I don’t know what the Republicans are complaining about. I really enjoyed Obama’s speech. I felt that it put out exactly the right message: he wants to continue to focus on job growth in sectors that don't use the environment as a punching bag, he wants to tax super-high earners who pay less than those of us who do the bulk of the work in this country, and while he's at it, he wants to make outsourcing a less lucrative option for corporations. No freebies.
What's not to like in that proposal? Well, unless you're Mr. or Ms. One Percenter, in which case, there's plenty to hate.
But, really, it's as though the Republicans don't know how to have an honest campaign season with honest facts. They have to moan and groan that the economy is terrible and isn't going to get any better unless we give corporations even more money. Can you say "special interests", Mr. Romney? Mr. Gingrich?
Take for example Mitch Daniels's comment that President Obama has only made the economy worse. This statement is totally untrue. Ask any nonpartisan economist.
At the height of the recession, the national unemployment rate surged to well over 9%, and it really looked like it was going to hit 10% before it crested. (This is still nothing compared to Greece, which is currently at 14%, I believe, so count your blessings.)
Now, the unemployment rate is at 8.5% and still falling. How is that a trend for the worse? It's the opposite, Mitch. In fact, if the Republicans hadn't blocked the bulk of the stimulus package that Obama proposed at the beginning of his term, the unemployment rate would be even lower right now.
In my opinion, the Republicans should stop their bellyaching and do their jobs. Pass Obama's jobs bill, extend the payroll tax for middle income workers, cut the tax loopholes that only benefit high earners that don't actually work, like Mitt Romney.
--Statler, moderator
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