This is very thought provoking. But, it takes both sides to negotiate and have thoughtful deep discussions. Nothing in recent history suggests the majority of Republicans or even a minority of Republicans are thoughtful or willing to negotiate. Democrats have been clobbered for quite a while. And Michelle Obama's 'you go low we go high,' is the golden rule and lovely.... but not working unfortunately.
Unfortunately, the fight HAS to substitute for the litmus test of thoughtful debate and governance right now. If Democrats don't fight, they will simply get left behind and ignored. This is the environment, toxic as it is, that we're in right now, and impossible to ignore, if a candidate wants to get ahead politically. My hope is that once they regain something (anything!): house, senate and/or presidency, that they will then take the time to slow down and do what they're there for. I can only hope that, by that time, they remember how. Lol
As others have noted, a well thought out essay. One important point missing is that of the idea that the office politicians are running for has changed and brought about a specific kind of candidate. Example. Congress. How many legislators are getting elected as opposed to publicity hounds? How many bills are being introduced and debated? It appears that over the last couple of decades that every thing is in a Continuing Resolution or an Omnibus Resolution, not individual bills. Likewise the Chairman position in both houses has been designated and all power is in the Speaker/Leaders Office. Read a little history some of the most power Congressmen were Committee Chairman in the past. I know this has resulted in less knowledgeable people being elected and all they can do is be station seekers to make a name for themselves. Your points are well made about raising the profile of specific candidates but until Congress itself is changed to where work and results are rewarded instead of theatre things will not get better. Just my 2 cents worth.
Unfortunately we get “what works” rather than what would be desirable. Just like attack ads: we dislike them, but they work, so we get more and more of them. Everything to serve the low interest voter. I’m not sure there is an answer.
This is very thought provoking. But, it takes both sides to negotiate and have thoughtful deep discussions. Nothing in recent history suggests the majority of Republicans or even a minority of Republicans are thoughtful or willing to negotiate. Democrats have been clobbered for quite a while. And Michelle Obama's 'you go low we go high,' is the golden rule and lovely.... but not working unfortunately.
Unfortunately, the fight HAS to substitute for the litmus test of thoughtful debate and governance right now. If Democrats don't fight, they will simply get left behind and ignored. This is the environment, toxic as it is, that we're in right now, and impossible to ignore, if a candidate wants to get ahead politically. My hope is that once they regain something (anything!): house, senate and/or presidency, that they will then take the time to slow down and do what they're there for. I can only hope that, by that time, they remember how. Lol
As others have noted, a well thought out essay. One important point missing is that of the idea that the office politicians are running for has changed and brought about a specific kind of candidate. Example. Congress. How many legislators are getting elected as opposed to publicity hounds? How many bills are being introduced and debated? It appears that over the last couple of decades that every thing is in a Continuing Resolution or an Omnibus Resolution, not individual bills. Likewise the Chairman position in both houses has been designated and all power is in the Speaker/Leaders Office. Read a little history some of the most power Congressmen were Committee Chairman in the past. I know this has resulted in less knowledgeable people being elected and all they can do is be station seekers to make a name for themselves. Your points are well made about raising the profile of specific candidates but until Congress itself is changed to where work and results are rewarded instead of theatre things will not get better. Just my 2 cents worth.
Unfortunately we get “what works” rather than what would be desirable. Just like attack ads: we dislike them, but they work, so we get more and more of them. Everything to serve the low interest voter. I’m not sure there is an answer.