Jim recommended that I try out the “After
Trump, the Deluge” episode of Primary Concerns by New Republic. I was not
disappointed. The podcast is a conversation with Norm Ornstein, resident scholar
at the American Enterprise Institute and co-author of It’s Even Worse Than It Looks, which focuses on the dysfunction in Congress.
Ornstein argues that although both parties are responsible for the current
state of affairs, the Republican Party’s shift to the right is far more extreme
than its counterparts on the left. This polarization has resulted in a “demise
of the regular order” beginning in the Dennis Hastert years of Congress.
The stalemate solidified during Obama’s presidency with
Mitch McConnell’s statement of his party’s goals for that session: make Obama a
one term president. Often this came at the expense of the American people.
Ornstein points to the increased use of the filibuster (or threat thereof) to
thwart legislation supported by a majority of members, the use of the debt
ceiling as legislative brinkmanship, and the unprecedented hold up of
nominations, including filling the current vacancy on the Supreme Court.
The media reaction
to this book can be understood in light of the hysteria-inducing narrative about
media bias. Ornstein said that his book was not covered because reporters and
producers felt it was too biased by placing blame on Republicans. He criticized
the media saying that they “report both sides as if they are equal” even if
they are not. In his canon, the interpretation and provision of context are
vital functions of reporters and are often sacrificed in favor of “unbiased
reporting.” This has enabled Republicans to get away with their unprecedented agenda
of obstruction unscathed.
“Politics isn’t
supposed to look good,” Ornstein states and I agree. Much of the nitty gritty
involved in passing a bill relies on simple quid pro quo. You co-sponsor my bill and I’ll co-sponsor yours; you support my
amendment and I’ll make sure my colleagues line up behind yours. Much of
what makes people uncomfortable about Clinton’s leaked emails has to do with
what they revealed about strategy, decision making and compromise in
government. Governing is not a zero sum game. The founders set up a bicameral
legislature to force compromise; at one time in our history working with
colleagues across the aisle was seen as productive and beneficial (!!)
Unfortunately,
things don’t look like they will improve regardless of who wins the presidency.
If Hillary Clinton is elected, Republicans will use claims of election rigging
and cozy relationships with the media to fuel resentment among their
supporters. I wouldn’t be surprised if the current strategy of opposing the
President at any cost continues. If Donald Trump is elected, Democrats will use
“moral authority” to oppose nearly everything that Trump proposes. The
bitterness of this election will eliminate any ability – or desire – for
legislators to compromise or work together. And the Presidential candidates are
not
taking a conciliatory tone.
Frankly, I don’t see incentives changing to make unity
happen. If Trump is sowing the seeds for a media
network that fuels rage or another political run, there is no reason for
him to “sell out.” The depth of Clinton’s disgust for Trump (exemplified by no
hand shaking at the final debates) will prevent her from offering advice and
expertise.
I’m worried about where we go from here – and I’m not the only
one. Normal unifying forces seem to be absent: politics
is more polarized than ever, citizens selectively consume media that confirms
their biases and elected officials are rewarded for blocking rather than
passing legislation. This isn’t good for a functional government.
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