The Dick(wad) Morris Strategy

A budget deadlock will defeat Obama, a compromise might save him

Republicans are toeing the line to this strategery, described by Dick Morris on February 16, 2011.

The bottom line is that the GOP has no regard for the health of the country, its mood, or anything that resembles responsible governing. No, they are fighting this strategy, focusing on discretionary spending cuts to programs they don't like, no talk of logically increasing tax revenues, and focused by ideologues in politics and talk radio totally on the defeat of President Obama. This strategy, which according to reports today the Obama Administration has ultimately rejected, was designed to keep garnering cuts until the unrealistic and irresponsible "hit the number" of $61 billion was achieved. Fortunately (but not fortunate for the United States of America), the line in the sand has been drawn and not crossed. Shutdown, HERE WE COME!


"If the Republicans hold firm in demanding huge spending cuts and Obama does not give in, the question of whether or not to cut spending will dominate the nation's political discourse for months on end and will spill over into the 2012 election.



To assure that it will, the Republicans should hold firm to their budget spending cuts without surrender or compromise. If necessary, it is OK to vote a few very short term continuing resolutions to keep the government open for a few weeks at a time, always keeping on the pressure.



When the debt limit vote comes up, they should refuse to allow an increase without huge cuts in spending. If the debt limit deadline passes, they should force the administration to scramble to cobble together enough money to operate for weeks at a time.



If Obama offers a half a loaf, the GOP should spurn it for weeks and months. Then, rather than actually shut down the government, let them accept some variant of their proposed cuts but only give in return a few more weeks time, at which point the issue will be re-litigated. Don't go for Armageddon. Just keep fighting the battle.



Same with the debt limit. Extend it for a few hundred billion dollars and then go back for more cuts in return for a further extension. Make Obama pay for each continuing resolution and each debt limit hike with more cuts to spending.



Always avoid cuts in Medicare and Social Security. Save those for after 2012. For now, focus on Medicaid block granting and discretionary spending (including some modest cuts in defense).



Like a guerilla army, never go to a shutdown (a general engagement), but keep coming up with cuts, compromising, letting the government stay open for a few more weeks, letting the debt limit rise a few hundred billion, and then come back for more cuts and repeat the cycle.



And don't just demand spending cuts. Go for defunding of Obamacare, blocking the EPA from carbon taxation and regulation, a ban on card check unionization, and constraints on the FCC's regulation of the Internet and talk radio. Put those items on the table each time, each session.



Every time the issues come up, every time the cuts are litigated, Obama's efforts to appear to be a centrist will be frustrated. Time and again, he will have to oppose spending cuts. Over and over, he will come across as the liberal he is, battling for each dime and opposing any defunding.



Obama's campaign strategy has two elements: Change the subject from the 09-10 agenda, and move to the center. A tough, determined Republican budget offensive, embracing all these elements and fought in this guerilla style, will frustrate both and lead to his defeat."


Hey DICK; what'll this also lead to? How about double-dip recession, consumer uncertainty, low morale, nothing meaningful accomplished in Congress (as if the GOP could actually accomplish anything meaningful anyway), lack of focus on critical foreign policy issues, and lack of any planning for the future.

Great idea, DICK.