Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is the Republican minority leader
in the Senate. He has been known to take on leadership positions especially for
budget and economic crises and discussions. However, many congressmen have
noticed that McConnell is suddenly quiet and almost completely detached from the
discussions. Both Republican and Democratic congressmen have noticed the newly subdued senator and think that it leaves the Democrats "without a bargaining partner" (New York Times). They argue that his absence is one of the main reasons why
Congress is having a hard time finding a solution for current budget issues according to the New York Times. Many people believe that he is staying “behind
the scenes” due to the upcoming election, as his Tea Party Opponent, Matt
Bevin, is increasing in popularity in Kentucky.
I can see McConnell's motives in keeping quiet because he does not want to do anything that may completely hurt his election, howerver, I think that staying quiet is ultimately worse because it will slow down congress in passing important measures. Do you think that McConnell’s actions will benefit or hurt
his chances at re-election? Also, how do you think this will affect the current
issues in congress, like health care reforms and budget cuts?
2 comments:
Famously being the senator who filibustered his own bill, I concede that I have a bias against Senator McConnell. That being known, I only have one thing to say about McConnell's sudden oath of silence. I think this action simply highlights the unyielding stance of the Republicans towards the Affordable Care Act. At this point, it is in their best interests to not budge an inch on this issue because if compromise is made and Americans find that they actually like the Act, the entire Republican caucus is going to look irreversibly ignorant and idiotic. (More than they already do at least).
McConnell is lodged in a very tight situation for sure. As Paige mentions, the midterm elections are looming and he must avoid any shinanigans in order to avoid losing his seat. In politics, a politician can do a whole lot more harm to their career in misspeaking than good in speaking the truth unfortunately.
On one hand, he has powerful party forces pushing against compromise. On the other, his power is insignificant because regardless of Republican outcry, the Democratically controlled Senate can push on with whatever initiatives it pleases (of course after 21 hour long filibusters). The Senate already passed a bill to avert shutdown that does not defund Obamacare. McConnell recognizes that anything he says is futile in terms of changing the outcome of Senate bills but can be detrimental to his political career. In other words, it's best to lie low. While its plenty evident that the Senate Minority leader is against Obamacare, it is equally evident that he cannot change the inevitable and any indication of a moderate lean would prove disastrous for him.
I like Joey's point about "the concept" of the green eggs and ham. However, I think what's truly at stake for these Republican Congressmen goes beyond the Affordable Care Act. Its their ability to appear competent in the eyes of their constituents. They have to convince the Tea Party and the conservatives to vote them back into office. So many more moderate Republicans have already been ousted by more extreme-right leaning Tea Party backed candidates that this is their chance to convince the party forces to continue supporting them. This prolonged battle in Congress is not about the people - it's about the future of individual political careers. Those who work to compromise will suffer. Those who appear unyielding yet unrealistic will rise, as Ted Cruz has demonstrated.
Post a Comment