Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Friday, November 11, 2016

Blown to Smithereens

As I ponder the events of November 8 thoughts are forming in my mind that we saw the political system of this country blown to smithereens on that day.  I'm amazed that I do not find that alarming.

The work begins now of putting the pieces together that will be the political future of this country. Nothing about government comes without legacy/history so we will not be starting from scratch. Most of the pieces have been used before, and will be used again, but will they be used in the same places, the same parties, etc.?

We've known for some time about the struggles within the Republican Party. Much has been said about the work that lay ahead to bring this party back to health.

Democrats found themselves in shock the morning of November 9. Apathy is always Democrats undoing. There were warning signs but no one was looking. The party was suffering from Clintonitis. The same model used again and again in politics doesn't wear well over time.

While we're at this time of re-evaluation is it time to consider more than a two party system? Independents now number as many as the political parties. They're just swinging whichever way the wind blows and the flowers smell the sweetest, no commitment, no cost to them. They piously wait for the parties to come to court them.

Is it time to look at the Electoral College? Will it work if we ever have more than two parties?

The 2020 election cycle is already in motion for Republicans. For Democrats, not so much. It's not clear who their candidates might be. Since 1992 that slot has been held for a Clinton should they decide to use it. It's been up to the Clintons to decide when they would leave the stage. What happens now?

10 comments:

  1. So many good questions. Electoral system? does it still make sense?

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    1. Much the needs to be considered but is there leadership in either party to lead the way?

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  2. The Electoral College is responsible for two Republicans getting into office and no Democrats. It's not going anywhere in my lifetime. Without it, they wouldn't be able to carve up voting districts to favor their party either, and that is a favorite tool of the Republicans.

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    1. Much to consider besides the Electoral College. Am seeing a lot of anger in the DNC. Will be watching to see who goes in as the new DNC chair. Am reading today that Congressman Keith Ellison of Minnesota would like the position. He is young, black, Muslim, and progressive. Would work well with the Bernie people.

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  3. Some interesting thoughts. I remember when I first voted so many years ago and first learned of the Electoral College. I resented it then and have heard talk questioning whether we should consider getting rid of it every Presidential election since -- that's been a lot of talk years and here we go again. I wonder if there will be enough impetus to seriously pursue the issue this time.

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    1. Yes, we're as bad as England talking things on and on before making a change. Many things to consider. The leadership bench for Democrats is thin. Will be watching closely in hopes good people step up to serve.

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  4. I agree; electoral college ain't going no where. Why? Because whomever is benefiting it, won't let it be changed. The ruling party (whichever one), has the votes to block any changes on it.

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    1. Much to consider besides Electoral College. Just keeping my fingers crossed for good leaders to step up to serve.

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  5. We do need to look for new leadership. The names that come to mind right now are Elizabeth Warren and Corey Booker. Sadly Pres Obama was not good at fostering young participation in leadership. I don't know what talent is out there in the governorship ranks.
    At the same time, the crop of Republicans this year were all rejected in favor of the non-Republican, and repugnant, Donald Trump. I don't think we can project yet two years down the road, let alone four years.
    And we have no idea what kind of president Trump will be. He conned everyone.

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    1. The 2018 midterm does not look good at all for Democrats, too many seats up for reelection. After the first of the year I'm hoping we're going to see names begin to surface for both parties. We need some running room to get to know these folks.

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