Unpleasant Memory
October 24, 2008
6:10 AM CST
A newcomer to national politics, he claimed to transcend partisan labels. He moved to the center during the campaign, at a time when the Democrats held large congressional majorities. In a troubled economy, he told voters he would keep taxes down for most Americans, limit spending, and balance the budget, all while implementing ambitious social programs. He planned to cut military spending to free money for other purposes, but assured moderates and conservatives that when it came to America’s enemies, he would be tougher than the Republicans. The media, droves of moderates, and some conservatives believed him, having pegged him as a man of character.
His name was Jimmy Carter, the year was 1976, and he won.—NRO
I’m not that keen to revisit that particular era, by the way, because even a cursory glance shows me that there’s no modern incarnation of Ronald Reagan waiting in the wings in a post-Urkel era.
Not that I think this socialist is going to win, of course. The worst part about the Jimmy Carter victory was that we had no historical precedent for the type of president he would become. Now, we do: and anyone who thinks Urkel will be any different is deluding themselves.
Okay, Urkel would be different: he’s far more of a socialist radical than Carter ever was, or is.
