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Obama Must Be a Goo-Goo: Krugman

That's a good-government wonk, much like FDR

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 26, 2008 9:07 AM CST

(Newser) – Bill Clinton once declared that “the era of big government is over.” Barack Obama can’t do that, writes Paul Krugman of the New York Times. “Indeed, he has to be a goo-goo.” Goo-goo being a century-old term for “good government” proponents. FDR, for example, was a classic goo-goo. He expanded government and improved its reputation at the same time.

He did that by building oversight directly into the New Deal and building a real rapport with the public. Obama must follow suit, making sure his stimulus plan is rigorously structured and completely pork-free. As for the rapport building, Democrats aren’t off to a great start. The possible Caroline Kennedy coronation validates conservative propaganda denouncing "liberal elites," and Obama’s luxury Hawaiian vacation isn't a great image for the financially frightened.

Franklin Roosevelt was a world-class goo-goo. (AP Photo)

President-elect Barack Obama greets soldiers as they eat Christmas dinner at Marine Corp Base Hawaii in Kailua, Hawaii Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

In this Dec. 19, 2008, file photo, President-elect Barack Obama speaks at a news conference in Chicago. (AP Photo)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 2 of 2 comments

jaguarj

Dec 26, 2008 11:34 PM CST

Oh Krugman..f-----g hang it up already. Find something better to comment on. Leave the guy alone....don't wear yourself out it isn't Jan 20th yet.

kokuaguy

Dec 26, 2008 10:24 PM CST

Since the NYT doesn't allow comments on its editorials, I'll have to leave mine here on Newser. I love Newser, by the was. It's replaced the Google News page for me. Krugman's slap at the Obama's Christmas in Hawaii was unnecessary. A Nobel laureate does not need to proffer the obligatory nod in the direction of being "fair and balanced" -- especially in this case. Of course the Obama party rented and apporpriately secure and well appointed quarters for this trip to his home state to honor his grandmother (who helped raise him) at her memorial service. When he's actually the President, next year, if the recession has worsened, would be a good time to scale back his holiday plans, perhaps. By going to Camp David, as the Bushes have every year for 8 years. Where would Krugman have had the POTUS elect and his family and entourage stay? The Ramada Inn?

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Obama Must Be a Goo-Goo: Krugman

That's a good-government wonk, much like FDR

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Barack Obama • New Deal • Franklin D. Roosevelt • economic stimulus package • President Obama

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'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

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Obama Must Be a Goo-Goo: Krugman

That's a good-government wonk, much like FDR

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • New Deal • Franklin D. Roosevelt • economic stimulus package • President Obama

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

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Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?