Critics say that the Bush tax increase caused the 1990 recession. According to Richard G. Darman, "the tax increase went into effect in the 3rd quarter of the recession, which ended the next quarter, after which there were 7 straight quarters of economic growth" (Richard Darman, Miller Center Forum, December 13, 1996).

In the 1992 election, the populace at large was not very concerned about Bush breaking a promise not to raise taxes. They were concerned about the "change in the character of the economy and the increased economic risk (associated with) not being able to get jobs if fired" (Richard Darman, Miller Center Forum, December 13, 1996).

"Clinton understood this insecurity and could emphathize with it." Unfortunately, "Bush is not as great an emphathizer and (in this situation) was culturally disadvantaged" (Richard Darman, Miller Center Forum, December 13, 1996).

-- Richard G. Darman, director of the Office of Management and Budget in the Bush administration and current member of the Carlyle Group, speaking at a Miller Center Forum in Charlottesville, Virginia on December 13, 1996.