« Paul picks up endorsements | Main | Who is Running & Who is Talking »

"Economic Retard"

Erick Erickson on Mike Huckabee's economic policies:

I've decided Mike Huckabee is an economic retard.

You can see his total principles here, but if you want the real highlights, look no further than this synopsis of his economic stimulus plan. It's a keynesian recipe for big government. Liberals will love it -- complete with anti-war canards.
[...]

Increase defense spending to 6 percent of GDP.
What the hell?! I'm not arguing with the fact that defense spending needs to be increased, but come on Mike! As part of a stimulus plan?! That's keynesian economics -- let the government spend out of the economic downturn.
Recruit and train "thousands" of troops and "bring our National Guard and Reserves back home."
What the hell does this have to do with stimulating the economy? You've just adopted a retarded talking point from the left. That's idiocy speaking out of your butt to put that in an economic stimulus plan. Why don't you make Kathleen Sebelius your running mate while you are at it. I mean, she's the one always out trumpeting the canard about her state not being disaster prepared because all the national guard troops are in Iraq.
Build a fence along the US-Mexico border "with American labor and American materials."
Hey! Let's be populist and protectionist at the same time! To hell with getting the best deal -- let's just make sure it's American made. No doubt you already have a donor in mind to whom you will flow federal dollars to buy the fence posts.
[...]
If this is the best you can do, you are economically retarded. And it shows.

Stick to the social issues, Mike, and hire a supply-sider to explain your economic policies. This is just amateur and you can and should do better.

You can read more about Huck's leftist economic views here.

Comments

I knew that I didn't like Huckabee, but:

"Increase defense spending to 6 percent of GDP." That is a big increase from the current 4%.

"Recruit and train “thousands" of troops and "bring our National Guard and Reserves back home."" The Army is currently increasing by thousands. Add thousands more and you get a 5-10 year project. You can draw down quickly, but build ups take time. If you recruit and train enough thousands, you will need to increase defense spending to 6% of the GDP.

The size and budget of the Dept of Defense should not be based on a percentage or any other formula. The DoD should be only as big as it needs to be to get the job done. The President and Congress define that. The budget should be the minimum to support the required size.

Wow! Eric Erickson offers some intelligent, serious commentary here! "Economically retarded," huh? What a brilliant writer!

His commentary on Huckabee is much more sophisticated than mine. I can't get past the fact that Huckabee is a stupid, mouth-breathing hick.

I realize you have a hard on for Huck, but Erick is absolutely right whether you like it or not.

Jason, I think McCain is the most qualified to be President. I defend Huckabee because he doesn't scare me. I like the fact that he is religious and politically incorrect about it. Yes, Erickson is right about one thing: he should stick to social issues.

You got that right, Jace.

Robbie,

Wanna know a secret? I'm starting to gravitate toward McCain a little myself.

I'm still in the conservative camp right now with Ron Paul, but we'll see what happens.

McCain is the only candidate who can unite economic conservatives, social conservatives, foreign policy hawks, and foreign policy realists. He's not perfect, but he's the best & most qualified. My hopes are for a McCain-Giuliani ticket (Giuliani would help with those who have doubts about McCain's