Upon hearing the news of his retirement, today, lots of people have been reminiscing about Barney Frank’s role in the financial crisis, and Charles Krauthammer certainly wasn’t going to let the day go by without getting his digs in.
I think that is how you remember him, the man who said… these two entities Fannie and Freddie are not facing any kind of financial crisis,” Krauthammer said. “It was unaffordable housing. That’s what he was pushing and trying to deflect those who were trying to reign in the entities.”
“Given the reward system in Washington, [the] man who was neglectful at least on the way up, gets to the author of the bill that is supposed to stop it from ever happening again,” he mused. “I would say that the best thing, most important thing he has ever done to prevent the crash ever happening again is what he did today — retire.”
As for Barney’s seat, there is some speculation today, that thanks to the 2010 redistricting, it could swing Republican. Sean Trende at RCP writes: Race to Replace Frank Could Be Competitive:
Massachusetts lost a seat in the 2010 decennial redistricting. In addition to eliminating that seat, state Democrats wanted to shore up the party’s performance in the former 10th district, in southeastern Massachusetts. As such, Frank’s district was changed fairly dramatically, and about half of it would have been new territory for him. In particular, the district lost some white working-class towns in the southern portion of the state to the 9th district (based on the old 10th), while adding some suburban territory.
Linked by Weasel Zippers, thanks!
November, 29, 2011 at 11:38 am
Or a sign that there is no more damage to be done, just blame to be apportioned.