Only Nixon could go to China…and Obama…and Bush…and Clinton…and Bush….and Reagan.

Yesterday in China, Barack Obama followed in Nixon’s footsteps by traveling to the great wall.  While there, he examined the architecture, explored the wall’s historical implications, and did his damnedest to look like the Mao t-shirts that are landing CNN reporters in hot water.

Seriously.  All he needs is the hat.

Obama called the structure “magical,” noting that “It reminds you of the sweep of history and our time here on Earth is not that long. We better make the best of it.”

Speaking of the sweep of history, Obama would be wise to learn its lessons, as the similarities between his administration and Nixon’s are piling up.  Let’s look at a few:

He’s trapped in an unpopular war with no end in sight.
He’s been accused repeatedly of compiling enemies lists.
He’s gone to war with the press, and lost.
He constantly promises to restore America’s global ”status” – a staple of the ‘68 Nixon campaign.
He claims to seek bipartisanship, while doing everything in his power to ensure the other party is left out in the cold.
He’s faced large protests aimed squarely at his policies.

Amazingly, and most importantly, Nixon would have been a big fan of Obamacare.  Here he is, in 1974, discussing his proposal for federal health care reform:

“Early last year, I directed the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prepare a new and improved plan for comprehensive health insurance. That plan, as I indicated in my State of the Union message, has been developed and I am presenting it to the Congress today. I urge its enactment as soon as possible.

The plan is organized around seven principles:

First, it offers every American an opportunity to obtain a balanced, comprehensive range of health insurance benefits;

Second, it will cost no American more than he can afford to pay;
 
Third, it builds on the strength and diversity of our existing public and private systems of health financing and harmonizes them into an overall system;

Fourth, it uses public funds only where needed and requires no new Federal taxes;

Fifth, it would maintain freedom of choice by patients and ensure that doctors work for their patient, not for the Federal Government.

Sixth, it encourages more effective use of our health care resources;

And finally, it is organized so that all parties would have a direct stake in making the system work–consumer, provider, insurer, State governments and the Federal Government.” 

So, Democrats?  Congratulations on the New Nixon.  Here’s hoping Obama’s presidential tenure ends up just as well as tricky Dick’s.  In the meantime, I’m sure every one’s looking forward to his historic meeting with Elvis Presley:

- Robert Laurie