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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2009 > February > 27 > Entry
Paul Leonard: Republicans seek presidency strangely
Below is former Dayton Mayor Paul Leonard’s response to this Clarence Page column. Mr. Leonard writes:
President Obama has told Americans that every crisis presents an opportunity. The Republican “grumpy receivers” (as syndicated columnist Clarence Page described GOP governors who have threatened to turn-down stimulus money) may very well demonstrate the opposite — that every opportunity risks a crisis.
The higher-profile three who are prepared to say, “thanks, but no thanks”; are an interesting trio: Sanford of South Carolina, Palin of Alaska, and Bobby Jindal, Louisiana’s Harvard-educated, 37-year-old governor who was tapped to deliver the Republican response to Obama’s address to Congress, and hasn’t been seen in public since. And these are the three GOP governors who are often mentioned as the future of the Republican quest to recapture the White House. Obama can only hope!
Jindal, the so-called rising star in Republican circles, is especially hard to figure. As if the less fortunate of his state have not suffered enough in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, now the unemployed of Louisiana can look forward to fewer benefits than out-of-work people in other American states. That ought to go over well with the governor’s own constituents. When he was a congressman he had no problem supporting foreign aid in the federal budget. But give him a chance to support an American president who wants to help Americans at home and he becomes “Doctor No.” Strange way to run for president!
At the other end of the Republican spectrum are Governor Charlie Crist of Florida and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California. With a 40 billion dollar deficit in California’s budget, Schwarzenegger wants all the help he can get from the President — and more. Charlie Crist told Floridians that McCain was his man in 2008, and the Republican Party’s nominee will be his man in 2012. But for now the president is his man. He also will take all the help that Obama wants to give him and his constituents. Schwarzenegger can’t run for president (he wasn’t born in the U.S.) and Mr. Crist is being verbally crucified by the far right of the Republican Party.
Barack Obama is the first Washington politician (member of the House or Senate) to be elected president since JFK in 1960. The job of governor has become the pathway to the White House. As Clarence Page rightly points out, it’s America’s governors who must manage scarce resources, provide for peoples’ basic needs, and balance budgets.
So if the minor league for presidential politics is the states’ chief executives, the 2012 Republican lineup includes a governor who was born oversees, a governor who has already been dismissed by the Republican base (despite 67 per cent approval ratings in Florida), the governor of South Carolina who virtually no one knows, the governor of Alaska, who unfortunately for her, too many people do know, and Mr. Jindal. Now that’s a crisis.
When I was a kid, my mom taught me some very basic lessons. One was “don’t cut-off your nose to spite your face.” That’s exactly what the “grumpy receivers” are doing. No question about it. They’re allowing their constituents’ needs to be trumped by personal political philosophy, or their belief that the best way to curry the favor of the Republican base is to “just say no”; to Obama’s spending plan. I wonder how many times these same governors have complained that they send more money to Washington in the form of taxes than they get back from the feds? But then those words were most likely uttered before they began thinking that the presidency was in reach.
No one knows if the president’s stimulus plan will do what he wants it to do. But everyone knows that Americans are hurting. One thing is certain. We’re going to find out if the bottom-up approach to an improved economy does better than the top-down, trickle-down, theory of the Republican Party. This is a unique opportunity for governors and mayors to get back from the federal government more than they send to Washington.
It will be interesting to see how the early presidential yearnings of Ms. Palin, Mr. Sanford, and Mr. Jindal are affected by the decision to say no to a rare gift of unexpected monies. Right now it looks like the loss of an opportunity being offered to these governors by a Democratic president could very well exacerbate further economic crisis in their constituents’ lives. And that, my friends, will likely put a major crimp in their own presidential plans — long before the 2012 campaign begins
Permalink | Comments (23) | Post your comment | Categories: Economy, Guest Columns, National Politics
Comments
By George
February 27, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
How predictable:another Democrat leader condemning bold, principled leadership by the Republican party all the while continuing to suckle at the government teat at a local university. Mr Leonard, either through ignorance or arrogance, assumes that Americans in need are best served by the Democrat policies of endless handouts that stifle motivation and have perpetuated a growing welfare state. Socialism and communism have been tried many times throughout history-all have failed. The United States, through free market capitalism has created the greatest country in the history of the world. A country so rich that the poor have air conditioning cell phones and suffer from obesity. Modern Democrats, unlike those in the Kennedy era, aspire to cement their political power at the expense of the less fortunate. If they truely wanted to help them they would follow the policies of a Governor Jindal not mock them.By Sal Monella
February 28, 2009 2:33 AM | Link to this
Gee George, you certainly have a short memory considering that the policies of the failures you and your ilk support(ed) got us smack dab in the middle of this pile of economic dung we’re in. Yeah, great job, republicans. Losers. Screwed up a one-car funeral. LOL!By Chris
February 28, 2009 4:19 AM | Link to this
The sky is falling, the sky is falling…. What part of “you’re a has been” don’t you understand Paul Leonard?By bleeb
February 28, 2009 5:29 AM | Link to this
Unless I missed it in this column, it is never mentioned why some governors are refusing the money. It comes with strings attached. Those strings are basically the Federal govt telling the states what they can/can’t do. Good for those governors for taking a risky stand.By Jer
