They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. It appears that Rep. Pelosi is taking a page out of Leader Cantor’s playbook and attempting to rebrand Democrats by proclaiming a new focus on jobs. Not even a Steven Spielberg influenced production could pull off that kind of theatrical performance. Democrats had complete control of Washington for 2 years and failed to get the economy back on track and help Americans get back to work. Make no mistake, Democrats didn’t do it then, and despite their borrowed language they won’t do it now.
November 3, 2010: Leader Cantor released a governing document outlining the ‘Cantor Rule.’ “In thinking about and preparing this plan, I found myself guided by one simple proposition which I believe will be instructive for our efforts over the next two years: ‘Are my efforts addressing job creation and the economy; are they reducing spending; and are they shrinking the size of the Federal Government while increasing and protecting liberty? If not, why am I doing it? Why are WE doing it?’” (Cantor Governing Document, 11/3/10)
December 8, 2010: Leader Cantor told incoming GOP lawmakers on Tuesday of his ‘Cantor Rule’ for the next Congress. “This Congress is going to be about cutting spending, reining in government and reform. … Each day, I wake up with a guiding rule and a few questions that will help us further our goal of getting people back to work and returning this country to the land of opportunity, responsibility and success. “We must ask ourselves, ‘Are my efforts addressing job creation and the economy? Are they reducing spending? Are they shrinking the size of the federal government while protecting and expanding liberty? If not, why am I doing it? More, why are we doing it?” Cantor said, according to a leadership aide in the room. (The Hill, 12/8/10)
Yesterday: Leader Cantor reiterated the ‘Cantor Rule’ at his first pen and pad. “Now, as I assume the new role of Majority Leader, I have met with the incoming freshman class, and I have discussed with them the way I look at what this new Congress is going to be and my role as Majority Leader. Essentially, I told them that I plan to fulfill the role of Majority Leader abiding by a three part rule. That rule is: every day make sure we ask, one, are our actions focused on job creation and the economy; two, are our actions focused on cutting spending; and, three, are our actions focused on shrinking government while protecting and expanding liberty? If we are not focused on those things, the question to really ask is, why are we doing it?” (Majority Leader-elect Cantor, 1/4/11)
Today: Rep. Pelosi detailed her imitation of the ‘Cantor Rule.’ “As we pivot into a new Congress, our No. 1 priority will continue to be putting people to work. And we will measure each proposal by a simple test: Will it create jobs? Will it strengthen our middle class? Will it reduce the deficit?” (USA Today, 1/5/11)
