Political Arm Twisting

[DaveofCali]

How come Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, FDR, Truman, and Johnson were able to get so much done through arm twisting congressional members? Anyone here know more about how political arm twisting is done? I think that this is where Obama falls flat compared to previous progressive presidents, and I think that this merits a study in how did these presidents were able to get so much done though such methods.

[killbotfactory]

1. I'm guessing things were a bit different over half a century ago

And we need to account for nostalgia and the rose colored glasses that come with it.

[RaleighNCDUer]

2. Situations might change,but people never do. People are ALWAYS

going to be susceptible to a pressure v reward paradigm.

"I want this vote - what do YOU want that I can help you with in return for that vote?"

or

"I want this vote - and YOU don't want XXX (a primary challenge/ to lose your next election/party funding/favorite earmark)"

It really is not that complicated.

You think Ben Nelson would stand up to the party if the party PROMISED that he would get NO funding for his next election? That the party would put up a primary challenger for him who WOULD get full, even excessive funding? THAT is arm twisting.

It can hurt friendships. it can make enemies. But if pols on OUR side can get along with pols on THEIR side who call them every vile name in the book, they can get along with pols on our side who pressure them to vote for the interests of the party and the nation.

[Tunkamerica]

3. That's a good point but Obama doesn't run the DNC.

Tim Kaine does. I assume Kaine is still an Obama supporter, but how well does he execute? I would think that he plays an integral part in making those types of threats realities.


Another Trianglinian up at almost 4am? Do you work 2nd/3rd shift or are you just an insomniac?

[RaleighNCDUer]

4. Insomniac, unfortunately.

And while i know Obama doesn't run the DNC, he does have a telephone. He can also arrange his schedule to support or not support candidates during elections, as well as advise the DNC about what he will go to bat for. The president does have coattails, and he can invite people to jump on, or he can brush them off with considerable effect, IF he chooses to use them.

And you're right - I really need to try to get a couple hours before work tomorrow (today, that is) (Now that "Hairspray" is over.)

G'night.

[xchrom]

6. +1

[jaxx]

5. Senate having trouble 'doing business in the modern era'

<snip> During Johnson's three terms as majority leader, from 1955 to 1961, there was only one time when a vote was called to break a filibuster. In the past two years, there have been 84.

Senate procedures now require that most controversial bills face two such "cloture" votes: one before they are taken up and another before they can be voted on.

It doesn't matter which party has the majority; if it doesn't have 60 senators, the body can't even hold a vote on legislation it wants to pass.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/12/AR2010121202980_2.html?wpisrc=nl_politics&sid=ST2010121203413