I often credit Bill Clinton for his pragmatic and moderate presidency, and his support and championing of traditionally Republican issues like free trade, welfare reform, and fiscal conservatism (Under Clinton, we had balanced budget and surplus for the first time since 1969). However, I falsely use this example as a rationale for supporting Barack, who I view as being Clintonian in many ways.

If you remember the facts of the Clinton administration, it paints a different picture. The republicans gained complete control of Congress in 1995, and remained in power until the end of the Clinton presidency.  Remember the Contract with America? It included The Fiscal Responsibility Act, which tried to give the President line item veto powers and a constitutional amendment that would require a balanced budget.

So, it’s pretty clear that Clinton had to compromise with congress, and he wisely takes credit for what the republicans made him do.

And, now, Barack is known as the candidate, who is stronger than McCain on economic issues? He can thank the Clinton legacy for this distinction. Before Clinton, the democrats had to answer to the disastrous and failed economic policies of Jimmy Carter. The republicans have lost credibility on economic affairs, because Bush and congressional republicans have squandered the opportunity to maintain the principles and ideals of the republican party.