Stewart Munn: Bill Clinton is right to use the UK economy as a warning of what can happen if deficit spending is cut too severely. If Republicans get their way in the ongoing deficit negotiations, America’s economy could be headed for a long, painful spell. US politicians should take heed.
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Rüdiger Lentz: In US presidential elections, Europeans tend to overwhelmingly support the Democratic candidate. Yet, Europe misplaced its bets in both 2000 and 2004. The qualities that Europeans value in a US president are not the same ones that matter to Americans. Europe should tone down its expectations, and come to terms with the possibility of another GOP presidency.
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The biggest danger to Obama’s re-election bid is the possibility of the European crisis spilling over to the US. ++ While the US economy is starting to show signs of gradual recovery, mounting European debt could send the American economy in a downward spiral. ++ Republican presidential candidates will use this opportunity to chastize Obama as ‘too European’ for trying to bring the US closer to a
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As the bipartisan “supercommittee” prepares to find ways to cut the deficit by $1.5 trillion, Democrats are proposing tax increases for America’s highest earners. ++ Instead of raising taxes, legislators should focus on cutting US defense spending. ++ The national debt cannot be reduced without making serious cuts to the US defense budget. ++ National security depends more on a healthy economy
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US Liberals tend to think the grass is always greener on the other side of the pond. ++ These intellectuals look to other countries as evidence of America’s shortcomings. ++ The problem is that these people only see what they want to see and ignore each country’s unique context. ++ “The Soviets are in the dustbin of history; Japan Inc. is in its second “lost decade”; Europe is in an
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Pushing through a horrible stimulus package quickly was necessary, otherwise it would have been too late. ++ It may be too late for the economy, but at least money goes to the poor, who will spend it quickly on necessities. ++ The package lacks real innovation, like resources for re-integrating prisoners, flexible help for poor areas, things that would build up the assets of poor people rather
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Americans have proven that they are more united than ever, by clearly electing Obama the next president of the US as well as by chosing a strong Democratic Congress. ++ With regard to the political legacy of George W. Bush, Obama is facing the toughest presidency of all times. ++ At this point in history he can “reshape the country’s assumptions, change the terms of debate and transform
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