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The Morning After
Author: BobR
Date: 11/03/2010 12:23:14
The votes have been cast, the results have been counted and analyzed. In the end - the Republicans took the House back. We can now look forward to 2 yrs of the Orange Man as Speaker of the House. Either the Progressives didn't show up, or the moderates decided that the obstructionists that got us into this economic situation after being in charge for so many years deserved another chance to try again.
What will the next two years look like? What sort of radical changes will occur?
In a word - nothing.
Nothing is going to happen for the next two years. The House will pump out legislation that will die in the Senate. The Senate will put out legislation that will die in the House. If by chance any legislation is approved by both Houses of Congress, it will likely get the veto pen.
Health care legislation improvements? Nope
Health care legislation rollback as promised by Republicans? Nope
Environmental and/or business regulations? Nope
Is this as bad as some on the left believe? Is this a return to the Bush era? Of course not. Democrats still control the Senate and the veto. The Republicans do not have enough of a majority to override a veto. This is why nothing will get done. Stasis... status quo...
I am not going to Monday morning quarterback the races and the results. As a whole, I think this election is proof that money invested in fake grassroots movements (the Tea Party) and 3rd party PACs (the U.S. Chamber of Commerce) can strongly influence elections. Sadly, this will continue to be the case, because - realistically - will the party that just got swept into power on a tidal wave of a cash going to make laws to turn off the spigot?
Now it is the Democrats turn to be the obstructionists. They can (and hopefully will) block all the crap that the Republicans put out. It's a no-win situation for the Democrats. If the economic and employment stagnation continues, the Democrats will be blamed. If Obama manages to improve either or both, the Republicans will take credit.
On the other hand, provisions of the Health care law will begin to kick in over the next two years. When it's campaign season again, are people going to be willing to give those up? I don't think so.
So - for those of us on the left, we have to remember it's just one House of Congress, and it's only for 2 years until the next election. We have our work cut out for us. Time to roll up our sleeves.
What will the next two years look like? What sort of radical changes will occur?
In a word - nothing.
Nothing is going to happen for the next two years. The House will pump out legislation that will die in the Senate. The Senate will put out legislation that will die in the House. If by chance any legislation is approved by both Houses of Congress, it will likely get the veto pen.
Health care legislation improvements? Nope
Health care legislation rollback as promised by Republicans? Nope
Environmental and/or business regulations? Nope
Is this as bad as some on the left believe? Is this a return to the Bush era? Of course not. Democrats still control the Senate and the veto. The Republicans do not have enough of a majority to override a veto. This is why nothing will get done. Stasis... status quo...
I am not going to Monday morning quarterback the races and the results. As a whole, I think this election is proof that money invested in fake grassroots movements (the Tea Party) and 3rd party PACs (the U.S. Chamber of Commerce) can strongly influence elections. Sadly, this will continue to be the case, because - realistically - will the party that just got swept into power on a tidal wave of a cash going to make laws to turn off the spigot?
Now it is the Democrats turn to be the obstructionists. They can (and hopefully will) block all the crap that the Republicans put out. It's a no-win situation for the Democrats. If the economic and employment stagnation continues, the Democrats will be blamed. If Obama manages to improve either or both, the Republicans will take credit.
On the other hand, provisions of the Health care law will begin to kick in over the next two years. When it's campaign season again, are people going to be willing to give those up? I don't think so.
So - for those of us on the left, we have to remember it's just one House of Congress, and it's only for 2 years until the next election. We have our work cut out for us. Time to roll up our sleeves.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Raine on 11/03/2010 12:56:03
Raine on 11/03/2010 12:56:03
Comment by 
BobR on 11/03/2010 13:03:55
BobR on 11/03/2010 13:03:55
Where's Shelly Winters when you need her?
Comment by 
TriSec on 11/03/2010 13:27:52
TriSec on 11/03/2010 13:27:52
Senator. Rand. Paul.
Massachusetts stayed blue; everyone is more than welcome to relocate.
Massachusetts stayed blue; everyone is more than welcome to relocate.
