Capital Gains and Games

Will new OMB Director Jim Nussle ever be heard from again?

That's the question I I try to answer in this week's "Budget Battles" column on nationaljournal.com. 

There's little doubt that Nussle's preference is to get out there and score points for the White Houset.  He is combative, partisan, and likes to mix it up.  (Remember, this is the representative who made a speech on the House floor with a bag over his head to criticize the Democratic leadership. )

But Nussle is not likely to be allowed to do much publicly.  Almost since it began, the Bush White House has tried hard not to talk about the budget. 

The strategy has been simple.  If the administration doesn't talk about the budget, its opponents won't have a chance to respond.  That means no controversy and, therefore, no newst.  That, in turn, means no coverage.  No coverage means no issue.

Ask yourself the following: "When was the last time you remember a Bush OMB director or Treasury secretary making a major speech or appearing on a Sunday talk show to answer questions about the budget?

Better question: What is the last significant print, radio, or television news report on the budget you remember?

Even better question: Do you have any doubt the Bush strategy has worked perfectly?