There's Only One Way to End Gridlock in Washington

[sheshe2]

As Democrats are in the midst of a presidential primary where candidates and the media are focused on drawing distinctions between their proposed agendas, it is important to keep something in mind. Like it or not, there are only two political parties in the U.S. that will eventually compete for our votes. When it comes to the issues that are of most concern to Americans right now, the gulf between those two parties is incredibly wide.

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Perhaps even more important than these specific issues is the fact that, other than racist fear-mongering and tax cuts for the wealthy, Republicans don’t really have an agenda. Instead, they have been content to simply block anything Democrats support.

A lot of Americans are disgusted by the stalemate that has consumed our politics for years now. That’s why it is critical to accurately diagnose what is causing the gridlock. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been clear that he likes being called “the grim reaper” and revels in overseeing the legislative body where bills go to die. In other words, he’s willing to brag about Republicans being the cause of gridlock.

Personally, I will never forget that in 2009, when America was careening towards another Great Depression—losing about 800,000 jobs per month—it was Mitch McConnell and his Republican colleagues who launched their strategy of total obstruction, rallying their troops to oppose anything Democrats attempted to do to address the situation. At the point that Americans needed them the most, they were more interested in making Obama a one-term president than doing their job. That’s why it doesn’t surprise me to see the same party put political power over country in their defense of Donald Trump.

Read More: https://washingtonmonthly.com/2019/09/20/theres-only-one-way-to-end-gridlock-in-washington/

This is why I don't understand some people. Some always blame Democrats for everything that is wrong with the world. Fact is it is the Repubs, pure and simple.

Every time we take office, ie Obama, it takes years for our President to clean up their mess. It was a near Depression. He was slammed here on DU for not addressing their issues fast enough. He promised!!!! Unbelievable.

[guillaumeb]

1. Recommended, but with a caveat.

There are two ways.

One, the GOP decides to work with the Democrats, and relearn the concept of compromise.

Two, the GOP loses control of the Congress and Presidency.

My guess is that only #2 is possible.

[sheshe2]

3. Forget the first.

The second is possible if Dems get off their ass and vote instead of nursing a grudge because their candidate did not win.

I vote for the Democratic candidate that wins the GE. I do not write a name in. I do not vote third party and I do not SIT OUT THE VOTE!

[guillaumeb]

7. Are you saying voting is important?

Agreed, which is why I have never missed an election after becoming able to vote.

But Democratic turnout, especially in 2010, was a huge factor in the rise of the GOP.

[sheshe2]

8. LOL...

Yep.

……………….

2010.

The heavy Democratic Party losses in 2010 were attributed to anger at President Obama, opposition to the Affordable Care Act, large budget deficits and the weak economy. This is my point. Blame Obama for what the GOP did. Blame the Democrat and not the Republicans that did the wrecking of our economy.

[guillaumeb]

9. The losses of 2010 are attributable tto one thing. Voter laziness.

And some voter craziness.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. I remember at the start of the 2008 election, seeing all the Democratic candidates on the stage

And my first thought was - after all that had gone on, all the cleanup s/he would have to do, who would want the job now?? Little did I imagine how much more mind bendingly horrific it would get!

[sheshe2]

4. Goddess.

I remember the stock market plunging. The fear and panic. Obama suspended his campaign and went to Washington to do what he could to stop the hemorrhaging of our economy. You thought that was bad, it will be a lot worse when someone replaces tRump.

[George II]

5. I remember how Obama got bashed here almost immediately after he took office....

....he "wasn't moving fast enough" on things, some wanted everything he promised to be fulfilled by the end of February. I disappeared for about two years because of that.

[sheshe2]

6. I was reading DU back then.

I joined 10/12 spent a lot of time in the BOG. I did not feel that Obama was welcome here. Blew my mind.

[Amimnoch]

13. Seeing it today already..

House/Senate/Presidency, and right now we only have the House. Do I even need to point out the dozens if not hundreds of threads now attacking Pelosi for “not moving fast enough”?

[VarryOn]

10. California is our model...

Absolute control over government. Republicans are relegated to the corner, neutered.

Just look at all the things Gov Newsom has been able to agressively accomplish without having to deal with opposition...

Reduce CA National Guard at the border
Moratorium on executions
Improved renters' protection from greedy landlords
Gave school districts more authority over charter school petitons
Expanded the number of eligible for MediCal
Made it harder for companies to classify employees as independent contractors

With more time, he and the Democrats will make it an even better place to live!

[betsuni]

11. It's like a national blindspot.

Republicans can blatantly break all the rules for partisan gain and brag about it in public and nothing happens: they have nothing to fear except for primaries, enjoy their own media empire and infinite funding. Dick Cheney literally shot someone in the face and the guy apologized to HIM. But everything's Democratic Mommy's fault. Why can't they see the future and exactly what Republicans are going to do and do exactly the right thing to stop something before it happens? Should've done this! Shouldn't have done that!

I just saw a good comment about FDR. (Sick of seeing him dragged in to insult 21st century Democrats.) They said, people didn't suddenly wake up in 1932 with the Great Depression and notice that capitalism was screwing them and elect FDR. Politicians around the country were getting elected on progressive platforms, unions were organizing. What was stopping them was the courts. FDR strong-armed the courts with threats of court packing. The Russian Revolution inspired people. Also, with the Depression and the dust bowl affecting agriculture, people were demanding the government do something. In those days Republicans wouldn't have been reelected if they didn't vote to do something. With large majorities in both chambers of the House, it was possible.

Democrats are stuck trying to glue the country back together after Republicans tear it apart, with only slight majorities if at all.

[sheshe2]

12. Exactly this.

Democrats are stuck trying to glue the country back together after Republicans tear it apart, with only slight majorities if at all.

Every dayum time! Every time. Then they are demonized for not fixing it fast enough. Obama sure was.

[NurseJackie]

14. We even had "allies" who wanted him to be primaried!

It was a near Depression. He was slammed here on DU for not addressing their issues fast enough. He promised!!!! Unbelievable.

We even had "allies" who wanted him to be primaried! That would only serve to WEAKEN our party's president and DIVIDE the party. What good purpose would that have served?

It was a treacherous thing for any so-called ally to suggest or demand or threaten. Selfish and dangerous.

And that's all I'll say about that for obvious reasons... my feelings on this subject are well known... it makes me angry to talk about... and there's no need in repeating myself yet again.