Daily Herald Editorial

Power in the House of Representatives changed hands on Wednesday with many fine words and many ceremonial flourishes. But amidst the pomp were signals that the new majority may already be preparing to backtrack on lavish campaign pledges, suggesting that Americans need once again remind themselves to view election-time promises with a harsh eye instead of rose-colored glasses.

A key piece of incoming Republicans’ campaign efforts, and a centerpiece of many speeches since, has been a pledge to cut $100 billion of federal spending within a year. That the pledge was beyond possible should have been apparent to voters because $100 billion represents about 16 percent of discretionary, domestic spending and because a big chunk of the 2011 fiscal year has already passed. Now, national media reports say that Congressional aides are referring to the $100 billion figure as “hypothetical.” That sounds like a preliminary to simply not following up.

Politicians have long known that Americans aren’t very good at keeping track of campaign promises. It will be interesting to see whether this one, which was voiced so grandly and so often, will actually stir a reaction from among those who thought they were voting for change.

It is, at least theoretically, still possible for the new majority to keep its pledge, even if the likelihood is slim. If the promise isn’t met, we hope that voters will resolve to expect more realistic claims for candidates, next time around.