Leadership, finger-pointing, and the bailout
Both Obama and McCain had a hand in crafting the bailout bill. Both parties have reason to dislike it—and nobody thinks its better than a necessary evil. And now both sides are blaming the other for the bill’s failure.
The Democrats have a pretty convincing case. The Democratic leadership and the Republican leadership each promised to deliver over half of their parties. The Democrats delivered. The Republicans failed. The Republicans are at fault for the failure of the bill because the majority of them voted against it—even though both Bush and McCain were backing the bill.
The Republicans blame Nancy Pelosi because she “politicized” the bill. Now, Pelosi did give a politically loaded speech on the bill—and the Republicans are saying that they couldn’t possibly have delivered the votes in light of such a political speech. Perhaps it didn’t occur to them that McCain’s campaign suspension was also a political stunt or that they could also give inflammatory speeches—and that in the end the only part that would matter was whether enough Representatives had enough respect for the leaders to let them lead.
To me, this sounds like the Republican Party’s lack of leadership is in large part responsible for the failure of this bill. Obama delivered his party. McCain and Bush combined could not deliver theirs. I don’t know whether you want to write it down to charisma, oratorical ability, moral credibility, or even relevant leadership experience—but the lesson is simple. Obama has something McCain lacks. Obama can get things done.
Nice thinking…
1 year ago • 3 notes
