The Presidency vs the Congress

[abluelady]

Of course I would love a Democratic President and Congress, but if we were only to get one, which would be to our advantage. My belief, not knowing whether I'm wrong or right, is if we have a heavy majority in the Senate, (I assume we will have a good majority in the House) we are better off than having a Democratic Prez and a small majority or heavens forbid a Repub congress. Thanks for your responses.

[ProfessorGAC]

1. Not Sure If I Understand

If i read this correcly, you're suggesting that we are better off with a dem prez, even if we have a small majority or are in the minority.

I suppose this would be better than the opposite, because dem presidents don't have the same tendency toward the imperial presidency. (At least not in the last half century.) This automatically makes the gov't operate closer to the strictures within the Constitution.

I'd say absent a dem congress, a pretty good compromise position would be Dem prez, Dem Senate, and Repub House. If you can't have it all, that combination would be pretty solid.
The Professor

[abluelady]

2. No, the Opposite

I think we're better off with a Congress heavy with Dems in the Senate. Had this discussion with a group last night. One participant thinks the Congress is worthless and the Prez holds all the cards. I guess I feel if we're strong in the Senate we can override vetos.

[ProfessorGAC]

3. That's What I Said

And i agree, but not for vetoes, before the override needs both houses. But, ambassadorships, treaties, and judges pass before the Senate.
My last thought in the earlier post says exactly what you're suggesting. Senate Majority and Dem prez is the second best option.


The person who said Congress is worthless just isn't paying attention. There will be convincing someone that obtuse.
The Professor