Newsweek:
Certainly we need a cheery vision right now to sustain us. But Mr. President, you're not on the campaign trail now, you got the job. So give us the straight facts, that's part of the Change we voted for, ya know?
President Obama's first speech to a joint session of Congress was stuffed with signals about the new direction his budget will take and meant-to-be reassuring words about the economy. But it was also peppered with exaggerations and factual misstatements.I knew the bit about the transcontinental railroad wasn't right, and I wasn't sure about the car reference. Well, we'll give him a pass for a rousing performance and for doing what all politicians do: painting with a broad brush to paint the rosiest picture he can, and never mind about fine details.
He said "we import more oil today than ever before." That's untrue. Imports peaked in 2005 and are substantially lower today.
He claimed his mortgage aid plan would help "responsible" buyers but not those who borrowed beyond their means. But even prominent defenders of the program including Fed Chairman Bernanke and FDIC chief Bair concede foolish borrowers will be aided, too.
He said the high cost of health care "causes a bankruptcy in America every 30 seconds." That's at least double the true figure.
He flubbed two facts about American history. The U.S. did not invent the automobile, and the transcontinental railroad was not completed until years after the Civil War, not during it.
He claimed that his stimulus plan "prevented the layoffs" of 57 police officers in Minneapolis. In fact, it's far more complicated than that, and other factors are also helping to save police jobs.
The president also repeated some strained claims we've critiqued before. . . .
Certainly we need a cheery vision right now to sustain us. But Mr. President, you're not on the campaign trail now, you got the job. So give us the straight facts, that's part of the Change we voted for, ya know?
2 comments:
Whadda coincidence -- I'm no good remembering historical dates, however just last night I was reading in "History" magazine about the transcontinental railroad, so I do remember that after years of planning Congress authorized the building in 1862 and the final spike was driven in 1869. I admit I had to refer to an online reference to find the dates for the Civil War (1861-1865).
Personally, I'm not upset about Obama getting some details a bit wrong -- its a far cry from "We are sure they have weapons of mass destruction".
I agree with ya, Jackson.. it's also a far cry from "Mission Accomplished".
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