01-29-2021, 04:20 PM
The defeat of Trump has revealed something perhaps more frightening than his presidency - the resilience of his sway in the republican party, the blue prints he's left for those still in power, and the multitudes that support both the means and ends of this method of governing.
The Dems have been debating - mostly internally - the best way to achieve their aims. How should the senate approach the filibuster rules? Is Biden signing too many executive orders? How do we govern in cooperation with Republicans?
I don't want to entirely dismiss these concerns. They should be thought about and inform how we execute but lets not kid ourselves, these questions are not ultimately important. Votes will not change based on senatorial procedural changes. Republicans are unlikely to join any legislative efforts unless the alternative might mean removal from office.
I think some in politics, particularly those who have been in the game are slow to see how things have changed. I too would like to see bipartisan cooperation but its foolish to think that the Democrats have any control in this. They should leave the door open only in so far as it does not slow down their agenda.
In my opinion, Democrats must govern with the understanding that they're ultimately fighting anti-democratic forces. When government fails to function, Republicans benefit as it plays into their world view. Republicans are going to try to limit the vote, increase gerrymandering, and entrench minority rule. This is a difficult battle but one that must be fought.
It will take 2-3 elections (6 years?) of significant losses for the Republican party to change their tune. We must remember that despite losing the presidency, they gained in the house and in state houses across the country.
I do not yet know what you do about all the little Trumps. Or the QAnon believers. What must occur for them to change their tune?
The Dems have been debating - mostly internally - the best way to achieve their aims. How should the senate approach the filibuster rules? Is Biden signing too many executive orders? How do we govern in cooperation with Republicans?
I don't want to entirely dismiss these concerns. They should be thought about and inform how we execute but lets not kid ourselves, these questions are not ultimately important. Votes will not change based on senatorial procedural changes. Republicans are unlikely to join any legislative efforts unless the alternative might mean removal from office.
I think some in politics, particularly those who have been in the game are slow to see how things have changed. I too would like to see bipartisan cooperation but its foolish to think that the Democrats have any control in this. They should leave the door open only in so far as it does not slow down their agenda.
In my opinion, Democrats must govern with the understanding that they're ultimately fighting anti-democratic forces. When government fails to function, Republicans benefit as it plays into their world view. Republicans are going to try to limit the vote, increase gerrymandering, and entrench minority rule. This is a difficult battle but one that must be fought.
It will take 2-3 elections (6 years?) of significant losses for the Republican party to change their tune. We must remember that despite losing the presidency, they gained in the house and in state houses across the country.
I do not yet know what you do about all the little Trumps. Or the QAnon believers. What must occur for them to change their tune?