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 13:28:12
Raine on 11/03/2010 13:28:12
When you lose to a dead person, you really must suck.
Jenny Oropeza, a Democrat from southern California, handily won her reelection for state Senate. But she won't be around to serve the term.
Oropeza died after a long battle with cancer on Oct. 20, which was too late to have her name removed from the ballot.
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 13:33:08
Raine on 11/03/2010 13:33:08
F*cking Pig.
Bush: 'I Was A Dissenting Voice' On Iraq War
Former President George W. Bush considers himself "a dissenting voice" in the decision to go to war with Iraq.
In the first interview of the publicity tour for his new book, Decision Points, Bush told Matt Lauer that he didn't want to use force.
"Not everybody thought you should go to war, though," Lauer said. "There were dissenting voices."
"I was a dissenting voice. I didn't want to use force," Bush said. "I mean force is the last option for a President. And I think it's clear in the book that I gave diplomacy every chance to work. And I will also tell you the world's better off without Saddam in power. And so are 25 million Iraqis."
Bush: 'I Was A Dissenting Voice' On Iraq War
Former President George W. Bush considers himself "a dissenting voice" in the decision to go to war with Iraq.
In the first interview of the publicity tour for his new book, Decision Points, Bush told Matt Lauer that he didn't want to use force.
"Not everybody thought you should go to war, though," Lauer said. "There were dissenting voices."
"I was a dissenting voice. I didn't want to use force," Bush said. "I mean force is the last option for a President. And I think it's clear in the book that I gave diplomacy every chance to work. And I will also tell you the world's better off without Saddam in power. And so are 25 million Iraqis."
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 13:43:11
Raine on 11/03/2010 13:43:11
ROFL!
Dude it's the Electorate. Not the Electric.
Dude it's the Electorate. Not the Electric.
Comment by TriSec on 11/03/2010 13:44:12
TriSec on 11/03/2010 13:44:12
Ah, "President" Bush. He has gone on to a higher plane than us.
I wonder what it's like being him. Did we all read Brave New World? "Epsilon Minus Semi-Moron" springs readily to mind.
I wonder what it's like being him. Did we all read Brave New World? "Epsilon Minus Semi-Moron" springs readily to mind.
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 13:50:26
Raine on 11/03/2010 13:50:26
Comment by 
Scoopster on 11/03/2010 13:55:47
Scoopster on 11/03/2010 13:55:47
Morning all.. 
Here's a small pinpoint of light in the orange-tinted darkness that's about to envelop the country - Florida passed Amendments 5 & 6, which hopefully will be a model for the entire country:
Here's a small pinpoint of light in the orange-tinted darkness that's about to envelop the country - Florida passed Amendments 5 & 6, which hopefully will be a model for the entire country:
Amendment 5: Legislative districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.
Amendment 6: Congressional districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/03/2010 13:59:21
Scoopster on 11/03/2010 13:59:21
Ugh... The last thing I needed to see today..
Comment by 
livingonli on 11/03/2010 14:01:22
livingonli on 11/03/2010 14:01:22
Good morning.
At least New York is still blue and our teabaggers got stomped. I guess Paladino will "take care" of those who helped in his defeat,
At least New York is still blue and our teabaggers got stomped. I guess Paladino will "take care" of those who helped in his defeat,
Comment by Scoopster on 11/03/2010 14:09:28
What the hell was the deal with him and his concession speech anyways.. Who does he think he is with that bat - Joe Clark?
Scoopster on 11/03/2010 14:09:28
Quote by livingonli:
Good morning.
At least New York is still blue and our teabaggers got stomped. I guess Paladino will "take care" of those who helped in his defeat,
What the hell was the deal with him and his concession speech anyways.. Who does he think he is with that bat - Joe Clark?
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 14:10:58
Are they supposed to be the same? I like it very much.
Raine on 11/03/2010 14:10:58
Quote by Scoopster:
Morning all..
Here's a small pinpoint of light in the orange-tinted darkness that's about to envelop the country - Florida passed Amendments 5 & 6, which hopefully will be a model for the entire country:Amendment 5: Legislative districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.
