Noam Scheiber notes this amusing exchange between Karl Rove and Fox News’ Chris Wallace.

WALLACE: But, Mr. Rove, there was tremendous opposition from your own party on immigration reform and, frankly, not much support on Social Security reform.

ROVE: Well, look. On Social Security it’s a tough issue. This president campaigned, talked about it in 2000, talked about it in 2004. But it’s a difficult issue. I understand that. But again, inexplicable opposition from Democrats [made it impossible].

First, notice how Rove seemed to claim a mandate to privatize Social Security based on the fact that Bush “talked about it” during his two campaigns. In other words, as Rove sees it, Bush mentioned privatization, people voted for him, therefore the nation endorsed privatization. The talking point was a White House favorite for a while, despite being demonstrably false.

Second, the fact that Rove considers Democratic opposition to gutting a popular, successful Social Security system “inexplicable” is hilarious. All Bush tried to do was eliminate a bedrock Democratic issue with a reckless plan that the nation hated and couldn’t afford. And yet, it’s “inexplicable” that Dems would oppose it. They’re obviously history’s greatest monsters.