Paul Krugman: Obama and the Democrats' Chances

[AtticusRebma]

Well, but for McCain's insane reaction to the economic crisis and his nomination of the Caribou Barbie as his running mate, I think Krugman's prediction *would* have come true.

[KyndestKid]

This is the first time I've heard him say something that didn't come true! :)

[baronmorris]

usually, yes.  but not on this one. very disappointing.

[Slimdawgc]

Well, it's really a matter of opinion.

[baronmorris]

surely. there is a difference between prognosticating interest rates and foretelling what's possible and what's best culturally and politically.

[Slimdawgc]

Yes, there is.. and the point is?

[baronmorris]

Krugman should perhaps stick to the former, or do the latter with more humility.

[Slimdawgc]

It's a free country - he has the right to give his opinion on politics. Who are you to tell him not to speak? You should respect his opinion; he raises some good points after all. And quite frankly, I think he's right.

[baronmorris]

ever heard of the Milgram experiments? scandalous but very insightful. worth checking out for anyone who is unfamiliar.

6 of 10 people will blindly follow authority. the problem here is that Krugman's deserved authority in Economics may translate for some as authority in politics. Sure he has the right to spout his unfortunate views on this subject, but then so do I.

6 of 10 are lemmings. hmm. that kind of explains Bush and Clinton, now that I think about it.

PEACE!

OBAMA 08 & WE CAN'T WAIT!

[Slimdawgc]

Yes, but using your argument, I can claim Obama as an authority as well, an authority that people blindly follow. I don't agree with Krugman concerning Hilary ( I dislike Clinton), but I do agree with his views concerning Obama.

[baronmorris]

aha! ur just happy to hear Obama get bashed. probly makes ur day.

ur statement:

"I can claim Obama as an authority as well, an authority that people blindly follow."

is ridiculous. Obama is a politician. Politicians r supposed to be informed on a wide range of social and gov't issues, of which economics is but one. Politics subsumes Economics, not the other way around. & some people follow Obama blindly perhaps, but then even a stopped clock is right twice a day. it's not ur time yet. ;-)

[Slimdawgc]

But I'm right. Obama is an authority figure and all politicians are by definition. Politicians are SUPPOSED to be informed, but sometimes aren't, and Obama isn't an economist. Krugman is, and when it comes to economics, I trust him over Obama.

Politics doesn't subsume economics. They're separate disciplines. The consumption function has nothing to do with politics. Neither does axiomatic choice.

A stopped clock is more accurate than a clock that loses a minute every day. Ask Lewis Carroll.

[baronmorris]

nice retort. Lewis Carroll rocks.

but u r still wrong. ;-) Politics does subsume Economics. Politicians have Economic advisors, not the other way around.

A LEADER is someone that does the right things; a manager is someone who does things right. Obama is a leader for positive change & will surround himself with competent managers & experts (ie, Economists) who WILL get it done. Hillary, conversely, is the ultimate bureaucratic manager, mos def NOT a leader.

OBAMA 08!

[Slimdawgc]

Politics doesn't subsume economics. It's like saying that economics subsumes mathematics - economists use mathematics, but mathematicians don't use economics.

I agree with you: Obama is a leader, and Clinton is a manager. If I had to, I'd choose Barack over Hillary, but neither candidate really appeals to me. Clinton's flaws are obvious, but I'm glad Krugman reveals Obama's.

[baronmorris]

fair enough, on both counts. ;-)

peace.

[baronmorris]

dammit Krugman!! U R giving too much weight to pragmatism & too little to idealism. If u are going to be so fricking reactionary & wimpy, then pls stick to Economics! It figures that u wouldn't be on the forefront of this profound social movement, that you would want to protect the old Democratic guard, despite the evidence that Clinton will bring no real change (failed @ HealthCare Reform already, etc) & despite their despicable Rove-like tactics.

Obama's campaign is politically evolutionary!

[onnotice]

baronmorris, you're a sissy and you don't speak for real working americans. CLINTON 08!

[baronmorris]

and as to me being a "sissy" - lmfao.

here ya go "Paul" (tho I suspect ur just another pseudo-feminist woman)

have a look in the mirror.

salonDOTcom/opinion/paglia/200­8/04/09/girly_men

ugly, aren't u? ;-)

peace be with us all!

Obama 08! and we can't wait!!

[onnotice]

just admit you have a crush on obama and we will forgive your groupie-like behavior.

[baronmorris]

Sure, I admit it. ;-)

I passionately (not blindly) admire the man. I'm a well-informed skeptical thinker who investigates multiple perspectives, then forms my own opinions. I'm a progressive [who DOESN'T want PROGRESS?!] who often votes independent. I've never seen a political candidate so worthy as Obama, whose books I have read, unlike most of his dogmatic critics.

How about full disclosure on your part? what experiences (or lack thereof) led you to support the wrong candidate? ;-)

peace!!

[onnotice]

could you expound on the "profound social movement" obama is leading?

[baronmorris]

A LEADER is someone that does the right things; a manager is someone who does things right. Obama is a leader for positive change & will surround himself with competent managers who WILL get it done. Hillary, conversely, is the ultimate bureaucratic manager, mos def NOT a leader.

Obama has rallied unprecedented 1st-time & youth votes by emphasizing that political engagement is about being part of something bigger than oneself, not just rebelling against status-quo or seeking one's own benefit.

[baronmorris]

Social movements yield a more just & democratic society. The unparalled groundswell behind Obama continues this tradition of grass-roots politics drawing millions out of apathy & into enthusiastic participation. Obama's biography reflects the positive potential of globalization, exalting such values as equality, a living wage, & environmental sustainablility, while opposing the grave threats to our democracy embodied by the narrow interests of corporations in an unregulated global marketplace.

[Cerri01234]

McCain is getting an easy ride this election people. WAKE UP! No McCain '08!

[saper321]

oh come on Krugman. Have some faith. Yes we can!

[waterhope377]

I've read a lot of Krigman's columns, but

it seems to that its intellect does not get

him anywhere. Just because the New York Times

has endorsed Hillary she has to win, but she

isn't going to. Look at this red-face all

angry fill with cynicism and desparation.

He has the same reaction on Meet The Press

red-face and idiotic arguments. I've analyzed

his comments a lot and all bunch of blunders,

and cheapshots at Obama. It's sad very. Lol Descartes, Dewey and David Brooks are ashamed.