Obama Recarbonates the Soda Tax Talks, Gives Yet Another Glimpse Into Political Psyche

Just when you thought the idea had (rightfully) fizzled, President Obama may have recarbonated the conversation about a tax on soda and sugar-sweetened drinks.  In an interview with Men's Health published on Monday, the President said that a tax on these types of drinks was "an idea that we should be exploring." 

President Obama's statement gives us yet another glimpse into his mind, and into his view of the role of government:

"Look, people's attitude is that they don't necessarily want Big Brother telling them what to eat or drink, and I understand that. It is true though, that if you wanted to make a big impact on people's health in this country, reducing things like soda consumption would be helpful."

So he understands that people don't like nanny-stateism, but he doesn't care, because he knows what is good for you.

There's a pattern here.  Our own John Kartch reminds us on the American Spectator blog that the president has a "habit of giving a verbal head-fake to Americans' limited-government sentiments while simultaneously pushing to expand the role of government."

But Obama's statement is not just another example of the above-referenced habit, it also stands direct contradiction to, and if enacted would be yet another direct violation of, his promise not to raise taxes on families making less than $250,000 a year - a campaign promise he renewed just last month. But maybe the President thinks only high-income earners drink soda...

If his signing of the cigarette tax hike earlier this year is any indication, then Obama's renewed vow not to raise taxes on families making less than $250,000 may have been just another "verbal head-fake."   He understands that people don't like higher taxes, but ...

There are plenty of good reasons reasons why the proposal to use a soda tax as a funding option for a health care overhaul hike fizzled a while ago (we listed them here).  However, the President has decided that a soda tax is good for you.  Hopefully Congress disagrees.

Photo credit: karen_d

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