McConnell Invincibility Myth

[orangecrush]

They're starting already, after getting their asses kicked.


"Why Republicans are still in charge of some key Senate proceedings as Schumer and McConnell work out power-sharing"


(CNN)A Senate stalled.

That's how we start the day and end the week. The talks of bipartisanship are quickly getting ensnared by must-move Senate business, not the least of which is getting an agreement on how the Senate will be run over the next two years. It seems simple, but it's a big deal and it's proving far harder to secure than anyone had anticipated.
The Senate is operating on the organizing resolution from the last Congress, when the GOP was in the majority. Because of that, for instance, confirmation hearings for President Joe Biden's Cabinet picks this week are being chaired by Republicans.
Bottom line: The fight over the organizing resolution, which appeared to be a temporary disagreement on Wednesday, has reared its head as a full-out legislative crisis that could threaten to stall committee business, cast a shadow over talks about when to start the impeachment trial and constrain the first days of Chuck Schumer's role as majority leader.
Put simply, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is making a play to exert as much power over the Senate in his new role as possible and Schumer is going to have to make some impossible choices about how to go forward.


https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/22/politics/senate-power-sharing-schumer-mcconnell/index.html


They're bolstering the idea that though he is now the minority, McConnell still runs the show and Senate Democrats are at his mercy.

A gesture by Schumer to stick a pin in Mitch's overly inflated swollen head would be most refreshing.


Note the first five words of the headline -

"Why Republicans are still in charge"

Democrats need to dispel that illusion from the get go.

[servermsh]

1. So how do Democrats get a new organizing resolution?

It can be held up by a filibuster.

The only thing I can see Democrats doing is putting it up for a vote and forcing a filibuster.

[orangecrush]

3. After the last 4 years

And especially the last 2 weeks, I hope they come up with something very special.

[mr_lebowski]

2. Has the Senate been 50/50 with a Republican VP anytime recently?

I don't recall, but I would bet that the last time it happened, they didn't let there be ANY doubt as to the fact that they were the majority by virtue of that VP.

Democrats need to assert themselves the same way I'm sure the GOP did at that time.

[JHB]

5. 2001, I think, but not 100% sure

[calguy]

4. I wish I had more faith in Schumer

Say what you will about McConnell ...... he's the most skilled politician in the Senate and knows how to play defense like no other. Nothing is going to be easy for the Dems unless/until we take a bigger majority in the next midterm election. If we are going to prevail, Schumer is going to have to up his game, and fast.

[njhoneybadger]

6. He can play offense and defense equally well

Sometimes I wish he was a Democrat.

[calguy]

7. Would it be considered evil to pray for a heart attack?

[orangecrush]

8. Got that right.

He needs to start making life difficult for Mitch.


"The wood should fear your hand, not the other way around."