The Republican budget alternative
The reviews for the GOP's answer to President Obama's spending plan
"If you're having a bad day, I highly encourage you to spend some quality time with the Republican budget proposal," said Ezra Klein in The American Prospect. It reads like a satire in The Onion. You see, a budget tells you how much the government plans to bring in through taxes, and how much all the spending will total. The GOP "budget" does neither.
Yes, the proposal was short on details on the bottom line, said David Freddoso in National Review, but the Republicans have spelled out ways to reduce President Obama's massive deficits. "End a litany of controversial programs of doubtful value to the public," and don't assume additional spending for bailouts—at least that would be an improvement over what the Democrats have to offer.
Even a summary of the GOP alternative helps shoot down "the Democrats' spin that Republicans have 'no ideas,'" said Jennifer Rubin in Pajamas Media. The Republicans would rein in spending, lower taxes, and provide universal access to health care not through massive new unfunded liabilities, but through "common sense reforms." This marks a direct attack on Obama's budget and an attempt to re-establish the Republicans as the party of "fiscal sobriety."
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.
Granted, said Steve Benen in The Washington Monthly, "House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) sounded like he had something real to offer." But the numbers Boehner promised weren't there, and the only big idea in evidence was a huge tax cut for the wealthy. "If Republicans aren't going to take their own ideas seriously, why should anyone else?"
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 AI-generated images are threatening science
Under The Radar Publishers and specialists are struggling to keep up with the impact of new content
By Abby Wilson Published
-
The Week contest: Demotivational coach
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine solutions - November 15, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - November 15, 2024
By The Week US 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