Looks like Harry Reid and the Democrats are on to something with this strategy of running against the Koch brothers. We already know that
it's smart politics to run against the plutocracy controlling our elections. But now we know it's worrying Republicans. Why else would they have a Republican operative
concern trolling in the pages of Politico Magazine?
Democrats have a credibility problem, too. It’s no big secret that the Kochs have spent millions of dollars on behalf of Republicans across the country, but they aren’t the only recipients of the brothers’ largesse. The Kochs have reportedly donated more than $1.4 million to Democrats since 2000, as well as $60,000 to the DSCC since 2008. Even vulnerable Democrats like Sens. Mark Pryor, Mark Begich and Mary Landrieu have taken money from the brothers, although they conveniently fail to mention that on the campaign trail.
Ah, the old hypocrisy angle. Hmmmm, lets see. A total of $1.46 million to Democrats in a decade-and-a-half versus more than
$412 million in
just 2012? Right, totally equivalent. So what else you got, Republican operative?
What’s more, Republicans have tried this playbook before and failed. The parallels between 2006 and 2014 are strong. In 2006, Republicans were facing an electorate that was unhappy with President George W. Bush, especially his handling of Hurricane Katrina and the war in Iraq. Republicans stood accused of tolerating a “culture of corruption” embodied by the likes of lobbyist Jack Abramoff and House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. In an attempt to change the narrative, Republicans pivoted to attacking billionaire Democratic donor George Soros, but they were unsuccessful. Democrats captured the House, Senate and picked up governors’ seats.
This year, Democrats face a similarly hostile political landscape. President Barack Obama’s approval ratings continue to crater, and his health care law remains deeply unpopular across the country, especially in red states, where Democratic incumbents are the most vulnerable. Democrats also face their own set of scandals with the IRS’ alleged targeting of conservative groups and the administration’s handling of the 2012 Benghazi attacks.
Right. Because 2006 and 2014 are exactly the same. Benghazi is just like the Iraq war and the IRS and Obamacare are just like Katrina. Democrats are doomed! (Speaking of Soros, how much did he spend in 2012? A total of
$3.6 million. But he's exactly the same as the Kochs!)
To be stretching the comparisons this far, Republicans have got to be feeling some heat from their Koch addiction. So keep it up, Harry! It's working.