What happens when representative government ceases to function? When, instead of governing, one party sees its role as simply a never-ending effort to block the ideas of the other party. This is the 2021 GOP. It was also the GOP in 2008 and ‘12 and now here we are again. Not exactly the party of new ideas!
But is it a winning strategy for the Republicans? It seems they believe to win the majority in 2022, all you need to do is put your feet up and and say no. The voters will coming running to those who have no ideas! Interesting, because polling has shown Americans are in favor of an active government, one that will help in time of need, like now. We mention this because of what Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is said earlier this week:
“One-hundred percent of our focus is on stopping this new administration. We’re confronted with severe challenges from a new administration, and a narrow majority of Democrats in the House and a 50-50 Senate to turn America into a socialist country, and that’s 100 percent of my focus.”
Sen. Mitch mcconnell (r-ky)
President Biden is responding to McConnell’s comments optimistically;
“He said that about the last administration — about Barack, that he was going to stop everything and I was able to get a lot done with him.”
But his press secretary put it a different way.
MSNBC’s Steve Benen points out:
McConnell could’ve said he’s focused on helping address the devastating pandemic or economic recovery. The Senate Republicans’ leader similarly could’ve said his priorities include tackling key national priorities and working with a White House that’s desperate to strike congressional compromises.
But instead, McConnell told the truth — or at least the truth as he sees it — about how he intends to use his power.
But is this just an old tactic by a seasoned pol just looking to play to the base? One Democrat has a different take.