Amendment 6: Congressional districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.
Are they supposed to be the same? I like it very much.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/03/2010 14:15:18
Scoopster on 11/03/2010 14:15:18
Similar yes.. one pertains to state legislature districts and the other to congressional districts.
We need to get this kinda thing on the ballot in EVERY STATE, particularly Ohio and Pennsylvania.
We need to get this kinda thing on the ballot in EVERY STATE, particularly Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 14:22:21
Raine on 11/03/2010 14:22:21
WOOHOO!!!!!!
We Got Colorado!!!!
We Got Colorado!!!!
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 14:25:00
Ahh. I see. ( I didn;t reading very closely...)
and I totally agree with you on getting this on all state ballots.
Raine on 11/03/2010 14:25:00
Quote by Scoopster:
Similar yes.. one pertains to state legislature districts and the other to congressional districts.
We need to get this kinda thing on the ballot in EVERY STATE, particularly Ohio and Pennsylvania.
and I totally agree with you on getting this on all state ballots.
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 14:26:01
Raine on 11/03/2010 14:26:01
Congrats , BTW to you Scoop on the Chafeee win!
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 14:32:58
Raine on 11/03/2010 14:32:58
Is this going to be a huge loss for MAss, and a big win for Rhode Island?
Curt Schilling’s company moves closer to R.I.
Curt Schilling’s company moves closer to R.I.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/03/2010 14:48:51
Screw Schilling. He's just another goddamn Republihypocrite who takes corporate welfare. And he even had the nerve to claim that he's leaving Mass. because of the business climate - HAH!!! If he thinks it's bad there just wait 'til Smith Hill digs their claws into his company.
Scoopster on 11/03/2010 14:48:51
Quote by Raine:
Is this going to be a huge loss for MAss, and a big win for Rhode Island?
Curt Schilling’s company moves closer to R.I.
Screw Schilling. He's just another goddamn Republihypocrite who takes corporate welfare. And he even had the nerve to claim that he's leaving Mass. because of the business climate - HAH!!! If he thinks it's bad there just wait 'til Smith Hill digs their claws into his company.
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 14:54:09
Raine on 11/03/2010 14:54:09
oooh this is good:
@pwire: Eric Cantor will run for House majority leader, according to CNN...
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 14:58:39
Raine on 11/03/2010 14:58:39
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 15:00:29
Raine on 11/03/2010 15:00:29
Half the Blue Dog Coalition was not elected last night.
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 15:02:52
Raine on 11/03/2010 15:02:52
Feingold May run for Senator if Herb Kohl decides to not run again.
I think Kohl is like 75 years old now.
I think Kohl is like 75 years old now.
Comment by TriSec on 11/03/2010 15:14:12
TriSec on 11/03/2010 15:14:12
WTF, Republicans?
Why hasn't Obamacare been repealed yet?
I'm still waiting for you to hand me my gun.
I saw a gay dude earlier this morning; shouldn't they have been sent to the camps already?
You all suck as bad as the Democrats!
Oh, excuse me...I forgot to pray this morning.
Why hasn't Obamacare been repealed yet?
I'm still waiting for you to hand me my gun.
I saw a gay dude earlier this morning; shouldn't they have been sent to the camps already?
You all suck as bad as the Democrats!
Oh, excuse me...I forgot to pray this morning.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 11/03/2010 15:23:20
oohh its a "young gun"/orangina stand off!
Morning btw
wickedpam on 11/03/2010 15:23:20
Quote by Raine:
oooh this is good:@pwire: Eric Cantor will run for House majority leader, according to CNN...
oohh its a "young gun"/orangina stand off!
Morning btw
Comment by wickedpam on 11/03/2010 15:24:11
I'm glad to see he's still looking to serve
wickedpam on 11/03/2010 15:24:11
Quote by Raine:
Feingold May run for Senator if Herb Kohl decides to not run again.
I think Kohl is like 75 years old now.
