Get ready:

For a huge eruption on the Democratic left in reaction to Obama's deficit-reduction speech on Wednesday. At least that's what appears to be most likely, if he touts Simpson-Bowles as anything reasonable. On the other hand, Obama has shown an ability to fudge issues to the point where everybody ends up grumbling, but not in open revolt.

That said, this does not look like smart politics. Obama could have taken on the Ryan plan just as it is, without presenting an alternative but to show the impact Republican policies would have on most citizens. Republicans constantly pound on Obama and the Democrats for this or that, often without having an alternative of their own. And they reap political benefits.

But Obama seems determined to not be a political president, in the sense of making any tactical moves to help his part. That's pretty clear now after over two years of watching the guy.

UPDATE: Jonathan Chait has similar thoughts in Obama Should Hold Off On A Deficit Deal

UPDATE2: David Leonhardt also has similar thoughts in Do-Nothing Congress as a Cure

Just for the record, this blog was the first to put the idea out there that Obama doesn't have to come up with a debt plan right now.


posted by Quiddity at 4/12/2011 03:12:00 PM