House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) called on President Obama to fire Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Larry Summers, head of the National Economic Counsel, for their poor handling of the economy. Yes, it would mean Obama would have to accept a degree of accountability. But it could also mean a fresh start and a bit of hope for Americans fearful of what this administration’s economic policies (rubber-stamped by Democrats in Congress) will inflict on us next.
With the news of home sales plummeting in July at a level we haven’t seen in at least 42 months, and unexpectedly high jobless claims, Americans aren’t likely to appreciate Obama and congressional Democrats blaming Bush, blaming Republicans, blaming anybody but themselves and refusing to be responsible. Tolerance for blame-everybody-but-me will wear down to nothing by the time the president tries to run for re-election in 2012. It’s a losing strategy. It makes him appear weak and incompetent.
{mosads}Budget Director Peter Orszag and Christina Romer, chairwoman of the Council of Economic Advisers, high-tailed it out (or perhaps were driven out), so it is pretty much already established that the Obama economic team had failed — and failed big. Geithner and Summers leaving to spend more time with their families (Washington-speak for getting the boot) would be a step in the right direction.
The president’s inability to admit he and his party has erred, and placing his own pride ahead of doing what’s best for the nation and our economy, will help make voters’ November 2nd decision a lot easier.