I'm glad to see he's still looking to serve
Comment by wickedpam on 11/03/2010 15:24:55
so really it'll be no differnent to what we've been dealing with for the last 2-4 years
wickedpam on 11/03/2010 15:24:55
Quote by Raine:
Half the Blue Dog Coalition was not elected last night.
so really it'll be no differnent to what we've been dealing with for the last 2-4 years
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 15:37:06
Raine on 11/03/2010 15:37:06
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 15:38:47
That's just me speculafating...
I was also wondering if he's be willing to take over Tim Kaine's job as head oif the DNC.
Good lord, Kaine sucks at that job.
Raine on 11/03/2010 15:38:47
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Feingold May run for Senator if Herb Kohl decides to not run again.
I think Kohl is like 75 years old now.
I'm glad to see he's still looking to serve
I was also wondering if he's be willing to take over Tim Kaine's job as head oif the DNC.
Good lord, Kaine sucks at that job.
Comment by BobR on 11/03/2010 15:39:57
Well, yes it IS different - now the Republicans control the gavel.
BobR on 11/03/2010 15:39:57
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Half the Blue Dog Coalition was not elected last night.
so really it'll be no differnent to what we've been dealing with for the last 2-4 years
Well, yes it IS different - now the Republicans control the gavel.
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 15:40:20
Raine on 11/03/2010 15:40:20
Someone should tell David Bender that Sink Conceded in Florida.
Comment by BobR on 11/03/2010 15:41:33
BobR on 11/03/2010 15:41:33
Comment by wickedpam on 11/03/2010 15:43:59
wickedpam on 11/03/2010 15:43:59
I didn't think Connelly was part of the Prince William/Manassas system - it was Wolf/Barnett
Comment by wickedpam on 11/03/2010 15:45:22
control the gavel yes, but the blue dogs still voted with repub's anyway - that's more what I meant
wickedpam on 11/03/2010 15:45:22
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Half the Blue Dog Coalition was not elected last night.
so really it'll be no differnent to what we've been dealing with for the last 2-4 years
Well, yes it IS different - now the Republicans control the gavel.
control the gavel yes, but the blue dogs still voted with repub's anyway - that's more what I meant
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 15:48:57
Rand Paul is a lunatic.
Raine on 11/03/2010 15:48:57
PAUL: Well, the thing is, we’re all interconnected. There are no rich. There are no middle class. There are no poor. We all are interconnected in the economy. You remember a few years ago, when they tried to tax the yachts, that didn’t work. You know who lost their jobs? The people making the boats, the guys making 50,000 and 60,000 dollars a year lost their jobs. We all either work for rich people or we sell stuff to rich people. So just punishing rich people is as bad for the economy as punishing anyone. Let’s not punish anyone. Let’s keep taxes low and let’s cut spending.
Rand Paul is a lunatic.
Comment by BobR on 11/03/2010 15:51:39
I knew what you meant - but I think I would rather have the blue dogs and control of the House than have no blue dogs and the Republicans controlling the House.
They sucked, yes, but it gave us control.
BobR on 11/03/2010 15:51:39
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Half the Blue Dog Coalition was not elected last night.
so really it'll be no differnent to what we've been dealing with for the last 2-4 years
Well, yes it IS different - now the Republicans control the gavel.
control the gavel yes, but the blue dogs still voted with repub's anyway - that's more what I meant
I knew what you meant - but I think I would rather have the blue dogs and control of the House than have no blue dogs and the Republicans controlling the House.
They sucked, yes, but it gave us control.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/03/2010 15:54:26
Scoopster on 11/03/2010 15:54:26
Uhhh.. Rand Paul... 
I live in Rhode Island.
A state that kinda thrives on the boatbuilding industry.
I worked for a boat builder.
People building boats do NOT make 50-60k/year. They make $8-10/hr, work part time, and have to take a second job just to afford health insurance because the company doesn't offer it. The company, when at its stride, makes hundreds of thousands of dollars, which mostly goes into the pocket of the owner - not even back into the cost of operating the business.
I live in Rhode Island.
A state that kinda thrives on the boatbuilding industry.
I worked for a boat builder.
