Posted on 03/18/2014 12:41:23 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
There’s an old story about a freshman member of the House who is getting shown around by a senior member on his first day, and the freshman asks about the other party. “I want to meet the enemy,” he says. “No, son,” says the old bull, “they’re the opposition. The Senate is the enemy.” I thought about that today as the prospect of a Republican takeover of the Senate becomes more of a possibility. If the GOP controlled both houses, would Republicans be able to present a united front against President Obama, one that might actually accomplish any practical goals? There are some clues in the maneuvering that’s going on right now over health care as Republicans look forward to this fall’s elections.
To begin with, we should acknowledge that a Republican takeover of the upper house is anything but a sure thing. The midterms are still seven and a half months away, and a lot could happen between now and then. There could be an economic crisis, or months of solid job growth, or an alien invasion, or who knows what.
[SNIP]
If the Republicans do take the Senate, they won’t have a lot of time to savor the victory, because two years later they’re going to be the ones defending more seats (see Sean Trende’s analysis for more details). That makes it entirely possible, maybe even likely, that Republicans will have control of both houses for only two years, and after 2016 we’ll go back to the way things are now. So can they legislate during that time?
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Well, let’s just do it anyway and find out.
Because they don’t know what to do with it once they have it.
True, unfortunately. So just don’t show up in November. Those Democrats all mean well anyway!
Their job will be to make Obama musclebound in that left arm from signing vetoes and force him to order Maalox in 55 gal. drums.
If the GOP takes over Congress, the REAL obstructionists will be exposed.
Well, that settles it. Just forget the whole election thing. Waaay too much effort.
Other than that, they're right - we'd be helpless.
Sure they do, they’ll make up nicey-nice rules and reach across the aisle and share power with minority leader Hemmreid and makes lots of noise, while the GOP nominates Jeb Bush who gets his ass kicked and President Hillary vetoes anything they put forth that she doesn’t like.
That’s why we need President Cruz.
> Why taking over the Senate may not do Republicans much good
Sounds like a statement by a Democrat who hopes the Republicans won’t bother trying.
The Republicans should take the Senate if for no other reason than to watch the Panic Show that will be the Democrats running about with the “hair on fire”.
Oh agreed. Let’s just do it. Though they truly will only get 2 years and blown out in 2016, I’m def down with ... well let’s just try.
It can stop extremist appointments, including the supreme court. It can deadlock the government, making large spending increases unlikely.
Calling Article V..... Yello!
Remember, there was a time when republicans held the House, Senate and Executive Branch. How’d that work out for us again?
Gawd help us, one way or another.
Maybe true but it certainly won’t do the Dems any good.
Lets give it the ol college try anyway
Stupid article. To stop judicial nominees ALONE, it is worth winning the Senate. NOTHING is currently more destructive to American life than the activist judiciary.
Seems to me the Washington Compost is already putting out its post election spin.
Of course even if the GOP does take over the Senate, nothing much will get done in the last remaining two years of the BHO Administration. But that’s the point.
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