The dissolution of norms did not begin with Trump. I think it began when the intransigence of the Republicans to Obama appointees compelled Harry Reid to, in a very limited way, limit the filibuster. Then Mitch McConnell used that as a rationalization for his handling of the Merrick Garland nomination to the Supreme Court and then the su…
The dissolution of norms did not begin with Trump. I think it began when the intransigence of the Republicans to Obama appointees compelled Harry Reid to, in a very limited way, limit the filibuster. Then Mitch McConnell used that as a rationalization for his handling of the Merrick Garland nomination to the Supreme Court and then the subsequent rushed appointment of Justice Amy. And all along the path of Trumps term McConnell and House Republicans did nothing to enforce the norms to control Trump while they had the power. And then when Democrats tried to enforce the norms Republicans moved heaven and earth to try and stop them.
I agree but, I think, even Newt held to normative tools at his disposal to oppose Clinton and the Democratic minority.
Although the majority-of-the-majority rule had not been articulated at the time, Gingrich followed it in practice. And that was his biggest violation of previous norms making it virtually impossible for the minority party to have any impact on legislative outcomes.
This was done, however, by the Speaker not allowing any legislation to come to floor which has always been within his/her power.
Fast-forward to today and we have a minority within the majority that can veto anything the Speaker does and remove him from office. So much for norms.
The dissolution of norms did not begin with Trump. I think it began when the intransigence of the Republicans to Obama appointees compelled Harry Reid to, in a very limited way, limit the filibuster. Then Mitch McConnell used that as a rationalization for his handling of the Merrick Garland nomination to the Supreme Court and then the subsequent rushed appointment of Justice Amy. And all along the path of Trumps term McConnell and House Republicans did nothing to enforce the norms to control Trump while they had the power. And then when Democrats tried to enforce the norms Republicans moved heaven and earth to try and stop them.
I trace it to Newt Gingrich. Republicans in the house no longer cooperated with Dems on legislation of interest.
I agree but, I think, even Newt held to normative tools at his disposal to oppose Clinton and the Democratic minority.
Although the majority-of-the-majority rule had not been articulated at the time, Gingrich followed it in practice. And that was his biggest violation of previous norms making it virtually impossible for the minority party to have any impact on legislative outcomes.
This was done, however, by the Speaker not allowing any legislation to come to floor which has always been within his/her power.
Fast-forward to today and we have a minority within the majority that can veto anything the Speaker does and remove him from office. So much for norms.