Really, Mr. Marshall? Why would anyone work with such an untrustworthy, know-nothing?
30
Oh, Jesus Christ. Will there ever come a day when Democrats come to realize that Republicans will never, ever reward them for playing nicey-nice? Because they won't. EVER. They will walk all over you and then spit in your face for the effort, just like they have every other time.
And negotiating with Trump to get a carbon tax passed? Seriously? This guy nominated Scott Pruitt to DISMANTLE the EPA. Trust me: anything that Democrats value, Trump will not go along with. Stop being so optimistic and start being realistic.
Democrats should do nothing but obstruct, obstruct, obstruct. If there's one thing we should have learned from the last 8 years, it's that the voters care less about who's acting the nicest and more about WHO CAN GET THINGS DONE. If you're the party in power and you can't get things done, they will send you packing.
And negotiating with Trump to get a carbon tax passed? Seriously? This guy nominated Scott Pruitt to DISMANTLE the EPA. Trust me: anything that Democrats value, Trump will not go along with. Stop being so optimistic and start being realistic.
Democrats should do nothing but obstruct, obstruct, obstruct. If there's one thing we should have learned from the last 8 years, it's that the voters care less about who's acting the nicest and more about WHO CAN GET THINGS DONE. If you're the party in power and you can't get things done, they will send you packing.
65
To pick & choose judiciously and discerningly is always appropriate. To be the loyal opposition is an imperative.
To be a sycophant or to go along to get along, never...
To be a sycophant or to go along to get along, never...
20
Donald Trump, share credit with Democrats? The author is delusional . Trump has shown that's it's his way or the highway. You cannot work with someone with that attitude.
37
Yesterdays column by Ross Douthat seemed to be, even for him, an outlier. Have to scroll down quite a bit down the Readers' Picks to find even an iota of support for the so-called ideas he offered. (There's always an oddball like RL to lend support to the most egregious opinion pieces.)
Then today, this from a guest columnist. Will Marshall founded the Progressive Policy Institute whose first action was drumming up support for the invasion of Iraq. How'd that work out? (We're still paying for that with money and American lives, and the country is completely FUBAR.) In my profession, such a blunder would lead to a loss of license and necessitate a complete career change.
Does the NYT ever publish disclaimers after offering us such worthless opinions? Such as, "In the interest of presenting a myriad of differing opinions, we published this piece. The overwhelming majority of our well-informed readers who commented on the article rejected the author's premise as being completely detached for reality, unless you want 8 year olds that just played the board game Operation to be the surgeon removing your gallbladder. The number of likes for comments refuting the op-ed contributor's viewpoint outnumbered those in support exponentially. In retrospect, we regret our decision to publish such tripe."
Then today, this from a guest columnist. Will Marshall founded the Progressive Policy Institute whose first action was drumming up support for the invasion of Iraq. How'd that work out? (We're still paying for that with money and American lives, and the country is completely FUBAR.) In my profession, such a blunder would lead to a loss of license and necessitate a complete career change.
Does the NYT ever publish disclaimers after offering us such worthless opinions? Such as, "In the interest of presenting a myriad of differing opinions, we published this piece. The overwhelming majority of our well-informed readers who commented on the article rejected the author's premise as being completely detached for reality, unless you want 8 year olds that just played the board game Operation to be the surgeon removing your gallbladder. The number of likes for comments refuting the op-ed contributor's viewpoint outnumbered those in support exponentially. In retrospect, we regret our decision to publish such tripe."
36
For Trump to work with Democrats, he'd have to offer them something they'd be willing to agree to. Until he demonstrates he's willing to do that, which goes against everything he's said and done up to now, what's the point in speculating?
16
Nice sentiments, but this seems as much a pipe dream as all those people who said, he'll surround himself with good people, he'll pivot and become presidential, etc. It's sad because you're kind of describing what would have been happening had Hillary been elected, but she wasn't. I mean, did you see what was in Trumpcare? What about the travel ban? This ridiculous wall? How would he suddenly become interested in common sense good governance?
28
There is no trust left after a consistent hard-lined scorched earth policy with the Democrats. The ball is not in the Democrats court. It is in Trump's court. If he wants to work with them, start by building any credibility at all. The onus is on DT to prove to pretty much everyone on the planet that he is capable of acting in good faith. Otherwise, once they all sit down at the table together, Trump will run amok again.
7
I love this list of progressive bonafides. One more thing: force his hand on a Supreme Court nominee that is less conservative.
1
For someone who is the founder of a Think Tank- the thinking here is quite unrealistic. Let's start at the premise of Donald Trump being willing to work with Democrats. The whole concept was derived from a quip from Trump in an attempt to shame the Republicans for *failure* Trump is no more interested in working with Democrats on healthcare than he is on- say any of the other numerous items he's already slated for obliteration.
As far as those "Moderate" Democrats you talk about "Peeling Off" - Marshall; these are the 6-8 Dixicrats who can always be counted on by Republicans. I marvel at your words though.
You and others who uttered nary a word about Republican Obstructionism; advocated to end eight years of GOP hatred against the Obama Administration----now sound the false equivalence of Democrats as saviors/destroyers- if only they will.....
As far as those "Moderate" Democrats you talk about "Peeling Off" - Marshall; these are the 6-8 Dixicrats who can always be counted on by Republicans. I marvel at your words though.
You and others who uttered nary a word about Republican Obstructionism; advocated to end eight years of GOP hatred against the Obama Administration----now sound the false equivalence of Democrats as saviors/destroyers- if only they will.....
7
Sorry - I think Mr. Marshall's core premise is flat-out wrong both politically and strategically. Now I could probably write a 50 page paper describing in excruciating detail why I believe this, but
a) I don't have the time;
b) most folks aren't at all interested in what I say - and that includes the vast majority of posters here (and the considerably larger pool of readers who take the time out to upvote/recommend particular posts) who seem for one reason or another to disagree with Mr. Marshall's take on this; and,
C) the NYT puts a 1500 character ceiling on Comments.
I'm a big believer in continuum theory as it pertains to both politics/governance and economics/business - both topics revolve almost entirely around power - getting it, retaining it and active resistance against giving it up.
There is NO downside to Dems being labeled as obstructionists. There is a downside however to cooperating in anyway with Trump "for the good of the country". What's good for the country LONG-TERM is getting rid of Trump and his cronies ASAP, in the meantime preventing him as best as Dems can from claiming any victories. As it stands now, especially if the GOP continues down its road, there is a real chance Dems can take back both houses of Congress, if not in 2018 then in 2020. So as painful as it is to bear witness to the mockery of governance we are in, watching Trump and the GOP in Congress self-destruct is what gets me through the day.
a) I don't have the time;
b) most folks aren't at all interested in what I say - and that includes the vast majority of posters here (and the considerably larger pool of readers who take the time out to upvote/recommend particular posts) who seem for one reason or another to disagree with Mr. Marshall's take on this; and,
C) the NYT puts a 1500 character ceiling on Comments.
I'm a big believer in continuum theory as it pertains to both politics/governance and economics/business - both topics revolve almost entirely around power - getting it, retaining it and active resistance against giving it up.
There is NO downside to Dems being labeled as obstructionists. There is a downside however to cooperating in anyway with Trump "for the good of the country". What's good for the country LONG-TERM is getting rid of Trump and his cronies ASAP, in the meantime preventing him as best as Dems can from claiming any victories. As it stands now, especially if the GOP continues down its road, there is a real chance Dems can take back both houses of Congress, if not in 2018 then in 2020. So as painful as it is to bear witness to the mockery of governance we are in, watching Trump and the GOP in Congress self-destruct is what gets me through the day.
14
Unfortunately, this country no longer has two political parties. At the moment what we have is more like cops and robbers. So no, Mr. Marshall, I think it's a bad idea for the cops to seek common ground with the robbers. Last time we did that we ended up invading the wrong country, remember?
12
Not sure what planet Will Marshall is living on with his "deal-maker in chief". Clueless. Deeply clueless. But, hey, he sounds like a reasonable person, but only if you too are deeply clueless.
13
What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Like this article, the game should be rigged and played on nly ne side of the field?
The Democrats should turn the other cheek? It's okay to even withold a hearing for President Obama's nominee for Supreme Court for over a year, but the Democrats should give in to 45 and Mitch
The Democrats should turn the other cheek? It's okay to even withold a hearing for President Obama's nominee for Supreme Court for over a year, but the Democrats should give in to 45 and Mitch
7
Work with someone who has probably colluded with the Russians? Maybe we should clear up that point first.
21
After all the dirty politics I believe they should put it behind them and move on to doing actual work for constituents. Come up with the fixes to Obamacare that will make it workable and affordable for all. Do this and then present it to the Republican's and work from there. Work on tax reform without robbing the poor to give to the rich. Don't deprive the social programs that help so many people of their funding. Finally, infrastructure is on its last legs - fix it. All of this requires working actively with Republicans. Demonstrate to them and to the American people that the Democratic Party is not as petty and mean spirited as the Republican Party and work cooperatively. Say yes.
4
With all this competence and pragmatism, Democrats will work together with Trump to Make Cloudcuckooland Great Again. Sorry, can't work. Every single "pragmatic" proposal you come up with -- middle class tax cuts, market-based cap and trade for carbon reduction, fiscally responsible infrastructure investment -- these have ALL become Democratic priorities. For exactly the reasons you identify -- that Democrats are willing to compromise in order to govern, while even the most "moderate" (relatively) Republicans just want to shrink the beast then drown it in the bathtub. So even if Trump could get EVERY Democrat to support these, guess what? Zero Republicans, the majority party in both houses. Sad to say, our country's best hope is that when Trump and the Republicans break the government and the country, it can still be put back together again. By the time we manage it, we'll be a second rate power -- certainly to China, maybe Europe if they can thwart their own Trumpiness. Maybe the USA and Europe are proving China's point -- responsible (again, relatively speaking) autocracy over democracy. Thanks, Obama!
1
It's really unbelievable and quite shocking the failure of an American presidency
in 2017 to not accept and come to terms with man made climate change and environmental catastrophe. Now, the United States is "leading" the way toward disaster. Forget the Dems working with Trump and Bannon and the whole lot of them....we must get rid of them for our very own survival.
in 2017 to not accept and come to terms with man made climate change and environmental catastrophe. Now, the United States is "leading" the way toward disaster. Forget the Dems working with Trump and Bannon and the whole lot of them....we must get rid of them for our very own survival.
14
Sure. Would you also suggest we invest in a failing business and/or thrown our arms around a man sinking to the bottom of a lake because he won't let go of a weight? There is such a thing as common sense and self-preservation.
18
The alternative is to work two years finding good candidates and the potential of a majority in the House. The combination of Trump and the right wing fringe slugging it outr is the best course for getting rid of them both.
18
Democrats are the strict parent who makes the nation eat its veggies, turn off the TV, and do its homework. Republicans are the fun parent who lets America stay up all night eating ice cream and watching movies. Now that Republicans have sole custody of the children, they realize they have no idea what to actually do. If Democrats work with the GOP, they'll get all of the blame if things go wrong and none of the credit if things go right. Better to let Republicans try to dig themselves out.
29
I had to read to the end. Thought for sure this was written by Arthur C. Brooks and his twin brother David
12
I'd suggest that "Will Marshall" is one of the Brooks's nom de guerre for engaging in public displays of weaselhood but they're already public weasels* so why would they use a fake name? I think he's real... Look out Arthur and Dave, you've got competition!
*Begs the question, What is the responsibility of weasels in the age of Trump?
*Begs the question, What is the responsibility of weasels in the age of Trump?
7
You got that right. There's nothing progressive about the Progressive Policy Institute. It's the think tank for the corporate-flunky wing of the Democratic Party, the Clintonian dead-enders who believe that Wall St is the fount of all wisdom (and campaign contributions).
10
Nancy Pelosi looks as though she is lifting weights in the picture. It looks quite comical.
1
I'm sorry, but no. If it were Jeb, Marco, John, even Ted, I'd agree. But its not. Its Trump. Any victory the Democrats help Trump achieve normalizes his attack on ethics, civil rights, and democracy. I am not an obstructionist, but any Trump victory, in the long run, is a set back for our nation. You can not compromise with authoritarianism and no one who makes a deal with Trump from a position of weakness comes out ahead.
22
That's a lovely fantasy.
14
The chances of Trump agreeing to this are so remote it is hard to imagine why this article was written.
19
I don't think you get it, Mr. Marshall.
Why should the responsible adults (Democrats) do anything to help the most unqualified person ever elected president? If they do, then Trump will take ALL of the credit and the dimwits who voted for him in 2016 will vote for him again in 2020. And that's wrong.
Those dimwits need to SUFFER. They need to see that electing Drumpf only made their situation worse, not better. They need to be taught the lesson that electing an incompetent has real life consequences.
It's about time that the Democrats stopped being the party of rolling over and being wussies and "playing nice" because those Drumpf supporters don't respond to that. They don't respond to "when they go low, we go high." So we need to give them what they can respond to: hardship and suffering. That's what they voted for and that's what they should get!
Why should the responsible adults (Democrats) do anything to help the most unqualified person ever elected president? If they do, then Trump will take ALL of the credit and the dimwits who voted for him in 2016 will vote for him again in 2020. And that's wrong.
Those dimwits need to SUFFER. They need to see that electing Drumpf only made their situation worse, not better. They need to be taught the lesson that electing an incompetent has real life consequences.
It's about time that the Democrats stopped being the party of rolling over and being wussies and "playing nice" because those Drumpf supporters don't respond to that. They don't respond to "when they go low, we go high." So we need to give them what they can respond to: hardship and suffering. That's what they voted for and that's what they should get!
34
First step to prove good faith would be tho have a bipartisan, non-corrupt House investigative committee into Russia's interference in the election...
18
No. No. No. Trump can not be trusted. And the Democrats will be doing the country a big favor by just letting the Republicans implode.
14
I was reading the article with some amusement, since the writer has carried the principle of compromise all the way to outright appeasement, until I got to the phrase "He’d have to share credit" when I started laughing so hard I had to stop for awhile. Yessiree, when a man spits in your face day after day after day what you need to do is ask him if he can turn his head way once in awhile. Hey Will, can you lend me some money?
11
You cannot be serious. "Working" with that lying sociopath is a recipe for disaster. To paraphrase my least favorite Senator the only goal for Dems is to ensure The Donald is gone in 4 years if not sooner.
13
Myself, on healthcare, I would suggest a bit more open-minded-sounding phrasing on working with Trump on healthcare.
What I've heard so far is "we'll work you with on improving and fixing Obamacare", which sounds, at least at first glance, like they're being too partisan, demanding a following of their initial Obamacare model.
I'd rather them say, "Mr. President, anything you can come up with: any new system, a modification of Obamacare, single-payer: absolutely anything--we'll assess it to see if it's better than what we have now, and we'll all vote with you to get that approved, and we'll just need a few Republicans with the people's best interest at heart, to get it passed."
Now, pretty much, outside of single-payer, the almost uniform consensus is that we can't get something better without the 3 carefully-engineered interconnecting pieces that Romneycare and Obamacare had: (a)no-looking at pre-existing-conditons (b)mandate to carry coverage (c)for lower income people, subsidies to free insurance on a sliding income scale.
So, it's unlikely, if Trump doesn't go single payer, that anything but a fix to Obamacare would pass Democratic scrutiny.
But, let's be open to anything. Let try to come up with anything good. Maybe everyone missed something.
And if not, we're back at a modification to Obamacare, and we sound, and are, fully policy-focused, and not politics-focused.
What I've heard so far is "we'll work you with on improving and fixing Obamacare", which sounds, at least at first glance, like they're being too partisan, demanding a following of their initial Obamacare model.
I'd rather them say, "Mr. President, anything you can come up with: any new system, a modification of Obamacare, single-payer: absolutely anything--we'll assess it to see if it's better than what we have now, and we'll all vote with you to get that approved, and we'll just need a few Republicans with the people's best interest at heart, to get it passed."
Now, pretty much, outside of single-payer, the almost uniform consensus is that we can't get something better without the 3 carefully-engineered interconnecting pieces that Romneycare and Obamacare had: (a)no-looking at pre-existing-conditons (b)mandate to carry coverage (c)for lower income people, subsidies to free insurance on a sliding income scale.
So, it's unlikely, if Trump doesn't go single payer, that anything but a fix to Obamacare would pass Democratic scrutiny.
But, let's be open to anything. Let try to come up with anything good. Maybe everyone missed something.
And if not, we're back at a modification to Obamacare, and we sound, and are, fully policy-focused, and not politics-focused.
Are you insane? They should work with a bunch of criminals? Because that is what you are advocating democrats do when you say the democrats should work with the GOP and the Trumpsters. Now I know the democrats themselves are partially criminals, but since they are the only hope we have, we have to rely on them. Not to cooperate with criminals, but to resist them every step of the way.
5
Sensible suggestion that Democrats should work with Trump, but shouldn't the Republicans do that as well? Or have we simply given up on the Republican party? Is it beyond saving?
It's just seems odd for a column to be written to encourage Democrats to work with a Republican president. Certainly the Republicans have not in recent years tried in the least to work with a Democratic president. Why don't they work with a Republican president?
There seems to be something deeply wrong with the Republican party. Shouldn't fixing that be a priority?
It's just seems odd for a column to be written to encourage Democrats to work with a Republican president. Certainly the Republicans have not in recent years tried in the least to work with a Democratic president. Why don't they work with a Republican president?
There seems to be something deeply wrong with the Republican party. Shouldn't fixing that be a priority?
8
You can work with people who honestly disagree with you. Problem is, how many honest Republican politicians are there? Misogyny, racism, and unmitigated greed have characterized the party since the Reagan years. I would regard any Democrat who attempts to "work" with Trump as an opportunist and a collaborator with a neo-fascist regime.
15
Why should the Democrats have to play the responsible parents in this scenario? Just because the republicans behave like children doesn't mean they are absolved of responsibility. They did everything they could to obstruct everything President Obama tried to accomplish, and have claimed for years that they had all the answers in their simple, easily regurgitated talking points. But I think we all saw last week what kind of answers they have.
Secondly, bullies only understand brute force. At the very least the Democrats need to beat the republicans down HARD (or just sit back and watch them continue to do it to themselves) before they ever consider working with Trump.
Secondly, bullies only understand brute force. At the very least the Democrats need to beat the republicans down HARD (or just sit back and watch them continue to do it to themselves) before they ever consider working with Trump.
17
All wishful thinking. We haven't seen anything concrete yet and shouldn't expect to.
3
Democrats should support the United States, not some two-bit tyranny where one Boss undercuts another Boss for political gain.
Are you aware on March 2nd 2017 MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Evelyn Farkas, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense under Obama, confessed to President Obama’s illegal surveillance of President-elect Trump and his transition team that some Republicans have long suspected.
This week House Intelligence Committee Chairman Nunes confirmed in writing to the skeptical press that the Obama Administration conducted illegal intelligence against President-Elect Trump and his team between November 2016 and January 2017.
This illegal Domestic political espionage is totally consistent with the Barack Obama Administration’s using the IRS against Conservatives, as well as other unlawful manipulations of government programs to fund the operations of political allies with tax-payer money like voter registration group ACORN.
Democrats and Republicans must demand to know when President Obama authorized Deputy Defense Secretary Evelyn Farkas to spy on her fellow Americans?
Are you aware on March 2nd 2017 MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Evelyn Farkas, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense under Obama, confessed to President Obama’s illegal surveillance of President-elect Trump and his transition team that some Republicans have long suspected.
This week House Intelligence Committee Chairman Nunes confirmed in writing to the skeptical press that the Obama Administration conducted illegal intelligence against President-Elect Trump and his team between November 2016 and January 2017.
This illegal Domestic political espionage is totally consistent with the Barack Obama Administration’s using the IRS against Conservatives, as well as other unlawful manipulations of government programs to fund the operations of political allies with tax-payer money like voter registration group ACORN.
Democrats and Republicans must demand to know when President Obama authorized Deputy Defense Secretary Evelyn Farkas to spy on her fellow Americans?
1
April Fools! Wait that isn't until Saturday. Ok, I am officially at a loss as to what this author was thinking.
23
It's simple. Trump should change back into a Democrat
7
No Democrat should consider voting with Trump on anything until he releases his tax returns.
28
Bien sur and why not have Putin work with us since he is charge. Europe is fighting off the same kind of election assault now and Trump wants to weaken NATO. Put the Germans in charge. See how Russia would like that without the support of my late father and the rest of the Greatest Generation.
3
It's clearly come to the point where no one in Congress will act outside of politics. Lives of Americans be damned.
I predict voters, clearly disgusted by both sides, will choose one for the sole reason of getting something to move. Not that the chosen side is "preferable", it's just to defray the current logjam.
It's a matter of which side will be chosen to disassemble the logjam. It's not looking too good for Democrats. They couldn't even cheat right during Hillary's campaign--throwing Bernie under the bus, Donna Brazille feeding Hillary debate questions, ignoring the FBI when it told them their computers were hacked, Bill and Lynch on the tarmac, Schakowsky's husband exposed for hiring thugs to beat up Trump supporters, Podesta's emails, Hillary's own campaign people calling her "suboptimal". Then when all this was exposed the Left screaming "Lies!".
Only they weren't. It was like being caught vandalizing a car with baseball bats then blaming the car owner for having the car and blaming the bat manufacturer for making the bats. The vandals cry "Innocent! Not our fault". Then they wonder why their credibility is nonexistent.
I predict voters, clearly disgusted by both sides, will choose one for the sole reason of getting something to move. Not that the chosen side is "preferable", it's just to defray the current logjam.
It's a matter of which side will be chosen to disassemble the logjam. It's not looking too good for Democrats. They couldn't even cheat right during Hillary's campaign--throwing Bernie under the bus, Donna Brazille feeding Hillary debate questions, ignoring the FBI when it told them their computers were hacked, Bill and Lynch on the tarmac, Schakowsky's husband exposed for hiring thugs to beat up Trump supporters, Podesta's emails, Hillary's own campaign people calling her "suboptimal". Then when all this was exposed the Left screaming "Lies!".
Only they weren't. It was like being caught vandalizing a car with baseball bats then blaming the car owner for having the car and blaming the bat manufacturer for making the bats. The vandals cry "Innocent! Not our fault". Then they wonder why their credibility is nonexistent.
1
As a clinical and forensic psychologist, I've been doing everything I can to make my elected officials aware that Trump is a truly sick man who can't be worked with. If you concede that he's as ill as he is but then think you can work with him anyway, then you don't understand the nature of his illness. The best thing that Congress can do for this country, and for the entire planet, is just to sideline him as much as possible (and that includes, by the way, passing legislation making it impossible for him to unilaterally start nuclear war).
6
Sure--Give Republicans what they want, as long as they are willing to raise income taxes on the rich to pay for it.
4
If Democrats cooperate with him on any issue, they should do so knowing that they will ultimately be stabbed in the back by Trump and the Republicans in Congress. They are fundamentally dishonest people, out for only themselves and the very wealthiest among us. They have demonstrated their willingness to compromise (not!) over the last 8 years as well as during the presidential campaign. They're party motto has become, "No promise too big, no lie too small."
Lay down with dogs and you won't get credit for your dedication to animal welfare. You simply get fleas. Democrats should be exceedingly wary of this advice.
Lay down with dogs and you won't get credit for your dedication to animal welfare. You simply get fleas. Democrats should be exceedingly wary of this advice.
6
don't you get it? if they proposed anything reasonable we'd be all over it. let's start with gerrymandering. let's put green energy back. remove travel ban extreme vetting garbage. then we willbtotally talk. streamline education forndisplaced coal workers? sure! issue bonds to rebuild infrastructure, create smart electrical carriers across the nation? we'll totally hot on that bus!
2
If Trump was ineffectual then cooperating with repubs would be a moot point. But he's not. Trump is very dangerous to the health of the American democracy and that threat should never be forgotten until he is finally gone!
3
The writer's suggestions have merit. If the Democrats choose this course of action, they must first put forward their own proposed legislation. Then let the fun begun. Being out front would help show that any compromise would be be a joint affair. DT would have difficulty claiming ownership.
The title of this article should be changed to, "Why Trump should work with Democrats." They have to push against anything that goes against what they believe in and dig their heels in instead of rolling over. I'm counting on the Democratic party to continue leading the good fight and holding strong.
5
Trump and the GOP refuse to work with the Democrats. Read their lips.
To urge the Democrats to start working with Trump and some Republicans implies that Dems are somehow responsible for the Republicans'' intransigence. Partisanship is not equal on both sides.
To urge the Democrats to start working with Trump and some Republicans implies that Dems are somehow responsible for the Republicans'' intransigence. Partisanship is not equal on both sides.
6
Trump does not share power. He is a bully, look at his attack on the Freedom Caucus. (I despise them, BTW.)
The Dems should rightly stay away from Trump. He is a one man band whose tune is in the key of LIE.
There is nothing to be gained. Let him swing with the GOP. There is nothing more amusing that that crowd trying to reach consensus. It is not in their DNA. The process will be an educational event for many to see how one party can put forth so many lies on the same issue. It should have some entertainment value as well.
Let the GOP members come to the Dems to remove the problem.
Watch and wait for the impeachment.
The Dems should rightly stay away from Trump. He is a one man band whose tune is in the key of LIE.
There is nothing to be gained. Let him swing with the GOP. There is nothing more amusing that that crowd trying to reach consensus. It is not in their DNA. The process will be an educational event for many to see how one party can put forth so many lies on the same issue. It should have some entertainment value as well.
Let the GOP members come to the Dems to remove the problem.
Watch and wait for the impeachment.
6
" and if he’s willing to make real concessions to their party’s core values and priorities, pragmatic Democrats should hear him out." However, based on Trump's history, there's no indication that he's willing to do so. There seem to be a large number of people who simply do not understand that, for Trump, WYSIWYG applies. The Republican party had been chronically against anything proposed by a Democratic president. It's time for the shoe to be on the othere foot.
4
"If he's willing to compromise" " Coulda, shoulda, woulda. Sure, pigs do fly, at least in Trumworld.
When has he ever,ever expressed a willingness to compromise? He gets his political power from those who don't believe in compromise.
Democrats are left dealing with them selves, with the Republican right sitting in the trees like vultures muttering "Patience hell, I want to kill something".
We don't trust them, we can't trust them, but we have no choice. Like it or not,we are (at leas so far) one country.
