The Democrat’s civil war will cost them the House and Senate in the 2022 midterms
By: Maha Altamimi
The Republicans have successfully turned their back on democracy with their continued support of Donald Trump and his baseless claims that the 2020 election was rigged. Those lies continue to set the groundwork for the party to reclaim the White House in 2024, even if Democrats increase voter support. The party has mostly been unified and has dismissed the January 6th attack on the US capitol by homegrown terrorists.
Last week, we witnessed intense intraparty arguments over the extent of President Biden’s proposed “Build Back Better”, debating whether Democrats should prioritize popular policies above progressive ideals, or whether “popularism” is too limited to accomplish enough, criticizing Republicans in the debt ceiling debate, and also how the party’s agenda should be shaped.
Most importantly, the Democratic’s infighting is over a $1 trillion infrastructure bill that has already passed the Senate with bipartisan support. And a far bigger $3.5 trillion bill that includes tax benefits and social investments to achieve a variety of Democratic priorities, including programs to tackle climate change, enhance access to health care, and address inequality, among others.
Republicans will continue to oppose most future Democratic initiatives unless a reconciliation bill is passed. The budget reconciliation is normally utilized just once every budget cycle. Hence, Republicans would be able to filibuster — and thereby kill with limitless discussions on all Democratic bills.
To break a filibuster, Democrats would need the support of ten Republican senators which would be nearly impossible. They should bolster their defenses immediately, in part by demonstrating their ability to lead successfully when given the opportunity. Otherwise, they may have nothing to show for two years of full control of Congress and the Senate.
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