and do not reflect the opinions of any person or company that I have had professional relations with in the past 55 years. meep
Post #334,028 by drook 10/11/10 6:23:26 PM Reply	So to be clear ... You are saying that confidence (or uncertainty) have no effect on the economy? -- Drew
Post #334,034 by boxley 10/11/10 7:29:18 PM Reply	wrong the economy was in the toilet and people wanted to try something else, the democrats had owned congress and the senate for 40 years, people didnt want to repeat the constant failures of the past. We tried reagan and things SLOWLY got better. Any opinions expressed by me are mine alone, posted from my home computer, on my own time as a free American and do not reflect the opinions of any person or company that I have had professional relations with in the past 55 years. meep
Post #334,026 by beepster 10/11/10 6:10:42 PM Reply	Riight. These issues are being discussed why? I didn't bring them up, campaign on them nor bet my political career on them happening. And certainly you could end the uncertainty by simply saying...yep, do whatever you want. The impact of what he wants, however, may not make you very happy if its jobs you are looking for. Sure, understanding today's complex world of the future is a little like having bees live in your head. But...there they are.

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