Charles Krauthammer seems to think that the legislative achievements of the last couple of weeks—the tax “cut”[sic] deal , the repeal of DADT, and the approval of START—have changed Obama’s fortunes with the American public, and that the playing field … Continue reading →
This is exactly what I’ve been anticipating, ever since I realized that the Senate would probably remain in Democrat hands. William Jacobson at Legal Insurrection says not to worry. But I’m hardly as sanguine as he on the possibilities for … Continue reading →
Ezra Klein and I are asking essentially the same question, although we’re phrasing it a bit differently. He wonders why the lame duck session been so “productive;” I’m not so sure I’d use that particular word. However, we’re in agreement … Continue reading →
The WaPo offers this fascinating glimpse into why the lame duck sessions of Congress have continued despite the obvious need to stop them. It turns out that the 20th Amendment (passed in 1933) was intended to do just that when … Continue reading →
It was only a Dream. Depending on the source, articles describing the defeat of the Dream Act refer to the young people involved as either illegal immigrants (correct) or undocumented immigrants (annoying euphemism). The measure, which would have granted citizenship … Continue reading →
Bill Clinton did it—at a low political ebb after a Congressional defeat, he returned to the center and won re-election. Charles Krauthammer believes that President Obama has just received concessions via the tax bill that will allow him to do … Continue reading →
It seemed to come out of nowhere, as all these mammoth bills have lately—all two thousand pages of it. For a few days it caused a commotion, but now it has vanished as mysteriously as it came. Or maybe not … Continue reading →
The sticking point at the moment seems to be something to do with tacking on a raise in the estate tax, but you try to figure it out (see also here). It should never have come to this, of course; … Continue reading →
Ever since Obama has become president, people have been giving him advice. It’s an odd phenomenon, as though they consider him a kid brother who needs a bit of assistance out in the big bad world. Perhaps it’s because of … Continue reading →
Obama’s capitulation to the Republicans on the Bush tax cuts has made the left furious. Katrina vanden Heuvel has this to say: This president has a historic mandate. Just as Abraham Lincoln had to lead the nation from slavery and … Continue reading →
We’ve gotten so unused to Congressional deals during the past couple of years (except among the Democrats themselves, to get votes from Blue Dogs) that the prospect of this one seems odd and novel. But the Dems are poised to … Continue reading →
Ah, those obdurate Republican naysayers, trying to hold up progress during the lame duck session: FOX has obtained a letter being circulated to Senate Republicans that calls for a filibuster blockade of any legislation not directly related to time-sensitive votes … Continue reading →