What I posted yesterday regarding the election results was basically a best case scenario of how things could and should be. It is contingent on new members coming into government with reasonable minds and the interests of the country ahead of partisan warfare. This requires fresh, moderate leadership to emerge with the new Democrats in congress, but I am far less optimistic if the current party leadership, especially those who are now set to chair committees, remain in power. Many of them are seething with hatred and intent on investigations and attacks on members of the administration rather than addressing the problems people face today. Some even go further, now threatening anyone, who “cooperated” with the administration, i.e. our national government, including business people and private citizens. It is people like Robert Garcia, who is the incoming chair of the house oversight committee who is particularly vicious in his intent and pronouncements,
Few people have a clue as to how he becomes committee chairman. The Democrats, unlike the Republicans, adhere to a seniority system in these appointments. What that yields is a nasty bunch of old partisans with near lifetime tenure since they tend to come from solid, overwhelmingly Democratic districts. In the past they used to be comprised of a disproportionate number of reactionary southern Democrats. Now they consist of a disproportionate number of urban ethnic minorities, and/or the most ideologically motivated partisans. Some are typical transactional Democrats, but others are out for blood, and are not shy about saying so. Since internal congressional operations are low key, few voters are aware of just who they actually handed power over to. This is what a large number of newcomers will have to deal with, and who, under this decidedly undemocratic system, will find themselves with little influence or power.
A lot will depend on how these new members will adjust to the system. As I wrote previously my guess is that there are likely to be a significant number of moderates, who may find themselves at odds with the business-as-usual party leadership. But the only way they can have any voice is with talented leadership that is willing to do the organizational work. There is an opportunity here, the question is whether anyone will rise to the occasion. Unfortunately there is not a great deal of tolerance in the party, (except on behalf of the left), given how they have treated John Fetterman, who remains what used to be a mainstream Democrat.
There is one man who could provide a moderating influence, and who could lead members in that direction, except that he is not currently in congress. I’m referring to Rahm Emanuel, who is highly experienced, a perceptive thinker, and a true pragmatist. He would also be the best possible presidential candidate they could come up with. The rest of the field is decidedly unimpressive. The question is whether he wants to assume that role. The opportunity is certainly there.
But otherwise if the party follows their increasingly left-wing leadership they will suffer a defeat even greater than that the Republicans just experienced. They will quickly alienate the public, with partisan warfare and not only not accomplish anything, but make things considerably worse. The program and policies they are currently talking up will sabotage the economy. Worse more radical proposals, designed to rig the system in their favor, would shred the constitution regarding the Electoral College, packing the Supreme Court, and even threaten the Senate, which would leave us with an awful, raw power struggle with little oversight or restraint. This country cannot continue in its present form if one side is no longer willing to adhere to constitutional restraints.
That is why I believe that it is vital that moderate elements regain a strong influence over the party. The Republicans also need to adapt a more moderate, congenial approach if they want to win. What is certain is that the public is sick of endless, destructive partisan warfare, and those who best understand this are most likely to gain support. Unfortunately, based upon the positioning that is forming now, we will likely have to deal with even more bitter partisanship, at least in the near term. The sad irony is that none of this is anywhere near as important as those most involved think it is. For the one certainty we face is constant change, as well as the unexpected that no one anticipated, which will make all of this irrelevant and obsolete.
