Gergen, again:

David Gergen, as heard in a commentay on NPR's Marketplace.

[Mentions the positive stock-market action following the 1991 war in Iraq.]

With the markets now depressed, some analysts believe a quick, successful war in Iraq could bring a rise of at least 1000 points in the DOW. Call it a "Baghdad Bounce".

So too, oil prices, now at a 29 month high, could easily fall if American forces occupy Iraq. Consumers and companies would act more confidently about the future.

The president, freshly popular, would have a whip-hand in Congress to pass much of his economic program. Wheels would turn, and if the economy starts growing at 4% within a year, as Karl Rove reportedly wants, jobs will be created, voters will be happy, and Bush could cruise to reelection, bringing more Republicans to Congress. And then - and then - carry out the most dramatic conservative revolution in memory.

That's the dream scenario in the White House.

You may like parts of it, and find the rest terrifying.

But there it is.

Remember, this is the normally staid, low-key Gergen speaking.


posted by Quiddity at 2/20/2003 03:06:00 PM