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TRUMP’S POLITICAL MASTERSTROKE
Powerline ^ | August 8,2020 | BY PAUL MIRENGOFF

Posted on 08/08/2020 2:41:07 PM PDT by Hojczyk

President Trump says he will sign an Executive Order to ease the suffering of those harmed by the pandemic-related shutdowns and to stimulate the economy. Congress has failed to agree on a new package to accomplish these things.

Trump’s Executive Order would include these four components: (1) a payroll tax holiday until the end of the year, (2) an extension of enhanced unemployment benefits until the end of the year, (3) an extension of the eviction moratorium for federal subsidized housing, and (4) a suspension of student loan payments until further notice.

Questions surround the legality of accomplishing at least some of these things via executive order. Trump’s response to that might be, “so sue me.”

There are also questions about the fiscal impact of some of the measures, at least for those who still care about the national debt. In addition, there are questions about the efficacy of a payroll tax cut and the wisdom of extended generous unemployment benefits.

However, as a political matter, Trump’s move looks like a masterstroke. Since the days of FDR, the public has always seemed to approve of presidents who act to ameliorate suffering while Congress diddles. A flurry of activity, even of the futile or potentially counterproductive kind, makes a president look energetic and caring.

In this instance, Trump’s move might well force congressional Democrats to reach a deal. That outcome, too, would be a political win for the president.

(Excerpt) Read more at powerlineblog.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Government; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: bloggers; debt; deficit; dsj03; medicare; powerlineblog; ssi; trumpeo
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To: SomeCallMeTim

I agree, big mistake.


81 posted on 08/08/2020 3:35:35 PM PDT by Irenic (The pencil sharpener and Elmer's glue is put away-- we've lost the red wheelbarrow)
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To: StolarStorm
If Biden gets elected, people will have to pay back thousands in deferred payroll taxes.

If Trump gets reelected, people will have to pay back thousands in deferred payroll taxes as well. It's deferred, not waived.

Need to make sure everyone we know realizes that fact.

I'm pretty sure the Democrats will see to that.

82 posted on 08/08/2020 3:35:41 PM PDT by DoodleDawg
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To: Hojczyk

Dems already are saying, “Trump looting social security!”


83 posted on 08/08/2020 3:35:49 PM PDT by maineman (BC Eagles fan)
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To: Oshkalaboomboom
Mortgaging our children’s future, etc.

It could be argued that there's no future without an economy that's running.

84 posted on 08/08/2020 3:36:08 PM PDT by SamuraiScot
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To: Karoo

Thought he was doing this yesterday

LOL

Head fake

Keep em off tempo


85 posted on 08/08/2020 3:37:08 PM PDT by Vendome (I've Gotta Be Me https://youtu.be/wH-pk2vZG2M)
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To: NRx

“I am not worrying about optics. I am worrying about precedent.”
__________________________

So right on. Reading comments here are upsetting me. I thought we were the people of small limited government. Now it seems even Conservatives want a piece of the government pie.... and it doesn’t matter how its accomplished.....even if it is unconstitutional.


86 posted on 08/08/2020 3:37:16 PM PDT by xenia ("In times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." George Orwell)
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To: gogeo

The whole Covid scheme was hatched to take him and the US down.

He’s called their bluff and raised em some. The new game begins after Nov.


87 posted on 08/08/2020 3:37:49 PM PDT by blackberry1
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To: Tellurian

Exactly


88 posted on 08/08/2020 3:38:43 PM PDT by Recovering Ex-hippie (The 2020 election Trump victory determines the fate of America and Freedom.)
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To: Hojczyk
In this instance, Trump’s move might well force congressional Democrats to reach a deal.

LOL! Don't count in it.

89 posted on 08/08/2020 3:39:58 PM PDT by DoodleDawg
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To: Hojczyk

Bttt.