It's time to roll up the pant legs, put on protective gear, and go wading in the sewage with them.
How did we come to this?
When has he ever,ever expressed a willingness to compromise? He gets his political power from those who don't believe in compromise.
Democrats are left dealing with them selves, with the Republican right sitting in the trees like vultures muttering "Patience hell, I want to kill something".
We don't trust them, we can't trust them, but we have no choice. Like it or not,we are (at leas so far) one country.
It's time to roll up the pant legs, put on protective gear, and go wading in the sewage with them.
How did we come to this?
4
Yeah, I remember when President Obama turned himself inside out to work with the Republican congress. Didn't really get him very far. I believe the Democrats' first order of business is to be true to their oath of office. If the current administration wants to do the same, perhaps some work can get done. I'm not holding my breath.
8
This column, like far too many writings before it, pretends there can be some semblance of normalcy in this presidency and in anyone's dealings with it. Anyone with a any degree of objectivity and attention to facts knows that there is not. Anyone who would enter into a deal with this fundamentally dishonest, completely narcissistic, frequently unhinged and quite possibly traitorous president does so at their own and their party's peril.
12
I do not believe Democrats should start with the premise of working with Trump for its own sake.
Formulate sensible policy positions on tax reform that effectively rewards real job-creation and does not shower the wealthy with money while ballooning the deficit, make improvements to the ACA or write a blueprint for transition to Medicare for all, and build out the infrastructure...especially an electrical grid that provides maximum flexibility to take advantage of all energy sources...especially the renewables.
When Trump gets tired of his dead-end fight with the nihilists, he might, out of self-interest, decide to adopt the reforms as his own.
Formulate sensible policy positions on tax reform that effectively rewards real job-creation and does not shower the wealthy with money while ballooning the deficit, make improvements to the ACA or write a blueprint for transition to Medicare for all, and build out the infrastructure...especially an electrical grid that provides maximum flexibility to take advantage of all energy sources...especially the renewables.
When Trump gets tired of his dead-end fight with the nihilists, he might, out of self-interest, decide to adopt the reforms as his own.
2
It shouldn't be about working "with" or "against" an incumbent president or party. It should be about working on issues - understanding them and taking responsible positions toward them. Public policy-making should not be ad hominem. There lies the destructive path of personal politics.
1
If Trump want's to work with the Democratic Party, he could begin by nominating Garland to the Supreme Court. That would indicate a return of respect for the office of the Presidency, a respect Trump desperately wants, and open the doors to negotiation and deal making.
11
A famous continuing theme in Peanuts was of Lucy holding the football for
Charlie Brown. Always she would insist that Charlie Brown trust her and always she would pull the ball away at the last second as Charlie Brown fell on his butt.
It would be a serious mistake for Democrats to support Trump in any way. It should be obvious to any thinking person that everything Trump touches turns to something else other than gold.
Charlie Brown. Always she would insist that Charlie Brown trust her and always she would pull the ball away at the last second as Charlie Brown fell on his butt.
It would be a serious mistake for Democrats to support Trump in any way. It should be obvious to any thinking person that everything Trump touches turns to something else other than gold.
5
This article is admirable, but fails to take into consideration, reality. Trump has proven to be a liar, a user, a self promoting child, who would only use the Democrats to excel his own agenda, improve his approval numbers, and continue to block, hide, sidestep, all his Russian problems! Democrats must take the lead, in showing the American people, plans to improve ACA, taxes, infrastructure, plans to help those in coal country with job retraining, and showing Republicans for the obstructionists they are! In doing this, the Democrats can gain those voters mentioned in the article. Working with Trump is not the answer, but showing Americans what Democrats can and will do for our country, is!
2
What could the GOP want from "working" with the a Dems? Most likely they want the optics of Dems cooperation in abandoning Obamacare, demonstrating their agreement that it was a horrible idea, and also Dems complicity in crafting the next GOP mangling of healthcare, so the Dems cannot deny responsibility for it.
Evidence for this jaded suspicion of the GOP: seven years of obstruction and the false rhetoric supporting the abominable AHCA, which not only couldn't work, but also betrayed a heartless, lying, venal mentality.
Evidence for this jaded suspicion of the GOP: seven years of obstruction and the false rhetoric supporting the abominable AHCA, which not only couldn't work, but also betrayed a heartless, lying, venal mentality.
2
It's kind of hard to work with a group that is run by extremists and who have the IQ of a skunk.
10
The 'Progressive Policy Institute,' an offshoot of the Democratic Leadership Council and advocate for 'Third Way' style policies that have tremendous heft in Washington but, as this last election and subsequent events have showed, little to no grassroots support, will be the first in line to say that both parties should come together to cut corporate and top-tier taxes ("Tax Reform!") and cut social SS/medicare/medicaid ("Entitlement Reform!"). The group's record, the policies it advocates for, and its funders (largely Wall Street) are vital to understanding the perspective it espouses.
The sooner groups like this are ignored by the Democratic Party the better for its future and the future of the citizens it seeks to represent, but unfortunately, I'm not holding my breath.
The sooner groups like this are ignored by the Democratic Party the better for its future and the future of the citizens it seeks to represent, but unfortunately, I'm not holding my breath.
9
I hear often that we should want Trump to succeed. His - and Pence's - definition of success is my definition of horror. They represent ignorance, fear and callousness. I want them both to be utter failures and leave the national stage at the end of this term full of trial for thinking people.
3
As a life-long Democrat, I would be fully supportive of my party working with the current administration *after* all the unanswered questions of collusion with the Russians are addressed, including whether the president financially profited from any of those transactions (i.e., let's see the tax returns). Until then, I remain dubious that we have a legitimate president with whom to work.
4
Except Trump (and his "Dem Allies") would still need Moderate Republicans on board. The likelihood of getting ANY red votes on a carbon tax, or a tax increase are so low that even were Trump to choose to simply go back to being a Democrat--remember he was one--there aren't enough votes from the Party of No to get anything done.
The only argument for cooperation I see is if Trump will agree to pull Gorsuch and put up Merrick Garland, the Democratic Senators from Red states--and a few safe moderates--agree to vote for his spending/tax reform provided it is not completely awful. A Supreme Court Justice is more than worth a re-written tax code that the ultra-rich will find a way too take advantage of, regardless of how well it is written.
The only argument for cooperation I see is if Trump will agree to pull Gorsuch and put up Merrick Garland, the Democratic Senators from Red states--and a few safe moderates--agree to vote for his spending/tax reform provided it is not completely awful. A Supreme Court Justice is more than worth a re-written tax code that the ultra-rich will find a way too take advantage of, regardless of how well it is written.
1
Absolutely. But, remember, Trump's assertion was that once the ACA had been run into the ground by the GOP's "thousand cuts" the Dems would come abjectly begging Mr. Trump to let them work with him.
Sorry. The present admin is always blamed for disasters. The Trumpcare bill if passed might have been the only thing that could make red staters remember Obama nostalgically. The electorate's short memory will remember that health care and access to it improved for millions under Obama, while under Trumpcare the premiums remained the same--only the health care was gutted.
But--Trump has no convictions to get around. If Trump decided that a wonderful health bill with the moderate GOP and the Dems was passable and he would still get cheering rallies--Why not?
Sorry. The present admin is always blamed for disasters. The Trumpcare bill if passed might have been the only thing that could make red staters remember Obama nostalgically. The electorate's short memory will remember that health care and access to it improved for millions under Obama, while under Trumpcare the premiums remained the same--only the health care was gutted.
But--Trump has no convictions to get around. If Trump decided that a wonderful health bill with the moderate GOP and the Dems was passable and he would still get cheering rallies--Why not?
"Under pressure from their base, congressional leaders are dug in for years of unremitting resistance..."
Trump will never go along with the progressive ideas presented here, and the Democratic base understands - after eight long years of Democratic party acquiescence to Republican austerity demands, not to mention Pelosi and Obama calling for Social Security cuts - that today's congressional Democrats can't be trusted.
Even the centrist Hillary is calling for resistance.
Trump will never go along with the progressive ideas presented here, and the Democratic base understands - after eight long years of Democratic party acquiescence to Republican austerity demands, not to mention Pelosi and Obama calling for Social Security cuts - that today's congressional Democrats can't be trusted.
Even the centrist Hillary is calling for resistance.
2
Democrats nee to take the lead on issues where they see shared goals. Grab onto corporate tax rates, for example, and propose reductions in the same way Trump does: we need to allow US corporations to compete fairly on the international scene. President Trump, let's get this done. We've been pushing for this for years.
Of course there are issues where there is agreement. How can the Democrats, for a change, make political mileage out of them?
Of course there are issues where there is agreement. How can the Democrats, for a change, make political mileage out of them?
1
History suggests that attempting to build a constructive coalition with Trump and willing Republicans will not work. Remember 2009 when Democrats had majorities in both the House and Senate and President Obama actively took a bipartisan approach? How cooperative were republicans then, even so called moderate Republicans?
2
This reduces down to the existing disagreement within the Democratic Party between incrementalists like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and revolutionaries like Bernie Sanders. I personally don't understand the all-or-none, my-way-or-the-highway approach of the revolutionaries. And the present situation is an example of where incrementalism can provide real benefits even in defeat.
There are two possibilities: if Trump rebuilds bridges with congressional Republicans to the extent that they start churning out legislation, then the Democrats' best plan is to delay, obstruct, and grandstand. On the other hand, if the Republicans are so divided that getting legislation passed without Democratic support is very unlikely or at least very difficult, then the Democrats should take the initiative to propose programs and amendments that slow down the Republican agenda and measurably advance the Democratic agenda. If the Republican side of the resulting compromises is less bad than the Democrat side is good, then I see no problems with Democrats supporting the compromise.
While it may sound wishy-washy, I believe that this kind of give-and-take was for a really long time the standard way legislation was made in America. Sausage-making.
There are two possibilities: if Trump rebuilds bridges with congressional Republicans to the extent that they start churning out legislation, then the Democrats' best plan is to delay, obstruct, and grandstand. On the other hand, if the Republicans are so divided that getting legislation passed without Democratic support is very unlikely or at least very difficult, then the Democrats should take the initiative to propose programs and amendments that slow down the Republican agenda and measurably advance the Democratic agenda. If the Republican side of the resulting compromises is less bad than the Democrat side is good, then I see no problems with Democrats supporting the compromise.
While it may sound wishy-washy, I believe that this kind of give-and-take was for a really long time the standard way legislation was made in America. Sausage-making.
A case should be made instead for why Democrats should NOT work with Trump and based on a few things:
1. Avoidance of all the bad outcomes had they not supported GW Bush including the creation of ISIS and the current imbroglio in Syria and Yemen.
2. Avoidance of placing the treasury under tremendous financial strain.
3. Avoidance of projecting America as the worst enemy for our neighbors. We already project the impression of being a bully. There is no need to turn that into a harsh reality.
4. Avoidance of projecting to our children that it is ok to support a man who has no moral or ethical bearings about him.
5. Avoiding making the Republican party look good enough to get a bunch of clowns elected again to the House and Senate.
6. Avoiding working with a bunch of bigots who have gone to great lengths to show their hatred for anything that is non-Caucasian and Christian.
and most of all,
7. To ensure the failure of a man who would be unlikely to be hired by custodial services.
1. Avoidance of all the bad outcomes had they not supported GW Bush including the creation of ISIS and the current imbroglio in Syria and Yemen.
2. Avoidance of placing the treasury under tremendous financial strain.
3. Avoidance of projecting America as the worst enemy for our neighbors. We already project the impression of being a bully. There is no need to turn that into a harsh reality.
4. Avoidance of projecting to our children that it is ok to support a man who has no moral or ethical bearings about him.
5. Avoiding making the Republican party look good enough to get a bunch of clowns elected again to the House and Senate.
6. Avoiding working with a bunch of bigots who have gone to great lengths to show their hatred for anything that is non-Caucasian and Christian.
and most of all,
7. To ensure the failure of a man who would be unlikely to be hired by custodial services.
4
Right. Cooperate with Trump. Look -- these people are monsters. They are destroying everything progressive Democrats say they believe in. But the Democrats are still triangulating, even after the disastrous results of the last election not only for President but in congress, the senate and the state houses. If Godzilla was eating New York, these spineless politicians would say, cooperate with Godzilla, see if we can get him to just devour the Bronx and Brooklyn. When people do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result we call them insane. Or maybe Democrats.
3
If Trump is willing to sign a carbon tax, Democrats should help pass that tax. The critical point the author makes--and what needs to be emphasized--is that Trump must propose and agree to legislation that supports Democratic values.
3
Putting aside the question of whether the Democrats should work with Trump is the question of whether Trump can work with the Democrats, or any one else, for that matter.
When the president insults, browbeats, threatens, lies and (perhaps) cheats his way towards his political ends, I'm not sure cooperation is possible with anyone. Even his own team is largely occupied with sweeping up the messes he has been creating since he entered office. You can call this cooperation if you want, but I think it actually shows is that he lacks the ability to work with others.
When the president insults, browbeats, threatens, lies and (perhaps) cheats his way towards his political ends, I'm not sure cooperation is possible with anyone. Even his own team is largely occupied with sweeping up the messes he has been creating since he entered office. You can call this cooperation if you want, but I think it actually shows is that he lacks the ability to work with others.
2
I think this could only work if Trump got to the point that he was so stymied by the Republicans antics that he pretty much decided to defect. But before that happens, don't give him an inch. Let him skewer in his own ineptitude.
1
Sure, Democrats should work with Trump if he agrees to:
1. Eliminate the discount on capital gains tax. Capital gains should be taxed at the same rate as any other income.
2. Make all income should be subject Medicare and Social Security tax
3. Increase the marginal income tax rate for $1M+ income to 50% and $5M+ income to 70%
4. Add a single-payer option to Obamacare
5. A border tax of 5% on good imported from China
These simple 5 measures will fix so many things that is wrong at the moment...
1. Eliminate the discount on capital gains tax. Capital gains should be taxed at the same rate as any other income.
2. Make all income should be subject Medicare and Social Security tax
3. Increase the marginal income tax rate for $1M+ income to 50% and $5M+ income to 70%
4. Add a single-payer option to Obamacare
5. A border tax of 5% on good imported from China
These simple 5 measures will fix so many things that is wrong at the moment...
1
Well the first thing they will want to bargain about is Gorsuch. Gorsuch is illegitimate so no. Next, here we have a fake progressive, (I mean really, get rid of the word progressive in the name, you're not progressive at all), who wants to get moderate Republicans and moderate Democrats together. The only problem with that is that the Democrats who would buy this plan are the worst Democrats, dixie crats and blue dogs, not really Democrats at all but in fact white power racist Republican lite who would try to steer us all back to neoliberalism and globalization. The 60 year push to these supposed middle of the road rich oligarchical schemes is what ruined the Democratic Party in the first place. So, once again, appealing to moderate Democrats to make deals with the Trumpistas while once again and quite predictably, throwing the real progressives and liberals under the globalization bus. I guess they're not feeling the Bern, even after all of this.....
A group of establishment corporately controlled (loser) and very weak democrats dealing with another group of corporately controlled Republicans. Yeah, that will work out well for the vast majority of the electorate, won't it? This writer has some sense of humor. The democrats tried the "working with Republicans approach" over the last eight years and it ultimately resulted in the loss of over 900 seats at the local, state and federal levels including the house, senate and now the presidency.
If the writer insists on democrats try working with Republicans then have Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and other progressive democrats lead the disussions, NOT, the Pelosi, Schumer establishment dinosaurs.
If the writer insists on democrats try working with Republicans then have Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and other progressive democrats lead the disussions, NOT, the Pelosi, Schumer establishment dinosaurs.
3
The policy of the House Republican Caucus since it came to power has been to introduce only legislation that it can pass with 0 Democratic votes. That policy, which was intentionally engineered to kill bipartisanship, has given the Freedom Caucus power that is far beyond what would otherwise be able to wield in a body with 435 members. It has also empowered the far right-wing groups that have invested money in creating safe, gerrymandered districts for Freedom Caucus members and in "primarying" any Republican who even thinks about working with Democrats.
Democrats should not step up and save the Republican Party from the internecine battle that Trump has sparked in the Republican Caucus. Instead, we need to stand aside and let this lesson sink in: the Republican Party's 8-year war against bipartisanship has left us with a dysfunctional Congress and a dysfunctional presidency. The only ones who can fix it are voters and the only way they can do it is by refusing to reelect right-wing ideologue to Congress.
Democrats should not step up and save the Republican Party from the internecine battle that Trump has sparked in the Republican Caucus. Instead, we need to stand aside and let this lesson sink in: the Republican Party's 8-year war against bipartisanship has left us with a dysfunctional Congress and a dysfunctional presidency. The only ones who can fix it are voters and the only way they can do it is by refusing to reelect right-wing ideologue to Congress.
2
The tax code is like the building code. You don't get a better building if you change it.
The tax code is a product of a century of social engineering, designed to produce specific results, like home ownership, education, charitable contributions, medical care, research investment, and productivity investment.
If you cut taxes for the rich and cut taxes for corporations and CEO's you get more fat executives and the destruction of a humane society, less productivity and uneducated air pollution.
Tax reform is a myth, a lie from the far right to induce lower taxes for the rich at the expense of shorter life spans for the poor.
The Democrats should not work with Trump. The Democrats should impeach and remove Trump from office to end his destructive rampage.
The tax code is a product of a century of social engineering, designed to produce specific results, like home ownership, education, charitable contributions, medical care, research investment, and productivity investment.
If you cut taxes for the rich and cut taxes for corporations and CEO's you get more fat executives and the destruction of a humane society, less productivity and uneducated air pollution.
Tax reform is a myth, a lie from the far right to induce lower taxes for the rich at the expense of shorter life spans for the poor.
The Democrats should not work with Trump. The Democrats should impeach and remove Trump from office to end his destructive rampage.
3
Trump can't be worked with and any cooperation with him that makes him look good would run the risk of enabling him to win in 2020. That must not happen for our own good and for the good of the planet. Democrats should advance their own legislation and proposals on the issues of the day and trust that voters will recognize which party actually has ideas that could work to the benefit of all. If well crafted and effectively managed, such proposals might gain the support of moderate Republicans who are going to desperately be in need of successes.
Many commenters here seem to be under the impression that because the author is part of a group that has the word progressive in its name, he represents what most of us view as leftist "Progressive" thought. Less than 60 seconds of even the most cursory research shows that this group is just another Conservative think tank and as such his sunny advice that Democrats cooperate with Republicans should be taken with a healthy grain (several cups?) of salt. I find it hysterical that Conservatives become entranced with bipartisan cooperation as soon as they gain power and realize that Republicans are so crazy they cannot even agree on how best to screw over the average American and so request Democratic help in the endeavor. For my part, a polite "no thanks" would seem to be the appropriate response!
6
Trump has fully disrespected Democrats, but now he knows the establishment Republicans are not only in chaos, but they may have used him to further Speaker Paul Ryan's personal, long-planned budget goals.
Trump also fails to read what he supports and/or signs.
I have no clue how to remedy this malady, but it complicates every issue.
For example, Steve Bannon was "suddenly" a key member of the White House National Security Council, replacing experts, but Trump was clueless as to how that happened.
Turns out it was in one of Trump's Executive Orders.
The NSC is much more important than Trump realized, but Bannon must have seen it as his stepping stone.
>The White House National Security Council (NSC) is the principal forum used by the President of the United States for consideration of national security and foreign policy matters with senior national security advisers and Cabinet officials and is part of the Executive Office of the President of the United States<
Trump also fails to read what he supports and/or signs.
I have no clue how to remedy this malady, but it complicates every issue.
For example, Steve Bannon was "suddenly" a key member of the White House National Security Council, replacing experts, but Trump was clueless as to how that happened.
Turns out it was in one of Trump's Executive Orders.
The NSC is much more important than Trump realized, but Bannon must have seen it as his stepping stone.
>The White House National Security Council (NSC) is the principal forum used by the President of the United States for consideration of national security and foreign policy matters with senior national security advisers and Cabinet officials and is part of the Executive Office of the President of the United States<
Appreciate the creative thinking. As it stands, such a compromise seems to be beyond what most consider to be politically realistic, as many commenters here have written. But it is good to be alert to opportunities, and have a developed thought process so that Democrats can recognize them if they present themselves.
Democrats have the problem of the Chalk Circle. The person less worried about pulling the child's arm off is the one who will succeed in pulling the child out of the circle. Finding a way to prevent the other from winning without lasting or fatal damage to the child may not be possible and is in any case not a winning strategy.
What Democrats need is a way to change the game that is being played, from what it is now back to standard icky dirty politics. Working with Trump is acceptable only as part of a definite strategy to do this -- a strategy with a good chance of success. If taking a stand and refusing to work with him is a better game-changing strategy, then that should be done and the collateral damage accepted with gritted teeth.
What Democrats need is a way to change the game that is being played, from what it is now back to standard icky dirty politics. Working with Trump is acceptable only as part of a definite strategy to do this -- a strategy with a good chance of success. If taking a stand and refusing to work with him is a better game-changing strategy, then that should be done and the collateral damage accepted with gritted teeth.
2
Ah, this is interesting. Turns out the Progressive Policy Institute is tied with the Koch billionaire network:
http://www.progressivepolicy.org/issues/wrestling-with-the-%E2%80%9Ckoch...
This writer has an agenda, and it's not helping Democrats.
http://www.progressivepolicy.org/issues/wrestling-with-the-%E2%80%9Ckoch...
This writer has an agenda, and it's not helping Democrats.
18
OOPS! Now that is a perfect example of why a simple search can be misleading, and hitting "submit" too quickly a blot on my conscience!
What I said is ***not true***. My bad. Here's a more reliable reference.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Marshall
What I said is ***not true***. My bad. Here's a more reliable reference.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Marshall
5
That's even worse. A wolf in sheep's clothing.
'He served on the board of the Committee for the Liberation of Iraq, an organization chaired by Joe Lieberman (I) and John McCain (R) designed to build support for the invasion of Iraq. Marshall also signed, at the outset of the war, a letter issued by the Project for the New American Century (PNAC) expressing support for the invasion. Marshall signed a similar letter sent to President Bush put out by the Social Democrats USA on Feb. 25, 2003, just before the invasion.'
'He served on the board of the Committee for the Liberation of Iraq, an organization chaired by Joe Lieberman (I) and John McCain (R) designed to build support for the invasion of Iraq. Marshall also signed, at the outset of the war, a letter issued by the Project for the New American Century (PNAC) expressing support for the invasion. Marshall signed a similar letter sent to President Bush put out by the Social Democrats USA on Feb. 25, 2003, just before the invasion.'
3
good catch! I too like to dig deeper on the person giving such advice.
2
Democrats should certainly have some real proposals for tax reform as an alternative to what Republicans are proposing, including a carbon tax, but let's drop the fiction of moderate Republicans. Obama spent 8 years trying to cultivate so called moderate Republicans without success. Any so called moderates would be cooperating with Democrats in attempting to thwart Trump's agenda and horrible ideas.
But even if there were supposed moderates, look at what happened when Democrats do cooperate - Republicans somehow manage to shirk responsibility consequences of their ideas on free trade, or deregulation or invading Iraq - and Democrats who cooperate with them or clean up the consequences are left on the hook.
But even if there were supposed moderates, look at what happened when Democrats do cooperate - Republicans somehow manage to shirk responsibility consequences of their ideas on free trade, or deregulation or invading Iraq - and Democrats who cooperate with them or clean up the consequences are left on the hook.
7
Making bargains with devils has never worked in human history. It wouldn't work this time, either. Let the Republicans own that skill. They're well practiced at it.
25
Democrats in Congress worked with G.W. Bush on his tax cuts for the rich, which put the U.S. $1 trillion in the hole. They worked with G.W. Bush on his monumentally foolish invasion of Iraq, and the disastrous consequences continue to mount today, 14 years later, with no end in sight. (One consequence: a Presidential candidate so discredited that she somehow lost to a buffoon from the 1980s.)
There is simply no reason to believe that the Democrats can successfully negotiate with any Republican, much less Donald Trump. Much better to continuously point out the obvious about the Republican party and hope that someday, somehow, enough voters will notice that they are being had.
There is simply no reason to believe that the Democrats can successfully negotiate with any Republican, much less Donald Trump. Much better to continuously point out the obvious about the Republican party and hope that someday, somehow, enough voters will notice that they are being had.
19
Trump is a personally corrupt and uneducated bully. There is no way possible to work with him. He is on a path to ruining the county and the Western Alliance since WWII. His idea of zero sum thinking is beastly and unrealistic in a complex world.
It is best to avoid this beast.
It is best to avoid this beast.
22
How about we accept nothing less than BOTH parties adhere to the high-minded standard that is outlined here? Let's expect the same of the President, as well.
7
If you think that these arguments will persuade Trump, you don't understand what motivates him. Think optics.
9
Nope. Not enough. Trump has burned far too many bridges to the other side to be able to get Democrats on board with him by agreeing to barely progressive policies like a VAT or carbon tax.
If you ask me, the Democrats should first demand that the president, if he is serious about bipartisanship, immediately rescind Neil Gorsuch's nomination for the Supreme Court and replace him with Merrick Garland. Then maybe -- MAYBE -- we'll talk legislation.
If you ask me, the Democrats should first demand that the president, if he is serious about bipartisanship, immediately rescind Neil Gorsuch's nomination for the Supreme Court and replace him with Merrick Garland. Then maybe -- MAYBE -- we'll talk legislation.
17
I despise DJT and am constantly nauseated by the tactics of the Republicans in Congress, but if there is room for Democrats to achieve something progressive for the country by working with this adminstration - they should.
Remember, DJT only used the Republican party platform as an elevator to the Oval Office. He doesn't hold conservative values (or any values?) close to his heart. He clearly doesn't care about policy or the effects. His true goal is adoration. If he senses that his true goal can be achieved by working with Democrats, I wouldn't be surprised a bit if he did just that.
Do we all really think he wouldn't turn on the Freedom Caucus in a heartbeat if he thought he would benefit some way from doing so?
Remember, DJT only used the Republican party platform as an elevator to the Oval Office. He doesn't hold conservative values (or any values?) close to his heart. He clearly doesn't care about policy or the effects. His true goal is adoration. If he senses that his true goal can be achieved by working with Democrats, I wouldn't be surprised a bit if he did just that.
