About this Blog
During the semester, I shall post course material and students will comment on it. Students are also free to comment on any aspect of American politics, either current or historical. There are only two major limitations: no coarse language, and no derogatory comments about people at the Claremont Colleges. This blog is on the open Internet, so post nothing that you would not want a potential employer to see. Syllabus:
http://gov20h.blogspot.com/2023/08/draft-introduction-to-american-politics.html
The President's Problems in California
2 comments:
It is interesting that most of the drops of support are among members of his own party and nonpartisans. It is not just from Republicans! In other words, disapproval is stemming from groups integral to Obama's base. Perhaps this is why Mitt Romney and Rick Perry have campaigned in California in recent weeks - they see an opening! Professor Pitney's remarks remind me of the slogan of James Carville:"It's the economy, stupid!"
Although the president's position is not the best, even a bit pessimistic, we should still consider the following:
1) The GOP's stance is not at all better than the president's. I've ben reading this article from the Atlantic: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/09/warning-signs-for-obama-bad-polls-strong-opposition-and-worried-allies/245163/
which comments on the sagging developments of the Obama reelection possibilities; however, it notes that polls show Republican standings to be either no better or even worse to voters. The article says how it's about perspective; although Obama is not doing so well, he should be doing worse, is what WH analysts are thinking. And the GOP candidates aren't instilling that much confidence either; Bachmann has spoken, but not spoken about, her position on phasing out entitlements, nor is her right-wing stances on fiscal policy particularly wise (I do NOT understand how, given the situation, revenue increases is utterly unconsidered by the GOP camp, even with their general stances; perhaps this is why Huntsman is might be the sanest of the group) Perry cannot be trusted when comparing his rhetoric to his book, Fed Up, or even his record as Texan governor (where he raised taxes in other departments in order to compensate for tax cuts elsewhere)
2) It's also misguided to think that Obama is doing nothing to alleviate the situation in California. His recent jobs plan shows, according to WH numbers, and emphasis on infrastructure development, and about 65 billion dedicated to education related developments and aid, which projects preserving and stimulating jobs. In California, this means the president is tackling central Californian issues, such as public education and unemployment. Californian voters need to realize that the president's plan has proposed to help aid what are dire situations in California.
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