Hey guys, thanks again for participating in this year’s holiday fundraiser. It’s made it a most wonderful time of the year for me and a most wonderful year to come.
As for that, I’m trying not to get my hopes up only to be dashed. Again. A lot depends on Georgia, of course. Keeping the Grim Reaper out of power will make the difference between a reasonable chance at turning the ship around and merely being able to bail it out enough to keep it afloat. Let’s just say that Captain Trump and his crew ran right up on that iceberg and then backed over it several times.
But even if the Democrats miraculously keep the Senate it’s important to remember that there will be a centrist coalition of red state Dems and a few so-called moderate Republicans who will be holding the Senate hostage. Remember, even Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump couldn’t keep the Republicans together to overturn the ACA. The same thing is going to happen, probably a lot more often, if the Democrats hold the Senate — even if they deep-six the filibuster. The Senate is an inherently undemocratic institution that favors the interests of rocks and cows over human beings.
I don’t mean to sound like a reflexive pessimist. I hate that. It’s always better to have the Senate in Democratic hands no matter what. The confirmation battles and the agenda itself really depend on it. But it’s been a while since the Dems had a majority and it’s important to remind everyone that it’s pulling teeth to get anything done in this country. Remember, the Dems had a 59 seat majority and still had to pass the ACA under reconciliation because of the defectors.
So, let’s hope for a big victory in Georgia. It will make all the difference. But then get ready to push and pull and press the Democrats to do what needs to be done and bring their centrist members along. It does help. And keep in mind that it will also often require pushing the Democratic administration to use its power and influence in ways they may be reluctant to use it. It’s the way our system works. In the end the country will be better off but it’s never, ever easy.
If you’d like to help us keep our eyes peeled on all the details of the political developments for the next year, especially if you’d like to take a little break from the crazy and just get the highlights, you can throw a little something in the coffers by hitting one of the buttons below or send it to the snail mail address on the left column. I would be most appreciative.
I know it’s awful to be separated from our friends and relatives and unable to travel during this holiday season. But we made it through these last four years of hell and are coming out the other side and the good news is that Donald Trump will be screaming into the twitter void, regardless of what happens with the Senate and that’s definitely something worth celebrating.
Happy Hollandaise everyone.
cheers,
digby