February 28, 2009 5:53 AM | Link to this
George, how interesting you consider the stimulus by President Obama to be part of socialism and as endless handouts only because it is not designed to help the rich, yet think nothing of the 700 billion hand out the former President gave to the banks. So as I get it its only socialism if good for the people. BTW please explain to this independent what exactly a conservative is. When Bush took over there was a surplus of 500 billion plus and now after the party of conservatives have let the White House we have trillions of debts. And while you are at it please explain what an american is. When anyone disagreed with Bush they were quickly labeled “unamerican” and now we have so called Americans lashing out against the President and making bold statements they want the President to fail. Yep sure sounds like true Americans….NOT. It is also noteworthy that the exact party that got us into this mess is the same party not willing to do anything to help. Just say “No” seems to be your mantra….thats fine, hope you’ll understand in 2010 and 2012 why the people follow your lead and just say no to those who opposed giving a hand to citizens of this country when we need everyone working together, both parties.By Jer
February 28, 2009 6:21 AM | Link to this
George, how interesting you consider the stimulus by President Obama to be part of socialism and as endless handouts only because it is not designed to help the rich, yet think nothing of the 700 billion hand out the former President gave to the banks. So as I get it its only socialism if good for the peopleBy jefftheben
February 28, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this
Dear George of the Jungle - Oh, the absurdity…Democratic handouts? A clean and shiny brain washing, is it? It’s nice to believe America is the greatest country in the world, but free market capitalism is only one part of history and certainly not the most important thing- more likely the rise of American can be attributed to a series of happy accidents independent of anything capitalism has ever sought to achieve, since its only goal is satisfaction of greed. Anyone but Republicans understands that you will never be able to take democracy out of America. No matter how hard you folks try coronate King Rush’s fear-mongering moneyocracy, there will always be someone to come forward to fight for freedom from that kingdom you lust over so much. The main thing America needs to fear is people like you who believe the conservative dogma is the only solution to everything – even when it’s proven not to be.By american
February 28, 2009 8:11 AM | Link to this
George, thank you for a very well written and educated posting. I am sick and tired of people in this country constantly expecting a hand out. If you do not like the way your life is, get your lazy butts out there and do something about it like some of the rest of us did. My husband and I have worked VERY hard for our places in society and should not have to be punished for that. We NEVER once expected anyone to help us out along the way. We worked two jobs and went to college so that we can provide for ourselves, our children and our society. Start being proactive and stop expecting a hand out from the rest of the people in this country who actually contribute to it.By L Berry
February 28, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this
The economic failure of our great Nation began under President Carter, was given a boost under Pres Clinton, and brought to a boil by Democrat’s in Congress 2006-2008. But it wouldn’t have become this current depression without greedy bankers and investors. The Democratic Party demanded a house for every American (Who cares if they can pay for it?). Loans were made on properties with inflated assessments to people who had no means to pay back. Guess what? They couldn’t pay it back and banking all over the globe is in default. Now Democrats are giving more money away (taking loans) without the means to pay it back. They are playing Robin Hood, with wealth redistribution (Tax the rich, give to poor). Without income, taxes on all earned income, these loans will also default. Seems like an endless cycle. Wake up America, socialism is not the answer. Republicans tried to end the welfare state by education and job creation but lost out to Democrats who won’t listen and go back to a proven failure mode. Can America afford Obama and Socialism? NO! Can we wait on 2012? Hopefully.By HH
February 28, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this
I had Mr. Leonard as a professor at WSU a couple years ago. I sat on the right side of the room and had some differences with the guy, but in this situation he is more right than he is wrong. I do believe that this stimulus is a bad idea, its going to increase inflation, and does everyone realize that we are going to have to pay this money back to the government? Citigroup also just showed why these bailouts are corrupt through their inability to show where their bailout money went… most likely to bonuses. Why are we, the American people, responsible with our tax dollars to bailout these crooked CEO’s and companies? When does it stop? Do we keep bailing them out every six months until we’re out of the recession? Do we keep doing it until we not only have bankrupt companies, but a bankrupt government? Sorry, I don’t want people to lose their jobs, but you have to let some of these companies fail! We will make it through it as a country, it might be hard, but I’d rather have this recession be short and painful than long and drawn out. However, if the Federal government is giving a state free money, you take it! yeah, there may be strings attatched, but that money is in no way going to hurt that states economy. There comes a time when you do what is best for your state rather than what you believe is best for you.By Yvonne
February 28, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this
I wish everyone would put politics aside for just a few months until things get better. Those of us who are out of work are sick of the bickering of these people who don’t know what it is to worry about losing one’s house, not having ANY money in 3 more months (where I am if I don’t find a job), etc. Put it all away and put yourself in someone else’s shoes for a change. Some of us are getting desperate and we find it disgusting that corporations and politicians are business as usual while we need something NOW!!!!!By Bill in Brookville
February 28, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this
