Sharron Angle has a new ad out today that attack’s Harry Reid where he’s strongest, i.e. his tenure and power as majority leader. Reid’s slogan — “No one can do more” — comes under assault as Angle blames Reid for Nevada’s high unemployment rate, foreclosure rate and bankruptcy rate.
But if, as Angle suggests, it’s not the job of a U.S. senator to create jobs, then isn’t it hypocritical for her to attack Reid for failing to create more jobs? Or is it only the fact that Reid believes it is part of his job to increase employment that leaves him exclusively vulnerable to that charge?
How, then, should we judge Angle, if she wins? If Angle fails to eliminate the Department of Education, transition out of Social Security and Medicare or make alcohol illegal (the same as marijuana), should she be vulnerable in a hypothetical re-election bid six years hence to an ad that questions her effectiveness?
As an incumbent, Reid is a victim of the economy, although it’s difficult to argue that Reid personally caused a foreclosure crisis or a recession that led to more bankruptcies. (Even before the recession, Nevada saw a thriving bankruptcy industry, it must be noted.) Inasmuch as people are upset about the economy and trying to fix blame, the ad will have some effect. But inasmuch as Reid can — and has — countered with a long list of things that he personally has done for Nevada, those effects may be limited.
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