Rep. Cantor Claims GOP Isn't Trying To Scare The Public

During a meeting at the White House yesterday, President Obama reportedly told Republican congressional leaders to "stop trying to frighten the American people" about his agenda. 

Of course, as Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) made clear, that's not likely to happen any time soon:

Republicans rejected Obama's argument that they were making matters worse by frightening Americans.

"That's just not the case," Cantor said in an interview. "It's the policies that are stoking fear."     

Really? Let's review.

When the president called for legislation to fight climate change and reduce our dependence on foreign oil, Republicans claimed it would kill jobs and raise taxes.  It won't. 

When the president called for health care reform that would expand access, increase competition, and reduce costs, Republicans called it a "government takeover" and invented "death panels." They were lying. 

When, just a few weeks ago, the administration announced it would serve justice to Khalid Sheik Mohammed in federal court, Republicans responded with a series of hyperbolic warnings; one Republican lawmaker declared that the mayor of New York's daughter would be "kidnapped by a terrorist."  

If the American people are frightened by the administration's policies, it's likely because Republicans have spent most of their energy this year trying to scare the bejesus out of them.