This does not appear a formula for victory.
by Patrick J. Buchanan
Though elected in November 1968, it was November 1969 that made theNixon presidency and produced the New Majority Republicans would relyon for decades. Obama is approaching such a moment of truth.
The universal health insurance plans being advanced all appear toocomplex, costly, and non-credible to pass both houses. Thecap-and-trade carbon emissions bill, with its huge costs to be passedon to U.S. producers and consumers, as China opts out, seems an act ofnational masochism.
The $787 billion stimulus bill has done zip to stimulate theeconomy. Less than 10 percent of the money has gone out the door, whichmakes one wonder why it was called a stimulus package. Unemployment isat 9.5 percent, well above what the Obamaites predicted, and rising.
From North Korea to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Honduras, andfrom the economy to health care to carbon emissions, things are notgoing Obama’s way. He is 10 points below where Nixon was after a fullyear, and on economic issues — unemployment, the deficit, spending — heis under 50 percent.
This presidency is not yet in trouble. But it is sure headed that way.