GOP’s fatal do-nothing problem: Why everything changes once Republicans have to govern
- Thread starter dbphoenix
- Start date
"Let’s just go ahead and assume that the Republicans are going to win control of the Senate. It’s a safe assumption, given the trajectories of the toss-up races and the fact that Arkansas and Colorado appear to have slipped away from the Democrats. It’s also increasingly clear that reporters and pundits are less and less willing to entertain notions of an unexpected Democratic resurgence. When the writing’s on the wall, people can’t help but read it.
"As such, there’s been a glut of stories lately on how, exactly, a Republican-dominated Congress would govern. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy talked to Politico and said that the GOP is going to have to implement some changes when it comes into power and actually work to pass an agenda that has a chance of making it past President Obama’s veto pen. Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio talked to the Atlantic’s Molly Ball and said that a Republican majority in the Senate will work to hammer out compromises with the administration: “He mentioned tax reform, a ‘grand bargain’ on the budget, an energy bill — perhaps something that combines Keystone XL pipeline approval with reductions in carbon emissions — and new free-trade agreements.”
"Such a lovely vision of bipartisan comity! All it’s missing is any plausible scenario in which it could come to pass.
"I’m a pessimist in this regard, in case you couldn’t tell. I don’t doubt that there’s a sincere desire among some factions within the GOP to actually work with the Democrats and the administration to implement policy. The problem is that there are so many other Republican factions that view compromise as heretical, and they make it impossible for the Republicans to actually govern. And that’s not just my assessment; that’s what the Republicans say, too."
Lot of truth there. If reps want to contrast themselves with our "do nothing President", they'll have to do something. They'll either make things better, doubtful but welcome, or they'll make things worse, not welcome, but strategically useful.
"As such, there’s been a glut of stories lately on how, exactly, a Republican-dominated Congress would govern. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy talked to Politico and said that the GOP is going to have to implement some changes when it comes into power and actually work to pass an agenda that has a chance of making it past President Obama’s veto pen. Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio talked to the Atlantic’s Molly Ball and said that a Republican majority in the Senate will work to hammer out compromises with the administration: “He mentioned tax reform, a ‘grand bargain’ on the budget, an energy bill — perhaps something that combines Keystone XL pipeline approval with reductions in carbon emissions — and new free-trade agreements.”
"Such a lovely vision of bipartisan comity! All it’s missing is any plausible scenario in which it could come to pass.
"I’m a pessimist in this regard, in case you couldn’t tell. I don’t doubt that there’s a sincere desire among some factions within the GOP to actually work with the Democrats and the administration to implement policy. The problem is that there are so many other Republican factions that view compromise as heretical, and they make it impossible for the Republicans to actually govern. And that’s not just my assessment; that’s what the Republicans say, too."
Lot of truth there. If reps want to contrast themselves with our "do nothing President", they'll have to do something. They'll either make things better, doubtful but welcome, or they'll make things worse, not welcome, but strategically useful.
Sometimes not acting is progress. Blocking anything obama wants is good enough for me.
So the "do nothing" can rightfully be blamed on the blockers. We knew that, but thank you.
Of course.
Even if the Repubs control both houses, little will get done. Congress will pass legislation, Odumbo will veto.
However... the Repubs will have the opportunity to create "official record of policies". When the 2016 elections come around, they'll be able to point to "this and that legislation, passed by both houses".. all of which Odumbo vetoed. And should/could help the Repubs secure the WH in 2016.
Repubs will have a grand opportunity to do the country some genuine good. Let's hope they've wised up some and don't drop the ball yet again.
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Fortunately, we have such lists of rep obstructionism already compiled. Yep, they're "official"!
thats all cute and democrat but lets look at the alternative...
Do nothing or Spend a trillion and destroy health care for those who work and not do much for those who dont.
Do nothing or send money and material to the muslim brotherhood and pali terrorists
Do nothing or raise taxes on the working class
Do nothing or let ebola in
Do nothing and let illegals in
Do nothing or give amnesty
Do nothing or have the IRS go after americans for political purposes
Do nothing or Spend a trillion and destroy health care for those who work and not do much for those who dont.
Do nothing or send money and material to the muslim brotherhood and pali terrorists
Do nothing or raise taxes on the working class
Do nothing or let ebola in
Do nothing and let illegals in
Do nothing or give amnesty
Do nothing or have the IRS go after americans for political purposes
your obama apology plays have gotten very stale.
even the millenials are dumping your neo USSR team.
even the millenials are dumping your neo USSR team.