Dems Vs Dems: Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid At Odds With Own Party On Alan Greenspan

Republican National Committee ^ | March 4, 2005

[RWR8189]

Reid Calls Greenspan A "Political Hack":

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid: "[I]'m Not A Big Greenspan Fan ... I Voted Against Him The Last Two Times. ... I Think [Alan Greenspan's] One Of The Biggest Political Hacks We Have In Washington." (CNN's "Inside Politics," 3/3/05)

Reid Was In Superminority Twice In Voting Against Greenspan:

In 2000, Reid Was One Of Only Four Senators To Vote Against Greenspan's Nomination. Only Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and the late Paul Wellstone (D-MN) also voted against the Greenspan nomination. (Greenspan Nomination, CQ Vote #6: Confirmed 89-4: R 50-0; D 39-4, 2/3/00, Reid Voted Nay)

In 1996, Reid Was One Of Only Seven Senators To Vote Against Greenspan Nomination.  (Greenspan Nomination, CQ Vote #165: Confirmed 91-7: R 52-0; D 39-7, 6/20/96, Reid Voted Nay)

• Of The 1996 Vote, Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) Said, "We Make A Tragic Mistake If We Do Not Confirm This Nomination." (David Lightman, "Senate Votes In Fed Chief," Hartford Courant, 6/21/96)

Democrats Have Continually Praised Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan:

President Bill Clinton: "Greenspan's Wise And Steady Leadership Has Inspired Confidence Here In American [Sic] And Around The World. ... He Has Made A Truly Remarkable Contribution In Helping Lead Our Nation To The Longest Economic Expansion In Our History." (Martin Crutsinger, "Senate OKs Greenspan For 4th Term," The Associated Press, 2/3/00)

Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-MD): "Chairman Greenspan Has Carried Out The Responsibilities Of His Office With Great Skill And Dedication And Has Sustained The Tradition Of Outstanding Economic Statesmanship ..." (Committee On Banking, Housing, And Urban Affairs, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 6/15/04)

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) Said Greenspan's "Longevity Is Testament To [His] Excellence. Markets And The Nation Breathed A Sigh Of Relief When [He] Agreed To Serve Another Term, And With Good Reasons. [His] Integrity, [His] Intelligence, [His] Ability To Balance Prosperity And Inflation ... Are Second To None ..." (Committee On Banking, Housing, And Urban Affairs, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 6/15/04)

The Late Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY) Called Greenspan, "A National Treasure." (Dave Skidmore, "'Brake Pad' Or 'Steady Hand,' Greenspan Wins Third Term At Fed," The Associated Press, 6/20/96)

Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) On Whether Greenspan Has Done A Good Job: "I Think The Strong Bipartisan Answer Ought To Be A Strong, Resounding Yes." (Sen. Christopher Dodd, Remarks On Senate Floor, 6/20/96)

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Said Greenspan Has "Been An Outspoken Voice For Caution And Reason When We've Needed It." (Committee On Banking, Housing, And Urban Affairs, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 6/15/04)

Sen. Jon Corzine (D-NJ): "I Think Our Economy And Our Country Is A Lot Better Off Because Of [Alan Greenspan's] Service." (Committee On Banking, Housing, And Urban Affairs, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 6/15/04) 

[austinaero]

Reid is in a snit because Greenspan is saying fix SS right now and that doesn't sit too well with old Henry....

[Grampa Dave]

Reid is making the Da$$hole look semi respectable when compared to Reid.

[11th Commandment]

I'm deeply sadden.... we need to reach out to Reid

[Santiago de la Vega]

Greenspan is a hack. It's true.

He's incompetent, inexperienced, and uneducated. But, he got 43 re-elected, and for that we'll always thank him. Greenspan engineered the money bulge in the months prior to the election, and that ensured GW's success.

But, look back at G'span's record at the Fed.

From the stock market disaster of October of 1987, two months after he took over from Saint Paul of Volcker; to the real estate collapse of the early 90s; to the disastrous monetary policies that ensured the election and re-election of Jerkoff I and his shitheel wife; to the creation and collapse of the Internet Bubble; Greenspan is a hopeless bozo. He doesn't know his business.

Reid's just annoyed that the only game the Democrats had going - since Emperor Roosevelt - will never work again. We'll never again see a money collapse like the one from 1929-33.

Reid's also annoyed that he will never lead the Democrats in the Senate as the majority party.

This is a rabid dog in his death agonies. Pelosi has the same problem. Hell, every Democrat in the US has this problem. More hell, every socialist in the world has this problem. Their game is over.

A productive economy rewrites all political rules.