General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPolitics is More than just Presidential
In fact, the Presidency is one of the least important aspects of politics. We deliberately have a weak executive in the USA. That's by design. The true power in this country lies in Congress, and in state legislatures. We waste a great deal of time in arguing about the Presidency. Instead, we would do more if we focused primarily on Congress and state legislatures if our goal is to have a progressive government both in our states and our nation.
Our congressional House members are elected, one-by-one, in our own districts. Money is far less important in these races, and local activism can change the results in congressional districts. Senators are more difficult, since they run on a statewide basis. State legislatures are even easier to influence, but are probably the least interesting to activists. They shouldn't be. That is where the power struggle begins - in state legislatures.
The President is elected by the party that gets the best turnout. If we turn out Democrats to vote for their state and national legislatures, the Presidency is a side effect of that turnout.
2012 is just days away. The time to start is now. The nominating process for legislators has already begun in some jurisdictions and will begin in earnest shortly. That is where our activism can influence the course of history. The Presidency is beyond the possibility of being influenced by individual activism. It will take care of itself if we work to nominate and elect progressive candidates in our own states and districts.
TreasonousBastard
(43,049 posts)those who would rather whine and bloviate on internet boards.
Odin2005
(53,521 posts)In reality the Presidency has appropriated powers for itself that would horrify most of the founders (most, because Hamilton was known for being a monarchist douchebag).
MineralMan
(151,259 posts)Blocked in every effort by the Congress. And so it is still a weak executive branch. Let's fix that situation in 2012 and see what happens.
NNN0LHI
(67,190 posts)I can't get that out of my mind.
Don
MineralMan
(151,259 posts)too many people were pissed off at Obama and didn't bother to vote. They screwed themselves into Scott Walker as Governor. Will he be recalled? I hope so. If he is, it may mean that many learned an important lesson.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)We need to clear out the people who aren't interested in anything but collecting lobbyist money and campaign donations, and get people who are interested in working for the people.