Do we all really think he wouldn't turn on the Freedom Caucus in a heartbeat if he thought he would benefit some way from doing so?
4
The best way for the Democrats to work for the American people would be to fight to regain control of the government.
That means resisting the GOP at every turn and exposing, loudly and aggressively, the harm GOP policies are doing to the working class.
Cooperating with the Republicans will weaken the Democrats. The voters prefer a fighter to a compromiser, as can easily be seen by the popularity among independents of Sanders over Clinton.
The Democrats talk the talk but rarely walk the walk. As a socialist, I doubt that the Democrats will do much for working people.
But I support anything that helps working people, and ousting the GOP will certainly do some of that.
That means resisting the GOP at every turn and exposing, loudly and aggressively, the harm GOP policies are doing to the working class.
Cooperating with the Republicans will weaken the Democrats. The voters prefer a fighter to a compromiser, as can easily be seen by the popularity among independents of Sanders over Clinton.
The Democrats talk the talk but rarely walk the walk. As a socialist, I doubt that the Democrats will do much for working people.
But I support anything that helps working people, and ousting the GOP will certainly do some of that.
8
Sure, Dems should work with Trump..after all, it looks like EVERYBODY has worked with Trump..
2
This so-called president needs to work with a bi partisan psychiatrist.
8
That's just ridiculous. No one should work with a mentally ill president, unless
it's in an insane asylum.
it's in an insane asylum.
8
Cooperation requires TRUST.
5
If his is what the "Progressive Policy Institute" has to offer, give me the Regressive Policy Institute. Why can't Democratic "intellectuals" wean themselves from naivete and centrism?
6
Compromise and bi partisanship on a constructive basis is always welcome. Let Trump put something out there or meet with Dem leaders to come up with a program makes sense --there is one that centers on a climate-jobs- education - infrastructure, health care initiative that enough might agree on. There would probably be a few riders on the Dem side that could not be ignored- treason; the attack on public health and education; and the loss of research funding for new technologies and medicine. Couple these with doing away with the racist xenophobic rhetoric and maybe we all can get along and get something done.
I'm so impressed by The Republican Party of No to progress as they demand Progressives becoming the Party of Yes to the degeneration of a nation, its principles and impact on the people. Such hypocrisy in the face of basic truths. The Progressives and Extreme Right have little in common. And Progressives will not move an inch to the Right to contribute to the further destruction of this nation. We intend to resist every strategy, proposal, cabinet appointment, executive order, legislation, lie and manipulation of basic truths that deminishes human rights protections. We intend to resist futher enrichment of the investor class and corporations who have stolen our resources for obscene profits at a high cost of the people of this nation.
3
Offering to negotiate with despots is really not a good idea. If the author feels that helping this amoral man in the White House achieve some policy achievements in some way will benefit the Democrats, he is badly mistaken. The best advice is to let him and his immoral party, if you object to this characterization remember their Obamacare replacement that would force 24 million people off insurance while providing tax relief to millionaires, sink under the weight of their failures. This would provide the best opportunity for the Democrats to control Congress and try to restore the ethical balance that is currently missing from our political system.
5
There is absolutely no reason to work with Trump. Let the amazing know-it-all do it all and create the amazing mess, ok?
6
To be clear, the American People (and economy, and culture, and everything else here), also cannot have one party of professional legislators and one party of "No". That's how we get into a position where we have two sets of rules for one government. That is not acceptable.
The Democrats should continue to obstruct at all opportunities until the GOP actually starts behaving like a real governing party. That starts with nominating Merrick Garland to the SCOTUS, and proceeds to an actual infrastructure bill. Those are the two potential opportunities for the GOP and Donald Trump to heal the division.
Democrats cannot be the only adult party in this nation. If we continue to work with the GOP, and the continue to not work with us, we will continue this spiral toward ultra-conservative fascism. That will benefit nobody, party politics be damned.
The Democrats should continue to obstruct at all opportunities until the GOP actually starts behaving like a real governing party. That starts with nominating Merrick Garland to the SCOTUS, and proceeds to an actual infrastructure bill. Those are the two potential opportunities for the GOP and Donald Trump to heal the division.
Democrats cannot be the only adult party in this nation. If we continue to work with the GOP, and the continue to not work with us, we will continue this spiral toward ultra-conservative fascism. That will benefit nobody, party politics be damned.
8
The "democrats" you are talking about are the one's who sold the party out. The "democrats" you are talking about are corporatists and are in bed with wall street. The "democrats" you are talking about are DINO moderate republicans. The "democrats" you are talking about allowed the primary system to be rigged and lost the presidential election through sheer ineptitude and arrogance.
The Republican party and DT are RACIST, first and foremost. Their policies are based on racism.
Anyone who thinks they can work with racists is a fool.
The so called democratic party needs to change radically or they are going go the same way the republican party is going to go, and that would be oblivion.
You don't work with the party that has clearly stated that they wish to install an authoritarian government. You don't work with the party that has declared class war. You don't work with the party that wants to eliminate all the human rights that this nation has fought and died for and is what makes this nation truly great.
You destroy them.
The Republican party and DT are RACIST, first and foremost. Their policies are based on racism.
Anyone who thinks they can work with racists is a fool.
The so called democratic party needs to change radically or they are going go the same way the republican party is going to go, and that would be oblivion.
You don't work with the party that has clearly stated that they wish to install an authoritarian government. You don't work with the party that has declared class war. You don't work with the party that wants to eliminate all the human rights that this nation has fought and died for and is what makes this nation truly great.
You destroy them.
6
Of course the Democrats should be the party of NO. The Republicans, given the chance, will destroy every progressive, environmental, worker safety law, fiscal
and monetary law and program dating back to the New Deal. Why in the world should the Democrats sign on for any of that?
and monetary law and program dating back to the New Deal. Why in the world should the Democrats sign on for any of that?
9
Marshall was a leading critic of Democrats who opposed the Iraq invasion. In January 2004, he stated, "Coalition forces still face daily attacks but the body count tilts massively in their favor," implying that disproportionate Iraqi casualties was a sign of success. Wrong, always wrong. Throw a dart, you'll be better off. Or ask the opinion of the guy eating next to you at Applebee's - you'll have the same probability.
7
Questions: Are there any "moderate" Republicans to deal with? When one of two parties has a history of being an uncompromising 'NO' to anything but extremist ideologues (Ryan & McConnell are as bad as the Freedom Caucus) is the opposition party's "No" of the same weight and caliber...or isn't compromise under those terms giving in to the worst sort of thuggery? Breathe. Think a minute, then tell us how anybody but Republicans can work us out of this mess.
4
No. Democrats should follow the Republican game plan and play tit for tat. Seven years of Republican obstructionism deserves no less and blame for government dysfunction should be placed on Republicans - where it belongs.
We have suffered under Republicans' obstructionism for at least 7 years. What's the problem of another year or two to make the point and put blame where it belongs?
We have suffered under Republicans' obstructionism for at least 7 years. What's the problem of another year or two to make the point and put blame where it belongs?
2
I encourage Mr. Marshall to checkout some of trump's tweets from today (thursday) regarding Democrats. So to trump and Marshall, I say NUTS just like the 101st at Bastogne.
13
It's infuriating to confront the fact that Democrats must once again clean up a Republican president's messes. But until the bulk of the GOP grows out of the junior high school mentality, that's going to be the case whether there is a Democrat in the White House or not.
At the end of the day, we must think about the impact of political choices on those who are most affected by our decisions. The average American will suffer under the Trump tax plan and it may hasten the deaths of those at the bottom of the economic ladder. A Democrat-led plan would privilege the lower 50 percent over the 1 percent. Should Democrats work with Trump in exchange for getting most of what we want?
Much as we would all love to see Trump and Ryan fall flat on their smirks again, we know the right answer.
Likewise, Trump's infrastructure plan will almost certainly benefit private companies over citizens when deciding which projects to tackle and who to hire. Democrats can focus his attention on projects and hiring that address real needs as opposed to what is most profitable for the private sector, and put people to work across the country.
Then, when elections roll around, the party should be completely immodest about its activities, comparing what was done to what Trump originally set out to do.
I hate to tell Schumer and Nancy to spend more time with Trump. But he has no convictions or friends right now. It's an opportunity that we can't ignore.
At the end of the day, we must think about the impact of political choices on those who are most affected by our decisions. The average American will suffer under the Trump tax plan and it may hasten the deaths of those at the bottom of the economic ladder. A Democrat-led plan would privilege the lower 50 percent over the 1 percent. Should Democrats work with Trump in exchange for getting most of what we want?
Much as we would all love to see Trump and Ryan fall flat on their smirks again, we know the right answer.
Likewise, Trump's infrastructure plan will almost certainly benefit private companies over citizens when deciding which projects to tackle and who to hire. Democrats can focus his attention on projects and hiring that address real needs as opposed to what is most profitable for the private sector, and put people to work across the country.
Then, when elections roll around, the party should be completely immodest about its activities, comparing what was done to what Trump originally set out to do.
I hate to tell Schumer and Nancy to spend more time with Trump. But he has no convictions or friends right now. It's an opportunity that we can't ignore.
2
The term is Quisling, that's what people are called when they collude with a false and treasonous leader and government.
Endure eight years of obstruction and sabotage and then shed principles to be nice? No, no, and no.
Endure eight years of obstruction and sabotage and then shed principles to be nice? No, no, and no.
10
It's an ongoing argument in our governing system. Do you stand up for your party's principles? Do you cooperate on bad legislation in an attempt to make it less bad? I have to admit as a Democrat I'm conflicted. I want to see the country succeed to achieve aims of opportunity for all. I want to see Trump fail spectacularly. I want to see him removed from office. Therefore it's very hard to advise Democrats to cooperate with the evil that is Trump.
2
Sure, let's bargain with Trump. Here are the five simple non-negotiables before we begin, in no particular order:
1. Withdraw Gorsuch, and nominate a centrist judge for the Supreme Court. The name Merrick Garland comes to mind.
2. Withdraw all controversial executive orders, especially those regarding for EPA, ACA, and the travel ban.
3. Make House encumber funds for ACA cost sharing payments, and withdraw lawsuit.
4. Fire Pruitt, Mulvaney, Sessions, and Bannon, and hire well-qualified people for all remaining executive branch posts.
5. Release your tax returns for the last 10 years.
1. Withdraw Gorsuch, and nominate a centrist judge for the Supreme Court. The name Merrick Garland comes to mind.
2. Withdraw all controversial executive orders, especially those regarding for EPA, ACA, and the travel ban.
3. Make House encumber funds for ACA cost sharing payments, and withdraw lawsuit.
4. Fire Pruitt, Mulvaney, Sessions, and Bannon, and hire well-qualified people for all remaining executive branch posts.
5. Release your tax returns for the last 10 years.
11
Why should the Democrats want to cooperate with Trump and the dirt bag
Bannon? To assist them in implementing their "deconstruction" plan of our government?
Bannon? To assist them in implementing their "deconstruction" plan of our government?
9
The problem with this essay is that it starts with a pile of lies and acts as though its a reasonable starting point.
No, sorry. No sale.
No, sorry. No sale.
10
It seems to me that this violates one of the fundamental precepts of business, and, for that matter life. Never try to make a deal with a fundamentally dishonest partner.
And this is such inside-the-beltway thinking. It ignores the accurate political assessment of a majority of the public which sees Trump as a liar, cheat, racist, and conman.
And this is such inside-the-beltway thinking. It ignores the accurate political assessment of a majority of the public which sees Trump as a liar, cheat, racist, and conman.
9
Beginning to sound like the translation seen in Bill Clinton's administration.
Such cooperation will raise the hackles of the progressive wing, assuring a significant struggle that will keep the Democrats from achieving the unity necessary to reverse the losses of the Obama years.
So, they have the choice of getting things done as the voters this year said they wanted ofrcto continue to distance themselves from the electorate by playing political games while ignoring the needs and wants of the nation.
Of course, the Congressional Democrats will choose party over nation and achieve a degree of alienation that might allow the rise of a new party from the fractures and rubble of the old.
Such cooperation will raise the hackles of the progressive wing, assuring a significant struggle that will keep the Democrats from achieving the unity necessary to reverse the losses of the Obama years.
So, they have the choice of getting things done as the voters this year said they wanted ofrcto continue to distance themselves from the electorate by playing political games while ignoring the needs and wants of the nation.
Of course, the Congressional Democrats will choose party over nation and achieve a degree of alienation that might allow the rise of a new party from the fractures and rubble of the old.
1
Even if we were to put aside the ethical question of working with an overtly racist and sexist person (and I do not think we should put it aside), how in heaven could anyone in their right mind believe one can "deal" with this incarnation -- with a very, very long track record -- of bullying dishonesty?
Democrats have a duty to do well for Americans. In today's circumstances, this means to stay away, as far as possible, from the ignominy called Trump. Then, to make it known to all, day in day out.
Democrats have a duty to do well for Americans. In today's circumstances, this means to stay away, as far as possible, from the ignominy called Trump. Then, to make it known to all, day in day out.
10
This column encourages absolutely the worst kind of enabling. It's the political version of "he only hits me when he's drunk and I provoke him." Trump and Co. belong in prison, and the sooner the better.
12
Apparently marijuana is legal wherever this guy is from. Democrats HAVE been playing ball with the GOP forever and it alnost always ends in tears.
Until the GOP wants to actually govern, then what's the point? Rome was burning, and I helped? The Dems should do nothing unless it's actually beneficial to us, which I haven't seen yet from Republicans. So...no.
Until the GOP wants to actually govern, then what's the point? Rome was burning, and I helped? The Dems should do nothing unless it's actually beneficial to us, which I haven't seen yet from Republicans. So...no.
10
Absolutely not. How many more times does one have to have the football pulled before one catches on. Given that the Rethugs are never punished for their blatant obstruction, Dems need to pay heed to their base which by the way are the majority
10
That's it! I've had it. Enough of these two parties bludgeoning each other and refusing to cooperate, even at the risk of damaging the country. A pox on both their houses.
I hereby declare my candidacy for President in 2020 under the new American Centrist party. I don't care what you smoke or who you marry. I don't believe corporations are 'persons' and therefore able to contribute millions to candidates. I think the tax code needs to be overhauled and simplified, giving lower income people a break but making billionaires and corporations pay their fair share (not hide their money overseas or in off-shore accounts). I think it's time to institute single-payer healthcare. It's also time to reign in rapacious corporations (big pharma for one). Leave social security and medicare alone, but vigorously go after the fraud within these two systems. Support our military, service members and veterans, but reign in multi-billion dollar programs that give us the most advance fighting machine on earth, but is so expensive we can only buy one or two. Fix the loopholes and abuses in the H1B program so foreign workers can't be imported to replace American workers. Keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. Put more emphasis on education and infrastructure. These are a start.
Now all I need is a few hundred million dollars to actually run a campaign, and a few million good centrist, moderate Americans who want to see us succeed and move forward to join my party.
I hereby declare my candidacy for President in 2020 under the new American Centrist party. I don't care what you smoke or who you marry. I don't believe corporations are 'persons' and therefore able to contribute millions to candidates. I think the tax code needs to be overhauled and simplified, giving lower income people a break but making billionaires and corporations pay their fair share (not hide their money overseas or in off-shore accounts). I think it's time to institute single-payer healthcare. It's also time to reign in rapacious corporations (big pharma for one). Leave social security and medicare alone, but vigorously go after the fraud within these two systems. Support our military, service members and veterans, but reign in multi-billion dollar programs that give us the most advance fighting machine on earth, but is so expensive we can only buy one or two. Fix the loopholes and abuses in the H1B program so foreign workers can't be imported to replace American workers. Keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. Put more emphasis on education and infrastructure. These are a start.
Now all I need is a few hundred million dollars to actually run a campaign, and a few million good centrist, moderate Americans who want to see us succeed and move forward to join my party.
3
After eight years of the GOP firmly entrenched as the party of "No," and after 45's "ugly and dishonest" campaign, which ushered its corruption and rot into the White House, making a cesspool out of a mere swamp, Democrats should bend over backwards, while insisting that 45 play by their rules? Fantastic - as in fantasy. Absolutely No. No, until reason and truth are restored. No, until elected officials understand that they work for the people who elected them - the voters, not the donors. No, until behaving with respect for all human beings is the default setting for working for We, The PEOPLE.
6
I don't think the Democrats should do anything to help this regime.
I think it's high time that half the people of our nation 'understand and feel' the 'natural and logical consequences' of their behavior - i.e., the people who voted in a mean and uncaring faction which includes all the right wing and ultra right wingers in the legislative and executive branches.
When people bottom out, there is real opportunity for them to change their way of thinking and behaving. Let's consider it an experience in humility.
Maybe then, they will have an epiphany about who is really trying to ruin their lives.
I think it's high time that half the people of our nation 'understand and feel' the 'natural and logical consequences' of their behavior - i.e., the people who voted in a mean and uncaring faction which includes all the right wing and ultra right wingers in the legislative and executive branches.
When people bottom out, there is real opportunity for them to change their way of thinking and behaving. Let's consider it an experience in humility.
Maybe then, they will have an epiphany about who is really trying to ruin their lives.
8
Trusting Bullies is a quick way to get ERs and Free Clinics overcrowded.
9
Absolutely not!
In politics, as in much of life, decisions must be made based on a weighing of often conflicting priorities. During the many years when I was a Democratic Party activist in a Republican town I was happy to work with Republicans (along with Independents) to attain common goals. Other Democrats then and since then share the same view. Local and state Republicans were not and are not enemies (apart from one governor who was a crook and went to jail) but, rather, rational and reasonable people with a somewhat different view of how government should accomplish our shared goals. Above all, they were and are trustworthy and ethical.
Trump is not rational or reasonable; he is not trustworthy and not ethical. And all Democrats and other "liberals" and most moderates oppose most of the policies he advocates now that he holds office. Thus the highest priority is and must be to undermine his authority and diminish and ultimately take away his power.
The 2018 elections will be essentially a referendum about Trump and there will be an opportunity for the House and maybe even the Senate to be controlled by the Democrats. The result, hopefully, will be to weaken Trump's power, and lead to his defeat in 2020. Between now and the November elections the Democrats must refuse to "normalize" Trump and not help him succeed in any respect. To the contrary, they should do all they can to have him fail ... at everything he does (even some things we may support).
In politics, as in much of life, decisions must be made based on a weighing of often conflicting priorities. During the many years when I was a Democratic Party activist in a Republican town I was happy to work with Republicans (along with Independents) to attain common goals. Other Democrats then and since then share the same view. Local and state Republicans were not and are not enemies (apart from one governor who was a crook and went to jail) but, rather, rational and reasonable people with a somewhat different view of how government should accomplish our shared goals. Above all, they were and are trustworthy and ethical.
Trump is not rational or reasonable; he is not trustworthy and not ethical. And all Democrats and other "liberals" and most moderates oppose most of the policies he advocates now that he holds office. Thus the highest priority is and must be to undermine his authority and diminish and ultimately take away his power.
The 2018 elections will be essentially a referendum about Trump and there will be an opportunity for the House and maybe even the Senate to be controlled by the Democrats. The result, hopefully, will be to weaken Trump's power, and lead to his defeat in 2020. Between now and the November elections the Democrats must refuse to "normalize" Trump and not help him succeed in any respect. To the contrary, they should do all they can to have him fail ... at everything he does (even some things we may support).
4
I have been against party before country for years, and I see no reason to change now. Democrats, make country before party your principle.
2
Raise the tax rate for the very rich back up to 90%, like it was back in the good ol' days of the 1950s, and maybe we can talk.
6
It wasn't really 90% after a broad number of deductions, but I'll play along. We could reinstate Eisenhower era rates as well as Eisenhower era social programs like SS's lower withholding rate, Medicare (it didn't exist), Medicaid (nope), food stamps, minimum wage coverage (applied to few and far between but not clerical or retail) and Meals on Wheels.
democrat or republican or what ever, can not come with a fresh and young and really wants to President of our notion, if we look back to last election BUSH or Clinton or New York Mayor ,so forth, so people elected Mr.Trump why they want a new face even he is 70 years old, this man a very rich person but that is all he is, it is very sad no body wants to go in politics because it is a dirty job, but we must put a age limit for all elected persons and judges and must have a term, president 6 years one term, judges 8 years for two term but when they be come 65 , get out, this is the rulls most of our business world and those people l wrote should belong our health system than we will see how fast and how a better ptogram we will have
The Progressive Policy Institute? If ever a think tank operated under a misleading name, this is it.
They have a history of condemning every policy that helps ordinary people and reins in Big Money as "too far left." They claim to be Democrats, but they're to the right of Nixon on most issues.
There is no virtue in cooperating with the relentless evil of the current administration.
The public must see the Democrats as different from the Reoublicans--and in ways that ease the financial strain on the working poor.
They have a history of condemning every policy that helps ordinary people and reins in Big Money as "too far left." They claim to be Democrats, but they're to the right of Nixon on most issues.
There is no virtue in cooperating with the relentless evil of the current administration.
The public must see the Democrats as different from the Reoublicans--and in ways that ease the financial strain on the working poor.
9
As minorities have since the dawn of this republic, I guess that, for the good of the union, we should once again forgive conservatives (this has always been a one-way street, BTW).
But there's enough circumstantial evidence that the Trump organization is a criminal enterprise that specializes in laundering rubles for Russian oligarchs that, before anyone decides to work with him, he should be required to establish his bona fides. He refused to do so while running for president.
We don't want to throw in with a businessman only to later learn that he's a Mafia front.
But there's enough circumstantial evidence that the Trump organization is a criminal enterprise that specializes in laundering rubles for Russian oligarchs that, before anyone decides to work with him, he should be required to establish his bona fides. He refused to do so while running for president.
We don't want to throw in with a businessman only to later learn that he's a Mafia front.
4
I think I threw up a little bit while reading this. It's the ultimate in naivete to even consider working with Trump. We are already seeing the effects on environmental regulations. Democrats should try really hard to limit the damage as much as possible. Give him a win and get another 4 years. Now with his daughter in the white house he is planning on building a dynasty. The only hope we have is that all his "winning" will demolish his voter base.
7
I agree with this in principle. If Trump wanted to propose a non-gigantically regressive tax reform, Democrats should support it. If he put a carbon tax on the table, Democrats should really think about supporting that. However, he ain't gonna do any of that. Everything that he has put out so far has been mind-bendingly awful for anyone who cares what happens to the country. His budget proposal would be a total disaster were it passed. Why ever would you expect him to suddenly start proposing reasonable policy now, when everything he's put out thus far has been bat-guano crazy? My guess is that Donny T. is going to make it very easy for the Democrats to be unified and resist pretty much everything that comes done the pike.
2
If, as I believe, Trump's purpose is to destroy democracy in America and replace it with a personal autocracy, then the only way to deal with Trump is to weaken him in every possible way at every possible opportunity. People do not work with Trump, they work for him. He will ruin any Democrat (or democrat) who wanders into his web.
4
Corporations act like they are so oppressed in America - too many regulations, too much taxes, too much ... whatever, that they need to leave the country. It is interesting, however, that after they do leave they are darn sure keeping the American "market" they profit most from. They want a "free-market" free of any cost for them - they want the benefits of our society without cost or responsibility.
They can move to the Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, South Sudan or Yemen - low taxes and no regulations and a market to match. See how well they do.
Democrats should demand that the Trumplicans remove their fiscal boot off the throat of the American people and put their bare feet to the fiscal fire. Reversing course on exploding environmental regulations we all depend on is also critical. Diverting the useless wall funding to desperately needed infrastructure would also be a nice start.
They can move to the Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, South Sudan or Yemen - low taxes and no regulations and a market to match. See how well they do.
Democrats should demand that the Trumplicans remove their fiscal boot off the throat of the American people and put their bare feet to the fiscal fire. Reversing course on exploding environmental regulations we all depend on is also critical. Diverting the useless wall funding to desperately needed infrastructure would also be a nice start.
2
"Perhaps it’s beginning to dawn on the president"
Guys - I am beginning to think that nothing is dawning on this president
Guys - I am beginning to think that nothing is dawning on this president
2
What does "working" with the GOP mean? Looking at 7 years of obstruction, and the miserly, ill-conceived AHCA, it looks like the GOP needs a rebirth comparable to Constantine's conversion in 312 CE before they're coming up with a cooperative position.
Until then they'll be looking for a way to defang Dems in 2018 by making them complicit in the demise of healthcare for America.
Until then they'll be looking for a way to defang Dems in 2018 by making them complicit in the demise of healthcare for America.
5
Finding a great healthcare solution won't help Trump's bank account, so He wouldn't be interested.
To satisfy Trump, Democrats would need to agree a plan that only helped the richest Americans.
This is the reality everyone needs to understand.
To satisfy Trump, Democrats would need to agree a plan that only helped the richest Americans.
This is the reality everyone needs to understand.
The ten words acceptable to Democrats from Mr. Trump are: "I resign the office of president effective immediately and permanently."
3
The White House is stacked with neofascists and Marcos-style corruption. What is needed is a disinfectant, not a whitewash.
3
Democrats should do exactly what moderate Republicans did during the early years of Obama's presidency: precisely nothing. That's the only way to extract a price from Republicans for their extremism. It worked for the ACA repeal, it will work for tax reform, and it will work for the budget also.
5
No, no, and no. Ever. It's a broken record: When dems are in power, the economy comes to life after the right wing has tanked it. Dem leaders care about human rights, clean air, clean water, privacy, the right to vote. Then republicans make a total mess of things, obstruct anything that could help average Americans, and insist that the Dems need to grow up and work with them. NO. Enough. Let the cult of Trump find out what it's like when the things they take for granted (all of which can be traced to Democrats) like Medicare, Social Security, protection against corporate America, clean air and water, a living wage... disappears. Including those coal jobs (hint: they're never coming back. Get Over It...) Just NO
9
Reasons for hope? Solutions to this quandary? Watch livestream Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, a rally in Boston, Friday March 31, 2017 at 7 p.m.... RVSP to get the feed at https://ourrevolution.com. Their points of view are not sufficiently aired on the New York Times, I find - listen to them directly and let's move forward.
4
Sanders and Warren talk about actual policy and real solutions. Existing establishment democrats are trying the same old "identity, be afraid of Trump politics" that failed in the election. The fact remains their corporate donors don't want them talking about important issues like implementing single-payer healthcare and raising the minimum wage.
