I created a graphic you can use to understand the mindset of Republicans

[unpossibles]

I got into an argument with someone on another board on the topic of "how will Bush be remembered." I basically listed a HUGE list of the truly awful things he's done, and the guy said that I cannot blame the economy on Bush, which I found to be hilarious. Then it hit me that I had forgotten this simple formula:



See? Clinton cannot be praised for the economy during his stretch, but Reagan can be!
Same with Carter - it's his fault things were sour in the 70's, but this time it's not Bush's fault.

oy.

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. Part of the Republican fantasy world.

You have it spot on, except you also left out room for the Republican redefinition of what is "good" and "bad".

So, to the Republicans, depending on who one talks to and their mood that day, either Shrubbie "inherited" this bad economy, or the economy is excellent and any stories about it being bad are just rare individual anecdotes.

And Clinton's economy was either inherited from Bush the First (or, in his case, Reagan, of course), or it wasn't a good economy.

And I've heard Republicans spout both conditions, even simultaneously, switching position mid-paragraph.

Republican: Man, this economy is really sailing, isn't it? Wow! It's never been this good!

Rabrrrrrr: Actually, it's rather in the shitter.

Republican: That's because Clinton tanked it and handed it to Bush to clean up.

[unpossibles]

3. very true, but since I was using it to try to communicate TO a Republican

I was afraid nuance would be lost on him.

Now he's trotting out the line about how it's really Congress' fault, and that there is no connection between politics and the economy.

I countered with (a) we've had a Republican majority for years and a fairly even split now and (b) then why do corporate lobbyists spend millions every day to get favorable legislature passed?

I've gotten no answer of course, except for the "you hate Bush!!1!" fallback. It would be funnier if this problem were not so rampant.

Oh, and another good one: he's now claiming he's "not a Republican" and "also doesn't like Bush" yet is defending the hell out of him. For most people, I'd say it's a guilty conscience, but... not sure this guy has one.

[Dangerously Amused]

2. Heh. Well done.

:thumbsup:

[unpossibles]

4. thanks. nt

[Orrex]

5. I'm going to steal that

I've been making that same point about who gets the blame/credit for years, but I never had such a succinct way to express it.

If I could make one suggestion, under the D/Good category, I'd revise it to "UNRELATED (OR PRAISE FORMER REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT).


Very nice in any case!

[Perry Logan]

6. You nailed it!

Republicans are the only ones in the world who don't know what consummate screw-ups they are.

[petronius]

7. Under 'R - Bad' you need to add "Or blame former D administration"

Very nice - I think this can be extrapolated to many other topics as well...