5.56mm


90 posted on 08/08/2020 3:41:12 PM PDT by M Kehoe (DRAIN THE SWAMP! Finish THE WALL!)
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To: StolarStorm

Agree exactly


91 posted on 08/08/2020 3:42:04 PM PDT by Recovering Ex-hippie (The 2020 election Trump victory determines the fate of America and Freedom.)
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To: Hojczyk

I think the Lord for guiding him to do this. Now no voter can think that it was TRUMP who did not wish to extend the unemployment.

And I read he went with $400 which in all my discussions with friends, and hubby who has been drawing this benefit, was agreed to be an OK amount.

Everyone thought 6 bills was a little rich, tbh.

We could live without this money for a while, but hubby would have to go back to Ubering, which for right now we’d prefer he did not have to.

Mirengoff is very much the non-Trump fan at Powerline too, but I see that even he is coming around, having seen the alternative choice we’re being offered.

I’m mean, let’s face it, Biden makes Hillary look like the smartest woman who ever lived!


92 posted on 08/08/2020 3:42:10 PM PDT by jocon307 (Dem party delenda est!)
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To: SpeedyInTexas
Its a win win win win for Trump either way.
If Trump loses in court (probably with a carefully selected deranged Obama judge), he will simply appeal and try and get a temporary hold from a higher court.
Meanwhile, Trump will gleefully point out that it's Pelosi Schumer and the Dems who are keeping coronavirus unemployed from getting relief.
In addition, it will put pressure on Dem governors to end the job killing lockdowns.
93 posted on 08/08/2020 3:42:45 PM PDT by SmokingJoe
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To: TStro

Yup.. this election is crucial Trump should do what he has to do to get back in and then clean up the mess if he doesn’t get in it’s over anyways so what is everybody all upset about the Dems won’t care about the Constitution or anything else and least ball not us


94 posted on 08/08/2020 3:43:39 PM PDT by Recovering Ex-hippie (The 2020 election Trump victory determines the fate of America and Freedom.)
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To: Dilbert San Diego

“...against moratorium on evictions...”

I think I heard that Madame Pelosi herself said this was a good idea and within his POTUS powers and she supported it. Don’t hold me to that, but I’m pretty sure.


95 posted on 08/08/2020 3:43:43 PM PDT by jocon307 (Dem party delenda est!)
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To: SomeCallMeTim

You obviously do not understand the difference between a King and a 4 year President of a Republic! A king has no congress and no courts and no anyone to stop him from doing whatever he wants to do. He imposes edicts for the life of his Monarchy and cannot be overturned unless you kill him! A President has a 4 year term. If you don’t like what he does, vote him out!


96 posted on 08/08/2020 3:43:58 PM PDT by rwoodward ("god, guns and more ammo")
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To: JennysCool

2 out of three for me. Biz is gone for now. It will only be one next week God willing.


97 posted on 08/08/2020 3:44:42 PM PDT by CJ Wolf ( #wwg1wga #Godwins #150Kclub)
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To: Hojczyk
DU Update:

anyone who challenges it is taking $1600 a month from destitute Americans

Exactly! We are so effed!

It would be all Pelosi's fault

98 posted on 08/08/2020 3:44:46 PM PDT by 11th_VA (May you live in interesting times - Ancient Chinese Proverb)
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To: SomeCallMeTim

We are in unprecedented times. You want POTUS to play by the rules while his enemies have used the very same corrupt judicial system to stop or pause many of Trump’s agenda items. You’re concerned about Trump acting like a King? If Biden wins, whoever is pulling his cord will make even King George look like a patriot.


99 posted on 08/08/2020 3:45:28 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist (Trust the plan of the 17th letter of the English alphabet!)
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To: BenLurkin
I believe he is doing what he truly believes is in the best interest of the American people.

I hope he doesn't believe that.

I hope he knows that if he wants real effect he'll do the hard work of working with Congress on legislation. If he wants a pointless gesture for political effect that won't help anyone he should do an EO.

100 posted on 08/08/2020 3:45:48 PM PDT by semimojo
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