1
At the bottom of this opinion piece you are identified this way: Will Marshall is the president and founder of the Progressive Policy Institute. I visited the institute's web site and read an opinion piece on "entitlement reform" namely Social Security. So this is Progressive? I think you and your institute should fold up your tent and go.
9
The Koch Bros. are "poster children" for using deceptive names for their so-called think tanks.
2
Yes, Great idea! Just when the Democrats are united and winning, they should cave to an administration under investigation by the FBI? Every single entity that gets close to Mr. Trump gets burned. If Mr. Marshall can't see that, he is not capable of seeing reality as it is.
7
Resist. Resist the regime. Resist its mealy-mouthed enablers. Resist obdurately until national sanity is restored.
7
Now that I have lowered myself to sarcasm in my response to Richard L.'s usual unremarkable and truly unbelievable attempts to justify anything that this administration does in the comments, I will argue that you don't do deals with the Devil. 45's long and sordid history of deals that end up with everyone but him coming out in the end with the short end of the stick, are the reason that you don't even entertain any thought of working with him. We need to LEAD this country away from 45 and the Republican party who follow the same "business plan". Our shores of Democracy and who we are as a nation have been invaded and it's core of it and our constitution are now under brutal attack from within."The mid-terms are coming, the mid-terms are coming!!" Vote.
4
Are you kidding? How work with someone who has appointed a cabinet in which each member is bend on destroying their respective department? Trump's policy ideas (which is misnomer really) need to be fought tooth and nail - they are backward-looking and will make the country sick, stupid, and poor...and the world ever warmer and more toxic. Tooth and nail!
5
There should be three starting points for any Democratic "deal" with Trump:
1) Rescind the idiotic executive orders overturning Obama's climate measures and other attacks on public safety
2) End all efforts to indiscriminately ban Muslims from entering this country
3) Pull Gorsuch's nomination to SCOTUS in favor of a consensus candidate
If Trump has shown anything in his life and career, it's that he's an untrustworthy partner (because he's an untrustworthy person). If only for the politics--as the comments to this piece suggest, their base would flay them as quislings for any accommodation of Trump--they must bank some tangible wins before they sit down at the table.
1) Rescind the idiotic executive orders overturning Obama's climate measures and other attacks on public safety
2) End all efforts to indiscriminately ban Muslims from entering this country
3) Pull Gorsuch's nomination to SCOTUS in favor of a consensus candidate
If Trump has shown anything in his life and career, it's that he's an untrustworthy partner (because he's an untrustworthy person). If only for the politics--as the comments to this piece suggest, their base would flay them as quislings for any accommodation of Trump--they must bank some tangible wins before they sit down at the table.
6
1) “All this is understandable, given the ugly and dishonest campaign Mr. Trump waged and what most Democrats still regard as his obvious unfitness for the office he now holds.”
It’s not just about working now with Trump. What about 8 years of obstruction from the Republicans during Obama’s term?
2) “Democrats still hew to the quaint notion that the people elected them to solve problems, not prevent them from being solved.”
A quaint notion? Really?! I would think that SHOULD BE the only notion of any of our elected officials.
3) “Democrats don’t have to love big business to recognize that our antiquated tax system forces companies to pay much higher taxes than their overseas competitors. That makes American workers less competitive and gives our companies incentives to move investment abroad — and keep profits there — to avoid the higher rate.”
That is bunk! It’s a tired old argument. Big business in the US hire teams of lawyers and accountants to make sure they pay little if anything at all in taxes. They also hide money in off-shore banks accounts to avoid paying taxes on that money.
4) The title of this column is backward. It should read, “Why Trump Should Work With Democrats.”
It’s not just about working now with Trump. What about 8 years of obstruction from the Republicans during Obama’s term?
2) “Democrats still hew to the quaint notion that the people elected them to solve problems, not prevent them from being solved.”
A quaint notion? Really?! I would think that SHOULD BE the only notion of any of our elected officials.
3) “Democrats don’t have to love big business to recognize that our antiquated tax system forces companies to pay much higher taxes than their overseas competitors. That makes American workers less competitive and gives our companies incentives to move investment abroad — and keep profits there — to avoid the higher rate.”
That is bunk! It’s a tired old argument. Big business in the US hire teams of lawyers and accountants to make sure they pay little if anything at all in taxes. They also hide money in off-shore banks accounts to avoid paying taxes on that money.
4) The title of this column is backward. It should read, “Why Trump Should Work With Democrats.”
4
I've been reading these posts and I am telling you; if this were a conservative blog, you would be able to replace Trump with Obama in almost every post and get agreement from those on the blog. I don't care about false equivalencies; I don't care about shutting down debate; I only care about changing minds.
Yes, Democrats have to be the adults in the room. Full stop. Present our agenda to the American people and make Trump come to us.
Regrettably, we are losing the argument with the American people; the GOP now holds numerical majorities in 33 legislatures. They are one State house away from being able to call a Constitutional Convention and propose Amendments. They need 38 to pass those Amendments; not to worry, right?
If we all work together, we all will be better. Thanks.
Yes, Democrats have to be the adults in the room. Full stop. Present our agenda to the American people and make Trump come to us.
Regrettably, we are losing the argument with the American people; the GOP now holds numerical majorities in 33 legislatures. They are one State house away from being able to call a Constitutional Convention and propose Amendments. They need 38 to pass those Amendments; not to worry, right?
If we all work together, we all will be better. Thanks.
1
...Something like herding cats, I would expect.
Right now there is almost as much animosity between the liberal/progressive wing of the Democratic Party and the moderates as there is between the Democrats and the Trump administration.
Factional cooperation in the party is wishful thinking just like the thought that Hillary would in a walk-away.
Right now there is almost as much animosity between the liberal/progressive wing of the Democratic Party and the moderates as there is between the Democrats and the Trump administration.
Factional cooperation in the party is wishful thinking just like the thought that Hillary would in a walk-away.
This call to reason, noble as it is, or seems to be, rankles mightily. Just how do we work with a president who has no moral constraints, no relationship with or obligation to the truth, no understanding whatsoever of the issues and no particular interest in learning, having as his best counsel, himself and no other? He cannot be trusted, not his word or his actions, and has absolutely no use for facts, or reality itself. Just how do we work with someone so completely disconnected from every decent measure of human worth? To work with this feckless thug calls first for an act of self-betrayal. Then, of course, you'd have to have some experience working with people with developmental problems. Keep working on it, Mr. Marshall.
5
How do you 'work with' a political party whose avowed purpose is to destroy social and governmental institutions it has taken over a century to build; to demonize others based on nationality, race and religion; and to turn a formerly great, open, welcoming nation into a heavily armed, repressive, insular, fortress police state?
Sorry. That program does not get my cooperation and should not have the cooperation of the politicians I support.
Sorry. That program does not get my cooperation and should not have the cooperation of the politicians I support.
4
I'll be HAPPY to work with Trump.
He will have a library. He will probably be buried there when he dies.
I have a shovel.
He will have a library. He will probably be buried there when he dies.
I have a shovel.
2
If all progressives thought like Mr. Marshall, Black people, like myself, would be indentured servants or sharecroppers. Mr. Trump's words are violence. Pro death penalty. Women that have abortions should be punished. His son kills elephants, an endangered species,and shows the elephants. He denies global warming and climate change. I'm the grandson of a coal miner, neither of his two sons,my father and uncle chose that profession. Perhaps, because their father died at 49 from a heart attack. It's a job worthy of honor, long hours, with little or no compensation. Mr. Trump's policies keep mines open but also allow pollution of the air and water around the mines. Air and water that families have to breathe and drink. Maybe Mr Marshall believes it's better to accept a cut on the wrist,than a slit throat. But if bleeding is a sign of life, isn't it better not to bleed at all? That's what old fashioned liberals and moderates Republican and Democrats are fighting for. Won't you join us?
6
You eat meat, Mr Artis?
How do you think it gets from the field to your oven?
Devine intervention? Immaculate transportation?
How do you think it gets from the field to your oven?
Devine intervention? Immaculate transportation?
I believe working with Trump would be reasonable if he were a true leader of the Republican Party, because his compromise with Democrats would then represent a realization of that sizeable minority of the country that income inequality, lack of infrastructure, discrimination, and destruction of public entities such as NIH, NPR, public education, EPA, etc., is not a solution for the country's future. Compromise in this situation would mean that Republicans recognize just saying no is not governance.
Unfortunately, Trump is not that leader, and would not represent that change. Instead , he is a con man that tried to sell the proverbial "pig in a poke" to the Republicans. They declined, not out of rationality, but because they are in scorched earth mode, whether any purchase is considered pandering.
So Trump, the inveterate marketer, wants to dress the poke in blue and sell to the only buyers in sight. If the Democrats buy, they will find this pig has to bacon to bring home.
Unfortunately, Trump is not that leader, and would not represent that change. Instead , he is a con man that tried to sell the proverbial "pig in a poke" to the Republicans. They declined, not out of rationality, but because they are in scorched earth mode, whether any purchase is considered pandering.
So Trump, the inveterate marketer, wants to dress the poke in blue and sell to the only buyers in sight. If the Democrats buy, they will find this pig has to bacon to bring home.
1
Too bad Mr. Marshall is not a Congressman or Senator. I'm afraid none of them are "pragmatic Democrats"; they all have a single agenda: destroy Trump at all costs. More politics as usual with the American public as the victim.
1
Mmmm, no. Let's not be the people who "pragmatically" (read: cynically) found a way to create wins for this minority-based bolshevistic coup-masquerading-as-revolution that has seized control of our executive branch. And they're even faking *that*. Handpuppet Trump doesn't even know what those words mean, for crying out loud.
No, let's instead be We the People, who dug in our heels and said that this will not stand; that our democratic experiment will yield a good result to the test it faces; that we are still a great country, and this is not who we are. And let's be willing to stand a little pain, if that's what it takes, in order to do it.
"Hellooo, Chuck", don't roll over, because we're watching.
No, let's instead be We the People, who dug in our heels and said that this will not stand; that our democratic experiment will yield a good result to the test it faces; that we are still a great country, and this is not who we are. And let's be willing to stand a little pain, if that's what it takes, in order to do it.
"Hellooo, Chuck", don't roll over, because we're watching.
3
Also, before working with Trump, Democrats should insist that he reverse his anti environment, science and anti labor policies, fire most of his cabinet, reverse his crazy idea on building a wall, make his immigration policies more humane, fire his neo Nazis advisers like Bannon, Gorka, Miller among others and restore the budgets of the CDC, NIH and climate research at NASA, the Energy Department and at the EPA. If Democrats begin to work with Trump without requiring him to change in other areas, it will simply encourage him to do his worse in areas where he doesn't have to compromise. I still understand how we got this incompetent clown as President.
2
No.
In an equitable relationship, BOTH parties have to give and compromise.
Democrats have given and compromised, compromised and given for the last 20 years. Republican's have not, and as a consequence the laws of the nation have steadily moved to the right. It has given us the Garland nomination, an outrageous abuse of power that the republicans now hope that we will forget.
No. No compromise until the REPUBLICANS learn to do so, and they figure out that for anything to get done, both sides must compromise.
It is time to move the country back to the left.
In an equitable relationship, BOTH parties have to give and compromise.
Democrats have given and compromised, compromised and given for the last 20 years. Republican's have not, and as a consequence the laws of the nation have steadily moved to the right. It has given us the Garland nomination, an outrageous abuse of power that the republicans now hope that we will forget.
No. No compromise until the REPUBLICANS learn to do so, and they figure out that for anything to get done, both sides must compromise.
It is time to move the country back to the left.
Any Democrat who works with Trump or Ryan will quickly find out that they have been duped! The only kind of collaboration the GOP want is the betrayal kind. That means Dems cave on everything and the GOP gets everything. Unfortunately Dems are that stupid and some that craven.
4
"Politics is the art of compromise," it's said. After all there is no such thing as ideological purism--it's always more or less pluralistic.
But as Krugman warns (repeatedly--to deaf ears) you can't compromise with the Devil. All ideological movements have right and left wings and lunatic fringes. Compromise with the lunatic fringe is not "moderation," not "balance," not fairness. It's lunacy.
The current GOP--the party of Lincoln--makes women reproductive slaves by denying the right to control their own bodies and life plans.
This in a country that markets itself as freedom personified. It declared Independence from Britain in the !8th century, and freed slaves in the 19th.
But it still makes women reproductive slaves and allows ideological dependence on god-story corporations--much like foreign corporate control.
The USA needs an updated Declaration of Independence and an updated Emancipation Proclamation.
Besides so called "populism" is not mere deference to the will of common people. It's deference to prejudice, ignorance and phobic mental disorder. That would be more compromise with lunacy.
And to top it off--it's all a GOP smokescreen to preserve the real "deep state"--rule BY and FOR the 1 or 2%. Extending it to 3% is hardly democracy.
But as Krugman warns (repeatedly--to deaf ears) you can't compromise with the Devil. All ideological movements have right and left wings and lunatic fringes. Compromise with the lunatic fringe is not "moderation," not "balance," not fairness. It's lunacy.
The current GOP--the party of Lincoln--makes women reproductive slaves by denying the right to control their own bodies and life plans.
This in a country that markets itself as freedom personified. It declared Independence from Britain in the !8th century, and freed slaves in the 19th.
But it still makes women reproductive slaves and allows ideological dependence on god-story corporations--much like foreign corporate control.
The USA needs an updated Declaration of Independence and an updated Emancipation Proclamation.
Besides so called "populism" is not mere deference to the will of common people. It's deference to prejudice, ignorance and phobic mental disorder. That would be more compromise with lunacy.
And to top it off--it's all a GOP smokescreen to preserve the real "deep state"--rule BY and FOR the 1 or 2%. Extending it to 3% is hardly democracy.
4
I think it is more appropriate to suggest that Krugman doesn't compromise with anyone?
Doesn't t that convey upon him some devilish tendencies?
Doesn't t that convey upon him some devilish tendencies?
I would like to report an error with my newspaper today. Mr. Marshall's satire piece was mistakenly printed on the op-ed page rather than with the other entertainment features. A newspaper with the reputation of the New York Times should be more careful.
This article's conclusions are laughable for their political naivete. "Democrats, who’d get points from swing voters for being pragmatic and competent."
For every such point, they would lose ten from Democratic voters. And they know it. Not to mention that any "meaningful legislation" "to help average working families" that Trump promoted with the help of Democrats would unite every faction of the Republican Congress majority against it. Republican representatives at this point are so nervous about Trump that they would jump at the chance to "prove" to their constituents they don't do his bidding.
I just realized who wrote this. Will Marshall - one of the "Democrats" (along with Joe Lieberman) who was actively supporting the invasion of Iraq in 2003 to "liberate the Iraqi people". I'm willing to bet Trump's people reached out to Marshall to float this issue in the NYT.
For every such point, they would lose ten from Democratic voters. And they know it. Not to mention that any "meaningful legislation" "to help average working families" that Trump promoted with the help of Democrats would unite every faction of the Republican Congress majority against it. Republican representatives at this point are so nervous about Trump that they would jump at the chance to "prove" to their constituents they don't do his bidding.
I just realized who wrote this. Will Marshall - one of the "Democrats" (along with Joe Lieberman) who was actively supporting the invasion of Iraq in 2003 to "liberate the Iraqi people". I'm willing to bet Trump's people reached out to Marshall to float this issue in the NYT.
6
Work with Trump? As if it did Obama and the Democrats some good when they tried to work with the Republicans on affordable health care. We could have had single payer now plus a Democratic president if Obama hadn't bent over backwards to accommodate the Republicans on health care, and they still voted against the ACA which was based on a Republican's template (Romneycare) and tried to repeal it ever since. Besides, sociopaths like Trump are impossible to work with. He will only set up Democrats against each other, as he did with the Republicans.
2
Here are two headlines from CNN.com today:
Trump: 'We must fight' Freedom Caucus and Dems
Paul Ryan: I don't want to work with Democrats on health care
What else is their to say.
Trump: 'We must fight' Freedom Caucus and Dems
Paul Ryan: I don't want to work with Democrats on health care
What else is their to say.
3
Why work with a Russian stooge to undermine America?
3
Shouldn't the Dems start praising Putin First?
You know as a sign of complete lunacy and to show commonality in advance?
You know as a sign of complete lunacy and to show commonality in advance?
3
This president is so unstable that working with would be a big mistake. Every day there is a different message coming out of the White House. An utter chaos.
Stay away from this mess!
Stay away from this mess!
2
Mr. Marshall's position that Democrats should think more about the good of the Country than their own hold on power is laudable and should clearly be the ideal of any elected official or public servant. However, Mr. Marshall seems to be suggesting that it's possible for the current administration to produce constructive legislative proposals that would be consistent with values Democrats hold dear. Admittedly there has been a real brief timeframe from which to draw a sample of the President's behavior while governing, but there's nothing that he's done so far, whether it's in terms of filling his cabinet or signing executive orders that would lead a reasonable person to think that he'd adopt any position that could be stomached by Democrats.
I think Mr. Marshall uses the word "if" about ten or so times in this piece. Like the saying goes: if my mother had wheels she'd be a trolley.
I think Mr. Marshall uses the word "if" about ten or so times in this piece. Like the saying goes: if my mother had wheels she'd be a trolley.
4
This article has some pie-in-the-sky ideas. It would be nice if the Democrats could work with the destructive policies proposed by President Trump. Example 1: Climate change is real. Just because someone does not believe it is real does not make it unreal. Example 2: defunding for the Great Lakes restoration. Since the Great Lake are international this will cause Canada to rethink its involvement with the US. Example 3: The defunding of the arts and humanities support ignores the economic benefit for the local communities where the grants produce programs for the public. Need I name more? How does one suggest the Democrats vote for these things? So much of the Trump agenda is to destroy what generations of legislators worked to build. How does a Democrat justify voting for the destruction?
This sounds like an argument from a bad therapist to an abused spouse. "Listen honey, he's really good inside. If you just forgive him all the black eyes and broken arms he's given you and just do some things his way, maybe he'll start acting rational and do things that you want. You can trust him this time."
In a rational world, everything this author says makes sense. In the bizarro cult that has become the Republican Party, I think the best move is to assume they are not acting in good faith. Don't give them a darn thing, because they'll think you're then ready to give them more.
Democrats, stop being the abused spouse, for goodness sake, and stand up for yourselves.
In a rational world, everything this author says makes sense. In the bizarro cult that has become the Republican Party, I think the best move is to assume they are not acting in good faith. Don't give them a darn thing, because they'll think you're then ready to give them more.
Democrats, stop being the abused spouse, for goodness sake, and stand up for yourselves.
2
There is not one policy that Trump has advocated that is going to be beneficial to this Nation or the world. Not one.
People like this who are so repulsively ignorant and oblivious to the real problems facing the country have no business being in government in the first place let alone propose serious policies. The Republicans and especially Trump have shown absolutely no open minds whatsoever vis-à-vis the pressing problems of our times (climate change, health care, income inequality, war, immigration reform, energy, or virtually any topic based on science-based evidence, fact, or any deliberations requiring pure unbiased analysis. World history, NATO? What's that?
Forget it. Everything this administration is doing must be doggedly fought tooth and nail and contained in a desperate attempt toward minimizing the damage to this country and the world. You don't work with people like this who are hellbent on destroying things. You work to destroy them.
People like this who are so repulsively ignorant and oblivious to the real problems facing the country have no business being in government in the first place let alone propose serious policies. The Republicans and especially Trump have shown absolutely no open minds whatsoever vis-à-vis the pressing problems of our times (climate change, health care, income inequality, war, immigration reform, energy, or virtually any topic based on science-based evidence, fact, or any deliberations requiring pure unbiased analysis. World history, NATO? What's that?
Forget it. Everything this administration is doing must be doggedly fought tooth and nail and contained in a desperate attempt toward minimizing the damage to this country and the world. You don't work with people like this who are hellbent on destroying things. You work to destroy them.
5
Trump's reach out to Democrats is a complete ruse. Recall his meeting before taking office with Al Gore? How'd that go? This is smoke and mirrors intended only to bolster his totally uncredible claim that the vote last Friday was the Democrat's fault. It's photo ops and Twitter rants, nothing more. Stay home, Democrats, work on 2018.
2
Democrats work with Trump? Ordinary people with money create a robust economy. Rich people with a few luxury items vs. the multitude with modest goods in great number is what we want & need.
The rich have had their chance to "create jobs" & with low taxes they've failed. They have no incentive in the global economy. They can live anywhere, with only allegiance to the greatest return on their hoardings. Who can cooperate with people like this?
The rich have had their chance to "create jobs" & with low taxes they've failed. They have no incentive in the global economy. They can live anywhere, with only allegiance to the greatest return on their hoardings. Who can cooperate with people like this?
1
Here's an idea: Any chance that a deal could be worked out in which Dems agree to back Gorsuch and i. Return Trump agrees to nominate Garland next and/or nominate a moderate approved of by the left? I know...dream on, right? But maybe he'll get so desperate for support something like this could happen.
2
mr. marshall, i agree that an intelligent, sensitive trump would seek a "do-over". but for that to happen, trump would have to jetison steve bannon as his primary advisor--and guide for appointment of aides and cabinet members.
the dems could not find common ground if trump insists, with bannon, on "de-constructing the administrative state." so, your editorial is pure theory.
the first move has to be with trump: ie., acknowledge that the aca is really republican health care policy and, with a few corrective tweeks (allowing trump to take credit), should be allowed to grow even more.
tax policy? drop the typical repub desire to reduce taxes for the wealthy, increase defense spending, and claim concern about the rising deficit. in short, in addition to dropping bannon, trump would have to start being truthful and willing to cut moderate "deals" that would help the majority of americans.
will it happen? maybe if trump's daughter and son-in-law get to him after a long nap and . . .
the dems could not find common ground if trump insists, with bannon, on "de-constructing the administrative state." so, your editorial is pure theory.
the first move has to be with trump: ie., acknowledge that the aca is really republican health care policy and, with a few corrective tweeks (allowing trump to take credit), should be allowed to grow even more.
tax policy? drop the typical repub desire to reduce taxes for the wealthy, increase defense spending, and claim concern about the rising deficit. in short, in addition to dropping bannon, trump would have to start being truthful and willing to cut moderate "deals" that would help the majority of americans.
will it happen? maybe if trump's daughter and son-in-law get to him after a long nap and . . .
Nice fantasy but that's all it is. Democrats will never get close to any of the sane policy prescriptions laid out here because neither the WH or GOP will let them. You seem to be completely oblivious to who is currently occupying the office of the President. He will never get out of his own way to make deals with Democrats. Much easier to blame them for all his problems. Gerrymandering means never having to say your're sorry.
Your argument can start to sound reasonable until I remember how easily Trump turns on people and stabs them in the back. He wants to work with you until it doesn't suit him anymore and then he leaves you hanging. Between the idiological (spelling on purpose) house republicans and the Trump administration it's a sad fact that not only have they destroyed truth they have also destroyed trust. Blame doesn't land anywhere else.
I don't see the problem. Republicans spent 30 years fanning the flames of hysteria toward anything progressive and singlemindedly determined to destroy great gains in civil rights and other areas. They spent the last administration blocking everything. Their reward? SUCCESS along with omplete and utter control of the country.
I'm done asking for compromise. Their way worked and it's now our turn. Don't tell us to keep attempting what clearly doesn't work. Eventually, voters will see the country sliding back to the Dark Ages, thanks to their rewarding Republican recalcitrance with total power. If we stand firm in our values and not compromise, voters will have a real alternative choice when they're finally ready to dump the incumbent party.
I'm done asking for compromise. Their way worked and it's now our turn. Don't tell us to keep attempting what clearly doesn't work. Eventually, voters will see the country sliding back to the Dark Ages, thanks to their rewarding Republican recalcitrance with total power. If we stand firm in our values and not compromise, voters will have a real alternative choice when they're finally ready to dump the incumbent party.
4
So Trump wants help from the Democrats. Is Putin no longer available?
3
Will Marshall. These are interesting points. However if folks like Bill Moyers, Chris Hedges and Tim Snyder are correct, we are on the fast track to losing Democracy. I subscribe to these dire predictions. In that case, thoughtful Americans cannot do anything to normalize the current administration.
2
I am a flaming liberal, and I detest DT. However, I agree with this piece. If Trump is willing to enact policies that are beneficial, let's go with it--but make sure we don't compromise too much. Democrats should make thoughtful choices about what they want in exchange. Merrick Garland, perhaps?
1
Trump cannot be trusted. How much more proof do we need? With ample examples of how his partners, contractors, and employees in business get treated, why would anyone suggest that brokering deals with the man will end in anything but tears for everyone, except, of course, Trump himself.
2
This is the only way to benefit the American citizenry. Marshall is right.
1
Why should Democrats work with someone who obviously is willing to use 24 million people as sacrificial lambs in order to boost his oversized ego by looking strong?
4
To make a deal with Trump and his Republican tribe is impossible. What he says on Monday is meaningless. You can bet the ranch by Tuesday, he will have no recall of what he said or vowed to do.
3
This approach is good, but short-sighted. Certainly, in the short run, working cooperatively with Trump to pass measures that progressives favor is a positive. But let me offer an alternative scenario, one that includes the long run.
The Dem's step up and form a loose partnership with Trump, one that allows him to disavow the conservative extremists in the House. Tax reform and infrastructure bills sail through, and they even extract that high price in the form of middle class tax relief, closing of tax loopholes, and so on.
Does Trump share credit? He does not. Instead he does what he has always done: Takes credit for everything, accepts responsibility for nothing. Come the mid-terms and his own re-election he throws his Democratic allies under the bus, blames them for any increase in the deficit, tax increases on the wealthy and any shortcomings/cost overruns on infrastructure projects --- and there will be plenty --- while claiming full credit for improvements in roads and bridges, increases in blue-collar jobs... and so on.
Riding this wave of "Only I am responsible for the successes... only THEY are responsible for the failures", Republicans gain additional House and Senate seats, enough to overcome --- perhaps even replace --- the recalcitrant Freedom Caucus, and he is swept into his 2nd term.
If I were a betting man...
The Dem's step up and form a loose partnership with Trump, one that allows him to disavow the conservative extremists in the House. Tax reform and infrastructure bills sail through, and they even extract that high price in the form of middle class tax relief, closing of tax loopholes, and so on.
