Auto sales gains a reminder that GOP almost drove automakers over the cliff

I wonder how many of those right-wing ideologues who denounced "the bailout" took a moment to absorb the November auto sales figures that show General Motors and Ford clearly positioned in first and second in U.S. market share and Chrysler at No. 4, behind Toyota.

Just another unfriendly reminder that, if those Southern GOP senators had their way in 2008-09, the American auto industry would be dead and much of the U.S. manufacturing base would be gone. Rather than putting American interests first, they stuck to their purist economic talking-points.

The idea that by 2012 the Detroit Three would be selling nearly a half million cars per month was impossible, according to these neophytes.

Never forget that those who opposed the bridge loans said the aid would be like pouring money down the drain. They said nobody wants to buy American cars.

Well … not only would those Dixie Dumbbells be amazed to learn that today Chrysler sells more vehicles than Honda, they would probably be stupefied to discover that Chrysler, three years after managed bankruptcy, sells more than Volkswagen and Hyundai – combined.

When stacked up against their competition – 18 foreign automakers – the Detroit Three lay claim to half of the 20 best-selling models in the country.

Looking back, it’s quite a relief that we avoided going over the ’08-09 cliff by ignoring the back-seat drivers in the Senate.