Senate Dems Are Tanking the Party... Again

Why the left can't seem to govern

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 30, 2009 1:06 PM CDT

(Newser) – Congressional Democrats killed Bill Clinton’s agenda, and Jimmy Carter’s agenda, and it looks like they’re gunning for Barack Obama’s, too, writes Jonathan Chait in the New Republic. George Bush didn’t win the popular vote and had just 50 GOP Senators, but was still able to enact a sweeping far-right agenda, thanks to “near-total partisan discipline”—something Democrats can’t seem to muster.

The problem? “The influence of business and the rich unites Republicans and splits Democrats.” Whereas Republicans knew that ramrodding through Bush’s pro-business agenda would keep campaign contributions flowing, Democrats find their wealthy backers’ interests at odds with Obama’s plans. So they decry sensible deficit-cutting moves, run straight into filibusters, and otherwise self-destruct. “Democrats have locked themselves into a self-fulfilling prophesy,” says Chait. They “can’t help themselves.”

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Days after Obama took office, Harry Reid announced, "I don't work for him." (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Kent Conrad (left) recently slammed Obama for wanting to cut farm subsidiaries and tax loopholes for the rich... and for increasing the deficit. Something doesn't add up there. (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)

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At a time when the country desperately needs a coherent response to the array of challenges it faces, the congressional arm of the Democratic Party remains mired in fecklessness, parochialism, and privilege. - Jonathan Chait

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 15 comments

Forderon

Mar 31, 2009 10:57 AM CDT

Most likely, the failure of the Dems to support Obama's agenda will result in a "failure" of Obama in the public's eye and we'll see a possible Republican majority in 2010. The Dems have historically sucked at organization and focus and it's just showing again. Also, this "bipartisanship" BS needs to end. No one wants it and it's not even working. Obama is being a little to idealistic about this. Just ignore the whining from the right an enact your agenda!!

Rob

Mar 31, 2009 10:53 AM CDT

Usually nut I can at least see what you are insulting. This time all you are doing is parroting. Do you need more attention? Is that it?

kokuaguy

Mar 31, 2009 7:19 AM CDT

APPLE/MAC/WANTS/$1200TO/ REPAIR/MYSPACEBAR/SO/BEAR/ WITH/ME... LET'S/HOPE/THE/NEW/REPUBLIC/IS AS/SUPPORTIVE/OF/OBAMA'S/ AGENDA/WHEN/IT/THREATENS/THE ZIONIST/AGENDA/OF/THE/NEW/ ISRAELI/GOVERNMENT.

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Barack Obama • Congress • Democratic Congress • Democrat • filibuster • reconciliation • George W. Bush • Obama administration

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Senate Dems Are Tanking the Party... Again