A suggestion for the President
We all know that "Cash for Clunkers" is a wildly successful and popular program, but it seem Republicans in the senate, led by John McCain, are attempting to kill the program.
So let me play amateur political tactician and advise the White House and senate Democrats to turn this into a wedge issue. Republicans are good at funnelling populist rage to their advantage. Democrats need to learn the same tricks.
Here's what Obama should say:
"My Cash for Clunkers program is popular and it is working. However, a handful of do-nothing Republicans in the senate, led by McCain and McConnell, are trying to kill the program. I'm not going to let them get away with it".
I'm sure a White House speechwriter could make some improvements on that, but you get the message I'm trying to convey.
Let's play offense for a change.
My hunch is that the senate is likely to approve the money for this program even without Obama going on offense, and even without John McCain's vote. But why not take advantage of the situation by naming Republicans who are dragging their feet? McCain deserves no better, especially after coming out against Sotomayor yesterday.