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In today's #ThursdayThread, we're looking more closely at the Dem strategy moving forward. Will Democrats continue to fall for promises from the other side of the aisle or will they govern with the power of the mandate they've been given?
(THREAD) https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/democrats-won-power-now-they-need-to-use-it/2021/01/25/fc797318-5f48-11eb-afbe-9a11a127d146_story.html
(THREAD) https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/democrats-won-power-now-they-need-to-use-it/2021/01/25/fc797318-5f48-11eb-afbe-9a11a127d146_story.html
(2) There are some good indications that Schumer and Senate Democrats outmaneuvered Mitch McConnell quite neatly on the filibuster issue earlier this week and that they plan to move forward on stimulus without regard to GOP dissent. https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/536280-schumer-warns-dems-could-go-it-alone-on-coronavirus-relief-as-soon-as-next
(3) It's important to note that as much as the wins in Georgia provided Dems control of the Senate, they hold the slimmest of majorities in both chambers and that hampers their agenda.
Because of the filibuster, passing legislation requires 60 votes. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/with-senate-split-50-50-heres-what-democrats-can-and-cant-do
Because of the filibuster, passing legislation requires 60 votes. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/with-senate-split-50-50-heres-what-democrats-can-and-cant-do
(4) So while we can breeze through cabinet nominations, passing progressive legislation is much harder. But that doesn't mean Dems shouldn't try.
Because despite what Republicans want you to believe, Biden's proposed plans have widespread public support. https://crooked.com/articles/pollercoaster-democrats-go-big/
Because despite what Republicans want you to believe, Biden's proposed plans have widespread public support. https://crooked.com/articles/pollercoaster-democrats-go-big/
(5) There's also some leverage in the Senate due to the difficulties the 2022 senate map presents, with more vulnerable Republican senators and a slew of GOP retirements.
In 2022, there are no Dems running for re-election in states Trump won. https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/what-all-those-gop-retirements-mean-for-the-2022-senate-map/
In 2022, there are no Dems running for re-election in states Trump won. https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/what-all-those-gop-retirements-mean-for-the-2022-senate-map/
(6) The slim majority in the Senate may be one of the reasons why some Dems are hedging their bets with a censure resolution that would remove Trump's ability to hold office in the future.
Apparently coups DON'T have consequences if you're a Republican. https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2021-01-27/with-trump-acquittal-likely-democrats-float-alternative-to-impeachment-trial
Apparently coups DON'T have consequences if you're a Republican. https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2021-01-27/with-trump-acquittal-likely-democrats-float-alternative-to-impeachment-trial
(7) As Dems step into power with a mandate to restore popular policies such as net neutrality and restoring government accountability, it's critical to keep reminding the media that they're reinforcing false equivalencies. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jan/25/republicans-will-try-to-create-an-ethics-trap-for-democrats-dont-fall-for-it
(8) We've already seen the NY Times, one of the worst offenders of both-sideism, run with this narrative. Presenting the public with a take on Biden's administration as if we were all suffering from collective amnesia. https://twitter.com/WHCommsDir/status/1354796646882799619
(9) The worst parts of Trump's legacy will live on the judiciary Mitch McConnell gave him. While Biden can stem the flow of the damages of deregulation with executive orders, legislation is required.
The GOP will make that a heavy lift for Dems. https://www.propublica.org/article/the-government-donald-trump-left-behind
The GOP will make that a heavy lift for Dems. https://www.propublica.org/article/the-government-donald-trump-left-behind
(10) This is my way of saying that criticisms of Dems as weak aren't grounded in the reality they're working with.
If you want Dems to enact progressive legislation, we're going to have to work as hard for the 2022 midterms as we did for 2018.
Let's get to work.
If you want Dems to enact progressive legislation, we're going to have to work as hard for the 2022 midterms as we did for 2018.
Let's get to work.
(END) Thanks to @SarahArn0ld for the #ThursdayThread suggestion. Come back Tuesday and we'll do this again or drop-in Sunday am for a live Q & A.
Like threads like this and want to keep them coming?
You can support my work here:
http://paypal.me/kazweida | http://patreon.com/kazweida
Like threads like this and want to keep them coming?
You can support my work here:
http://paypal.me/kazweida | http://patreon.com/kazweida
