Great summary Dougald. The economic pain might actually be quite intentional if the expectation is that the resulting rage can be directed against the Dem enclaves of “elites”. If the pain is severe enough to provoke active protests that might also be reason enough for Trump to declare martial law and suspend voting “temporarily”.
What I wanted to illustrate is a lose-lose scenario for Republicans - which I may add. Republican politicians know that it will hurt their constituents, as well as their chances for re-election. That means that either they oppose the cuts - which means GOP conflict and gridlock - or that the cuts proceed and they lose their seats in the midterm elections.
In terms of bad impacts, malice and incompetence can't be told apart. The promises of massive cuts are ideological, by people who think "it's for your own good". Social security and medicare directly affect seniors - so I don't expect riots. But they certainly vote. And it cannot be blamed on anyone but the administration.
It's the old adage - hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Great summary Dougald. The economic pain might actually be quite intentional if the expectation is that the resulting rage can be directed against the Dem enclaves of “elites”. If the pain is severe enough to provoke active protests that might also be reason enough for Trump to declare martial law and suspend voting “temporarily”.
What I wanted to illustrate is a lose-lose scenario for Republicans - which I may add. Republican politicians know that it will hurt their constituents, as well as their chances for re-election. That means that either they oppose the cuts - which means GOP conflict and gridlock - or that the cuts proceed and they lose their seats in the midterm elections.
In terms of bad impacts, malice and incompetence can't be told apart. The promises of massive cuts are ideological, by people who think "it's for your own good". Social security and medicare directly affect seniors - so I don't expect riots. But they certainly vote. And it cannot be blamed on anyone but the administration.
It's the old adage - hope for the best, prepare for the worst.