Does Trump share credit? He does not. Instead he does what he has always done: Takes credit for everything, accepts responsibility for nothing. Come the mid-terms and his own re-election he throws his Democratic allies under the bus, blames them for any increase in the deficit, tax increases on the wealthy and any shortcomings/cost overruns on infrastructure projects --- and there will be plenty --- while claiming full credit for improvements in roads and bridges, increases in blue-collar jobs... and so on.
Riding this wave of "Only I am responsible for the successes... only THEY are responsible for the failures", Republicans gain additional House and Senate seats, enough to overcome --- perhaps even replace --- the recalcitrant Freedom Caucus, and he is swept into his 2nd term.
If I were a betting man...
2
Republicans should get full support of all Democrats if they want to: establish Medicare for all Americans, pull the nomination of Gorsuch and replace him with a moderate nominee, put in place environmental protection laws that fully support the Paris Climate accord, strengthen labor union rights, regulate financial markets to protect consumers, dismantle gerrymandered districts that ensure Republican control of the south, promote voting accessibility for all, extend full civil protection and rights to all LGBTQ Americans, invest in a fully government funded infrastructure improvement project, provide and promote access to reproductive care including abortion to all women, establish equal pay for all genders, extend payroll taxes for SS and Medicare to all income levels. For starters. Yesssss full cooperation on those ideas!
2
Democrats should work with Trump to prove what has been evident (and stated here) but generally denied--that Democrats are capable of compromising to do good works than are Republicans. Democrats are closer in their legislation to the pragmatic concerts of real lives of the 99.9% than are Republicans, and the promises that Trump made, (though he's been led by the nose by Ryan to keep emoluments at bay), were to such Americans for causes that Democrats traditionally support. Trump's rhetoric, though disgusting, should be ignored. But Democrats must insist that the party hold together and not be peeled off individually to support a regressive agenda. The Republicans already sold our privacy--better Trump follows the Democrats' lead--his inexperience and ignorance makes him needy, and it's completely possible that he can be led to the left.
1
It would be great if both parties where to work together if they where both run by adults. But when one party acts like a drunk uncle you have to endure at the holidays, I can see it happening.
1
No. No no no no no. The only work Democrats should do regarding Trump is to work as hard as they can to make sure this monstrosity is out of office prior to 2021, and hopefully before the end of this year. With the way things are going with the Russian connection, that's seeming more and more feasible.
5
Marginalizing the Tea Party with Democratic cooperation is the logical way for Republican "moderates" to work around them. The problem is the so called "moderates" are about to end the filibuster process for the Supreme Court to get the seat they stole from Obama filled with another Scalia type jurist. The "moderates" are willing to kick millions off of healthcare, destroy consumer protections, environmental protections, public education and more. Democrats should dig in and block as much as they can while working on retaking Congress in 2018. Resist is a good motto.
4
OK, I'll play. First Trump must withdraw Goruch's name and replace it with Garland to sit on the Supreme Court. Next he must sign a pledge not to do away with or reduce inheritance taxes during his term. These actions will show he understands the nature of legislative give and take and that he is sorry for starting off his term in office as a partisan jerk. It will also prove to the Democrats that he is willing to forgo some personal benefit, what Republicans have cleverly named the 'death tax' to help America move forward.
Once Trump has done these things (and pigs fly) then I would recommend Democrats start to work with him. Otherwise they should filibuster everything and let him deal with the banshees of the Freedom Caucus. Have fun.
Once Trump has done these things (and pigs fly) then I would recommend Democrats start to work with him. Otherwise they should filibuster everything and let him deal with the banshees of the Freedom Caucus. Have fun.
3
Would you ever waste your time with a compulsive liar who will agree with you on a plan of action on anything and then say he didn't agree to anything in the next breath?
1
Yes, but why work with someone who is proposing awful things? To cooperate with an incompetent and destructive person is foolish and dangerous in politics and everyday life.
4
The problem with your suggestion is that it completely ignores the fact that, as the minority party in both the House and the Senate, the Democrats have no mechanism whatsoever to introduce legislation. And neither does the President. So unless and until some members of the GOP decide to stop acting like spoiled two year olds and start taking their responsibilities seriously, there can be nothing for the Democrats to negotiate. The only legislation being put forward is absolute nonsense, and the Democrats' only possible response is to say "no".
3
How about Democrats demand that Trump lower the age of Medicare to 60 or 55 or even 50? How about they demand that Trump make good on his promise of "insurance for all" with much lower premiums and deductibles, which could be accomplished if folks in the 50-65-year-old bracket were covered by Medicare and thus lowering the average age of the insurance pool. Dems should ONLY work with Trump if it is to the benefit of the 95% of us and not just is billionaire buddies.
7
There is a difference between a "NO" that is expressed simply to express "NO", and a "NO" that is based on careful consideration. The appointees that the Democrats have voted "no" on have been either unqualified, unworthy of the appointment, or detrimental to the positions for which they are being considered. The "NOs" that Gorsuch is garnering are inspired by several measures: He was evasive and not forthcoming in letting the Senate or the public know exactly what kind of judge he is; based on several of his past decisions, he represents a bias toward big business vs. common citizen; he is being considered for a judgeship that was stolen from a sitting president. Yes, Democrats are willing to work "with" the GOP...but one must remember that the GOP is not representing 100% of Americans, and the positions put forth by the Democrats should not be denied. A working government needs to come to an acceptable compromise without the total destruction of the ideals of either party.
5
Hooray for a reasonable approach to life: the middle of the road Dems work with the middle of the road GOP to achieve a fair and better result for the vast majority of Americans. This shouldn't be a novel thought and I hope enough members of both parties adopt this thought pattern.
2
Middle of the road Republicans aren't really Republicans.
1
Yes democrats, work with republicans to throw Donald Trump out of the White House and out of the presidency. Even the sane and sensible republican will soon come around to getting rid of this man. By all means, work with them.
3
If things get done only when the Republicans are in power, voters will be inclined to reelect Republicans. Unilateral disarmament rarely works out well for the disarmer.
4
If Democrats can extract an economy wide carbon tax as part of tax reform, then I'm in. Especially one with subsidies for lower income citizens. Progress is progress, even if you need to hold your nose & deal!
2
the reasonable adult thing to do is enact some formal disciplinary action on those who don't want to do their job, if that doesn't work fix the rules so we can, and get back to work.
1
Yes, there might be good reasons for Democrats to cooperate with Trump. But would they want to take the risk of making him look good, and perhaps have him for another four years? When everything Trump is doing is impoverishing the country and endangering the world, I certainly wouldn't.
5
Think about it: Why should any group or individual be thrilled by the prospect that Trump wants to "reach out" to them? First, one should make sure just what this president has in mind and just where he aims to reach.
6
I strongly disagree. I do not want Trump to succeed. I want him to fail so that we never elect someone like him as president again.
12
I have to admit that at this point I don't care if Trump and I happen to agree on something; since he's been on every side of every issue, it's inevitable that some alignment will happen. Maybe I'm as bad as the Republicans in my intransigence, but I do not want to give the president an inch no matter what. If Trump does something, it is poison and will be tainted in some way that will do more harm than good.
8
Life in make believe land is exactly the con that the retrogressive forces known as the Republican Party, is trying to sell.
In this case saying NO to the majority of their backwards marching agenda is actually the loudest YES that can be said to the protection of what little freedom we have left.
In this case saying NO to the majority of their backwards marching agenda is actually the loudest YES that can be said to the protection of what little freedom we have left.
Day after day this so-called President takes some action antithetical to core Democratic values. He proposes a budget that is nothing short of a war on programs favored by the Democrats. In short he has done nothing to show any willingness to cooperate with the Democrats, and continues to blame and deride them. I, for one, see no reason or basis for cooperation. And let's be honest, Trump's idea of cooperation is to support wants he wants.
How can Democrats or anyone else work with this man who lies with nearly every breath he takes and changes his positions moment to moment depending on his current mood? Negotiating openly and honestly is impossible for him. Our only course is virulent opposition, retaking Congress and removing him from office by the impeachment process. His views reflect a minority of extremists on the far, far right. Those of us who oppose him strongly on at least one major issue are the clear majority of American voters. If the GOP is too ignorant of this to stand with Trump, then they'll be booted from power along with him. The more his approval numbers sink, the more he will drag the GOP with him. It may soon be impossible for them to accomplish anything and this will be for the benefit of us all.
6
Donald Trump's career has been based on finding suckers to bankroll his ambitions. Since all Republicans did not bite on Health Care, Trump is now trolling for Democrats.
7
The Democrats could not even properly publicize or take real credit for ACA. It took crazy Republicans to make people who voted for Agent Orange aware they are about to lose health care that they suddenly got not long ago. Democrats working with Trump means extending this nightmare for another 4 years.
Democrats should really make noise with loud no-nos and engage in a hard core no-holds-barred campaigns to explain their positions to the unwashed masses. Election campaigns start as soon as the last votes are cast. This is now an unfortunate way of life for us.
Democrats should really make noise with loud no-nos and engage in a hard core no-holds-barred campaigns to explain their positions to the unwashed masses. Election campaigns start as soon as the last votes are cast. This is now an unfortunate way of life for us.
3
Democrats have no propaganda machine to make the noise. You seem to not understand that conservatives have access to about 50 millions of Americans through their right wing media. Democrats have to rely on MSM. Big difference.
1
Negotiating or cooperating with a con man doesn't make sense to me. Furthermore, President Trump is erratic and emotionally unstable. He has no interest in details of the policies he promotes. How can Democrats work with someone like that? Also, any successes Mr. Trump might have with help from Democrats he would use to be re-elected in 2020. No, the best strategy for the Democratic Party is to propose the kinds of legislation Will Marshall suggests — knowing that Mr. Trump and the Republicans will oppose it — and take those proposals around the country to win voters in 2018 and 2020. The Democrats should also start now to find and develop candidates that can be winners in every contest where they have a chance.
6
If the Democratics sign on to work with a no shame, ethics free administrations then they are in the same ethics free zone. They become part of the fake news, the alternative reality and the science free Trump administration. Trump will not change himself or his advisors. Trump will be the same self aggrandizing, unknowing fabulist that he has always been and the Dems will be another in a long line of suckers who have bought into this latest version of Hooverism.
3
No, sorry, I am tired of the Republican Party acting like grade-school brats, and the Democratic Party always having to be the adults in the room, and pick up after the kids.
The Republicans will continue to behave badly until they feel the consequences, just like unruly children.
The Republicans will continue to behave badly until they feel the consequences, just like unruly children.
6
These New York/Washington DC bubble articles are humorous. I started laughing when I read, "party that actually wants to govern: the Democrats". There is zero indication of that. The Democrats are now the opposition party of no. If it comes from Trump or Republicans, they will instantly obstruct. Go ahead, keep going down that path. There are 10 Democrats up for reelection in states that Trump won. Vote with Schumer and Pelosi and obstruct Trump and your small, fractured, failing, coastal regional party will shrink even smaller. The same people moved to vote for Trump to stop a growing slide into socialism will rise up again and crush Democrat candidates. If Democrats refuse to join the Republicans in governing this nation, they will lose at t he ballot box and hand the Republicans the Congressional super majority they need to fix things in America. The question is, do they want to be a part of that and make themselves look good and reasonable and help rebuild their party or be bitter and vengeful and snuff themselves out? The NYT needs get out among the majority of Americans from shore to shore instead of restricting themselves to a small island. Their ideas and views have atrophied and they don't even realize how out of step they are with the people of this nation.
2
People didn't vote for Trump to stop a "growing slide into Socialism". They voted for him because he promised them what they wanted: jobs. Not that he will, or can, keep that promise. Democrats actually have the people with the knowledge and experience to govern and get things done. Republicans have been obstructing for so long that they have forgotten how to govern, or never even learned it. Three million more people in this nation voted Democratic over Republican. And over 20 Million do not want to lose their health insurance they got because of the ACA. I don;t see much atrophy there, on the contrary. What I do see is more and more Trump voters who get disenchanted with Trump.
3
I voted against HRC precisely to stop the slide into socialism and instead voted for Johnson because of DJT and his pandering to unions on the jobs issue.
>... if he’s willing to make real concessions to their party’s core values and priorities, pragmatic Democrats should hear him out.
He won't.
> Would Mr. Trump accept Democrats’ help on these terms?
Nope. He won't do that either.
Looking forward to your upcoming essay on Hell freezing over. What with climate change and all though I'm not holding my breath that it will.
He won't.
> Would Mr. Trump accept Democrats’ help on these terms?
Nope. He won't do that either.
Looking forward to your upcoming essay on Hell freezing over. What with climate change and all though I'm not holding my breath that it will.
17
This is a tough one! A "turn the other cheek" philosophy for the good of the country does seem righteous, but then: What if? What if this President is found to be guilty as hell in the Russia Mess, or any number of other Messes? Will the Dems then get crucified for having supported him in any legislative successes? Sounds like kind of a damned if you do, and damned if you don't choice!
2
Just do the right thing
How often in your life have you seen "Success" in choosing to work with a Bully?
I'm certain it's happened but I swear I can't recall one time.
I'm certain it's happened but I swear I can't recall one time.
2
Reading some comments brings a bitter taste in one's mouth as the reasoning behind them is a good example of what is wrong with global tangled wargame of American politics.
Easiness with which people forget that nothing is more important then the well being of the citizens is rather scary as some tend to sacrifice it willingly on the altar of anger, rightful or not and and misinterpreted idealism.
Whatever Trump represent is not as important as what he will deliver to the American people.
If Trump can be brought to walk the path to prosperity and promising future for US, Democrats Must work with him as this is what they were elected for.
Bringing the country to its knee in another useless and dangerous bipartisan war
is the opposite of what should be done and whoever goes that path is an idiot.
Swallow your pride and ego and go work on saving the country as this is the only way to take.
If Democrats love this country more then their egos they shouldn't repeat the mistakes of the Republicans who are the most toxic bunch this country has ever seen in its history.
Easiness with which people forget that nothing is more important then the well being of the citizens is rather scary as some tend to sacrifice it willingly on the altar of anger, rightful or not and and misinterpreted idealism.
Whatever Trump represent is not as important as what he will deliver to the American people.
If Trump can be brought to walk the path to prosperity and promising future for US, Democrats Must work with him as this is what they were elected for.
Bringing the country to its knee in another useless and dangerous bipartisan war
is the opposite of what should be done and whoever goes that path is an idiot.
Swallow your pride and ego and go work on saving the country as this is the only way to take.
If Democrats love this country more then their egos they shouldn't repeat the mistakes of the Republicans who are the most toxic bunch this country has ever seen in its history.
2
OK, I'll try with you "How do you work with Bullies?"
Successfully, that is?
And as you can see my ?? has absolutely nothing to do with politics, ideology, pride, ego,...I'm asking a serious question.
Will Marshall I don't believe knows what "Work With" means, as it pertains to the subject at hand?
A bully being the coach of a team CAN work, a Bully being a Drill Sergeant can work.
But a person that has to compromise, work with others, treat others with respect,...humble, that's not in a Bully's DNA.
Successfully, that is?
And as you can see my ?? has absolutely nothing to do with politics, ideology, pride, ego,...I'm asking a serious question.
Will Marshall I don't believe knows what "Work With" means, as it pertains to the subject at hand?
A bully being the coach of a team CAN work, a Bully being a Drill Sergeant can work.
But a person that has to compromise, work with others, treat others with respect,...humble, that's not in a Bully's DNA.
1
Mr. Marshall, anyone who has been paying the least bit of attention for the last couple of years knows that we have a lying narcissistic psychopath in the White House. I for one am insulted that you would even suggest taking his agenda seriously. He'll continue with his con game until it is laid so bare that maybe even his supporters will see him for what he is. Not only is he putting us all in danger with his serious incompetence, I fear the time and money wasted on his presidency will be unprecedented.
12
What nonsense! Block the GOP at every opportunity and take back the presidency in 2020 and the house and senate in 2018 and 2020. The GOP puts party and its rich donors ahead of country every time. Treating the GOP like a normal political party instead of the cult that it is will do immense damage to the country and the world.
9
I'm totally confused. A crazy man somehow won the Presidency. This crazy man has no policies, no goals, no head and not heart. He just "makes deals." Well, apparently, not so much.
This crazy person has the most chaotic, insane, out of control administration in history.
Mr. Crazzy is also up to his neck in ties with the Russian Mafia, loves Putin, has no regard for the truth, routinely schmoozes with one hand while stabbing you in the back with a surrogate.
A pathologgical liar, a sexual predator, a grandoise cipher of a human being with no human redeeming qualities.
A banana republic lunatic with his wife, er, daughter and her husband as the only people he trusts to carry out his "agenda.." An agent of chaos, a man with no principles, who takes no responsibility for anything.
Yeah, sure, the Democrats should do business with him.
It's what Satan would have wanted all along.
This crazy person has the most chaotic, insane, out of control administration in history.
Mr. Crazzy is also up to his neck in ties with the Russian Mafia, loves Putin, has no regard for the truth, routinely schmoozes with one hand while stabbing you in the back with a surrogate.
A pathologgical liar, a sexual predator, a grandoise cipher of a human being with no human redeeming qualities.
A banana republic lunatic with his wife, er, daughter and her husband as the only people he trusts to carry out his "agenda.." An agent of chaos, a man with no principles, who takes no responsibility for anything.
Yeah, sure, the Democrats should do business with him.
It's what Satan would have wanted all along.
17
Thank you, I was trying to form my response and you beat me to it. The only thing you left out is the connection to the mob here in the US. He must be opposed in absolutely everything while we hope that the investigations find the evidence of Russian collusion. We can also hope that somebody finds his tax returns and outs them, they will show where all the dirty money came from.
You don't compromise with fascists!
11
Work with Trump and help him get re-elected? No bleepin' way. Resist, resist, resist.
15
Will take your conservative nonsense back to the conservative funny farm you came from.
9
Spare me, for 8 years the republicans refused to work with democrats all to block anything for President Obama. Trump is a clueless clown, I say the democrats should work to impeach him. Republicans are fools to support this clown.
12
Ummm, Mr. Marshall, here's 'Breaking News' from The New York Times just now:
President Trump called a conservative faction in the House a threat to the Republican agenda, and vowed to “fight them” in 2018 10:34 AM 30 March 2017
Agent Orange can't work with his own party, but Dems are supposed to compromise their/our principles and 'work' with him? You should go back to your think tank and re-think this one.
President Trump called a conservative faction in the House a threat to the Republican agenda, and vowed to “fight them” in 2018 10:34 AM 30 March 2017
Agent Orange can't work with his own party, but Dems are supposed to compromise their/our principles and 'work' with him? You should go back to your think tank and re-think this one.
6
This is a very misguided opinion piece.
For one, it takes the position that Donald Trump is a reasonable, thinking, and astute politician who will "weigh the benefits" and "do what's right". Donald Trump is a person afflicted with a mental illness. Many prominent unbiased psychiatrists and psychologists, from academia and practice, have stated this firmly. They understand the nature of his illness -- as exhibited daily. Donald Trump is not a person who thinks with his logical mind. He behaves and reacts with his emotional mind.
A person who's behavior is driven by emotions, including adulation, self-promotion, embarrassment, hatred, rage.... will not make decisions to help the nation or his constituency.
Donald Trump is not a politician planning out how to benefit others. He is a person over his head, pulled in multiple directions by countless misfits and doppelgangers he has surrounded himself with, who have self-promotion and vested dangerous interests.
Donald Trump only "partners" with people when he has no other way to "win"... when he's in a corner. And people who "partner" with him under these circumstances always end up on his "hit list". It's known among those who know him that he keeps a "vendetta" for decades, against people who have hurt him or whom he believes "took advantage of" him (such as "partnering" when he's "down").
No one benefits by compromising with Donald Trump.
And let's not forget the STOLEN Supreme Court seat for Judge M. Garland.
For one, it takes the position that Donald Trump is a reasonable, thinking, and astute politician who will "weigh the benefits" and "do what's right". Donald Trump is a person afflicted with a mental illness. Many prominent unbiased psychiatrists and psychologists, from academia and practice, have stated this firmly. They understand the nature of his illness -- as exhibited daily. Donald Trump is not a person who thinks with his logical mind. He behaves and reacts with his emotional mind.
A person who's behavior is driven by emotions, including adulation, self-promotion, embarrassment, hatred, rage.... will not make decisions to help the nation or his constituency.
Donald Trump is not a politician planning out how to benefit others. He is a person over his head, pulled in multiple directions by countless misfits and doppelgangers he has surrounded himself with, who have self-promotion and vested dangerous interests.
Donald Trump only "partners" with people when he has no other way to "win"... when he's in a corner. And people who "partner" with him under these circumstances always end up on his "hit list". It's known among those who know him that he keeps a "vendetta" for decades, against people who have hurt him or whom he believes "took advantage of" him (such as "partnering" when he's "down").
No one benefits by compromising with Donald Trump.
And let's not forget the STOLEN Supreme Court seat for Judge M. Garland.
7
Merrick Garland.
8 years of deliberate, orchestrated obstruction of Pres. Obama
Congress suing Pres. Obama in an attempt to deprive millions in healthcare.
Now, if they ask Gorsuch to step aside, and confirm Garland--equally well qualified and an equally fine human being they treated with utter disdain, maybe Democrats and Progressives might want to cooperate.
8 years of deliberate, orchestrated obstruction of Pres. Obama
Congress suing Pres. Obama in an attempt to deprive millions in healthcare.
Now, if they ask Gorsuch to step aside, and confirm Garland--equally well qualified and an equally fine human being they treated with utter disdain, maybe Democrats and Progressives might want to cooperate.
13
This piece is completely unrealistic. Of course democrats would play ball if the other team was also willing to. But republicans are hell bent on being the party of no no no. Dems should hold their ground in opposition for two years and see what the midterms yield barring some incomprehensible willingness by repubs to actually compromise their outdated ideals.
9
Right. Only Democrats have to do the correct, adult things. Gotcha.
You live in a bubble of outmoded political practices that have been decimated
by right-wing mean-
spiritedness and bigotry. Democrats are responding no to
republican demagoguery; republican "no" is to any initiative that violates their self-interest.
Get real--obstructing fascism and oligarchy is the message of democrat "no" to Trumpworld.
by right-wing mean-
spiritedness and bigotry. Democrats are responding no to
republican demagoguery; republican "no" is to any initiative that violates their self-interest.
Get real--obstructing fascism and oligarchy is the message of democrat "no" to Trumpworld.
5
"If IFs and BUTs were candy and but - what a merry Christmas we'd all have" D. Meredith.
"Compromise is a form of Date Rape" N. Gingrich
Since when ws an income of $200,000/year middle class (when the median income is less than $50K/yr)?
Thanks to the Tea Party, the only moderate corporatists left in congress are Democrats, who fit more closely with the ideology of "traditional" Republicans. If anyone in congress will roll over, sit up, and beg for Mr. Trump they are the ones. Also, they are the ones we progressives are trying to chase back into the Republican party where they belong.
"Compromise is a form of Date Rape" N. Gingrich
Since when ws an income of $200,000/year middle class (when the median income is less than $50K/yr)?
Thanks to the Tea Party, the only moderate corporatists left in congress are Democrats, who fit more closely with the ideology of "traditional" Republicans. If anyone in congress will roll over, sit up, and beg for Mr. Trump they are the ones. Also, they are the ones we progressives are trying to chase back into the Republican party where they belong.
2
Final corrected post below. Previous posts are incorrect. Apologies to NYT. Have been having issues with my editing interface tools which I must correct.
No we should not compromise our moral code. We do not vote for a king. This is supposed to be a democracy, not a state whereby the leader pushes policies to enrich themselves. We did not vote for nepotism-in-chief(s). We did not vote for Trump's daughter or son-in-law. What right do his family members have to so much power over the American policy? I remember all to well the multitude of pickup trucks with those George Bush bumperstickers and how those bumperstickers were scrubbed-off in earnest after GW fell out of favor. So shall this corrupt administration fall out of favor with the misguided slogan-swallowing half who elected the disgraceful step backwards that is Trump/Pence. We will never let you forget it as long as we/you live.
No we should not compromise our moral code. We do not vote for a king. This is supposed to be a democracy, not a state whereby the leader pushes policies to enrich themselves. We did not vote for nepotism-in-chief(s). We did not vote for Trump's daughter or son-in-law. What right do his family members have to so much power over the American policy? I remember all to well the multitude of pickup trucks with those George Bush bumperstickers and how those bumperstickers were scrubbed-off in earnest after GW fell out of favor. So shall this corrupt administration fall out of favor with the misguided slogan-swallowing half who elected the disgraceful step backwards that is Trump/Pence. We will never let you forget it as long as we/you live.
2
Work with him on what? He doesn't understand what's going on and he doesn't have the intellectual fortitude to understand data. Working with Trump means simply siding with him in one of his hissy fits and massaging his ego. That's called being a sycophant.
5
"Hell no" is probably exactly what Trump is thinking too. Welfare, science, foreign policy, immigration and tax reform and even infrastructure are being derailed and/or destroyed and you think the Democrats should work with him? Better the Democrats should gear up for 2018 and while they are at it, they might think about feeling-out Senator Warner for presidential consideration.
Barely two months into his presidency, Trump has slammed shut the doors to common sense and reasonable leadership. The best way to work with him is to impeach him and start over.
It takes two to work together, Mr. Marshall.
Barely two months into his presidency, Trump has slammed shut the doors to common sense and reasonable leadership. The best way to work with him is to impeach him and start over.
It takes two to work together, Mr. Marshall.
6
No
and
Republicans don't want to.
and
Republicans don't want to.
6
Sorry, but the democrats need to stick it to the republicans, and stick it real hard, starting with our so-called president and right on down the line. This administration reeks of corruption, collusion and nepotism, not to mention possible treasonous acts. Wrong? Possibly, but it's time to put the trash bins out for collection.
8
Will, I have a proposition for you. Since I'm a Republican, I really want to eat your daughters leg. Do you offer to meet me half way, and allow me to eat just to the knee? Or will you buckle and let me eat the whole thing? Or will you do the sane, right thing and say ''No way, you are a completely crazy and gone off the rails. Hands off my daughters leg!". Time for the Dems and everybody else who isn't completely taken in or on the payroll to make a stand. We need to take those parasites down, there is no compromise in this case.
