When a Presidential Candidate runs for office, they do so often selling themselves as having the answers to many of the countries woes. Once that new President takes office, is it acceptable for that President to blame the last guy?
The economy is still struggling, no matter what political persuasion you are. Sure some regions are worse than others and some industries are harder hit. However we all feel, or see, some effects of the economic situation. So as a President faces the onslaught of difficulties, what should we expect from our executive?
Jimmy Carter faced major economic difficulties; inflation, unemployment a pretty shaky situation. Carter ran declaring that he was aware of the nation’s difficulties, and despite Ford running campaign ads declaring the improvements Ford had overseen, Carter won in ‘76. Carter faced a pretty tough four years as President. However he didn’t spend his time blaming Ford, or even Nixon. In fact he kept pushing ahead with plans that he thought would help.
Then Carter’s reelection campaign faced a more difficult situation then his predecessor had four years earlier. Despite Carter’s accomplishments, like Ford, reassurances didn’t did not spell reelection. Reagan won. Reagan obviously came to office and faced more difficulties. In fact the first two years of the Reagan Administration were pretty miserable. Yet when it came to facing the music Reagan didn’t blame his predecessor.
President Obama campaigned for the Presidency declaring plans to ease an ailing economy. Now he has the Executive office and like Presidents before him he has to face the economic music. However, despite sweeping to office with the big majorities in both the house and Senate, the President hasn’t kept the previous Executive tradition. Unlike Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton or Bush, our President blames the previous administration.
Here is the larger problem. Blaming the last guy fixes precisely, and absolutely, nothing. It also sets a pretty unfortunate precedent. Think about it if every President from this point on, simply blames the last guy when thing aren’t working out. Then we will simply be electing a President who isn’t the guy (or lady) he (or she) is replacing. I don’t know about you but I don’t think that’s good enough.
As a simple observation of Presidential tradition and action, and not in this case a comment on policy, the ‘blame game’ should be unacceptable. Beyond the break with nearly a half century of tradition, I’m not sure that a blaming argument is compelling to a majority of voters.
But we shall just have to see this November.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
