[finnbow]

I thought it might be interesting to start a running list of conventional wisdom in politics proven wrong (or at least strongly challenged) by concrete examples of action/inaction by the Parties.

Here a few examples:

Republicans were the ardent anti-communists:
Nixon's 1972 trip to China to normalize relations.

Republicans are anti-regulation:
Nixon signs legislation creating OSHA and EPA.

Democrats support "Welfare Queens."
Clinton signs welfare reform.

Republicans are the party of fiscal responsibilty:
Clinton balances the budget, Dubya trashes it.

Republicans are the party of "family values":
Gingrich, Craig, Ensign, Sanford, ...

Republicans will reduce entitlement programs:
Bush signs Medicare Drug program.

Republicans are against expanded role for Federal Gov't in education:
Bush signs No Child Left Behind

Republicans are better on national defense:
Bush/Rumsfeld/Cheney debacle in Iraq

Republicans are tougher on terrorists:
9/11 occurs on Bush's watch (after specific warnings),
U.S. Forces bail at Tora Bora

Republicans are the party of law & order:
Gonzales Justice Dep't abuses

GOP is the party of personal responsibility:
The infamous quote made famous by Nixon, Reagan, "Mistakes were made."

You get the idea. Keep them coming.