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December 15, 2004
President Bush begins his two-day economic conference today with "business leaders" from around the country. Given the lack of diversity of opinions about how best to manage the economy, this is no more than a cheerleading exercise. In fact, the event is little more than a gathering of conservative corporate elites, ex-campaign surrogates and political contributors. The event does provide insight into Bush's priorities. He's made time on his schedule to attend a panel on Social Security privatization and tort reform, but will skip the panels on "Making Health Care More Affordable" and "The State of Our Economy."
- The president's economic leaders are nothing more than corporate campaign supporters. All told, the 35 individuals participating in the conference and the companies they represent have showered the President with $388,340 for his presidential campaign.
- These leaders have already received favorable treatment for their donations. Home Depot's CEO, Bob Nardelli, will need no introduction since his company has donated $1.5 million to the Republican Party since 1999. The company's donations helped to secure a $44 million subsidy for Chinese ceiling fans. Dell CEO Kevin Rollins will participate in today's panel on "the state of our economy." Perhaps he will have some thoughts on the problem of corporate subsidies, after his company reportedly extorted the state of North Carolina for $242 million in tax breaks and other incentives over 15 years in return for moving a plant there. Dell's PAC has contributed $64,488 to GOP coffers in 2004 and Rollins gave the Bush campaign the maximum $2,000.
- Perhaps President Bush can explain to his business supporters how permanent tax cuts for the wealthy and massive budget deficits help their middle class employees. The elite group will undoubtedly paper over the disastrous effects Bush's economic policies. With the Bush administration's policies directly responsible for the largest budget deficits in U.S. history, perhaps the president will take a moment to explain how higher interest rates and declining job growth will help the middle class.
Daily Talking Points is a product of the American Progress Action Fund. |
Daily Talking Points is a product of the American Progress Action Fund. |
