Beliefs Against Even Self-Interest

Given the glaring factual howlers (which, needless to say. err on the Pain Caucus side the paper’s editors have long favored), none of the claims in this WaPo story can be taken at face value.   And yet, unlike the statements about public opinion, I find the assertions that the deficit is “resonating more powerfully in Congress” than unempoyment or economic growth depressingly plausible.    And especially Democratic members of Congress who believe this are complete idiots.    Not only are such priorities bad for the country, they are bad for their own political futures.    If they think that massive unemployment can constitute a favorable political context as long as there’s some perception of deficit control, they deserve to lose.