This week we have seen two major stories play out — the health-care vote and the Obama administration’s verbal attack on Israel. In each case we have seen the administration behave in ways no predecessor has. On health care, we’re seeing rank lawlessness in pursuit of a mammoth new entitlement program. In the Middle East, we are witnessing treatment of and rhetoric directed at the Jewish state that few if any administrations have employed. In both cases we are seeing, therefore, “change” — the abandonment of legislative normalcy and of the intimate relationship with an ally. But that’s not, I think, what was most striking about the week’s events.
What was most remarkable in a very remarkable week was the degree to which the administration double-downed on policies wildly at odds with the overwhelming sentiment of the country. The poll data is unmistakable on this point. The public intensely dislikes ObamaCare and the strong-arm tactics being used to push it through. Poll data and the reaction of members of Congress also confirm that support for Israel is at an all-time high. Yet the Obami have decided to corner and bully — because they think they can — a small, democratic ally. The administration is indifferent to and largely contemptuous of public opinion on these matters, preferring to push its own ideological agenda despite widespread criticism and mounting popular opposition.
In the short run, the administration might “win.” ObamaCare could sneak through. Israel might be roughed up. But the Obami then face the grim consequences of their actions. The tidal wave of reaction to ObamaCare awaits them should they pass (or “deem” or whatever) the monstrous bill into law. And the Middle East will grow ever more dangerous as the real threat to our security — Iran’s nuclear program — goes unchecked.
No administration or Congress can survive by pursuing policies the public intensely disapproves. Eventually voters get their say and enact revenge. And the policies that were so at odds with the concerns and values of the public then will be reversed. But there is no putting the genie back in the bottle should the mullahs acquire nuclear weapons. That’s forever, and will, if it occurs, be a blot on this administration that obscures any other accomplishment.
Obama said he’d be content to be a one-term president. That’s looking quite likely unless the results of the November election persuade him to cease the assault on the American voters by pursuing domestic and international policies they do not support. Obama, in one of his more arrogant moments, deflected Republican criticism of the stimulus plan by saying, “I won.” Yes, but that only works until the voters crown new winners.
