Political process question for civics wonks

[mysteryowl]

Excuse my ignorance, but why is congress (and the senate) set up that only one person at the helm makes all decisions for what happens? Was it always this way that the speaker was the gate-keeper?

Thanks.

[Wounded Bear]

1. It has pretty much always been this way, although McConnell has taken it to new levels...

The Constitution states pretty unequivocally that Congress sets and defines their own rules.

It is historically bad now because Repubs are willing to exploit basic weaknesses in the original plan.

[mysteryowl]

2. Thank you for your reply

[StarfishSaver]

4. That's not actually the case, although it seems like it

The Speaker has a lot of power but that power comes from the caucus that she represents.

Part of that power is to make sure that the whole caucus is represented not just segments of it. It's also to make sure she doesn't walk the entire caucus off the gangplank by holding a vote she knows will fail if taken today and shut down any chance being able to actually hold Trump accountable since they'll only have one bite of the apple. That also includes not forcing the entire caucus into taking actions that a significant portion of the caucus is not in favor of.

For example, in the case of impeachment, while a significant and very vocal portion of the Democratic base supports it, a large segment of the House Democratic Caucus does not and Pelosi has an obligation to them as well as to the rest of the caucus. She doesn't represent oy the progressives.

If the shoe were on the other foot, and a different minority of the caucus - let's say the Blue Dogs - wanted to take an action that the progressives were opposed to, I doubt those who are now calling for Pelosi to force an impeachment vote at this point would be so willing for her to force that vote before the progressives were ready to support it.

Bottom line, Pelosi is not forcing her will on the caucus. She is trying to ensure that the well of the entire caucus is addressed, something's very difficult to do when there is a disagreement in the group. but it's important to remember that this is not an either-or situation. She is not saying that impeachment will never happen. I think on the end, everyone will get what they want. Those who don't support impeachment now will eventually get there - at least enough of them to get to 218-while the pro impeachment now group will get the impeachment they're seeking.

[mysteryowl]

5. Thank you for your reply and explanation.

Thanks for taking the time to write that up. It is a well-rounded explanation as well.

[StarfishSaver]

6. Glad to do it and that you find it helpful!

Last edited Sun Sep 22, 2019, 01:46 PM - Edit history (1)

I'll also add that one of the Speaker's roles is to serve as a lightning rod for her caucus, drawing the fire and heat away from them to give them the time and space to get to where they need to be.

Pelosi is getting dragged all over the place on impeachment, mainly because she's taking the hits for the Members who aren't ready to impeach yet. But one of the reasons she's there is that she has the strength and ability to withstand the incoming on their behalf without buckling.

[mysteryowl]

7. Okay.

I can understand you explanation. I also can see what is respected about Pelosi with the explanation you have given. She is indeed withstanding a mountain of heat and fire, with grace I might add.

So, if impeachment is what is desired, it the reps holding it at bay to put pressure on them.

Thanks for your level, and well rounded dialog.