So let's debate it

[Griswold]

I see these claims every day. Obama doesn't give a speech that he doesn't say "Bush policies are the reason for the economic crisis."

Those who regurgitate the talking points like to say:

"¢ Bush is responsible for rising unemployment
"¢ Bush is responsible for the housing crisis
"¢ Bush is responsible for the poor economy
"¢ Bush is responsible for the Wall Street mess.

But when specifics are asked for, the crickets start chirping.

So what Bush policies led us to this point? I'm not saying he's free of blame. But what Bush policies got us from the prosperity of the '90s to where we're at today?

[fodderblade]

There are folks to this day that blame Clinton for passing on a recession to Bush in 2000. I guess that's the same logic you are talking about.

The simple and unsatisftying truth is the sitting prez always gets credit or blame for the economy, always has, always will.

That is a fundamental truth and neither left nor right in nature. I think you're smart enough to know that Griswold.

[ipscshooter]

I'll start.

During his tenure as the Governor of Texas, he failed to enact legislation that would prevent the dotcom bubble from bursting and he did nothing to stop the federal government from insisting that banks lend money to poor people who couldn't afford to repay it.

[vc1111]

The simple and unsatisftying truth is the sitting prez always gets credit or blame for the economy, always has, always will.

Point taken. Bush et al had 8 years to bleat about the problem and I, for one, do not recall enough serious bleating.

[Griswold]

ORIGINAL: fodderblade

There are folks to this day that blame Clinton for passing on a recession to Bush in 2000. I guess that's the same logic you are talking about.

The simple and unsatisftying truth is the sitting prez always gets credit or blame for the economy, always has, always will.

That is a fundamental truth and neither left nor right in nature. I think you're smart enough to know that Griswold.

You say it's basically just a misguided generalization that the sitting president gets the credit or blame. But on another thread you clearly stated that Bush was to blame.

So let's put aside the mindless "he's the sitting president so he was responsible" stuff and cut to the chase. Do YOU think Bush policies are responsible for the economic crisis?

[fodderblade]

Yes I do.

Do you think Clinton's policies were to blame for the recession he passed along to Bush?

[oldelkhunter]

How long does it take for a Presidents policiy to take effect.? Other then a war where there is an immediate impact on the budget other policies may take shape years after he leaves office.

[fodderblade]

Actually,I think various factors cause boom and bust cycles too complicated for anyone to understand.

Presidents like to take credit for booms - doesn't matter if they caused the boom or not, they take credit for them.

Presidents don't like to take credit for a bust, who would, they blame others or factors "beyond their control" its human nature.

It is not about this policy or that, and it is not really knowable anyway in the end, so we and the presidents simplify it to "the buck stops here" - if it happens on your watch, you're tagged with it.

As I said before, that is unsatisfying, but the truth - what happened during Clinton was his baby - his legacy for good or ill, same for Bush.

Can't have it 2 different ways.

[Lanse couche couche]

So, if Obama wins then the crisis will then be his fault the second he takes the oath of office?

[Griswold]

ORIGINAL: fodderblade

Yes I do.

Do you think Clinton's policies were to blame for the recession he passed along to Bush?

No, I do not think Clinton's policies were to blame for the recession of '01.

So, since Bush is responsible, which policies led us to this moment in time?