May 30, 2006
Is reality infiltrating the Treasury Department?
Much to the dismay of the wingnuts, Bush's choice for Treasury Secretary turns out to have reality-based views of environmental problems. But Henry Paulson isn't going to be running EPA. So the big question is whether he's prepared to pursue a reality-based set of fiscal policies, and whether he will have the clout to do so. Offhand, it seems pretty unlikely that Bush has suddenly decided that bankrupting the government is a bad idea, but I suppose stranger things have happened.
Footnote: And of course the President got Paulson's tenure off to a good Bushoid start by lying about the recruitment process. Bush told the press on May 25 that John Snow "has not talked to me about resignation." That was five days after Bush had offered the Treasury job to Paulson. When his lips are moving ...
Hat tip: Think Progress, which notes that Tony Snow virtually admitted that the President had deceived the public ("I mean, it was very carefully worded") and justified it on the grounds that it was important not to spook the markets. What ever happened to, "No comment"? Or, if that wouldn't work, how about "I've seen the same rumors you have. John Snow is a great Treasury Secretary. Next question"?
Of course Snow didn't talk to Bush. He reported to his superior, you know, Cheney.
Posted by: Rob at May 31, 2006 05:41 AMThe "lying" isn't really worthy of comment. It's a common political fiction and allowed Snow to depart with a bit more dignity. I acknowledge that the White House did a lot to undermine his dignity in the previous 18 months, but really, in the scheme of things, this is very very small beer.
Posted by: william at June 2, 2006 12:53 PM"Much to the dismay of the wingnuts, Bush's choice for Treasury Secretary turns out to have reality-based views of environmental problems."
So did Paul O'Neill, as you know if you read the Ron Suskind book.
Posted by: Gary Farber at June 2, 2006 06:11 PMHe is a good friend that speaks well of us behind our backs... Ursula
Posted by: Ursula at November 29, 2006 01:46 PMHe is a good friend that speaks well of us behind our backs... Ursula
Posted by: Ursula at November 29, 2006 01:46 PMHe is a good friend that speaks well of us behind our backs... Ursula
Posted by: Ursula at November 29, 2006 01:47 PMThanks for signing in, . Now you can comment. (sign out)
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