Trying to get clear on the rhetoric--on who is actually saying what, and why--may not be actual "governance," but it is a big part of democratic politics nonetheless, because it makes it more understandable to a divided electorate what elected majorities can and cannot do. And, in that sense, it's not a waste of time.
But does it clarify the rhetoric in a way that hasn't already been done in congressional debates, op-ed pages, and TV and radio talk shows over the past ten months? I don't think so. And, at this point in the discussion, nothing has been said that will change the existing political dynamic or popular aversion to the bills on the table.
At the end of the day, the Democrats are either going to have to try to cram it down (and accept any fallout from that decision), walk away from it, or swallow their pride and work across the aisle for incremental measures for cost control and targeted coverage expansion. Tough decision, but with their man in the White House and solid majorities in Congress, the ball is totally in their court, as it has been all along.
The Dems are determined to execute their suicide attack on the Constitution. But those who don't make it back will get a lot of consolation benefits delivered by the President and the Chicago Mob.
Total dog and pony show.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.politico.com/news/stories/0210/33510.html
Trying to get clear on the rhetoric--on who is actually saying what, and why--may not be actual "governance," but it is a big part of democratic politics nonetheless, because it makes it more understandable to a divided electorate what elected majorities can and cannot do. And, in that sense, it's not a waste of time.
ReplyDeleteBut does it clarify the rhetoric in a way that hasn't already been done in congressional debates, op-ed pages, and TV and radio talk shows over the past ten months? I don't think so. And, at this point in the discussion, nothing has been said that will change the existing political dynamic or popular aversion to the bills on the table.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day, the Democrats are either going to have to try to cram it down (and accept any fallout from that decision), walk away from it, or swallow their pride and work across the aisle for incremental measures for cost control and targeted coverage expansion. Tough decision, but with their man in the White House and solid majorities in Congress, the ball is totally in their court, as it has been all along.
The Dems are determined to execute their suicide attack on the Constitution. But those who don't make it back will get a lot of consolation benefits delivered by the President and the Chicago Mob.
ReplyDelete