On Meet the Press yesterday, Sen. George Allen (R-Va.) had just finished explaining that he’s against “cutting benefits for those middle income and low income,” which is exactly what Bush just told the nation he wants to do. When Russert pressed him on whether he supports the president’s plan, Allen said:
“I support what I’m for and my own ideas.”
What a coincidence. I, too, support what I’m for. On most occasions, I also oppose what I’m against. It’s nice of Sen. Allen to clear this up for us.
The substantive point here is also important. Republican support for Bush’s Social Security plan approach was weak, at best, before last week. Now that the president has embraced sweeping benefit cuts to middle-class families, Allen is balking. He won’t be the only one.