Simon Schama on Republican policy: 95% of Americans haven't earnt a tax break

BBC One's Question Time, at the end of October from Washington DC. Respected historian Simon Schama succintly summarises Republican economic policy: 95% of Americans have not earnt a tax break and Republican policy strategist Cheri Jacobus doesn't deny it.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• politics
• news
• taxation
• simonschama
• cherijacobus
• republican
• democrat
• questiontime

[hop208]

As an American I am truly embarrassed in the behavioral differences between the US and UK audiences I saw in this clip. It's almost as if we have to turn everything into a rally (or riot). The American panel members almost seem to expect a raucous applause after every statement. You can see how frustrated the host is at his seeming inability to control the crowd, and the panel. However, as an American (again lol) I wanted to slam that blond woman's face into the panel desk.

[pokerrich9]

Question Time is just too democratic for america

[TulseLuper]

@pokerrich9 American audiences -- both right AND left (see Bill Maher's show) -- can't tell the difference between debating and professional wrestling. In fairness, though, most US debating shows haven't helped. Signed, An American.

[natalierosen]

Baloney! They haven't worked because the stimulus was not enough. Obama is about as far away from being a "communist" as Bill Gates is. Stupid appellations like Nazi and Communist and Socialist mean ZILCH...they are just stupid commentary used to besmirch a guy who wants to make compromise his signature policy. Problem is Republicans are NOT about compromise they are about division, race animus and hate. They will do or say anything to bring this very very smart president down.

[SocratesTheGadfly]

@natalierosen if that were the case then why have NOT obama's policies NOT worked? why is the unemployment rate higher NOW than when obama took office? under obama The United States of America has spent more in 2 years than in the previous 8 years and yet the economy has NOT recovered? it is quite clear to anyone with a BRAIN and a minimal level of economic education that obama's policies are NOT working because they are ANTI-CAPITALIST in nature and rooted in socialistic communism!

[natalierosen]

Republicans LIE..and we can see now in July, 2011 how utterly wrong and inspid she was! all they have is these talking points which sound so cute but are RUINOUS to the average tax payer and Obama's policies are not at ALL about those who do not work for a living getting more for not working..that's just moronic! But what can you expect of so called "conservatives" who have ice water for veins!

[sickoftypingthisshit]

I loved Simon Schama in lord of the rings...What a Gandalf

[TheAntinode]

@LambChowder1 no

[displexiaTNO]

@LambChowder1 Then we can believe that the eminent Dr Schama can also look forward to the possibility of salvation!

[LambChowder1]

@displexiaTNO thats the definition of a christian

[LambChowder1]

@TheAntinode and because of better healthcare. and that first bit is just "were better than youuu are"