With Pentagon officials predicting a war against Iraq could cost more than $95 billion, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-7th) sharply criticized President Bush for his "failed" economy.
DNC Chairman McAuliffe and Davis predicted the deficit will soar even higher.
"It's the worst kind of economic policy one can dream up," Davis told the Chicago Defender. "Turkey wants more than $87 billion...just in order for us to use their land..." to attack Iraq.
"The whole Bush program seems to be how do we sink the country.... War plus voodoo economics equal disaster, and I think that is where we're headed," Davis warned.
McAuliffe agreed saying: "As a result of President Bush's failed economic policies, this month consumer confidence plummeted to its lowest level in nearly ten years, plunging from a revised index of 78.8 in January to 64.0 in February, far below the forecasted 77.0.
"This dramatic 15 point drop in consumer confidence is a sign that George Bush's unwillingness to be honest with America about the true costs and effects of his economic policies is eating away at his credibility," the chairman said.
"It will be impossible to restore confidence in our economy without an honest debate.
"Bush's irresponsible tax plan, continuing job losses, rising costs, and the threat of war and terrorism all continue to affect our economic outlook.
"For our lackluster economy -- with no recovery in sight and an administration unwilling to engage in honest debate -- we can, yet again, thank George Bush's failed leadership."
In the interim, officials say the nation's consumer confidence is crumbling.
Whatever the price, Congress must approve Bush's war budget, and members of the Black Congressional Caucus and other progressive congressmen say they'll oppose a price tag that Davis said could be better spent on improving America's education and other employment needs.
Photograph (Danny K. Davis)
