But was he a "Political Hack" When YOUR Party was in Power?

Published on March 7, 2005 By Gideon MacLeish In Politics

This from Senator Harry Reid of Nevada:

"I'm not a big Greenspan fan -- Alan Greenspan fan," Reid said when asked about the Fed chairman's testimony this week urging Congress to deal quickly with the financial problems facing Social Security and Medicare. "I voted against him the last two times. I think he's one of the biggest political hacks we have in Washington."

I caught this one on yesterday's "Meet the Press", and thought it utterly ridiculous. Greenspan has fallen into disfavor with the Democrats since he has begun speaking out in favor of Social Security privatization.

Is this the SAME Alan Greenspan that was repeatedly lauded by Bill Clinton and company as he helped to steer this country into one of its most prosperour eras EVER? In one of the few things that is consistent about the Democrats, they have turned on Greenspan looking for a place to insert the knife the minute he dares disagree with them.

Comments

Moderateman

on Mar 07, 2005

typical political "what have you done for ME TODAY!" thinking gid, both sides of the aisle do it.

Dr Guy

on Mar 07, 2005

Harry Reid is trying to outdo Daschle with his flip flops. I hear he will not run again. I think that is wise as any opponent in Nevada has only to use his positions and statements to run him out of Nevada on a broom stick.

Myrrander

on Mar 07, 2005

I heard this quote on NPR on my morning commute today and my reaction was the same as yours.

Gideon MacLeish

on Mar 07, 2005

The thing that gets me is, I believe the only reason Reid won this last election was that his opponent was a rather authoritarian extremist Republican that even the national party went to great lengths to distance themselves from. The opponent, Richard Ziser, actually mustered a fair percentage, considering he didn't even have the backing of his own party.

ParaTed2k

on Mar 07, 2005

I can't put it in quotes because I can't remember exactly what Mr. Greenspan actually said. During the boom of the 90s though, he was asked about what he thought about the praise and credit he was receiving because of the economy.

He said something to the affect of... I'm still the same guy I was back in the early 80s, when the same people hated me. ;~D

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