The Associated Press reports that Census Bureau data due next week will show a record increase in the poverty rate. There is much that could be said about this–“poverty” isn’t what it used to be–but what is interesting to me is how the AP ties the news to the Obama administration and the Democrats:
The number of people in the U.S. who are in poverty is on track for a record increase on President Barack Obama’s watch, with the ranks of working-age poor approaching 1960s levels that led to the national war on poverty. …
It’s unfortunate timing for Obama and his party just seven weeks before important elections when control of Congress is at stake.
The anticipated poverty rate increase–from 13.2 percent to about 15 percent–would be another blow to Democrats struggling to persuade voters to keep them in power.
The Democrats, of course, are like the arsonist who works for the fire department. They will argue that soaring poverty demands more government spending. But if even the AP is onto them, they will have trouble selling that line.
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