Speaking for the Microphones

Paul Krugman has a typically sharp article today on the financial necessities of President Bush's policies.

"Last week The Washington Post got hold of an Office of Management and Budget memo that directed federal agencies to prepare for post-election cuts in programs that George Bush has been touting on the campaign trail. These include nutrition for women, infants and children; Head Start; and homeland security. The numbers match those on a computer printout leaked earlier this year - one that administration officials claimed did not reflect policy.

Beyond the routine mendacity, the case of the leaked memo points us to a larger truth: whatever they may say in public, administration officials know that sustaining Mr. Bush's tax cuts will require large cuts in popular government programs. And for the vast majority of Americans, the losses from these cuts will outweigh any gains from lower taxes.

It has long been clear that the Bush administration's claim that it can simultaneously pursue war, large tax cuts and a "compassionate" agenda doesn't add up. Now we have direct confirmation that the White House is engaged in bait and switch, that it intends to pursue a not at all compassionate agenda after this year's election."

Of course to many Republicans this has long been a valid theory. Cut off revenue, drain the Countries Purse, and then force massive cuts in programs the Conservatives don't like anyway. A case can be made that cutting these government programs is a smart move. Not a case I would agree with, of course, but at least I understand that other people think this way.

As with Iraq, however, this Administration is unwilling to trust the American people to support their plans. Instead of flatly telling the American people "Hey, if you elect us for a second term, expect to get cuts in most social programs because we believe you don't need them and that they have a negative effect on the country."

That wouldn't sound very good on the campaign trail, though. So they are stuck with the bait and switch of pretending one thing and delivering another.