No one’s suggesting that a gas tax holiday is a panacea. In fact, it’s mostly a symbolic gesture. But with the gaping leadership void that is the current administration, every tip of the hat to those suffering the most is greatly appreciated and that’s what this gas tax proposal is. An extra $30 bucks isn’t going to make much of a difference in anyone’s life, even at the outer edges of the have not side of our society. But put it this way: if you had a choice, would you voluntarily part with even $30?
What those in her party who would criticize Clinton over her gas tax proposal don’t get is that the further the economy tanks, the harder it is to convince even the most liberal members of the party to surrender bigger and bigger chunks of their dwindling paychecks to the government.
Clinton is a Democrat through and through, for all the good and suspicion that entails. But what she is starting to figure out along the traveling sideshow that the nomination process has become is what her husband intuitively understood from the outset. Staying in touch with the electorate on a real-time basis isn’t necessarily a bad idea.
Bill Clinton was routinely criticized for governing according to the polls as if that is a universally bad proposition. But if you want to understand why it isn’t nearly as bad as claimed, consider the alternative. Fortunately, under Bush, the examples are plentiful. At virtually every critical juncture of his presidency, Bush has essentially ignored the thoughts and concerns of the electorate in favor of a political philosophy grounded more in theory than reality. Whatever value that approach has, and there is some, it doesn’t trump all. When it does, disaster is sure to follow.
What we’re seeing now from Clinton, and the gas tax proposal is just the most recent example, is the moderating of her approach in order to appease more than the hard core members of her own party. The polls seem to suggest that Obama’s inability to deftly handle Jeremiah Wright is costing him, but the truth is far more nuanced than the suggestion that Wright scares the bejeezus out of people. What’s taking place, slowly and maybe too slowly for Clinton’s chances to be nominee, is that substantively what she has to say on a variety of topics is starting to resonate with more people. And it’s resonating with more people because the solutions she’s offering aren’t so party-centric.
Article comments
1 - Derek
As usual, I appreciate your insights and thoughtful take on any given subject. Hillary always says she has learned from her failures,[not getting universal healthcare during her husband's time in office].She has learned how to get things done. Pragmatic is good--and the word I would use to describe her.Compromise is not an ugly word either, I am told. I would ask Obama: "Where's the hope?"--Kinda like the old fast-food T.V. commercial--"Where's the beef?" Vision is good--a workable plan is better. A leader with both is best. Thanks for this one, Gary.
2 - Sam weaver
I want a long range plan concerning the rising cost of gasoline. Congress, Democrats and Republicans voted for our 600 dollar tax rebate. This was an obvious short term deal. Where are the long term solutions. The gasoline tax holiday and our recent take rebates are just like trying to use your credit cards to pay your debts, short term relief with increasing obligations plus interest.
3 - Zedd
Gary,
It seems that what you are saying is that you like politicians doing their thing at your expense.
The holiday is not a solution, it is a placebo. It's $2.16 per tank full, temporarily. Thinking that that helps the masses is insulting.