How do you think the European rejection of austerity will affect US politics?

[LongTomH]

Last edited Tue May 8, 2012, 08:49 PM - Edit history (1)

This is partly a reaction to another DU thread: How do YOU think Hillary will react to the Greek election results?. That focused too much on one personality, Hillary Clinton and her immediate reaction to the Greek election. That, of course, rapidly degenerated into the usual DU food fight!

Let's look at (ahem!)The Big Picture (I know that's a dreadful cliche; but it fits!) here: The election results in both Greece and France can only be interpreted as a total rejection of austerity. Look at that in the context of the demonstrations across Europe, the Occupy movement in the US (NO! It's NOT going away), and Latin America's rejection of the World Bank and the IMF. Across the world, people are saying: "We're not going to take it any more!"

So, how will this affect electoral politics in the deal old U.S. of A? We could discuss this in the context of just Hillary Clinton's electoral chances in 2016; but, the larger context is the Presidential election, Congressional elections, state gubernatorial politics, etc. We can expect the Powers-That-Be to fight back; the question is: "Will they be successful?" I'm old enough to remember Richard Nixon's crushing of the 60s movement. Can they do it again, or is this really a turning point for the US and the World?

What do you think?

Oh, and if you think that Twisted Sister song is a silly thing to interject here, just remember it became an anthem in some Latin American revolts.

Edited to add: I was hoping we could get some serious discussion here! The point is: The establishment parties will not be allowed to dismiss this, and we shouldn't let them!

[wandy]

1. How rejection of austerity will affect US politics.......

* Republicans : No change. Austerity serves their masters.
* TeaBaggers : They will further entrench as 1)Austerity serves their masters. 2)The rejection insulted their masters.
* Democrats : They will say 'oh how nice' but not do much about it.
* Paul Krugman : He will get all ticked off and rightfully point out that austerity won't work. Unfortunately as usual he will be ignored.

[LongTomH]

2. I think you're dismissing this too easily!

The establishment on both sides will pass over this. The point is, what will voters do? What will be the long-term effect of Occupy, Move to Amend and the other forces for change?

I don't think the establishment will be allowed to dismiss this!

[bluestate10]

3. European austerity should help Presidant Obama.

As Britain sinks deeper because of austerity, or abandons austerity to save the british economy, americans will have a stark example of how damaging austerity without regard to building a strong society can be. If France starts turning around under Hollande, that will futher boost President Obama. The key for our country is to align with south and central america more, those economies use stimulus effectively and are doing well economically.

[LongTomH]

4. Agreed; but, the issue is "How will this affect us long-term?"

We need to focus on this election cycle; but, we can look down the road to 2016 and beyond.

One effect, I think, will be to kick Hillary Clinton out of the running for the 2016 POTUS race. she's too identified with Third Way Democrats who are on board with the American version of austerity.

Oh, now I've done it! Food fight begins in 5....4.....3....2.....