People building boats do NOT make 50-60k/year. They make $8-10/hr, work part time, and have to take a second job just to afford health insurance because the company doesn't offer it. The company, when at its stride, makes hundreds of thousands of dollars, which mostly goes into the pocket of the owner - not even back into the cost of operating the business.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/03/2010 15:58:21
I see your point
wickedpam on 11/03/2010 15:58:21
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Half the Blue Dog Coalition was not elected last night.
so really it'll be no differnent to what we've been dealing with for the last 2-4 years
Well, yes it IS different - now the Republicans control the gavel.
control the gavel yes, but the blue dogs still voted with repub's anyway - that's more what I meant
I knew what you meant - but I think I would rather have the blue dogs and control of the House than have no blue dogs and the Republicans controlling the House.
They sucked, yes, but it gave us control.
I see your point
Comment by livingonli on 11/03/2010 16:10:34
livingonli on 11/03/2010 16:10:34
I'm at the salt mine pulling some more OT. Had to miss the last half of Stephie since I have to take the bus with my car still out of commission.
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 16:27:45
I think this should be bumped, for hilarity.
I need to turn off Thom.
I don't need a teaching moment.
Raine on 11/03/2010 16:27:45
Quote by Raine:
I think this should be bumped, for hilarity.
I need to turn off Thom.
I don't need a teaching moment.
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 16:28:26
well it actually a good thing that you can take a bus, Liv.
Raine on 11/03/2010 16:28:26
Quote by livingonli:
I'm at the salt mine pulling some more OT. Had to miss the last half of Stephie since I have to take the bus with my car still out of commission.
well it actually a good thing that you can take a bus, Liv.
Comment by livingonli on 11/03/2010 16:37:07
If I didn't live close to my job now I would be fucked.
livingonli on 11/03/2010 16:37:07
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
I'm at the salt mine pulling some more OT. Had to miss the last half of Stephie since I have to take the bus with my car still out of commission.
well it actually a good thing that you can take a bus, Liv.
If I didn't live close to my job now I would be fucked.
Comment by TriSec on 11/03/2010 17:19:32
TriSec on 11/03/2010 17:19:32
I have been studying various jazz modes for the last few days. I think I'll be looking forward to a long stretch of listening to music after this election. I may just swear off KO and TRMS for a few weeks. Hell, since we're in GOPville again, maybe I'll take up listening to country. Gotta stoke that patriotic fervor, right?
Pity I work retail; I used to love Christmas music, but we're already dreading the day when we flip the store soundtrack. No more than 2 weeks, tops.
Pity I work retail; I used to love Christmas music, but we're already dreading the day when we flip the store soundtrack. No more than 2 weeks, tops.
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 19:39:39
Raine on 11/03/2010 19:39:39
30% of South Carolina voted for Alvin Green??? 
Comment by livingonli on 11/03/2010 20:03:01
At least some people didn't want Demint one way or the other.
livingonli on 11/03/2010 20:03:01
Quote by Raine:
30% of South Carolina voted for Alvin Green???
At least some people didn't want Demint one way or the other.
Comment by Raine on 11/03/2010 20:15:10
Raine on 11/03/2010 20:15:10
I'm disgusted.
That is all.
That is all.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/03/2010 20:22:21
Scoopster on 11/03/2010 20:22:21
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/03/2010 22:33:33
Will in Chicago on 11/03/2010 22:33:33
Hello.
I am disgusted and weary. I do not see the Republicans wanting to compromise with the President -- they want to see him be a one term president. Do not be shocked if they push for impeachment.
I think that the President has to reconnect with his base. The GOP seems to have no interest in working with him, so I think that we will have to provide pressure and support to get a more progressive Democratic Party.
I voted and made sure that my Mom voted.
I am disgusted and weary. I do not see the Republicans wanting to compromise with the President -- they want to see him be a one term president. Do not be shocked if they push for impeachment.
I think that the President has to reconnect with his base. The GOP seems to have no interest in working with him, so I think that we will have to provide pressure and support to get a more progressive Democratic Party.
I voted and made sure that my Mom voted.