Robert Reich: Politicians sensitive to public opinion, but NOT on economy

[nonoyes]

Why politicians are sensitive to public opinion on same-sex marriage, immigration, and guns, but not on the economy:

It’s possible that public opinion is being influenced by courageous political leaders who are urging action on these issues, but the reverse is more likely. Most politicians have a keen sense for tipping points in public opinion, when, say, support for equal marriage rights or immigration reform becomes broad-based, and advocates become sufficiently organized and mobilized to make life hell for officials who won’t change their minds.

The exception is in the economic sphere, where public opinion seems beside the point.

Before January’s fiscal cliff deal, for example, at least 60 percent of Americans, in poll after poll, expressed strong support for raising taxes on incomes over $250,000. As you recall, though, the deal locked in the Bush tax cut for everyone earning up to $400,000.

Yes, legislative deals require compromise. But why is it that deals over economic policy almost always compromise away what a majority of Americans want?

http://robertreich.org/#.UVTXl1Gg9CM.twitter

[raccoon]

1. Because the 1% doesn't give a rat's ass what the majority of Americans want? Recd. nt

[daybranch]

2. why a surprise?

Political career, step 1 tell the people what they want to hear. Step 2 get elected. Step 3 Get your congressional district Gerrymandered. Step 4. Get money from one percenters. Step 5 do
whatever it takes to stay in office and protect the one percenters from taxes. Does not matter- which party you are from, the one percent will use their tax breaks as donations to buy you. Teir only goal is money and mo money.
So be happy when the one percent destroy your ability to have health insurance, while they destroy your educational opportunities, while they destroy your ability to own a home, they will let Gays marry, they will let you have background checks, and they will give immigrants a chance to become citizens, as long as they can shift mpore and more of societal costs on everyone else.