OPINION

Van Hollen Recycles 2012 Campaign Rhetoric: Ryan Budget is 'Trickery,' Hurts 'Middle Class'

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Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, knows Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) well. The two are often paired against each other in media interviews, debating budget issues in a calm and respectful manner. So it is somewhat surprising, and disappointing, to see that Van Hollen attempt to pre-empt Ryan's new budget, which balances within ten years, by accusing it of hurting "middle class, seniors, veterans, women, children, federal employees, low-income families, and those nearing retirement."

That is a response worthy of the demagoguery of President Barack Obama, not a serious budget analyst.