The ‘If Both Parties Agree, It Must Be Bad’ Argument

If you paid any attention to the debate over Prop 14, the top two primary initiative, you probably heard the following argument trotted out: if both political parties agree on something, it must be bad.

Many, many smart people made this argument, even though it’s a demagogic argument that provides a way to avoid examining the substance of the issues. Of course, the determination to avoid examining the substance of the issue is the basic organizing principle of California political debate (and media coverage of same). And who can argue with success? Prop 14 won.

So when it comes to bigger controversies – particularly about our budget system – perhaps it’s time to stop marshaling evidence about the damage done to California by its twin supermajorities, on budgets and tax increases. It’s time to stop showing how two-thirds adds to spending and borrowing.

No, the better way to frame that debate is: Since the budget rules require the two parties to agree, it must be bad. Heck, every budget is a product of agreement between the two parties. So you can’t trust any budget. They’re all bad.