The United States Congress is an embarrassment. It’s time to move the focus from the 2024 presidential campaign to Congress. The news media, whether its TV talk shows, print, think tank pieces, or social media has forgotten Congress.
Congress does not and cannot function. That was brought to the forefront when the House of Representatives threw out its Speaker who at least knew it takes “two to tango.” The new Speaker Johnson is dancing but with the wrong partner…Trump! There are important issues which needs leadership…which Speaker Johnson does not appear to process. Members with extreme views like Florida Congressman Greg Gaetz, “blonde bomber” from Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and right field Freedom Caucus are in charge…after checking in with Trump.
Without a national lazier focus on the malfunctioning Congress, we are likely to find little change when it convenes in January 2025. It is well known that even though voters are unhappy with Congress they are still fond of their congressional Representative. There are many reasons including the lack of a strong news media infrastructure at the local level. Basically, political parties are nearly as dysfunctional as the Congress. That being the case concerned citizens need to take matters into their own hands. This will be hard work but worth it to turn things around in our country.
On a broader level it’s encouraging to see organizations like Americans Together formed by Senator Joe Manchin & his daughter. They are working to seek out centrist candidates for Congress. Maybe if No Labels ends up not offering a candidate for president in the states where they are on the ballot…they would recruit “new blood” to run for congressional seats.
With all of this said let’s hope the efforts of many will result in a fresh new Congress in 2025.
Post Script:
Since the above was written reports from the White House meeting today about Ukraine funding are dire. The Washington Post reports funding for Ukraine would pass if brought to the House floor. It is obvious with former president Trump opposed Speaker Johnson is more concerned about his job and afraid of the far-right wing of the House. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) said Tuesday “he can either be a leader, or he can do his best to keep his job but not get anything done.”