13
So. You have a crazy neighbor who throws garbage out his window and paints his house irridescent yellow. To get along with the neighbor you spend your time picking up his garbage and telling yourself he'll die someday and a sane neighbor will paint the house something nicer. He's crazy so you lose your sanity so as not to ruin the neighborhood.
5
What? This column could be a marketing piece for the Better Business Bureau. Will Marshall is a founder of the Progressive Policy Institute, a think tank that makes a mockery of the word “progressive” by promoting a business friendly centrist agenda. Think the Clintons. Marshall and Trump have a lot in common when it comes to putting businesses, corporations, and banks ahead of social interests. Trump is pursuing a scorched earth policy and Marshall is asking us to help pour some gasoline on the flames. The Democrats should push back with flame throwers of their own. This is war. Resist!
3
Unfortunately, you have it all backwards. The Democrats won the popular vote. Your headline should be: Republicans should work with Democrats. Why is it that when the shoe is on the other foot, ie Obama is president, that the GOP would not work one bit with him and now you want Dems to work with Trump? What an obvious double standard you have. Dems are the moral party in this country and they should not give an inch when it comes to working with the public-hating GOP. Just read any of the comments by GOP leaders and see how hostile they are to the American People. Read any of Trump's comments to see how he has ridiculed virtually every segment of the population except, wait for it, White Males. Of which, unfortunately, I happen to be one and have to say that Trump is a disgrace to humans everywhere. So, no, Dems should not work with this sexist, bigot. No, no, no.
4
You assume Democrats have learned nothing from watching the party of "No" obstruct Obama for eight years and suffer no consequences. In fact, Republcans outmaneuvered Democrats at every turn taking over house and senate seats. And now, work with Trump for the good of the country! Sorry. There is no way to work with Trump or his minions. Making Trump look good will not help our country in any way and would only serve to keep him in power for two terms. No way !
3
You can't reward bad behavior with good. You can't reward bad behavior even when it makes your life easier. I want to see a sensible tax reform but now is not the time. You're giving the dog a treat after he just bit the neighbor's child. You should use the muzzle instead. There can be no carrot, only stick.
4
Since were adrift in "what if" land, I'll propose one of my own: "what if Trump switches parties"? Sounds nuts, right? But, it's pretty obvious that Trump has never been a "Republican", not in any real sense. He wants to win; wants to be a big shot celebrity and I suspect he doesn't much care how he accomplishes that. If you think about it what Mr. Marshall is describing here isn't that far off from what I'm speculating about. The question is are the Democrats principled enough to shun Trumpism in any form, or will they, like Republicans, sell their soul to get what they want?
2
Two problems with this suggestion. First and most obvious, do Dems really wnat to work with a corrupt, morally bankrupt, habitual and unrepentant liar? Seems like that is really putting principles aside. Second is the so-called Hastert rule that would just about guarantee that legislation that did not have majority Republican support would never get out of the house. Sorry, sounds nice but totally unworkable.
3
Democrats should cooperate, if for no other reason - OPTICS. The coin of the realm in today's politics. Moral high ground is also gaining strength as far right conservatives show their meaner "stripes". They are so happy to have that Black family out of the White House, they cannot contain themselves. Time to rise above, Democrats. Do it initially behind the scenes, quietly, and play to a combination of Ego and Promises. Trump wants "wins" and he wants to be adored. Ask yourself, how likely will anything positive happen if the Dems become the party of "no"? What is the harm in trying the cooperation scenario on the things that will get him the most public adoration? Health Care and Jobs. Start there. If it fails, it will still look good - which leaders seem to care a lot about these days. In reality, on the "what is the right thing to do scale", it would be a " good", and at least one moment of sanity in crazy times.
1
Excuse ME?!?!
No no no no nope!
When -tell me- when does The Democratic party have to work with Drumpft to give him a win? He will surely lie that it was his great ability that caused Progressives to cave and take all of the credit, rest assured he would.
Right now the GOP is grinding away in a giant wood chipper of their own making. The only thing the Democrats need to do is stand by and watch the carnage unfold.
No no no no nope!
When -tell me- when does The Democratic party have to work with Drumpft to give him a win? He will surely lie that it was his great ability that caused Progressives to cave and take all of the credit, rest assured he would.
Right now the GOP is grinding away in a giant wood chipper of their own making. The only thing the Democrats need to do is stand by and watch the carnage unfold.
3
TFreePress below has exactly the right insight on this opinion piece. The Progressive Policy Institute is progressive in name only; they are one of many voices urging Democrats to move right for the best interests of the country. We've done that for so long that our center is well to the right of where it used to be. Enough! We need to nurture constituent unrest, develop and publicize intelligent alternatives to GOP policies and refuse to normalize the sham that passes for Republican majority control.
1
It took till the twelfth paragraph, but I knew that the phrase "public good" would have to appear somewhere in this piece of nonsense. When in the past twenty-five years have the Republicans done ANYTHING that contributes to the public good that didn't also contribute to their own pocketbooks and/or those of their wealthy donors? To suggest that it's now time for the Democrats to start cooperating with Trump and his co-conspirators in the destruction of American society is not only ludicrous but insulting to the millions of progressives who have worked for decades to advance the "public good." This crowd of staggeringly ignorant and arrogant incompetents must be fought vigorously at EVERY turn, EVERY proposal, EVERY suggestion. Nothing less than survival of a tolerant vibrant society is at stake.
3
You don't make deals with a Caligula-like dictator. He uses people. Let me repeat that for the think tankers who still believe logic lives somewhere buried in the White House (it doesn't). Trump USES people. And no, he has no plans about anything except how to satisfy the unquenchable thirst of his ego. To work with him is a huge laugh. The only way that might even stand a snowball's chance is to conduct all negotiations in VERY PUBLIC view, with written documentation at every step. That fake president reneges on anything that's done in private. And since almost all Washington negotiations take place in private, the idea of working with him is very foolish.
2
Let me get this straight, Mr. Marshall. Democrats should abandon their principles and their base in order to push pro-business policies, regressive VAT taxes, and provide Trump with political cover in the fantastical hope that a man who appoints a climate change denier to head the EPA, pushes pipelines, and has vowed to scuttle the Paris Agreements will agree to a carbon tax? For a number of reasons, that's the biggest load of claptrap I've ever heard. Thanks for the laugh and make sure to pass whatever you're smoking this morning.
5
America doesn't have room for ANY party of "no." I'm sure you've gotten many such ripostes already. The Republican Party has been a truculent, ugly, anti-intellectual, anti-science, disinformative gaggle of naysayers for decades, waving shiny social distractions and faux patriotism and faux religion in our faces. Trump is the now-dangerously-open result. I commend to your attention today's companion piece in the NY Times, "When the President Is Ignorant of His Own Ignorance," by Thomas B. Edsall.
Rewrite your piece to properly address the problem.
Rewrite your piece to properly address the problem.
3
I am usually a very peaceful man. In this case I would say: take no prisoners, no mercy. Full stop.
5
A racist, misogynistic, pathologically greedy, and homophobic President and Republican Party, who want to strip away the rights of myself and my loved ones, are not colleagues to negotiate with - they are enemies to be defeated.
This author needs to wake up and visit the real world. If I want to read fantasy fiction I'll stick to Game of Thrones.
This author needs to wake up and visit the real world. If I want to read fantasy fiction I'll stick to Game of Thrones.
The Republicans have shown that there is no punishment only reward for not working with a president for the betterment of the country. Thus, the Democrats can expect no blow-back for not working with the thieving liar that sits in the White House. In fact, the Democrats have an obligation to make sure that this administration is a failure.
3
Nope. No cooperation. No collaboration. Give the GOP a taste of their own medicine.
Nope. You don't cooperate with evil. No, no and no.
6
Ah, yes, we've returned to this old narrative: it is up to democrats to rescue republicans from their bad choices. Give me a break! Why should democrats coddle and enable republicans? What ever happened to the party of personal responsibility? This is always the case. Democrats take the heat when cleaning up republican messes. Republicans exploit frustration and then proceed to break things. The democrats come back and fix the mess. . .No thanks! Republicans, politicians and voters alike, did this. I presume voters knew what they were doing when they voted for Trump. It is not up to democrats to shield republicans from the consequences of their actions.
So how to "pay for the tax cut"
Let me think...
1. Mr. Marshall and the democrats oppose in import border adjustment tax, claiming it will drive up prices of consumer goods
2. Mr. Marshall and the democrats would support a $25/ton carbon tax on energy usage
So...the first choice allows consumers to purchase goods in the open market, be they imported or made in the U.S.A. It allows competition to alter pricing based on supply and demand, potentially offsetting the tax increase with lower margins to entice the consumer. Further, it allows consumers to make no choice at all if they so desire, thus creating no impact on the consumer.
The second choice mandates everyone to pay for an essential need, the heating and cooling of their environment. no choice...greater good concept
Which is preferable to the consumer?
Let me think...
1. Mr. Marshall and the democrats oppose in import border adjustment tax, claiming it will drive up prices of consumer goods
2. Mr. Marshall and the democrats would support a $25/ton carbon tax on energy usage
So...the first choice allows consumers to purchase goods in the open market, be they imported or made in the U.S.A. It allows competition to alter pricing based on supply and demand, potentially offsetting the tax increase with lower margins to entice the consumer. Further, it allows consumers to make no choice at all if they so desire, thus creating no impact on the consumer.
The second choice mandates everyone to pay for an essential need, the heating and cooling of their environment. no choice...greater good concept
Which is preferable to the consumer?
I'm here, and my father was alive, because he didn't work with Hitler.
Any other good ideas?
Any other good ideas?
5
I find it sad that the NYT Picks are all endorsing, "No, let's not work with those Republicans!". After 6 years (after the 2010 landslide election for Reps) of complaining about the Republicans blocking everything Obama put forward, your answer is; "let's do the same". Doesn't seem very progressive, but more importantly, beneficial to the American People. This is why I struggle with the extreme left, which. to me, seems so hypocritical; "We are for freedom of speech, as long as you say what we believe!"
1
It's not the extreme left. Regular Democrats are tired of always having to be the responsible adults and clean up the messes of Republicans and the far right. Let's see some evidence that the Republicans can actually govern before the Democrats again play Charlie Brown to the Republican Lucy.
5
Mr. Marshall seems to think self-respect is highly overrated. Donald Trump has no core values or intellectual curiosity, only a zero-sum mentality. Looking out for Number One is the Trump family value so Marshall's fantasy of Democrats accepting any overture from Trump will remain just that--fantasy. "Hell, no" should be the only response.
2
The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 30, 2017
Still stand by that column, Mr. Marshall?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 30, 2017
Still stand by that column, Mr. Marshall?
2
Nope. Illegitimate President, wanting to be validated by the opposition's best behavior? No.
Let him reap what he sowed. And those who voted for him, similar.
We, the opposition, would like things to be better, but if they're not they're not, and we will stand strong and outlast this charlatan.
I figure Trump's core motive forces are fear and greed. He will fail, because he's too scared to do the right things, and too hungry for power, influence and money to hold his impulses in check. A brain overruled by emotion, he sits before the cameras wearing his pseudo-Churchill mask. This does not bode well for his future. Which makes me very happy.
Let him reap what he sowed. And those who voted for him, similar.
We, the opposition, would like things to be better, but if they're not they're not, and we will stand strong and outlast this charlatan.
I figure Trump's core motive forces are fear and greed. He will fail, because he's too scared to do the right things, and too hungry for power, influence and money to hold his impulses in check. A brain overruled by emotion, he sits before the cameras wearing his pseudo-Churchill mask. This does not bode well for his future. Which makes me very happy.
4
That's a Big If! I have not gotten one signal he will reach out to Democrats. If collaboration was in his vocabulary certainly it would have surfaced by now. As of Feb 25 -Nearly 2,000 appointed positions in the administration of President Donald Trump were still vacant according to CNN. That doesn't sound like collaboration to me. Sounds like "get off my back- I'm doing this alone" time.
1
Or, perhaps another pie-in-the-sky scenario: The Democrats and the Freedom Caucus form a coalition. Not to pass any meaningful legislation, mind you. That would be quite impossible. No. They would team up specifically to take over the House leadership. Their objective is to begin immediately begin an in-depth investigation into the election and Russian involvement. The next thing on the agenda is to begin impeachment procedures.
1
Only if Trump doesn't fully dismantle the Affordable Care Act should Democrats work with Mr. Trump on health insurance reforms.
With so many citizens already on ACA-based care, it's time to strengthen what ails it. Secondly, the reforms should not adversely affect people receiving insurance from their employers.
Why not jump right in head-first?
Trump's not proven to be a trustworthy person, and there is toxic masculinity on top of a rabid authoritarianism that defines this presidency.
Some describe it as Dictator meets Hee-Haw, and I tend to agree.
With so many citizens already on ACA-based care, it's time to strengthen what ails it. Secondly, the reforms should not adversely affect people receiving insurance from their employers.
Why not jump right in head-first?
Trump's not proven to be a trustworthy person, and there is toxic masculinity on top of a rabid authoritarianism that defines this presidency.
Some describe it as Dictator meets Hee-Haw, and I tend to agree.
2
It's about goals. DT and the Republicans have goals diametrically opposed to Democrats so Democrats should compromise away their values once again to be the rational one in the Room? I think not.
We can't afford one party of "no". Where are all the calls to Republicans to get their *ahem* act together?
3
The corporate tax rate is phoney. Few if any actually pay the 35% tax rate. GE famously pays no federal income taxes due to all of the various loopholes their lobbyists have gained for them.
It Congress is going to make meaningful tax reform, it will require the elimination the tax breaks before lowering any of the rates.
At the height of the Vietnam War, taxpayers paid an additional ten percent on their tax bill to pay for the war. Fast forward to the Iraq War, and taxpayers received three tax reductions while the war was financed on the credit card.
It is not Democrats who need to come to the table with Trump. Why should they? Does anyone really think the GOP would seriously give them any consideration.
For me it goes back to a saying I have heard more than once in my lifetime, and that is "if you lie down with dogs, you will probably wake up with fleas".
It Congress is going to make meaningful tax reform, it will require the elimination the tax breaks before lowering any of the rates.
At the height of the Vietnam War, taxpayers paid an additional ten percent on their tax bill to pay for the war. Fast forward to the Iraq War, and taxpayers received three tax reductions while the war was financed on the credit card.
It is not Democrats who need to come to the table with Trump. Why should they? Does anyone really think the GOP would seriously give them any consideration.
For me it goes back to a saying I have heard more than once in my lifetime, and that is "if you lie down with dogs, you will probably wake up with fleas".
3
No, No,No! I do not want to see any Democrats ever colluding with the Republican'ts.
"If Democrats have a chance to help average working families and show they’re not obstructionists, they should take it. America doesn’t need two parties of no."
I hate to burst your bubble but considering that most of the country is now in the hands of the Repbublican't due to the average families votes I would say that they must prefer obstructionism to competence.
"If Democrats have a chance to help average working families and show they’re not obstructionists, they should take it. America doesn’t need two parties of no."
I hate to burst your bubble but considering that most of the country is now in the hands of the Repbublican't due to the average families votes I would say that they must prefer obstructionism to competence.
3
This sounds so naive. If Donald had any intention of working with Democrats, he would not have nominated the cabinet he has. He would not employ such childlike glee in undoing everything Obama, and he would not have signed on to that GOP effort to dismantle health care.
Republicans can afford to oppose Donald only because he is so weak.
Republicans can afford to oppose Donald only because he is so weak.
2
Yes working with the Republicans is like Charlie Brown playing football with Lucy.
8
there is no there there to cooperate with.
4
Funny, I don't remember anyone from conservative think tanks writing "why Republicans should work with Obama" in the past 8 years.
4
This is the man who questioned the legitimacy of President Obama and just erased all the good of his climate policies. This is the man who has appointed members of his cabinet who are there to destroy their agencies. This is the man who has no agenda other than improving the value of his own brand, and will not release his taxes for fear of what they will reveal.
If Senator Schumer is true to his word and sticks to the values of Democrats and American democracy he and Representative Pelosi will not play nice with this so-call president.
If Senator Schumer is true to his word and sticks to the values of Democrats and American democracy he and Representative Pelosi will not play nice with this so-call president.
3
How do you know if Obama's climate policies were good?
Unless you know exactly what percentage of global warming is caused by human activity and why, than all policies to fix it must be bogus. And no legit scientific study yet has been able to answer this question.
Added to the fact that we already know that obama's global warming policies were not good for America's economic viability and competitiveness and it appears that trump made the right decision in getting rid of them
Unless you know exactly what percentage of global warming is caused by human activity and why, than all policies to fix it must be bogus. And no legit scientific study yet has been able to answer this question.
Added to the fact that we already know that obama's global warming policies were not good for America's economic viability and competitiveness and it appears that trump made the right decision in getting rid of them
1
I can't buy that international companies pay less tax overseas than in the US. Most European countries have an added value tax (in the UK it is 20%) that taxes production of every thing save food, childrens' clothing, (i think, real estate) and probably a few other minor things. It would for instance tax the difference between the sum of the parts and the cost of an automobile, whether or not the automaker turned a profit after labor costs. Since that tax is added every step along the way, for the consumer it means roughly the same, a 20% price increase on most items since the tax, just like corporate income tax is simply passed on to the final consumer. There are issues of fairness, practicality and compliance in all tax mechanisms, but when you consider the added value tax, it is not clear where companies actually pay the most in taxes since it appears that those bemoaning the "high" corporate tax rate conveniently forgot the added value tax and sales taxes.
1
Of course Democrats should work with Trump. If Trump wants to increase funding for Obamacare to stabilize the exchanges, of course Democrats should agree. If he wants to increase the EPA budget to fight climate change naturally Democrats should help him. If he wants to pass comprehensive immigration reform, democrats should sign on. There all sorts of things Democrats can work on with Trump.
2
The democrats should join with the GOP when it comes time to impeach Trump. That's about the only thing.
4
I would add: And to hasten that time, i.e. through investigations and hearings.
2
There is a major fallacy in this piece: the notion the American corporations pay higher taxes than their competitors. The tax rate in this country is higher, and should be lowered (20% anyone?), but companies, with few exceptions are not paying much in taxes. WalMart is one odd exception. The oil companies make a profit on their dealings with the government. Back in the day before Reagan, taxes from corporations accounted for about a third of total federal revenue. It dropped below 10% in the Reagan years and has stayed in that ballpark. We need reform in our tax policies, not a change in the rates for taxes that are not paid.
2
The man and his campaign are under at least 4 investigations for colluding with a foreign government to influence the election (and perhaps beyond). Everyday is a new revelation - apart from the blatant lies and ethics abuses - of Russian connections,
No I think its a DISASTROUS idea for the Dems to work with what may prove to be the most corrupt administration in American history.
No I think its a DISASTROUS idea for the Dems to work with what may prove to be the most corrupt administration in American history.
3
So you're proposing a decrease in the amount that corporations pay in tax and an increase in how much the rest of us pay in the form of carbon tax, loss of deductions and consumption taxes. You disguise all of this corporate shilling with a partisan analysis that makes this sound like it is a progressive agenda. It is amusing how the media bridles at Trumps attacks on them when they engage in propaganda such as this.
1
Making deals with the devil never turns out well.
3
I receive multiple emails everyday from Democrats asking for money. I reply at least once a week that I will not contribute to them until they start behaving like Democrats. NO is a good word when the alternative is being complicit in destroying this nation.
1
President Trump is both a racist and a liar. There is no evidence that he can be trusted. If he were to show contrition for his previous actions, perhaps he could earn the trust of Democratic leaders and voters. If Republicans could admit that Democrats compromised on health care and truly accept that Obamacare was the best we could come up with after decades of work on the issue, perhaps then we could begin to talk about the possibility of compromise. Until then, we Democrats should continue to obstruct. Simply demonstrating that we believe in equal rights and justice may not be enough to make progress, but it may halt the destruction of our republic and offer a glimmer of hope to outside observers.
Absolutely not! You might as well propose I work with Satan.
The premise of this article is absurd. Our entire government is the government of no. It is time for Democrats to not be victimized by this trend and start standing up for their beliefs in the same manner as the other side. Otherwise they will be crushed!
Hallelujah I say! Why? I opened my Thursday Morning Briefing email to see that I had to scroll down before Trump appeared in a headline.
Very sad to read of Boko Haram escapades, pleased to know that a compromise on HB2 is close and concerned over military escalation in the Middle East.
While it is too early to believe that the madness that is the Trump Administration is abating and there is much sadness in our world, a glimmer of hope flashed before me that the USA is not about to drive off a cliff. Since election day I have written numerous times to my Senator, Richard Burr exhorting him to put partisanship aside and be a responsible head of the Senate Intelligence Committee. The Times says that he may be doing just that.
Yes Democrats must be open minded to responsible proposals put forth by the Trump Administration, that is just plain common sense. That an Op-ed needs to remind them of this speaks to the sad state of affairs of government. More important is the need for the Trump Administration to put forward proposals that encourage bipartisan governing. On this the record to date is not encouraging.
In my 68 years the one lesson that has proven true time again is not to jump to conclusions, time will always tell. One day where Trump does not dominate the headlines is not solace but at least a baby step in the right direction.
Long may it last!
Very sad to read of Boko Haram escapades, pleased to know that a compromise on HB2 is close and concerned over military escalation in the Middle East.
While it is too early to believe that the madness that is the Trump Administration is abating and there is much sadness in our world, a glimmer of hope flashed before me that the USA is not about to drive off a cliff. Since election day I have written numerous times to my Senator, Richard Burr exhorting him to put partisanship aside and be a responsible head of the Senate Intelligence Committee. The Times says that he may be doing just that.
Yes Democrats must be open minded to responsible proposals put forth by the Trump Administration, that is just plain common sense. That an Op-ed needs to remind them of this speaks to the sad state of affairs of government. More important is the need for the Trump Administration to put forward proposals that encourage bipartisan governing. On this the record to date is not encouraging.
In my 68 years the one lesson that has proven true time again is not to jump to conclusions, time will always tell. One day where Trump does not dominate the headlines is not solace but at least a baby step in the right direction.
Long may it last!
3
What a surprise - yet another jeremiad exhorting the Democrats to cave to GOTP nihilists, thugs and traitors because, well, "the nation can't have two parties acting this way." When Will Marshall tells the GOTP that it is time to grow up, govern, acknowledge that their platforms and policies are ruinous to the nation, that they stole a SCOTUS seat, that their racist obstruction to President Obama cost the entire nation, that their theft of votes through deliberately racist gerrymandering and Jim Crow voter suppression is immoral, that their loathing of the poor is the antithesis of "Christian charity, their misogynist views about women both denigrate and intrude upon our privacy and primacy and harm poor women, that their relentless efforts to codify Christian Sharia Law in this nation violate the separation of church and state - then, perhaps, Democrats should work with Con Man. Otherwise - Will Marshall should train his fire towards the GOTP. It is not Democrats who are destroying government. Give no ground, Dems! 9:12 AM
13
Hear, hear.
There is no point or future in trying to work with a party that wants to toss 25 million people off of healthcare. So the richest among us can have a muti-billion dollar tax cut.
There is no point or future in trying to work with a party that wants to toss 25 million people off of healthcare. So the richest among us can have a muti-billion dollar tax cut.
1
Will Marshall, your commentary has already been overtaken by current events in trump time, with the evil, unhinged man tweeting threats against the Democrats AND his own Extreme Right Wing JUST THIS MORNING. Back to your think tank, boy. Think some more.
7
Dems are the party of sore losers
2
I'll take that misguided passion or even bitterness of those Democrats over acquiescing to a Bully. Which the entire GOP did.
One is a loser by votes the other is weak and easily manipulated and used.
Just ask the Kremlin:)
One is a loser by votes the other is weak and easily manipulated and used.
Just ask the Kremlin:)
Glad to see you're enjoying the trial subscription. Might be the best 99 cents you ever spent. Bait on!
1
The Republicans were the party of sore losers by saying "no compromise" with Barack Obama on Election Night 2008, shutting down the government, refusing to confirm federal judges, refusing to even hold hearings on Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination and generally being "the party of No for eight years! Give me a break on saying that about the Democrats.
This is a very pragmatic and level-headed approach to governing that re-built America during the Great Depression and succeeded in re-building the entire world after WW II. What makes you think Trump is aware of any of this? Just yesterday he spoke about how easy and good his Trump/Ryan Care Plan B will be for everyone. The man is not dealing in reality.
I think your ideas are great and are the answer to our current political crisis. But is this ignorant, unstable man in the White House listening? Is he even aware of the situation he finds himself and the country in? If he did, would he even care to make a good deal for the country?
I propose that the Democrats present your ideas and let Trump come to Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. Whether he accepts this offer or not will be a clear indication of the type of man he is. My suggestion: Don't hold your breath for anything resembling true integrity. Stand firm Democrats! Accept the fact that Trump is more than likely to screw this up. But above all else don't betray the working people who elected you.
I think your ideas are great and are the answer to our current political crisis. But is this ignorant, unstable man in the White House listening? Is he even aware of the situation he finds himself and the country in? If he did, would he even care to make a good deal for the country?
I propose that the Democrats present your ideas and let Trump come to Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. Whether he accepts this offer or not will be a clear indication of the type of man he is. My suggestion: Don't hold your breath for anything resembling true integrity. Stand firm Democrats! Accept the fact that Trump is more than likely to screw this up. But above all else don't betray the working people who elected you.
5
Seems like trump beat you to the punch. Based on his recent tweets it appears the freedom caucus is now the enemy and he wants to reach out and works with democrats.
2
We need to first determine if Trump is a legitimate President. Only after an independent investigation surrounding the Trump election clears him, should he be allowed to govern. When did treason become so blasé?
5
I think trump should invite DEM's and Bernie to the oval office and talk about Healthcare and how to improve it consistent with Trumps promises of better healthcare for everyone.
Trump has to learn how to tactfully strike public interest and embarrass his party to positive action. Asking to speak with Bernie about healthcare will probably move the bill to the left and that's what's needed to fly. Single payer and Trump will be the nations hero. Republican looser dogma has got to.
Trump has to learn how to tactfully strike public interest and embarrass his party to positive action. Asking to speak with Bernie about healthcare will probably move the bill to the left and that's what's needed to fly. Single payer and Trump will be the nations hero. Republican looser dogma has got to.
1
This is absolute rubbish. Until there is a conclusion to the investigations of Trump-Russia collusion neither the Democrats nor the Republicans should work with this "president". This presidency needs to be quarantined.
