I know it is tough for you, but the Democrats have complete control....which means they will probably screw things up.
But for now republicans have to learn how to effectively exert what power and influence they still have. It's not much. They can't block any votes out of committee or introduce any legislation the democrats don't want. In the Senate they could try to filibuster, but better choose their fights carefully, as holding everyone intact (Snowe, Collins, Specter, McCain) it better be on a truly critical issue.
If the republicans are seen as just ranting loudly, and critically, while being able to offer nothing, they will find themselves further shut out of discussions by those with power. That happened to the Democrats back in 2001. Being a backbencher isn't easy. It takes a different skill set than being the guys in charge. The republicans can't just cricize the same fiscal policies they followed themselves not long ago...it was the President and Paulson who created and pushed the 700 billion dollar bailout. Somewhere in the renewed creed of small government, less spending, etc. needs to be the acknwoledgment that they failed to follow that path themselves. That will take time. Guys like Cantor at least have been consistent on spending, unlike McConnel and Boehner.
It could get worse. The senate seats open in 2010 could go the democrats way by one or two more....
But like all situations where one party has complete control, they overplay their hand. The dems will do it too. Taking back the House of Representatives is the easiest path to some restored power for the republicans. But they can't achieve it unless they stand for something that isn't seen as hypocritical from what they said just a few months (or years) ago....It may take a new generation of young leaders. |
