2017 US Senate

[bignflnut]

So, they say that Republicans are marching to victory all over the nation. The POTUS, House and Senate are Red...

Woooooah Nelly.

The US Senate is 51-49 and do we really think that those 51 are rock ribbed people of principle? Or do we have some John (Forrestal) McCain types that are simply RINOs who have a new 6 year term?

IDK how Trump is going to gain the votes necessary to get SCOTUS and key legislation through this goalie...

[JustaShooter]

I couldn't agree more - since most legislation needs a 60 vote majority to proceed, his ability to get things done *even if* the Rs are solidly with him is questionable. If the Ds choose to wield the power of the filibuster and hold back votes for cloture, that ends Trump's agenda even before it gets started.

[marca]

Trump will have to use his pen and his phone ...

[curmudgeon3]

New ball game after 1/20/17, maybe with some new rules, that might disrupt 'business as usual' in D.C.

[Werz]

I couldn't agree more - since most legislation needs a 60 vote majority to proceed, his ability to get things done *even if* the Rs are solidly with him is questionable. If the Ds choose to wield the power of the filibuster and hold back votes for cloture, that ends Trump's agenda even before it gets started.

The Democratic Party is licking its wounds and desperately trying to rebuild its brand. They will need to choose their battles wisely, or they will appear blatantly obstructionist. Given that they have spent the last eight years accusing Republicans of obstructionism, they don't want to tarnish their image any more than they already have. Sure, they will attempt to block some legislation, but they will need to determine what is really important to them, particularly if they want to get any of their pet projects funded.

[JustaShooter]

I couldn't agree more - since most legislation needs a 60 vote majority to proceed, his ability to get things done *even if* the Rs are solidly with him is questionable. If the Ds choose to wield the power of the filibuster and hold back votes for cloture, that ends Trump's agenda even before it gets started.

The Democratic Party is licking its wounds and desperately trying to rebuild its brand. They will need to choose their battles wisely, or they will appear blatantly obstructionist. Given that they have spent the last eight years accusing Republicans of obstructionism, they don't want to tarnish their image any more than they already have. Sure, they will attempt to block some legislation, but they will need to determine what is really important to them, particularly if they want to get any of their pet projects funded.

Could be, it will be interesting to watch - I've seen evidence that they are planning on being vindictive and just as obstructionist as the Rs have been, but I have also seen evidence of a more conciliatory tone. I think we will be able to tell a lot from how the current power / leadership struggle shakes out.

[schmieg]

Seems to me that an infrastructure bill might be the perfect vehicle for inclusion of several pro-gun amendments.

[Brian D.]

Seems to me that an infrastructure bill might be the perfect vehicle for inclusion of several pro-gun amendments.

Yeah, sure, why not? We got National Park carry as part of a "credit card reform" bill. Maybe we can get carry on Army Corps of Engineer, TVA, etc. property as part of legislation dealing with wheat futures in Puerto Rico or something.

[mreising]

The Dems have been the obstructionists in the Senate for the last several years. The Rs had the majority but not enough votes for cloture; it's just an even smaller majority now. The Republicans just have to have some balls and point out when the Dems are blocking votes on issues. Some things don't need 60 votes, just a majority and those will pass.

[High Power]

The Dems have been the obstructionists in the Senate for the last several years. The Rs had the majority but not enough votes for cloture; it's just an even smaller majority now. The Republicans just have to have some balls and point out when the Dems are blocking votes on issues. Some things don't need 60 votes, just a majority and those will pass.

DITTO. Don't forget that they will use the leftist media to spin whatever story that comes out of Capitol Hill.

Recall the "Republican Revolution" of 1994. The Republicans took the House and Senate but the Democrats acted like they were still in charge. What's worse was that the Republicans didn't think they were in charge except for men like Newt Gingrich. Look what the leftist media did to him.

All that I can remember was that the Republicans passed some economic reforms that Slick Willy signed into law. The only reason that he signed them into law was because he knew that if the real news got out; he would look bad. The economy improved, due to the economic reforms that the Republicans started, but Slick Willy took credit for it.

When he did take credit for the economic recovery, the Republicans let him do it without saying anything.

The leftist media and the Democrats will not go down easy. Watch and you'll see some of the RINOS cave to the leftist media propaganda.

Also realize that in 2018 there are 33 Senate seats up for reelection. Eight of them are Republican seats.

[schmieg]

Normally, the president gets credit for or blame for the economy even when it is more often Congress that is responsible for it. However, no one seems to remember the recession that Clinton left us with that we were just starting to climb out of when 9/11 hit.

[A_F]

All that I can remember was that the Republicans passed some economic reforms that Slick Willy signed into law. The only reason that he signed them into law was because he knew that if the real news got out; he would look bad. The economy improved, due to the economic reforms that the Republicans started, but Slick Willy took credit for it.

When he did take credit for the economic recovery, the Republicans let him do it without saying anything.

if you have time can you post links to some examples? I was pretty young and wasnt paying attention, sounds like interesting reading.

but i wouldnt know where to start looking since i dont know any names or specific bills.

[schmieg]

All that I can remember was that the Republicans passed some economic reforms that Slick Willy signed into law. The only reason that he signed them into law was because he knew that if the real news got out; he would look bad. The economy improved, due to the economic reforms that the Republicans started, but Slick Willy took credit for it.

When he did take credit for the economic recovery, the Republicans let him do it without saying anything.

if you have time can you post links to some examples? I was pretty young and wasnt paying attention, sounds like interesting reading.

but i wouldnt know where to start looking since i dont know any names or specific bills.

Welfare reform was one of the biggest examples, giving incentives for those on welfare to seek employment. That was one of the first things that Obama and the Democrat Congress reversed.

[mreising]

All that I can remember was that the Republicans passed some economic reforms that Slick Willy signed into law. The only reason that he signed them into law was because he knew that if the real news got out; he would look bad. The economy improved, due to the economic reforms that the Republicans started, but Slick Willy took credit for it.

When he did take credit for the economic recovery, the Republicans let him do it without saying anything.

I was misquoted in the above. That was not my post, I think that was part of High Power's quote by A_F and some how just my name posted where I was embedded in his quote.

[mreising]

if you have time can you post links to some examples? I was pretty young and wasnt paying attention, sounds like interesting reading.

but i wouldnt know where to start looking since i dont know any names or specific bills.

Don't forget the government shutdowns during the Clinton administration ('95 and '96 IIRC). The Republicans sent him spending bills, which he vetoed, and then the Dems and the media blamed the Republicans for the shutdowns. Unfortunately, the Republican Congress didn't have the fortitude to correct the media and defend themselves; they just rolled over and peed themselves like a subservient dog.