When it comes to negotiating with the Republicans over reducing the deficit, the Democrats are in a no-win position.
The Democrats have allowed the Republicans to define the debate. Republicans have framed the argument over how much and in what way to cut spending.
The only discussion that should be taking place at this time is what emergency measures can the Congress take in order to stimulate and rebuild the economy for the creation of jobs, jobs, and more jobs. Letting your opponent define the argument on the wrong issue before the negotiations has even begun is a big no-win for the Dems.
This is a straw man diversion. And it seems to be working for the Republicans. The very fact of trying to cut spending with the economy tanking is a dumb no-win for the Dems.
If the tea party loons are successful in convincing the establishment Republicans to vote not to raise the debt limit—causing the government to forfeit on the debt—the Republicans win because this will aggravate the unemployment and worsen the bad economy which works against Obama—no win again Dems.
If from pressure by Obama, the democrats go so far to offer to make any changes in Medicare, Social Security or Medicaid—and I mean any changes— in order to get a bill passed on reducing the deficit, they lose again. The bulk of the progressive wing of the party will desert the Dems in ’12 and Obama and the Dems lose big in the election.
Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid are safety-net issues at the core of what the Democratic Party stands for; it has defined the party over the years and is its major legislative successes. Change them in any way, especially from the pressure of Republicans who have attempted to destroy these programs over the years and the party becomes little more than warmed over blue dogs (aghhhhhh!)
The Democrats cannot win as long as the Republicans continue to use the threat of not lifting the debt ceiling as a ploy to force the Dems to negotiate on the deficit.
The debate must separate the issue of the debt ceiling from the deficit. If the Republicans continue their stubbornness and it becomes necessary to save our economy (as well as the world economy), the President must invoke section 4 of the 14th Amendment of the constitution and direct the government to pay all bills as part of the public debt, which shall not be questioned, and the hell with the whole issue of raising or not raising debt limits.
Let it come down to a constitutional crisis. This might be the one issue that the liberal four justices on the Supreme Court might persuade Kennedy to break from the corporate four justices, and view the Constitution as a document for all the people and not just for the corporate state.
Whatever the Supreme Court ruled, it would establish Obama as a man with huveos, willing to do whatever is necessary to keep the economy from tanking—a man who stands forcefully for the middle class Americans who depend on this nation’s safety nets of Medicare and Social Security.
This will energize the Democratic Party, guarantee Obama’s reelection and put the House back into his corner. Defending Medicare and Social Security is a no brainer, Dims (Dems) and a big win in 2012.