Bush Taking A Major Risk?

Here we have a Rutgers political science professor concerned that President Bush may drive some Republicans to become Democrats for tackling Social Security and income tax reform. We wonder if Professor Baker ever considered that a success by the President in these two areas might drive some Democrats to become Republicans? Or how about bipartisan support for actually fixing these tax programs to the benefit of all Americans? Anyway, last we checked any plans the President has for Social Security and the income tax would have to be passed into law by the Congress, meaning a consensus had been formed around these issues. But then again what would we know, we're not political scientists.

Ross Baker, a Rutgers University political scientist, said that overreaching "is a problem for all presidents." When presidents go too far, he said, the negative ripple effect can last for decades. In pressing his proposals for partial Social Security privatization and overhauling the tax system, Bush is taking a major risk, Baker said. "These are controversial matters that might drive some Republicans to become Democrats." Baker rejected the notion that Bush won't be accused of overreaching if he goes ahead with his Social Security and tax-reform plans. "I don't believe you have a consensus forming around these issues either," he said.