My Examiner column today cites Democratic pollster Mark Penn in support of the argument that Barack Obama needs to address the long-term entitlements problem in as serious a manner as Paul Ryan has done. I could also have cited Bill Galston, deputy domestic adviser in the Clinton White House and one of the smartest Democrats around, whose blogpost on this subject appeared a week ago on the New Republic website. Galston anticipated correctly the thrust of Paul Ryan’s budget proposal and advised Barack Obama as follows:
“However it is received, the publication of Ryan’s proposal is your moment of truth. One option will be to denounce his plan as an assault on seniors and on all that is holy. This is a play that our party knows how to run, and we could probably gain significant yardage if we do. Many outside the White House (and no doubt some inside) will be urging you to do just that. If you do, any chance of progress on basic fiscal issues before next year’s presidential election will vanish. Maybe that’s what you want; I hope not.
“Your other option, the road less travelled, is bolder and riskier. You could respond by saying that while Ryan’s proposal is unacceptable, it raises some issues that we must now take up. You could endorse the sentiments that 64 senators and 10 former chairs of the CEA [president’s Council of Economic Advisers] have expressed, and you could declare your willingness to participate in the bipartisan discussions they recommend once the necessary preparatory work has been done. And you could begin the process (which only you can do) of educating the people about not only the dimensions of the fiscal challenge we face, but also its principal causes. The sooner they understand that we can’t regain control of our fiscal destiny by cutting appropriations for foreign aid and NPR, the better.
“Mr. President, my generation—which you are said not to admire—had a slogan: ‘If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.’ In this case, I’m afraid, that’s true. For the country’s sake and for your own, I hope you will choose to be part of the solution. Taking the lead in setting us on a sustainable course for the future would be a monumental achievement. It would lay the foundation for our future prosperity and progress, and it would elevate you into the ranks of our truly transformative presidents.”
