O'REILLY: The aftermath of [Hurricane] Katrina has produced a debate over poor Americans. There are about 37 million people living below the poverty line right now... Halfway through President Clinton's tenure in office in 1996, the poverty rate was 13.7 percent. Halfway through President Bush's tenure, the rate is 12.7 percent, a full point lower.
Looks good for the president, doesn't it? It is a full percentage point better than Clinton.
But wait... Lets really look at the numbers from the US census bureau.
When Clinton took office from George Bush Sr. the poverty rate was 15.1%. Under Clinton, the poverty rate fell ever single year of his presidency. He handed it over to Bush Jr. at 11.3% in 2000. Under Bush, it has climbed every year to now be at 12.7% in 2004. So, yes. In 1996, the poverty rate was 13.7%, which is higher that it is now. But, now it is 1.4% higher than when Bush took office.
Clinton - drop of 3.8% in poverty.
Bush - raise of 1.4% in poverty.
Still want to give those accolades Mr. O'Reilly?
2 comments:
Good post- really.
In fairness, the 9/11 spillover effect has yet to be understood, but in the end, the numbers do count.
There is good news, on the economic front. Unemployment is at a low. That trend does appear to have legs, so the poverty rate should drop over time.
I hope it does. This in one of those things that you don't care who takes credit. Just get the job done.
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