6
I think Democrats should work with Republicans to either impeach the the entire administration or conduct a Recall Election.
Everything else, meh. Just say "no".
Republicans have shown their true colors; cruel, bigoted, liars, who will sell out their own constituency for power.
I do not support Fascist Republicans or their collaborators.
Everything else, meh. Just say "no".
Republicans have shown their true colors; cruel, bigoted, liars, who will sell out their own constituency for power.
I do not support Fascist Republicans or their collaborators.
5
This is a classic catch 22. We Democrats just spent 8 years watching a petty performance of a GOP intent on blocking the policy initiatives of President
Obama. There was precious little attempt at discussion or compromise. It was only obstruct. Not only did our country suffer from lack of attempted solutions, our system of government suffered as people were taught by the GOP that "the Government" was their enemy intent on taking away their civil rights and controlling their lives.
Now what. President Trump, to any Democrat, represents the antithesis of almost all they hold important. It is hard to find any common ground. But it is also hard to contemplate another 4 years (hopefully) of now Democratic obstruction, no matter how tempting and necessary that feels. Our system cannot become a succession of eras of obstruction.
By the way, I blame the original intransigence sin on the Tea Party.
Obama. There was precious little attempt at discussion or compromise. It was only obstruct. Not only did our country suffer from lack of attempted solutions, our system of government suffered as people were taught by the GOP that "the Government" was their enemy intent on taking away their civil rights and controlling their lives.
Now what. President Trump, to any Democrat, represents the antithesis of almost all they hold important. It is hard to find any common ground. But it is also hard to contemplate another 4 years (hopefully) of now Democratic obstruction, no matter how tempting and necessary that feels. Our system cannot become a succession of eras of obstruction.
By the way, I blame the original intransigence sin on the Tea Party.
5
You say: "By the way, I blame the original intransigence sin on the Tea Party."
I nominate instead Gingrich, McConnell, and their crew of sorcerer's apprentices as chief culprits.
Though as someone who still likes Ike I want the partisans of both parties to test their guiding narratives for truth using methods such as science, law, historical scholarship, and their own best efforts to make sense of their own and our common experiences in light of the sincere efforts of others to do the same.
I nominate instead Gingrich, McConnell, and their crew of sorcerer's apprentices as chief culprits.
Though as someone who still likes Ike I want the partisans of both parties to test their guiding narratives for truth using methods such as science, law, historical scholarship, and their own best efforts to make sense of their own and our common experiences in light of the sincere efforts of others to do the same.
Are you kidding me? After the way he talked about us and our nominee? And is still, in fact, tweeting away? Not a chance. Should have thought about the implications before he went off on those lie-studded tirades of his.
4
The logic of conservative Blue Dog Democrat politics that has paved the way for Trump in the first place since the 1990's. The Blue Dog Democrats - pretty much the dominant wing of the entire party leadership - are an obstructionist party in their own way. Finally, one will have to ignore that one branch of the "far right" is firmly ensconced in the White House. It's name is Steve Bannon, and by now it should be crystal clear that Trump's belief system is identical to Bannon.
Blue Dogs would be choosing the open bigotry of Bannon over the indirect "free market" bigotry of the Freedom Caucus. If that is all the Democrats have to offer, then they deserve to go to Hades.
Blue Dogs would be choosing the open bigotry of Bannon over the indirect "free market" bigotry of the Freedom Caucus. If that is all the Democrats have to offer, then they deserve to go to Hades.
1
No.
Nothing ever "dawns on" Trump. There will never be any learning. He is about reptilian displays of dominance, period. He also cannot be trusted - ask anyone he ever promised anything during the campaign. Ask Romney, who endured that awkward dinner merely so Trump could extract a photo of him displaying dominance over a critic.
If there's an infrastructure bill, it will be purely a get-rich-quick scheme for Trump's developer friends, who will be given ownership over public assets so they can put a meter on things we used to get for free. And "tax reform?" Whenever a Republican uses the word "reform," immediately locate your wallet and cinch it up tight, because they are coming to take your money and give it to rich people.
Trump HAS no policies of his own. His goldfish attention span makes it impossible for him to think about anything not entirely focused on him for more than 3 or 4 seconds. So depending on him having some sort of awakening is a fool's errand.
Then there's the nontrivial chance Trump will be impeached inside of a year. Any deals done with him would be rendered moot - and would tar anyone who engaged in them with his bottomless corruption.
In short... NO.
Nothing ever "dawns on" Trump. There will never be any learning. He is about reptilian displays of dominance, period. He also cannot be trusted - ask anyone he ever promised anything during the campaign. Ask Romney, who endured that awkward dinner merely so Trump could extract a photo of him displaying dominance over a critic.
If there's an infrastructure bill, it will be purely a get-rich-quick scheme for Trump's developer friends, who will be given ownership over public assets so they can put a meter on things we used to get for free. And "tax reform?" Whenever a Republican uses the word "reform," immediately locate your wallet and cinch it up tight, because they are coming to take your money and give it to rich people.
Trump HAS no policies of his own. His goldfish attention span makes it impossible for him to think about anything not entirely focused on him for more than 3 or 4 seconds. So depending on him having some sort of awakening is a fool's errand.
Then there's the nontrivial chance Trump will be impeached inside of a year. Any deals done with him would be rendered moot - and would tar anyone who engaged in them with his bottomless corruption.
In short... NO.
7
To make Trump successful is to normalize fascism, racism, corruption and foreign interference in our elections. And I should add, the character assassination of Hillary Clinton by the nutcase Right. So, uh, NO! Not a fair trade for a road here or there.
7
Why should Democrats work with an illegitimate "president" who is under investigation for treason?
8
I have no confidence that any reasonable legislation can come from republicans who are so depraved, that they are willing to protect a lying, incompetent puppet of Vladimir Putin. While this situation exists, I would rather have nothing passed until all traitors, both passive and active, are thrown out at the ballot box or led off in handcuffs.
3
Dream on. The fact is that if Trump was a completely different person than he is, he could have had the Dems eating out of his hand by the end of week one of his presidency. A truly unifying speech on Inauguration Day, a graceful acknowledgement of the deep divisions in our country, and an approach to legislation that prioritized the needs of his base without needlessly antagonizing the rest of us. A truce in his war on the truth and on the press. Now seriously, who among us can imagine that? From a guy who is STILL tweeting about the person he defeated in the race? Who is still smarting about those crowd photos? Still accusing his predecessor of felony crimes?
The idea that this insane, lying, clown, surrounded by toadies and alternative universe incompetents would sit down and listen to anybody, including democrats, is complete addle brained nonsense. This sick human being driven by his thin-skinned ego with a shriveled up inside empty body lacking moral, ethics, and even an ounce of compassion for anyone but billionaires should be carted away in a straight jacket immediately, along with the rest of his corrupt cronies.
4
The best thing for this country right now is that both parties continue to say NO loudly and clearly to the insanity that is the Trump Administration. That's the only reasonable thing to do when you're dealing with an immature, undisciplined, spoiled, impulsive child. You say no. You don't reward the bad behavior We have an immature, undisciplined, spoiled, impulsive child in the White House. Just say NO!
2
Working with Trumpence is like cooperating with a rapist hoping he won’t kill you when he is done. Trumpence is dishonest, duplicitous, arrogant and ignorant. Anyone cooperating with them sullies his or her reputation by dealing with the devil.
When I saw the title of this piece I immediately went to the comment section before reading. Was I surprised at the almost complete rejection of this idea? Hardly.
And when I then went to actually read the piece, I found these gems:
"But if moderate Democrats are disposed to cooperate with the deal-maker in chief, they ought to exact a high price."
"Democrats should also insist that Mr. Trump put new revenue on the table, specifically an economywide carbon tax."
So Mr. Marshall immediately torpedoes his own idea. Neither party is going to succeed in coercing the other, so "insisting" and "high price" are not words conducive to cooperation.
And when I then went to actually read the piece, I found these gems:
"But if moderate Democrats are disposed to cooperate with the deal-maker in chief, they ought to exact a high price."
"Democrats should also insist that Mr. Trump put new revenue on the table, specifically an economywide carbon tax."
So Mr. Marshall immediately torpedoes his own idea. Neither party is going to succeed in coercing the other, so "insisting" and "high price" are not words conducive to cooperation.
The Dems and even the Country (for that matter) will be like the Castaways on Gilligan's Island and POTUS is that guest star you know that will be saved but isn't going to send back help:).
You're only working "With Him" to get him off the Island.
Do you get credit,...no.
Do you get off the Island,..no.
Do you get blamed if he doesn't get off the Island,...yes.
Do you feel like a Fool in the end, thinking otherwise,..absolutely.
You're only working "With Him" to get him off the Island.
Do you get credit,...no.
Do you get off the Island,..no.
Do you get blamed if he doesn't get off the Island,...yes.
Do you feel like a Fool in the end, thinking otherwise,..absolutely.
Work with Trump? Sure. Under a few conditions:
1) Withdraw the Gorsuch nomination and re-nominate Garland.
2) Veto the GOP giveaway of our privacy to the big telecomms.
3) Release your tax returns -- all of them, including those for every LLC and corporation you have a finger in -- going back 40 years.
Then we'll talk.
1) Withdraw the Gorsuch nomination and re-nominate Garland.
2) Veto the GOP giveaway of our privacy to the big telecomms.
3) Release your tax returns -- all of them, including those for every LLC and corporation you have a finger in -- going back 40 years.
Then we'll talk.
7
And appoint a special prosecutor to look into Russian interference with the presidential election.
Is this a legitimately elected President or not?
I want this question answered before the Democrats do any "compromising" with this administration.
Is this a legitimately elected President or not?
I want this question answered before the Democrats do any "compromising" with this administration.
2
Absolutely not! Like many others, I am sick of seeing the Democrats attempt to work with the GOP and get kicked in the face for their efforts. And to do it again with a pathological liar who literally cannot be trusted to tell you the truth on the weather? No. A thousand times no. Mr. Trump and his GOP colleagues are temper-tantrum throwing children and the time for attempting to reason with them is over. Bring on the tough love.
4
How can Democrats work with an ethical disaster who can't be trusted? If he kept his campaign promises, maybe. Surely he could have worked with Democrats to help him keep his promise to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with better insurance at a cheaper cost for everyone -- the progressives would have raced each other to give him the votes for single-payer. Instead, he went with Ryan's weathcare plan.
Democrats would love to pass a serious infrastructure bill that would put millions of Americans to work on jobs that will improve the quality of life for everyone. How's that going to happen under the proposed Trump budget?
He wants to get rid of Big Bird, for crying out loud. It's hard to imagine a heartless guy like him working with humane Democrats -- even if they did want to work with him.
But, if he releases his tax returns, divests his business interests, stops wasting our tax money on weekend jaunts to his golf club, gets his relatives out of the White House, fires all of his staff with Russian ties, and Bannon, apologizes to women for the grabbing thing, and then comes to the Democrats for help, I'm open to reconsidering.
Democrats would love to pass a serious infrastructure bill that would put millions of Americans to work on jobs that will improve the quality of life for everyone. How's that going to happen under the proposed Trump budget?
He wants to get rid of Big Bird, for crying out loud. It's hard to imagine a heartless guy like him working with humane Democrats -- even if they did want to work with him.
But, if he releases his tax returns, divests his business interests, stops wasting our tax money on weekend jaunts to his golf club, gets his relatives out of the White House, fires all of his staff with Russian ties, and Bannon, apologizes to women for the grabbing thing, and then comes to the Democrats for help, I'm open to reconsidering.
1
Great idea, working with the other party to do good. Where was Mr. Marshall with this naive thought eight years ago? We had a wonderful president who did good things, and he got NO support from the GOP in Congress. I doubt that anything the Democrats could do now would make a whit of difference to Trump, his cabinet or the GOP Congress. They're on a suicide mission.
1
If Mr. Trump would like to work with Democrats, he had the opportunity to put some of them in his cabinet.
If Mr. Trump would like to work with Democrats, he should have put Merrick Garland forth as his Supreme Court nominee.
If Mr. Trump would like to work with Democrats, he should have reached across the aisle with a handshake on inauguration day.
There's a drunk driver behind the wheel of the most powerful country in the world. The Democrats should by no means work with Mr. Trump unless he is metaphorically prepared to let them drive, which he will not do. Under the circumstances, the Democrats should simply do everything in their power to keep Trump's metaphoric car from moving at all.
For Mr. Marshall to say that the country can't afford two parties of "No" assumes that both parties are equal and all "No's" are the same. Neither is true.
If Mr. Trump would like to work with Democrats, he should have put Merrick Garland forth as his Supreme Court nominee.
If Mr. Trump would like to work with Democrats, he should have reached across the aisle with a handshake on inauguration day.
There's a drunk driver behind the wheel of the most powerful country in the world. The Democrats should by no means work with Mr. Trump unless he is metaphorically prepared to let them drive, which he will not do. Under the circumstances, the Democrats should simply do everything in their power to keep Trump's metaphoric car from moving at all.
For Mr. Marshall to say that the country can't afford two parties of "No" assumes that both parties are equal and all "No's" are the same. Neither is true.
1
No, Mr. Marshall - not this time and not for awhile. The Republican trashing of the norms of bipartisanship and legislative compromise have reached an apex. You don't bargain from a position of weakness. The public that voted for them and Trump are about to experience a series of teachable crises and they need to experience them so that their party returns to rationality. The whistleblowers and the courts can be relied on to limit the damage. Democrats should resist not participate!
Mr. Marshall, I don't think you could be more wrong. First, and perhaps foremost, Mr. Trump may have cooperated or at the very least ignored Russian interference in our national election. It is already clear that if he was smart enough to insulate himself from direct contact with the Russians, his chosen cabinet members were not. Where I come from, that's called Treason. Second, Mr. Trump's has also made it clear that his only political agenda is an agenda designed for billionaire businessmen to become richer and more powerful at the expense of air, water, the global climate, and the poor. Third, Mr. Trump has proven time and time again in both his personal and professional life that nothing he says can be trusted. For the democrats, working with Mr. Trump, regardless of what is accomplished, will ultimately turn into a political disaster. After failing to repeal Obamacare, Mr. Trump didn't even take his own party to task and place blame squarely on the "Slavery Caucus", who were unhappy with only 24 million people losing their insurance. After nearly bankrupting the nation in 2007, the party of "NO" is back in ever greater power, and will shortly command all three branches of the federal government. If the Democrats in congress should have learned anything over the past 8 years, it's that "NO" works, and the next 4 years should be a political war to save this nation.
Yes! Work with Trump. OK, I voted for Hillary and loath the man, but that is beside the point. Trump is not a conservative, nor is he a devout Christainist.
It is possible to make deals with the man.
If Democrats are defined as the party of "No", as they are increasingly seen, then what differentiates them from the other party of "No"? Whether we want to admit it or not, the answer, in practical terms, is not very much.
It is possible to make deals with the man.
If Democrats are defined as the party of "No", as they are increasingly seen, then what differentiates them from the other party of "No"? Whether we want to admit it or not, the answer, in practical terms, is not very much.
3
There's a historical precedent: Nixon was allowed to resign before he could be impeached. Ahhh, the good old days.
1
Nice try Mr. Marshal! But there is no Third Way.
"if he's willing to make real concessions to their party’s core values and priorities, pragmatic Democrats should hear him out."
Is he willing to withdraw Mr Gorsuch and put forth Judge Garland for the Supreme Court? I think not. Is he willing to reverse his policy on climate change? What about single payer health care policy? No and no again. Donald Trump has no clue how to work on these issues with either party.
And pragmatic Democrats know that if they compromise on healthcare, climate change and Supreme Court confirmation they will have a very hard time in the 2018 / 2020 elections!
"if he's willing to make real concessions to their party’s core values and priorities, pragmatic Democrats should hear him out."
Is he willing to withdraw Mr Gorsuch and put forth Judge Garland for the Supreme Court? I think not. Is he willing to reverse his policy on climate change? What about single payer health care policy? No and no again. Donald Trump has no clue how to work on these issues with either party.
And pragmatic Democrats know that if they compromise on healthcare, climate change and Supreme Court confirmation they will have a very hard time in the 2018 / 2020 elections!
The GOP declared war on the Democrats decades ago. They have waged that war relentlessly and have given no quarter. They continue to escalate the war. Trump is the equivalent of a massive nuclear first strike. Cooperating with Trump, whose word means nothing, would be suicidal. There is only one way to end this war. Fight back.
Trump said his health care bill failed because of Democrats. Wait, did it even get a vote? Did he discuss the bill with any Democrats? Did the Republicans invite any Democrats to the table when it was being formed?
Democrats need to press for what is good for the country as a whole. Period.
Democrats need to press for what is good for the country as a whole. Period.
Fuggedaboutit! To begin with Trump, as always, would take ALL the credit for anything accomplished and treat the Democrats as just his latest group of patsies. More importantly Republicans and Trump own the government for at least the next two years - let America see the depth of their incompetence and the full breadth of their heartlessness. Only then will the message seep into the ill-informed head of the average voter: never put Republicans in full charge of anything ever again.
Mr. Marshall...you have got to be kidding. Trump lies and manipulates words and Half-truths. All everyone has to do is analyze what has been the norm in this administration since 20 January of this year. Just last week Trump ranted and raved about how the Democrats had caused the failure of his Repeal and Replace " health " bill. That occurred on Friday the twenty-fourth. By The following Monday, he was inviting Democrats to work with him on health care 2.0. Who knows which Trump ( there are many ) will show up and how long any decision will last. Trump is a loose cannon and has no loyalty except to himself. He is not to be trusted. Ask the middle class unemployed worker in the Rust Belt who voted for him. His health care bill would have caused the loss of their health care benefits. How would Democrats not suspect that he would not turn on them for their help as he has turned on so many others ( ask Paul Ryan perhaps ? ) Your main problem presupposes the issue is that he would consider any help with his agenda when in fact the only loyalty Trump has s to himself.
The best outcome you can hope for in choosing to "Work With" a Bully?
That you'd be your favorite section of the newspaper at the bottom of the bird cage.
That you'd be your favorite section of the newspaper at the bottom of the bird cage.
1
Always this incessant need to use reason when reason has bolted.
If Donald Trump suddenly has a 'Road to Damascus' experience and plainly apologizes for his bald faced lies and immoral conduct then, sure, the Democrats should work with him.
But his lies tell us something that this columnist overlooks: there is no substance with this president. The Democrats need to take whatever steps they can to remove this narcissistic child from office.
He is sewing the seeds for his own removal. Grease the rails and hammer away at him.
Politics is war by another means. The democrats need to get a backbone and quit this incessant need to parse every situation and word.
Proclaim a message, stick to it and get it into the heart of the American people.
That is the real task for liberals.
Reason has been with the liberals ever since Obama took office.
With reason alone as the weapon to fight ideological battles we have lost untold number of governorships, and state houses and congress.
The American people want a vigorous party to stand up and not be skulking cowards hiding always behind reason.
This is the bane of the Democratic Party.
Always dithering when they should be acting.
If Donald Trump suddenly has a 'Road to Damascus' experience and plainly apologizes for his bald faced lies and immoral conduct then, sure, the Democrats should work with him.
But his lies tell us something that this columnist overlooks: there is no substance with this president. The Democrats need to take whatever steps they can to remove this narcissistic child from office.
He is sewing the seeds for his own removal. Grease the rails and hammer away at him.
Politics is war by another means. The democrats need to get a backbone and quit this incessant need to parse every situation and word.
Proclaim a message, stick to it and get it into the heart of the American people.
That is the real task for liberals.
Reason has been with the liberals ever since Obama took office.
With reason alone as the weapon to fight ideological battles we have lost untold number of governorships, and state houses and congress.
The American people want a vigorous party to stand up and not be skulking cowards hiding always behind reason.
This is the bane of the Democratic Party.
Always dithering when they should be acting.
Ahem... 45 is surrounded by people under investigation for colluding with the Russian government and laundering money for Russian oligarchs. Trump himself might have done these things. Wake up, man! This is not normal. Stop trying to make it so. There will be dire geopolitical consequences if the US is brought into Putin's sphere of influence.
Absolutely not. Trump and the current GOP are the monstrosity that has evolved from the Republican disinformation tactics that took root during the presidency of Reagan. We have been living with this growing horror ever since, even during Democratic administrations. Newt Gingrich, Sarah Palin, Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, the Freedom Caucus, Donald Trump? Normalize this lot by cooperation? Not on you life.
1
I'd rather the Dems work Directly with the Kremlin, as opposed to their immature child.
2
Trump has to learn by experience. He is incapable of learning by example.
He found out that health care is complicated, and therefore failed miserably.
He needs to experience No Dem cooperation in order to understand that he represents far less than the populice of the country. If that occurs over and over again, and his POLLS keep tumbling, he will turn to whatever, WHATEVER it takes to hear the cheers that he needs in order to breathe. Being unstable and unable to know or care what he said 2 minutes ago, he will do what is necessary
to survive. Dems need to be sure to do nothing that supports this unqualified, unjustifiable unctuous demagogue.
He found out that health care is complicated, and therefore failed miserably.
He needs to experience No Dem cooperation in order to understand that he represents far less than the populice of the country. If that occurs over and over again, and his POLLS keep tumbling, he will turn to whatever, WHATEVER it takes to hear the cheers that he needs in order to breathe. Being unstable and unable to know or care what he said 2 minutes ago, he will do what is necessary
to survive. Dems need to be sure to do nothing that supports this unqualified, unjustifiable unctuous demagogue.
Marshall’s pathetic imploring of Dems to work with Trump is yet another example of fatal“magical thinking” which flies in the face of Trump’s sociopathic mental status: a constant and serial liar, incapable of empathy or remorse.
The profound incoherence revealed here is the idea that Trump cares about “his voters” (“Would Mr. Trump accept Democrats’ help on these terms? If he really wants to start racking up “wins” for his voters, he would.” )
If Trump cared about “his voters” we’d all know that by now. Marshall’s article would not have to be written let alone be published in the NYTimes.
The profound incoherence revealed here is the idea that Trump cares about “his voters” (“Would Mr. Trump accept Democrats’ help on these terms? If he really wants to start racking up “wins” for his voters, he would.” )
If Trump cared about “his voters” we’d all know that by now. Marshall’s article would not have to be written let alone be published in the NYTimes.
This is a watershed moment in American history. American democracy and reputation is on the decline and Trump administarion is hastening this decline, not as his faithful
No we should not compromise our moral code. We do not vote for a king. This is supposed to be a democracy, not a state whereby the leader pushes policies to enrich themselves. We did not vote for nepotism-in-chief(s). We did not vote for Trump's daughter or son-in-law. What right do they have to so much power over the American people's welfare? I remember all to well the multitude of pickup trucks with those George Bush bumperstickers and how those bumperstickers were scrubbed-off in earnest after GW fell out of favor. So shall this corrupt administration fall out of favor with the misguided slogan-swallowing half who elected the disgraceful step backwards that is Trump/Pence. We will never let you forget it as long as we/you live.
No we should not compromise our moral code. We do not vote for a king. This is supposed to be a democracy, not a state whereby the leader pushes policies to enrich themselves. We did not vote for nepotism-in-chief(s). We did not vote for Trump's daughter or son-in-law. What right do they have to so much power over the American people's welfare? I remember all to well the multitude of pickup trucks with those George Bush bumperstickers and how those bumperstickers were scrubbed-off in earnest after GW fell out of favor. So shall this corrupt administration fall out of favor with the misguided slogan-swallowing half who elected the disgraceful step backwards that is Trump/Pence. We will never let you forget it as long as we/you live.
Did Mr. Marshall miss eight years of Republican behaviour?
It's a tad late for "why can't we be friends".
It's a tad late for "why can't we be friends".
1
It would be foolish if the Democrats refused to work with President Trump as it would hurt their party further. They have lost the presidency and both houses of Congress and will even lose more support from the voters if they do not compromise a little. They must also work with the Republicans for the good of the country. If bills are not passed and nothing gets done, it would be a catastrophe. They better not bite their nose to spite their face. The Democrrats will be the losers if they refuse. Of course, it would give the Republicans an advantage during the next elections.
1
Sir--where was your voice asking moderate Republicans to work with President Obama? Where was your voice asking moderate Republicans in the Senate to give Garland a vote? It was silent. Now you want the Democrats to do the heavy lifting to make 45 successful when his own party won't even do that? No, Sir. It's an unreasonable and wasted demand because 45 will never be smart enough to bring moderate Republicans and moderate Democrats together for the good of this country. It is all about 45. He will want all of the credit or none. He's already shown his colors.
Problems are ubiquitous.
Chaos constantly generates.
Consensi collapse.
Syntheses aka compromises are so 18th-20th century.
DJT is absurdity.
Everyday something hellacious else.
Coal mining revived = perfect regression.
Concede hopelessness.
Chaos constantly generates.
Consensi collapse.
Syntheses aka compromises are so 18th-20th century.
DJT is absurdity.
Everyday something hellacious else.
Coal mining revived = perfect regression.
Concede hopelessness.
Donald Trump is headed toward impeachment, and this too may give Democrats some leverage. Donald just like most of the Republicans also do not care about the deficit or debt. Soon Donald and the Republicans are going to get very desperate to pass something big. My advice to the Dems is make them beg. Keep your powder dry, but at the same time continue to spout how you want to make government work for the people, and are willing to work with the President the Republicans. I bet if it appears by late Summer that they cannot get it done without Dems, they will roll over. Then, you pounce.
1
Right. What if Trump wasn't Trump?
Clear, rational thinking, with this one, yuuuuge, glaring exception:
To whatever extent Democrats in Washington extract concessions from a Trump administration and "moderate" Republicans (there's an oxymoron for you!) in Congress, there is no guarantee that the most dishonest so-called president in American history will follow through. They can pass all the good legislation Mr. Marshall suggests, and the month after it's signed, Mr. Trump, following Nixon, will simply rescind the funds, refuse payments (as he has done to contractors for 45 years) for work done, discover a "crisis" that requires the farthest-right-wingers to pass legislation redirecting funds elsewhere, and contracting with the GOP's oligarchic cronies in "public-private partnerships" that rebuild the infrastructure a la Kremlin: public funds to pay for them, but ownership and long-term profit (like toll roads and user fees) in private hands.
As much as Mr. Marshall's dewy-eyed prescription sounds attractive, no Democrat in Washington or elsewhere should trust any Republican, anywhere, at any time, on any subject, to keep his word. They simply don't value the premises that motivate progressives: making life better for the American people.
