President Clinton wanted to have a government “that lives within its means,” and due to a variety of factors he achieved that goal. President Obama shares responsibility for trillion-dollar annual deficits and one-third of our centuries-old national debt.
President Clinton faced a hostile and aggressive Republican Congress. And his capabilities as a political leader allowed him to find common ground with Republicans and get things done: free trade, welfare reform, and a balanced budget. (All distinctly right-leaning policies.) President Obama also faced a hostile and aggressive Republican Congress. And his capabilities as a political leader allowed him to … well, blame them for being hostile and aggressive.
Both presidents are firmly rooted in separate American traditions. Both traditions are worthy of respect, have millions of adherents, and are well-represented in American life. President Clinton is a moderate Democrat with many (Burkean) conservative views — views which argue that government policy should inculcate classical values (e.g., hard work) and good moral character in the citizens. President Obama is a turn-of-the-century progressive with communitarian views — views which marginalize the role of the individual and emphasize the role of society (improperly) understood as government. President Clinton shrunk the deficit dramatically, even past zero; President Obama increased it. President Clinton was an extraordinary political leader who managed to work with Republicans to get things done; President Obama, not so much.
Like him or not, President Obama is not Bill Clinton. That’s not an insult. It’s not a compliment. It’s a fact.
Michael R. Strain and Stan A. Veuger are research fellows at the American Enterprise Institute.
