Rove: Thanks, Obama, for Boosting the GOP

Republican opposition to bill 'redefined' the party

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 12, 2009 8:15 AM CST

(Newser) – The Dems may ultimately have gotten their way with the stimulus bill, but the GOP has gotten a lift from the debate process, Karl Rove writes in the Wall Street Journal. Republicans pointed out specific flaws in the bill while introducing ideas of their own, thereby reducing popular support for the bill. “Obama has already re-energized the GOP and sparked a spending debate that will last for years.”

Republicans pulled support from the bill by showing “that it is a massive spending spree, not an economic stimulus,” Rove writes. But they maintained a gracious image in a continued dialogue with Obama. Still, “if Republicans predict economic doom, they will overplay their hand”—the economy will recover on its own, and the Dems will take credit for it.

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President Barack Obama speaks during a town hall style meeting about the economic stimulus package, Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, at Concord Community High School in Elkhart, Ind. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Republican Congressional leaders talk to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, after a meeting with President Barack Obama to discuss the economy. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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House Republicans have used the stimulus bill to redefine their party, present ideas on how to revive the economy, and force congressional Democrats and the president to take ownership of spending programs. - Karl Rove

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Rove: Thanks, Obama, for Boosting the GOP