Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
Realistic Scenario Speculation Thread: What Happens After November?
Republicans are salivating at the prospects of the upcoming election. The Senate seems to be within reach, and, true to form, we have entered “do nothing” mode in hopes of winning by inertia, just like what got us over the line in 2012… er… wait…
Anyway, Republicans are sliding towards a “victory” of sorts, and if all goes well, we’ll have Mitch McConnell to navigate the media and cultural landmines for the next two years while we wait with bated breath for Democrats to squeak out another Presidential win in 2016.
At least, that should be the assumption from which we work. If 2012 taught us anything, it is that hopeful thinking brings nothing but disappointment. And while I am more optimistic than most that the country can survive even long-term Democratic dominance, we shouldn’t allow it to happen by default.
So, what do you think is likely to happen after November assuming the Republican’s deft strategy pays off? I’m not talking best-case scenario, but realistic scenario. I don’t think anyone believes Obama’s going to turn into the second coming of Bill Clinton.
What will happen with Obamacare? What will happen to judicial nominations? What will happen to the filibuster? Will Republicans be able to force damaging vetoes; on what? What is the best (again, realistic) way to set up the 2016 election? Will Republicans ever manage to stand for something? Unlike Democrats, do they need to?
Published in General
Unfortunately, my expectation for many, many years now has been that when Rs are in control of Congress — or the Presidency, for that matter — they will proceed to seize the opportunity to pander to all the same groups the Ds pander to, as if they think that will make them as successful as the Ds. They don’t seem to learn that implementing the D agenda does not convert votes to R.
Given no acknowledged party leader, the best the GOP will be able to do is pass a few bills that highlight its “best” positions.
I believe this is best done by passing a repeal of Obamacare, removing subsidies that support crony industries (e.g., insurance risk corridors, large banking favoritism in Dodd-Frank, corporate tax distortions), while upping the GOP’s rhetorical combat game.
BTW, what is that tower/windmill thing in the “Now What?” picture?
Looks kind of like a wind power generator to me.
I’m assuming it’s a Don Quixote reference, right?
Got it.
Ah, very nice, because it works on a number of levels.