Is Obama's 2012 budget 'irrelevant?'
The president's $3.73 trillion budget would cut more than 200 federal programs. But critics wonder if the GOP will even read it
The president has sent a 2012 budget to Congress, a $3.7 trillion plan that proposes a mixed menu of cuts and investments. Obama reduces or eliminates funding for more than 200 federal programs, while spending on education, infrastructure and R&D. The budget is an opening salvo in a political battle with Republicans over the scale of spending cuts in the face of spiralling U.S. debt. But with the GOP dedicated to a far more severe program of cuts, is Obama's budget simply "irrelevant"? (Watch an AP report about Obama's proposal)
No, it's instructive: This budget has "substantive and political significance," says Steve Benen at Washington Monthly. The menu of "painful cuts in some areas," with added spending on "forward-thinking priorities like infrastructure," will make the president appear "reasonable" in the face of the Republicans' "stark raving mad" proposals for major cuts. It's smart politics — and protects Obama from the inevitable "public backlash" to "GOP extremism".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Obama is shirking his duty: Obama has revealed his "true priorities" with this budget, says Jennifer Rubin at The Washington Post. They are to "lay low, make Congress do the hard work, and demagogue serious cuts." This plan — which asks for spending to continue as is, alongside only marginal cuts — is an "extraordinary abrogation of leadership." We need severe cuts, not more spending. The field is wide open for the GOP to "seize the high ground."
"Obama proposes massive increase in the national debt"
This budget isn't even the real issue: Obama has disappointed everyone with this 2012 spending plan, but it doesn't matter, says Andrew Leonard at Salon. The president's last budget didn't pass, and this one "will certainly never get passed either," with the GOP in control of the House. This document is "just a sideshow." What really matters is the fight over a spending package that will keep the government running after March 4 — when the current budget deal expires.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
How to choose a high-yield savings account
The Explainer What to consider, from interest rates to fees to accessibility
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Polycystic ovary syndrome: What it is, how it's treated and why it's often misunderstood
The Explainer PCOS affects millions, but there is still no cure outside of treating symptoms separately
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Crossword: December 6, 2024
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
US election: who the billionaires are backing
The Explainer More have endorsed Kamala Harris than Donald Trump, but among the 'ultra-rich' the split is more even
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
US election: where things stand with one week to go
The Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The life and times of Kamala Harris
The Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
By The Week UK Published
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?
Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
1 of 6 'Trump Train' drivers liable in Biden bus blockade
Speed Read Only one of the accused was found liable in the case concerning the deliberate slowing of a 2020 Biden campaign bus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How could J.D. Vance impact the special relationship?
Today's Big Question Trump's hawkish pick for VP said UK is the first 'truly Islamist country' with a nuclear weapon
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Biden, Trump urge calm after assassination attempt
Speed Reads A 20-year-old gunman grazed Trump's ear and fatally shot a rally attendee on Saturday
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published