James Carville is a Democratic strategist who also serves as a CNN political contributor. As Bill Clinton’s campaign manager came up with the slogan, “It’s the economy, stupid.” He recently spoke out about what President Obama should do about the curr.ent economic problems. Here is an excerpt of a column he wrote on the topic and a video interview he conducted on the subject. (He said some silly things in that column but what I’ve included from the column is the good stuff I think worth reviewing.)
“People often ask me what advice I would give the White House about various things. Today I was mulling over election results from New York and Nevada while thinking about that very question. What should the White House do now? One word came to mind: Panic.
We are far past sending out talking points. Do not attempt to dumb it down. We cannot stand any more explanations. Have you talked to any Democratic senators lately? I have. It’s pretty damn clear they are not happy campers.
This is what I would say to President Barack Obama: The time has come to demand a plan of action that requires a complete change from the direction you are headed…
Fire somebody. No — fire a lot of people. This may be news to you but this is not going well…
Mr. President, your hinge of fate must turn. Bill Clinton fired many people in 1994 and took a lot of heat for it. Reagan fired most of his campaign staff in 1980. Republicans historically fired their own speaker, Newt Gingrich. Bush fired Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. For God’s sake, why are we still looking at the same political and economic advisers that got us into this mess? It’s not working.
Furthermore, it’s not going to work with the same team, the same strategy and the same excuses. I know economic analysts are smart — some work 17-hour days. It’s time to show them the exit. Wake up — show us you are doing something…”
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