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“Not a Stimulus bill. It’s just a spending bill.” That was Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) just a few moments ago on Fox.

There are obviously very basic disagreements between Democrats and Republicans on this issue, which is fine. There’s nothing wrong with that. But I think of all the Republicans I’ve heard making nonsensical points about this bill, Sen. DeMint (R-SC) is running way ahead of every other competitor, certainly ahead of any other senator.

A short DeMint wish-list.

Can someone point out to me any case where an interviewer presses DeMint on the point that stimulus bills are by definition spending bills. Please someone send me this link or a time when it happens on TV. You’re trying to counter the drop off in the demand that is causing the recession.

I’m told DeMint isn’t a dolt, which is hard to tell from recent TV appearances, just an anti-government radical who thinks the government shouldn’t take any role in trying to cushion the effects of economic downturns or having any policy response to possible economic catastrophes. But really, he’s getting a crazy free ride here.

Josh Marshall

Josh Marshall is editor and publisher of TalkingPointsMemo.com.

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