Just as Clinton and Gore did, John Kerry has started to make his peace with the market economy, in rhetoric in any case. From a Wall Street Journal interview comes the following (thanks P&S):
- I have historically always been what I would call a responsible, thoughtful Democrat who respects the laws of economics, and how money works, the psychology of the marketplace, the importance of confidence and fiscal responsibility.
- I put myself in the responsible, open up markets, continue trade, trade responsibly, but be fiscally responsible. I think you’ve got to send Wall Street the right signals about your fiscal policy. I think the marketplace needs to have confidence that you’re not going down some hole that increases our reliance on foreign debt...
- Now I don’t want the Canadian health-care system. I have a free-market choice-oriented system based on market principles. But it’s got very powerful incentives in it. For people to behave a certain way, and differently. I would think American business would jump up and down and welcome what I’m offering. It’s an enormous reduction in the cost of doing business. It will significantly make our companies more competitive. It significantly leaves total choice to people. It’s not a government mandate.
- I’ve learned the lessons of ‘93. I didn’t even sign on to the Clinton (health plan) in ‘93. I looked at it and said “Whoa. Too many boxes. Too bureaucratic. Too much government.”
- I think I am American business’s friend. Personally, I think I’d be more effective for business than this administration, because this administration is squandering the consensus that we have been busy building for years for trade. And they’ve also squandered relations around the world that we need to do business. They’re losing American jobs around the world. People don’t want to do business with us. There’s too much baggage that comes with it....
- I also voted to lower taxes 800-and-some times. I mean let’s not be stupid about this.
- WSJ: In 2006, Alan Greenspan is going to be forced to retire. So who are you going to replace him with? KERRY: I’d certainly look to somebody like a Bob Rubin.
