It's Still the Economy, Stupid: George W. Bush, the GOP's CEO

When he took office in 2001, George W. Bush inherited the strongest economy in American history. He inherited the largest federal budget surplus in American history — and the prospect of paying off the entire national debt in just eight years. He inherited a strong dollar and sound fiscal policy. He inherited a nation whose economy was so strong that commentators who just a decade before were predicting American decline were now complaining about American dominance.

And yet, Dubya blew it. Squandered everything he'd inherited from President Clinton.

We thought if Junior was good at anything, it was inheriting things.

It's Still the Economy, Stupid is the story of how America's CEO — our first MBA president — has trashed our economy. It shows:

• How he wasted the surplus on massive tax cuts for the hyper-rich.

• How he talked down the economy for his short-term political gain, then passed an economic program that has put 1.8 million Americans out of work and cost investors $4.4 trillion.

• How he abandoned his free-trade rhetoric to adopt protectionist tariffs, effectively raising taxes on consumers.

• How he walked away from needed investments in education, training, and all the things that make us smarter, safer, and stronger economically.

• How he plans to go on from here to cripple Social Security and to allow the privileged to avoid even more taxes.

It makes you wonder: What do they teach you at Harvard Business School?

"Paul Begala is one Texan who really understands the economy. It's Still the Economy, Stupid is a good read that makes great sense." Tom Daschle, United States Senator

Reprising the theme of his bestselling "Is Our Children Learning?, " Begala returns to Texas to investigate George W. Bush, this time focusing on his business record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 173-197).

Paul Begala was a counselor to President Bill Clinton. He gained national prominence as half of the political consulting team CarvilleandBegala. He is currently a cohost of CNN's Crossfire and is Research Professor of Public Policy at Georgetown University's Public Policy Institute.

Contents

Introduction

1. The Clinton Economy: "The Best Economy Ever"

2. Tax Cuts for the Rich; Deficits for the Rest

3. Social Security: Strap Granny into the Roller Coaster

4. (Dis)Investing in People

5. The Best Environment Money Can Buy

6. Crime in the Suites: How the Republicans Told Corporate America "Anything Goes"

7. Bush, Inc.: A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Enron

8. Taking Care of Bidness: Bush and Harken Energy

9. Halliburton: How Dick Cheney Put the "Vice" in Vice President

10. The Keystone Kops: Bush and His Economic Team

11. What the Democrats Are For (Or at Least What They Should Be For)

Notes