General guide: How and when to work with Republicans

[Talk Is Cheap]

General guide: How and when to work with Republicans

When the Democrats are out of power (which unfortunately is way to often), how and when should Democrats work with republicans?

First, it is the job of Congress members to carry out the business of the American Government. This means working with members within and outside of your party.

The How and When should Democrats work with republicans when they are in power, is best explained with examples:

Example 1: “The most bestest greatest clean water bill ever of 2017” (remember, I am speaking ‘republica-ese’ here):

This bill would actually repeal all clean water regulations.

*All* Democrats must vocally not support the bill and get on all media and tell the Americans people what this bill actually does. The citizen Democrat also voices their opposition.

Example 2: “The American Clean water Act of 20xx”

This bill actually does make our water safer with no gotchas.

If republicans actually do something good – should Dems not support it? Democrats are not petty like republicans – my opinion is that we support it.

Example 3: “The American Clean water Act of 20xx”

This bill actually does make our water safer, but privatizes Social Security.

Same as Example 1: *All* Democrats must vocally not support the bill and get on all media and tell the Americans people what this bill actually does. The citizen Democrat also voices their opposition.

Democrats must never destroy programs and policies that represent our core beliefs. Any bill that violates our core beliefs and policies must always be fought and defeated.

Example 4: “The American Clean water Act of 20xx”

This bill actually does make our water safer, but gives tax breaks to the wealthy.

This is the less-harmful way republicans get what they want. What should Dems do? Not sure on this one. It depends on the nature of the ‘poison pill’. This is where the public needs to voice their opinions to their representatives.

I don’t think Democrats should say HELL NO like the republicans do. The better way is to show support when bills do good and scream like hell when they don’t.

Your thoughts and other examples are requested......

[doc03]

1. Democrats worked with the Republicans on NAFTA, as a mattter of fact it would

have never passed if Bill Clinton didn't get some Democrats to vote for it. Where did that get us? Obama compromised
and comes up with a healthcare plan that mirrors a Republican plan proposed as an alternative to Hillarycare. Where did that get us?

[Talk Is Cheap]

2. I agree with your thoughts here...

My post was about when republicans are in power.

Most Democrats did not want nor voted for NAFTA. Democratic President Bill Clinton signed that bill despite Democratic opposition.

Regarding the ACA - the citizen democrat was full onboard with public option/Medicare for All, but Democratic politicians caved to republican ideology even when we held full and total control of Congress. Democratic Congress passed the ACA and Democratic President Obama signed the bill.

I share your frustration...

[wryter2000]

3. I agree on all

Should they propose something worthwhile, vote for it, but I'm not holding my breath they ever will.