WHEN IN DOUBT, BLAME THE PRESIDENT…. It was only a matter of time before conservatives thought of a way to blame their political rivals for the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. As Paul Krugman noted, “The only question is what the story will be.”
Will it be claims that liberals and/or scientific conspirators sabotaged the rig, to undermine good Americans who want to drillheredrillnow? (Michael Crichton already wrote that novel).
Will it be that oil workers, demoralized by the march of socialism, fell into despair and let the accident happen?
Will it be claims that since this didn’t happen under Bush, it obviously shows that Obamanomics is responsible?
Yesterday, Rush Limbaugh settled the debate, telling his followers:
“I want to get back to the timing of the blowing up, the explosion out there in the Gulf of Mexico of this oil rig…. Now, lest we forget, ladies and gentlemen, the carbon tax bill, cap and trade that was scheduled to be announced on Earth Day. I remember that. And then it was postponed for a couple of days later after Earth Day, and then of course immigration has now moved in front of it. But this bill, the cap-and-trade bill, was strongly criticized by hardcore environmentalist whackos because it supposedly allowed more offshore drilling and nuclear plants, nuclear plant investment. So, since they’re sending SWAT teams down there, folks, since they’re sending SWAT teams to inspect the other rigs, what better way to head off more oil drilling, nuclear plants, than by blowing up a rig? I’m just noting the timing here.”
Media Matters has the audio.
Conservatives may be predictable, but at least they’re consistent.
