With so many MSM outlets and pundits (and no shortage of Kossacks) buying the line that Huckabee is a "populist", it was refreshing to see the NY Times call the bluff.
NY Times, January 9 by David Leonhardt. Business section. Buried in a story about McCain's economics is this gem of clarity and truth.
"Mr. Huckabee may speak in the populist tones favored by Democrats, but his policies are arguably the least populist of any candidate. Whatever its other pluses and minuses, his national sales tax, known as the Fair Tax, would undeniably increase the share of taxes paid by the middle class while cutting the share paid by the wealthy."
Leonhardt closes the section with this clear insight:
"Mr. Huckabee is the candidate for those who think the country needs to stop soaking the rich."
I am posting this because I am saddened and disappointed that so many Kossacks and so many in the media have bought hook, line, and sinker the ludicrous frame that the Huckster is some kind of economic populist. Just because Huck talks about plant closings and job losses does not mean he is a populist. Look at his policies. As the centerpiece of his ecomonic policy he wants to eliminate taxes on income, wealth and unearned income. He wants to replace those taxes with the most regressive tax possible - the income tax. The man is a true Huckster. He is selling snake oil pure and simple. He is dangerous and his terrible tax plan must be exposed for what it is: A disaster waiting to happen.