Governors of mostly dirt poor states with a long history of no workers rights are pounding their political drums on the backs and stomachs of the people of their states. It’s time to shut off rash lardball and fox news and try and look at what is really going on. They carry the bags of the rich while laughing up their slieves at their own “ditto” headsBy Phil Dayton
February 28, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this
Putting politics aside, is there really any reason that we need need an analysis article on the national politics of the economic situation by a former Mayor of Dayton? How about some true economics reporting on the economic situation, not just on the politics of the economic situation. Economics is a science—somewhat— so there must be someone that can analyze the politics from an economic viewpoint. Do we really need another political analysis? This, I believe, is contributing to the quick demise of the city newspaper. Too much op-ed that is meaningless-Paul Leonard says this, Michael Turner says just the opposite. Big surprise.By Bill from Brookville
February 28, 2009 10:28 AM | Link to this
LBerry..your comments show how little you know about what got us here. Every time a republican was head of the Banking Committee more and more of the safeguards put in place since the Great Depression were removed.The rich and greedy cannot be trusted with our economy with regulations as our last republican led disaster so clearly shows.By Yvonne
February 28, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this
American, some of us HAVE college degrees and have worked hard for over 20 years—I am a teacher and am now without a job. It isn’t about working hard anymore; companies are going under/funds are getting cut and it doesn’t matter how well you do your job. I was expensive, therefore, I was first to go. Who wants to hire someone my age? Well, that doesn’t matter either—the jobs aren’t there. Hard work isn’t enough. I’m not expecting a handout; I am willing to work and I’m willing to do anything, but I can’t do something that I’m not qualified for and I don’t have the money to retrain “without government handouts.” Get real—it’s NOT the way it used to be!By laid off
February 28, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this
To Yvonne. I know for a fact, the Kentucky Fried Chicken I work at is hiring. If you think that job will be beneath you, well then, that is your problem and you only have yourself to blame for the situation you are in. I too, got laid off from a job that I worked at for six years, but I am doing what I have to do to make it. I also go to school part time so that I can get better pay and better benefits in my future career. Stop waiting for a hand out and do something about it. Start contributing again. It would really help the rest of us out.By still anxious
February 28, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this
I would love to see SOMEONE go after these crooks and CEO’s that stole all this money THe CEO of Countrywide who took a 85 million dollar golden parachute the day he abandoned his destroyed company. Alot of people (like Bernie Madoff) created their own money, others stole money by calling it bonuses. Why do the ligitimate people of the US have to pay back what these crooks stole. Let’s go after them and their fortunes.By cantbeatagoodfilet
February 28, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this
George, WELL SAID!By Burl
February 28, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this
HH, this is a DDN comment board. There is no room for nuanced, practical discussion here. I suggest next time you try stridently defend one extreme or the other. If you’re not going to resort to knee-jerk name-calling and rhetoric, please, leave us idealouges to ineffectually shout at each other. ThanksBy Sharon
February 28, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this
I liken this current administration to a young, new barber who shaves all his clients’ heads just to prove he can cut hair. That sounds obsurd but analogous to Obama. The Republicans have great promise in the next election thanks to radical Democrats. Contact your senators and congressman often.By mwm
March 1, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this
Advice for the GOP: Ditch the religion issue: The evangelicals are a small voting bloc that really don’t represent a majority of the american public. Quit defending the war in Iraq; Bush and his cabinet lied in order to start the war. Quit talking the “moral highground” and start living what you say; Gay congressman text messaging teens, Senator looking for gay sex in an airport bathroom and senator taking bribes does not fit your “moral agenda”. Ditch Rush Limbaugh; His rants spew hate and division and lack any positives. Besides, anyone can listen to a drug addict on the radio. Quit exhaulting Ronald Reagan; The republicans of today are nothing like him. And, have been purchased by the lobbyists. And, start working with Obama and for the good of our nation. The american public sees the republicans as crooks, failures and a group that cares more about their own political ideology and very little about its citizens.By Raoul
March 1, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this
So, we help all the people that are hurting. Then what? Without small business owners to grow and hire, without capital being spent on new industries, and with a shrinking wealth from those that already pay most of the taxes, what kind of fruit will all these handouts bear? Answer? NONE.By CU
March 1, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this
Wow, thanks MWM for the advice. Are you suggesting that if conservatives go away fromt the ideals they hold and adopt the platform of the democrats they will win elections? Wait a minute, is that not why conservatives did not come out in force to vote in the last election? If you and your friends, who we all know are the smartest people in the room, would have an honest discussion with a conservative you would know most of us opposed the $700 billion bail out by Bush and do not pander to the religious right or any other single group. But then how do you compete with large groups who chant “hope and change”. All of this spending will lower the standard of living for all but especially those on a fixed income as inflation along with income and consumption taxes increase the cost of every day goods. This is not political, it is plain cruel to harm the poor this way. We all need to encouage our leaders to put an end to waste and abuse. As long those who dissagree continue to take cheap shots as you and other liberal bloggers do, there will be no incentive for anyone to cooperate.