AS PREDICTABLE AS THE SUNRISE…. Colbert likes to make a fuss when one of his predictions turns out to be true, saying with glee, “I called it!” Perhaps I can borrow a page from Colbert’s script for a moment.
Yesterday, President Obama highlighted the philosophical differences between his administration and his critics on economic recovery: “Now, in the past few days I’ve heard criticisms of this plan that echo the very same failed theories that helped lead us into this crisis.” I predicted, “I can only assume that Obama’s entirely accurate remarks will be met with a new round of media complaints that the president isn’t being nearly ‘bipartisan’ enough.”
Well, I called it. Here’s the latest complaint from the Washington Post editorial board.
Today in The Post, President Obama challenges critics of the $900 billion stimulus plan that was taking shape on Capitol Hill yesterday, accusing them of peddling “the same failed theories that helped lead us into this crisis” and warning that, without immediate action, “Our nation will sink deeper into a crisis that, at some point, we may not be able to reverse.” A thinly veiled reference to Senate Republicans, this is a departure from his previous emphasis on bipartisanship.
This is just so foolish. For weeks, congressional Republicans have stood in the way of an economic rescue package in the midst of a dangerous recession. The president has reached out in good faith, only to see the GOP slap his hand away. Republicans have engaged in a massive deception campaign, hoping to convince a drowning country to ignore the life-preserver the White House is desperate to throw.
But the moment the president notes that his critics’ ideas failed, the Washington Post editorial board finds it necessary to chide the president. It’s not “bipartisan” enough.
Never mind that Obama’s right. Never mind that his point is entirely fair. If the Democratic president gently criticizes congressional Republicans — even indirectly, without using names or the word “Republican” — it warrants a slap on the wrist.
The same editorial goes on to say how encouraging it is to see two center-right senators — Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Ben Nelson — working to strip perhaps $200 billion from the stimulus package.
Something to remember the next time someone complains about the Washington Post‘s liberal bias.
