I'd love to know if the Mike Pences of the "R brain trust" really believe what they spew ~ Sooz

PENCE'S PRIORITIES.... As ridiculous as this might seem, Rep. Mike Pence (R) of Indiana, the outgoing chairman of the House Republican caucus, is thinking about seeking higher office, including a possible presidential campaign. To that end, he continues to talk about economic policy as if he understands the subject.

For example, Pence delivered a speech earlier this week at the Detroit Economic Club, in which he endorsed a flat-tax proposal, embraced the gold standard, and said the successful rescue of the American automotive industry was a bad idea.

Reflecting on Pence's remarks, Bruce Bartlett, a former official in the Reagan and H.W. Bush administrations, described the speech as "a hackneyed rehash of every simplistic idea ever floated on Larry Kudlow's TV show." Bartlett also used phrases like "obviously nuts," "crackpot," and "really stupid."

This morning, Pence followed up on this performance by appearing on MSNBC, arguing that the unemployed benefit from income tax cuts, despite the fact that those without jobs don't have an income.

To fully appreciate the stupidity of the display, it's worth watching the video. The printed words just don't do it justice.

Watching this morning's exchange, I'm reminded of something Matt Yglesias wrote last year about the Indiana congressman. "Mike Pence is a moron, and any movement that would hold the guy up as a hero is bankrupt," Matt explained, adding, "I would refer you to this post from September about the earth-shattering ignorance and stupidity of Mike Pence.... [I]t's really staggering. In my admittedly brief experience talking to him, his inability to grasp the basic contours of policy question was obvious and overwhelming."

Remember, Pence is not only thinking about a presidential campaign, in September, he won the Family Research Council's Values Voter presidential straw poll.

—Steve Benen 12:35 PM December 1, 2010

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archiv ... 026873.php

has anybody challenged this notion that tax increases for the rich have a negative economic impact?

i watched the video, and i actually agree with him about one thing.

we really should look at what has worked in the past.

and if one does that, he will quickly discover that there is no evidence whatsoever that higher taxes on the wealthy lead to higher unemployment.

Of course not. And nobody challenged his notion of the top 2% as "job creators".
The reps are right on message with their talking points:
- nobody should have their taxes increased blah blah
- job creators blah blah
- deficit reduction blah blah

They got the "blah blah" part right.
  

"Blah blah" is a sure winner. (see results of the midterm election)