But if there is gridlock and no laws pass then the recovery will be due to what was in effect before the gridlock, so how can the GOP take credit for the recovery? They will, of course, but by what rationalization will they say that what they DID caused the recovery when they did nothing especially if doing nothing causes the Bush tax increases to take effect?Business will start to recover in earnest with no bullshit, "Saved or created" metrics.
As the 2 year long Progressive artillery barrage on American business comes to an end, US Entrepreneurs (God bless them, you can never keep them down) start leaving the safety of their foxholes and bomb shelters and start getting back to hiring, expanding and figuring out ways to make stuff better and cheaper.
And there you have it, Ladies and Germs. The narrative for the upcoming election 2012: The GOP did nothing and obstructed the Dems. The Dems managed somehow to pass legislation. The economy recovered BECAUSE the GOP was out of power. Vote for more socialism.
Unfortunately that might actually work on voters. It's completely wrong of course. The reality is:
The Democratic program and rhetoric destroyed the economy. The massive spending created fears of furthe tax increases down the road to pay for it. The new and burdensome regulatory schemes combined with the most anti-business rhetoric since FDR caused businesses to rethink any expansion. The GOP's coming to power will assure business that no new taxes or regulations will be levied and the Democratic program is basically dead. That will mean businesses can actually plan with some kind of confidence they wont get hit with new taxes, regulations, and/or mandates.