Nixon vs. Obama

[leftyjew]

According to an MPP student I trust, many of Obama's policies are to the right of Nixon's. Yes, Richard Nixon. For example, Nixon advocated for gov't-provided universal healthcare coverage, a strong environmental policy (he created the EPA), and several other policies (which I forget) that would today be considered progressive or socialist.... One might have been living wage policies.
He also used war as a tool to maintain his presidency, though, so.... we'll have to wait to see if Nixon beats Obama...

Comments

[nosockstorock.livejournal.com]

in many ways nixon was quite the lefty... especially on the environment (he not only created EPA, but also the clean air act and clean water act). the right wasn't always the most socially conservative (segregation, for instance, was more popular among democrats).

another thing to note is the power nixon gave to the presidency. he worked hard to make it the strongest branch. i think that's where some of this comes from (EPA is under the executive, which makes controlling the environment an executive issue instead of legislative, for instance).

also, yes, come visit. sowocki might be here, too. which is fine. i'm in favor.