I never used to be so cynical; I believed in our political system and our checks and balances and compromise. But I have watched the GOP in my state (NC) and my nation's capital, and all over the country since Gingrichism infected it; it is beyond any hope of a cure.
To whatever extent Democrats in Washington extract concessions from a Trump administration and "moderate" Republicans (there's an oxymoron for you!) in Congress, there is no guarantee that the most dishonest so-called president in American history will follow through. They can pass all the good legislation Mr. Marshall suggests, and the month after it's signed, Mr. Trump, following Nixon, will simply rescind the funds, refuse payments (as he has done to contractors for 45 years) for work done, discover a "crisis" that requires the farthest-right-wingers to pass legislation redirecting funds elsewhere, and contracting with the GOP's oligarchic cronies in "public-private partnerships" that rebuild the infrastructure a la Kremlin: public funds to pay for them, but ownership and long-term profit (like toll roads and user fees) in private hands.
As much as Mr. Marshall's dewy-eyed prescription sounds attractive, no Democrat in Washington or elsewhere should trust any Republican, anywhere, at any time, on any subject, to keep his word. They simply don't value the premises that motivate progressives: making life better for the American people.
I never used to be so cynical; I believed in our political system and our checks and balances and compromise. But I have watched the GOP in my state (NC) and my nation's capital, and all over the country since Gingrichism infected it; it is beyond any hope of a cure.
A reasonable call to a reasonable president and party, but his twitter message few minutes ago threatening and lumping freedom caucus and the Democrats put your call to rest. A very immature man he is.
Your premise, while not ridiculous, is based on the assumption that the so-called president is rational and has a plan for the country, which IS ridiculous. The sooner the Democrats make it clear that no part of what the republicans have up their crooked sleeves is beneficial for our country (the 99+% that is), the sooner Trump will have a breakdown on live TV and we can be rid of him. Only then can the business of governing begin. I grow weary of living in a reality show.
1
Perhaps if the Administration and the Party, the Executive and the Republicans, agreed to work with Truth, with norms for thoughtful governance, with diplomacy, with doing a little reading (Trump), with public SERVICE, etc., there might be some room for normal bipartisanship. That would be a good start, no????
The country badly needs a carbon tax and an infrastructure bill as outlined by the author. The national Republicans, "whose ideological rigidity and strident partisanship often border on nihilism", as the author put it, proved conclusively they will not compromise with the Democrats even if the country sees fit to elect Democrats.
I voted for Hillary but the election was clearly a primal scream by the voters. Trump campaigned as a deal maker who was not constrained by R orthodoxy.
So deal, in the way outlined by the author. One legitimate way to read the election results is that this is what the voters voted for. So I choose to read the election results that way, and not as a signal that voters in the Upper Midwest and Greater Appalachia are pining to return to an age of robber barons, Jim Crow, homophobia, and artificially keeping women down as a way to promote family stability.
Agreeing to corporate tax reform as outlined by the author seems like a small price to pay for a well-designed carbon tax and a good infrastructure bill.
I think I know what Gingrich and McConnell stand for. If it turns out that the need to effectively address climate change and infrastructure needs and to provide infrastructure jobs for those left behind are not actually high on the Democratic priority list, then that's something I need to know too.
I voted for Hillary but the election was clearly a primal scream by the voters. Trump campaigned as a deal maker who was not constrained by R orthodoxy.
So deal, in the way outlined by the author. One legitimate way to read the election results is that this is what the voters voted for. So I choose to read the election results that way, and not as a signal that voters in the Upper Midwest and Greater Appalachia are pining to return to an age of robber barons, Jim Crow, homophobia, and artificially keeping women down as a way to promote family stability.
Agreeing to corporate tax reform as outlined by the author seems like a small price to pay for a well-designed carbon tax and a good infrastructure bill.
I think I know what Gingrich and McConnell stand for. If it turns out that the need to effectively address climate change and infrastructure needs and to provide infrastructure jobs for those left behind are not actually high on the Democratic priority list, then that's something I need to know too.
1
"... our antiquated tax system forces companies to pay much higher taxes than their overseas competitors." Wrong, as you surely know. A quick google reveals that the effective corporate tax rate in the U.S. is about 12%, which is somewhat lower than our major competitors.
We are not the highest real corporate tax in the world. When Trump said that Politifact ruled as a false statement. Why is a progressive agreeing with that? The American tax system, because of economic "productivity", reduces most of the professional domains to "not for profit" and pays for them through some of the lowest wages for professionals in the world plus a tax system that gives up to a 33% tax write off for donations to those professions. Culture, Religion, Education, Government, Scientific research, Public Health.
Anything that is "not for profit" caused by the economic virus of "Productivity Lag" (Baumol) is made up through the tax system rather than direct funding them through government as in Europe. America has elected for complexity and allowed the wealthy to keep most of their wealth but encouraged them to give through the tax deduction system. If you remove the deductions: What happens to culture? Public Health? Education? Religion? Public Goods in the Government sector? NASA and scientific research?
All of these have no way of making up the expense of expertise and uncertainty with sales. That's why it's taken so long to privately fund space exploration. The same for the Reagan Sema-Tech project and his NEA rationale. It made sense to have them but the public-private share of the funding still was placed in the hands of wealthy individuals and private corporations. REH Artistic Director MCORE, NYCity
Anything that is "not for profit" caused by the economic virus of "Productivity Lag" (Baumol) is made up through the tax system rather than direct funding them through government as in Europe. America has elected for complexity and allowed the wealthy to keep most of their wealth but encouraged them to give through the tax deduction system. If you remove the deductions: What happens to culture? Public Health? Education? Religion? Public Goods in the Government sector? NASA and scientific research?
All of these have no way of making up the expense of expertise and uncertainty with sales. That's why it's taken so long to privately fund space exploration. The same for the Reagan Sema-Tech project and his NEA rationale. It made sense to have them but the public-private share of the funding still was placed in the hands of wealthy individuals and private corporations. REH Artistic Director MCORE, NYCity
1
Why would we want to empower a tyrant by working with him to help him succeed? Our task is to get him out of office.
4
There are not many democratic "moderates" left in the House and in any event with respect to Tax Policy none of this would garner many GOP votes. It too is DOA.
Do we look for revenge or for what is best for the citizens of this country? If Dems become the party of "No", Dems will lose because the Republicans will point their fingers and say Dems are the reason for their failures. The question is not who wins this battle, Dems or Reps. It is whether individuals holding office, regardless of party, are working toward the best interest of the American people. Sometimes this requires compromise because individuals holding office have differing opinions about what is best for the American people. It is when politicians work for their own self interest that "No" shoudl be stated loudly and clearly.
1
I disagree with the author on the fact that the Dems must work with Trump. The GOP has the executive, the house, the Seneate and they still can not govern this shows what we have known for the last 8 years from the party of no. That they had no good ideas have just been trying to tear down the progress that has taken years to build up they could not even come up with a good healthcare replacement that they have lied that they had a plan for replacement. Many of the current crop of GOP do not believe in government. So exactly how are they suppose to run or govern with something they do not believe in? What the Dems need to do is get a backbone and be aggressive and continue to show that they are the party of ideas and progress and they have the interest of every man and women at heart
What if Trump proposed a single payer health system, or allow people to buy into Medicare, a public option? Should they oppose those ideas just because they came from Trump? It sounds to me that many of the responses are advocating party above country, just as the republicans have been doing for years. It should be country above party, for both parties.
Democrats are going to be working with "LIL it" on helping to defeat the Freedom Caucus but what makes "LIL it" think he's going to be around. The investigation of the Russian invasion of our presidential election must go forward if this country is ever going to have a honest and fair election again. This is an impeachable action.
While I agree with some of Marshall's article, I have some reservations. The main issue I have is the way the subject is framed. Rather than saying Democrats should work with Trump, I would say that Democrats should propose their solutions, and give him a chance to work with them.
I believe that Democrats may have an opportunity to try to get Trump to come to his senses and cooperate with them. "May have" - it's not clear that he has the rationality or inclination to learn how horrible much of his policy agenda is. But, as Marshall stated, they must exact a high price from him. They must not cooperate on him when he stubbornly insists on his agenda that benefits nobody except fossil fuel industry magnates and Russian thugs. They must force him to the middle, and if he won't go there, they must make it clear that they offered sound solutions, and he failed.
I believe that Democrats may have an opportunity to try to get Trump to come to his senses and cooperate with them. "May have" - it's not clear that he has the rationality or inclination to learn how horrible much of his policy agenda is. But, as Marshall stated, they must exact a high price from him. They must not cooperate on him when he stubbornly insists on his agenda that benefits nobody except fossil fuel industry magnates and Russian thugs. They must force him to the middle, and if he won't go there, they must make it clear that they offered sound solutions, and he failed.
3
Wow, is that a huge slice of wishful thinking pie floating in the sky?
1
"Democrats should also insist that Mr. Trump put new revenue on the table, specifically an economywide carbon tax. Otherwise, it will be difficult if not impossible to finance both a comprehensive tax overhaul and the nation-building infrastructure push"
I fail to understand why the tax overhaul is on the agenda before the infrastructure agenda. Shouldn't the government know what things are going to cost before discussing how much tax should be acquired?
I fail to understand why the tax overhaul is on the agenda before the infrastructure agenda. Shouldn't the government know what things are going to cost before discussing how much tax should be acquired?
1
Donald Trump is emotionally unstable, ethically corrupt, and may be guilty of treason. When he implodes of his own dead weight, as he almost certainly will, the Dems don’t want any of that to rub off on them. Morally and politically, they can’t be seen as helping to "normalize" Trump, because they will share the blame when he fails.
Rather, Dems should focus on a campaign to bring disillusioned Trump voters back into the Democratic column in the 2018 midterms, for state as well as federal offices. The 2018 elections may be the last chance to restore two-party democracy to our country. As such, they deserve total, unwavering commitment from Democrats.
Leave Donald to the Republicans. They made him, and they own him. Their scorched earth opposition to Obama must be answered, and the best way to do that is just to say, No!
Rather, Dems should focus on a campaign to bring disillusioned Trump voters back into the Democratic column in the 2018 midterms, for state as well as federal offices. The 2018 elections may be the last chance to restore two-party democracy to our country. As such, they deserve total, unwavering commitment from Democrats.
Leave Donald to the Republicans. They made him, and they own him. Their scorched earth opposition to Obama must be answered, and the best way to do that is just to say, No!
3
If he's contemplating overtures to Democrats, he's sure going about it in an odd way. (But what else is new?). He just announced on Twitter that "we must fight them [Freedom Caucus], & Dems, in 2018." Hard to see how he'll accomplish anything legislatively if he alienates Democrats who might be inclined to form a bloc with more moderate Republicans.
Given this, the headline should be rewritten to read "Why should Democrats work with Trump"?
Given this, the headline should be rewritten to read "Why should Democrats work with Trump"?
4
I disagree. Obama and the democrats created both Trump and Bernie. The Dems obsession with putting globalism and the interests of big business before middle "working class" America created the void that both of them stepped in to fill.
NO. No way the democrats should support the Putin/Con Don and their mafia-model Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical Religion/ Corporate Cabal attempts to create a new world order where they control it.
Democrats and every single person who values democracy in America and the world must fight like hell to preserve/restore it.
Do not allow one democrat to vote for any United States Supreme Court nominee while this corrupt cabal has control of OUR government.
FIGHT. FIGHT. FIGHT.
Democrats and every single person who values democracy in America and the world must fight like hell to preserve/restore it.
Do not allow one democrat to vote for any United States Supreme Court nominee while this corrupt cabal has control of OUR government.
FIGHT. FIGHT. FIGHT.
4
Maybe. But only if approached with no assumption of good faith on the other side. It should be handled like negotiations with Iran or North Korea.
2
This election has created more truly independent voters than any other time in recent history, as proven by the historically high voting for not one but two third parties in the 2016 presidential election. I am one such voter. Historically a Republican, I watched as the cancer known as the Tea Party tore the GOP apart. Now part of the biggest voting blocks -- independents -- I see the world much differently without my partisan blinders on. The big question is whether I remain independent going forward. After the election, I waited to see what direction the Democratic party would take. Much to my dismay, they decided to "adopt Tea Party tactics" -- i.e., unleash the most extreme elements in the party to inflict the maximum damage to the other side. Don't Democratic leaders remember the damage the Tea Party did to the GOP? I totally agree with Mr. Marshall -- working if possible with moderate Republicans in Congress for the good of the nation is the right thing to do. Not only that, but by proving to us independents that they are better than the Republicans, they can peel off some independents around the country. This is the most likely path for the Democratic party to undo their decimation they endured at the state level. Perhaps it's time to consider re-engineering the coalition of the ascendant into the coalition of the problem-solvers.
1
Correction to my comment: The livestreaming will happen on Friday March 31, 2017, at 7 p.m. Thank you.
In a nutshell, the author suggests that "pragmatic" Democrats should save Trump from his own failures (so he can "rack up 'wins' for his voters"!!!).
Indeed, after the Sanders candidacy was systematically ignored, then ridiculed, then sabotaged by the Democratic establishment in the name of "pragmatism", causing a terrible candidate to supplant him only to hand victory to a buffoon, pragmatism is just what we need more of... Brilliant.
Indeed, after the Sanders candidacy was systematically ignored, then ridiculed, then sabotaged by the Democratic establishment in the name of "pragmatism", causing a terrible candidate to supplant him only to hand victory to a buffoon, pragmatism is just what we need more of... Brilliant.
2
Democrats should only work with Republicans who want to see Trump investigated for all of his conflicts of interest and working with the Russians to rig the election by piling one false "scandal" upon another against Hillary. Hillary, I was pleased to see, is back. In fact she has never been away, and the deeper we get into the sordid high crimes and misdemeanors being committed by Trump, and the civil war between Ryan's Raiders and the Freedumb Caucus, the more we are going to see and hear from Hillary and wonder why in heaven's name we ever thought she was the "untrustworthy" one. Hillary would have and may well still be the greatest president of all. We have next year's elections and 2020 to get her back to where she belongs, at the top of the ticket. It would be sweet revenge against the chauvinist Trump and his backward thinking Republicans.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
2
Democrats are tired of being the older sibling. We are tired of sucking it up to keep the peace with the republicans. No matter how hard we try, they just put their hands over their ears and yell lalalalalalala!
1
The goal of the prevailing extremist wing of the GOP is the eradication of 'liberalism'.
If liberals are for it, Hannity & Limbaugh want to kill it, pull it up by its roots, eviscerate it, put its head on a pike & parade its flayed corpse for their pitchfork-wielding minions to abuse.
Every singly possible tenet of so-called liberalism is a target of the vicious ideologues of Fox & AM hate radio that created the Trump agenda & its constituency, from the Enlightenment forward. This has been their long war for 40 years, and they are winning.
The GOP wants to seek & destroy, to purge from society every pillar of progress, & destroy its spawn.
The present administration & its propaganda wing seeks nothing less than a complete purge of anything that appears tainted by progressiveness.
Offering any compromise with any aspect of their present agenda which seeks only eradication, retribution & revenge against any & all intelligent progress, is capitulation in self destruction.
Every time progressives cave to the GOP, whether its the Iraq War or Deregulation, results in disaster.
Are the confrontation-averse, pliant Democrats as they're presently organized the adequate vehicle to resist & dissent the attack-dog blood-lust of the current GOP?
Hardly. But it's all we have.
If liberals are for it, Hannity & Limbaugh want to kill it, pull it up by its roots, eviscerate it, put its head on a pike & parade its flayed corpse for their pitchfork-wielding minions to abuse.
Every singly possible tenet of so-called liberalism is a target of the vicious ideologues of Fox & AM hate radio that created the Trump agenda & its constituency, from the Enlightenment forward. This has been their long war for 40 years, and they are winning.
The GOP wants to seek & destroy, to purge from society every pillar of progress, & destroy its spawn.
The present administration & its propaganda wing seeks nothing less than a complete purge of anything that appears tainted by progressiveness.
Offering any compromise with any aspect of their present agenda which seeks only eradication, retribution & revenge against any & all intelligent progress, is capitulation in self destruction.
Every time progressives cave to the GOP, whether its the Iraq War or Deregulation, results in disaster.
Are the confrontation-averse, pliant Democrats as they're presently organized the adequate vehicle to resist & dissent the attack-dog blood-lust of the current GOP?
Hardly. But it's all we have.
1
Wrong premise. The title should be: "Why Republicans Should Work With Democrats". And not the other way around.
After all, they have been the "party of no" all along.
And let's not forget Donald Trump has led the chorous in denouncing them -- and the former President at every opportunity.
Not only that, there still hasn't been an apology about that heinous wiretapping accusation, even though no proof of Obama's involvement in it has been found.
Only the blatant failure of this recent G.O.P. health care bill has forced Trump to concede he needs help.
But he still doesn't know how to ask for it.
After all, they have been the "party of no" all along.
And let's not forget Donald Trump has led the chorous in denouncing them -- and the former President at every opportunity.
Not only that, there still hasn't been an apology about that heinous wiretapping accusation, even though no proof of Obama's involvement in it has been found.
Only the blatant failure of this recent G.O.P. health care bill has forced Trump to concede he needs help.
But he still doesn't know how to ask for it.
2
What does pro-growth Democrats mean? Does the author implies that some democrats are anti-growth?
The writer must be one of those who advised the Hilary Clinton campaign and that Democrats have spent too much time listening to. We all know how it turned out.
The writer must be one of those who advised the Hilary Clinton campaign and that Democrats have spent too much time listening to. We all know how it turned out.
1
Seems perfect, cooperate if you can get everything you want and make the other side look like idiots as they are plainly portrayed here.
Welcome to the world of Neville Chamberlain. If we only cooperate maybe we can make this work. Look at what the man has done so far. Still think it could work? Listen to what the man has said and is saying. Still think it could work? Check out the misfits who clutter his office. Still think that could work?
Brave thoughts and in an ideal world, a pragmatic proposal. However, Mr. Marshall fails to take into account 45's erratic and hog personality and this is the weak link in an otherwise reasonable suggestion. The record shows this trend clearly. Our current POTUS has a well-known reputation for beating people out of money owed. His track record of scamming contractors is well documented and can be clearly seen in the settlement for one of his biggest scams, Trump University. His vaunted negotiation skills are always played from the standpoint of the economy of scale and playing the odds of quick, partial settlements, writing off the loss and pocketing the profits.
Alas, Mr. Marshall, your excellent reasoning won't work with a flawed individual who's in the game strictly for himself.
Alas, Mr. Marshall, your excellent reasoning won't work with a flawed individual who's in the game strictly for himself.
As Trump himself would say-- if you can't make a deal, walk away.
Don't walk Democrats,Run!
Don't walk Democrats,Run!
Politics is usually accepting something distasteful that provides benefits greater than the pain. But the Dems can pick what, and more importantly when, to cooperate. Giving Trump support while he signs disruptive executive orders like a kid jumping around in a candy store would be foolish. One major bill was pulled, and it will be re-submitted after some wound licking. So let the Whitehouse and the GOP reveal to the American public their true agenda and allegiances before any offers of conciliation. Deal with "the dealmaker" when you have the upper hand. Then show that their are some adults in Washington. Like being a parent of a teenager, it often takes some tough love to provide real guidance. Giving the kid what he wants during the tantrum is just stupid.
DemoPublicans. Party polarization has gone on for too long with ideologies as extreme as those we most fear in the world. The Health Care escapades have epitomized this. Aside from the ideologues, it appears that the majority is all interested in the same thing and that is affordable and equal access to HC. With members of both parties shifting to the middle (DemoPublicans) they can just create a plan that works (maybe universal hc) — and then proceed to the other issues the majority is interested in. Gov for the people and by the people.
1
Do not be fooled by this writer and his Progressive Policy Institute. Marshall is a conservative and the PPI is anything but progressive, its an arm of the wretched, and now defunct, Democratic Leadership Council. In other words known as Republican Lite. There is no way Democrats should work with the current occupant of the White House. In 2016 the Democrats received the most votes for President, Senate and House. They picked up seats in both legislative chambers. Thanks to our 18th century Constitution and its electoral college (which does not operate the way the Founders intended) along with aggressive gerrymandering we are stuck with an unpopular and illegitimate regime that prefers working with our historical nemesis, Russia, as it seeks a return to 19th century economics and social order. Democrats would be committing suicide by working with Trump and the GOP.
3
Here's what Wikipedia says about Will Marshall, and it should explain his views. There's nothing progressive going on here.
'Will Marshall is one of the founders of the New Democrat movement, which aims to steer the US Democratic Party toward a more conservative orientation. He is a complete empty suit.'
'Will Marshall is one of the founders of the New Democrat movement, which aims to steer the US Democratic Party toward a more conservative orientation. He is a complete empty suit.'
2
It takes two to tango. Mr. Trump joined the party of "no." Surprise, surprise, surprise, they are still the party of no. Trump has shown no interest in doing anything to help those who voted for him, any more than he was interested in turning the students in Trump University into real estate moguls, but he does have an interest in enhancing his "brand" and in being a star. Currently, to most of the country, he looks like an incompetent fool. He can't be enjoying that. Perhaps he is learning that the right wing Republicans are not INTERESTED in governing, but only in making a statement. He should fire Bannon, Priebus, Conway, and Miller and hire a moderate Republican who has been around the block and around the Congress to be his chief of staff. He should then reach out to Democrats to improve healthcare, infrastructure and the tax code. He should, but he probably won't unless he realizes that the alternative is to remain a laughing stock and, if he survives impeachment, a one term President who will be remembered as the worst President in our history.
2
Surely, you jest. The Democrats have long been the grownups in the room. What did it get us? Here are a few gems: Obama's pick for FBI director, registered Republican James Comey, sabotaging Hillary Clinton's candidacy just days before the election. Merrick Garland being denied a seat on the Supreme Court for...no reason? A Supreme Court that said "sure" to a rollback of voter rights and a deadly influx of even more special interest cash into our so-called democratic system. Surely, as new data comes out on the most democratic countries in the world, the United States will now be found wedged between Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia. But, let's play ball with the Republicans. Good idea.
Collaboration with proto-fascism is not an option and I'm frankly disgusted that a self-proclaimed "progressive" like the writer of this ill-conceived piece would advocate any such thing. Obstruct! Obstruct! Obstruct! and then we shall see if we can assemble an even bigger majority in the next election.
The bottom line is that this country needs to split into three countries: East Coast, West Coast, and Pickuptruck. More people voted for Democrats than for Republicans for Congress — and the Republicans rule. More people voted for Democrats than for Republicans for the US Senate — and the Republicans rule. More people voted for the Democrat than the Republican for President — and the Republicans rule
The problem with the system is the system and changing it to install democracy for the first time would require the Republicans to want to change it. And they don't. Time to tear the mother down!
The bottom line is that this country needs to split into three countries: East Coast, West Coast, and Pickuptruck. More people voted for Democrats than for Republicans for Congress — and the Republicans rule. More people voted for Democrats than for Republicans for the US Senate — and the Republicans rule. More people voted for the Democrat than the Republican for President — and the Republicans rule
The problem with the system is the system and changing it to install democracy for the first time would require the Republicans to want to change it. And they don't. Time to tear the mother down!
1
Bravo! Well said! What a beautiful thing this would be to have the Dems work WITH the WH on taxes. Unless there is motion from opposing sides, who loses are the American people.
1
There is probably a better chance of Hades freezing over before Trump would work with someone else and give them credit.
If he does not know or can't seem to figure out how to work with his own party (he threatened to come after those Republicans that did not vote for Trumpcare) how would he ever work with Democrats?
If he does not know or can't seem to figure out how to work with his own party (he threatened to come after those Republicans that did not vote for Trumpcare) how would he ever work with Democrats?
2
Is is April 1st already?
3
You, sir, are among those people I worry about the most. Ready to give in to trump by thinking that he is someone that can be negotiated with. We all know by this time that trump is a liar and let's face it, a traitor. He has proven time and time again that he is irrational and completely undependable. How can you expect to extract any modicum of the respect that would be required to actually negotiate with him? There is only one path now...resist by any means possible.
3
Excellent opinion piece! As an Independent who has voted both sides, I cannot understand why the Repubs and Dems are acting like little boys fighting in the schoolyard! Get your act together for the sake of the country! Work together, compromise, include both sides on issues. The election is over - get over it!
1
Ahem, tell that to Devin Nunes on the Intel Comte and Jason Chafetez of Ethics. A Congressman asking for anonymity said Trump could kill, skin, and eat a baby on the White House lawn and the Republican leadership would say nothing. Nice image. We apparently need this Second war, and I wonder what the outcome will be.
Come on, Charlie Brown, kick the football!
2
"if he’s willing to make real concessions to their party’s core values and priorities"
That's one heck of a supposition there, Marshall.
That's one heck of a supposition there, Marshall.
3
I would begrudgingly accept that the Democrats should work with the GOP Congress to help working families on one condition: Trump personally should never be credited with any 'win'. The man is nothing but an ignorant grifter with a massive ego. He is only in this whole 'game' to make money for himself and his family.
So work with the GOP if possible. But make sure however any results are achieved it is clear that the "President" was NOT responsible.
I do not want Trump to succeed and I do not want my fellow citizens to suffer.
So work with the GOP if possible. But make sure however any results are achieved it is clear that the "President" was NOT responsible.
I do not want Trump to succeed and I do not want my fellow citizens to suffer.
Don't get over-eager. Those sensible, moderate GOP will have to go first. So far they alleged "moderates" are using that label mostly as a re-election strategy, a way of branding themselves back home in their swing districts. It's not what they are actually doing & promoting in Congress. The "moderates" who were (apparently) set to vote no on the AHCA were ALL from swing districts. WE see this up here in NYS's 24th Cong. DIstrict with John Katko all the time. He will claim he's "independent" & "moderate" but votes with the GOP over 90% of the time & often his heralded "independent" votes are switches from votes he's made many times in the past. It's is a national strategy for these guys. Katko just issued a very forceful, public statement urging the Senate to confirm Gorsuch. As for any forceful public statements urging House colleagues to reject the ACHA - well, I guess the cat had his tongue. HE's also been in office 813 days & never held a single in-person town hall. When these GOP moderates act the same in Congress as they act for the media bites back home, then the Dems might consider working with them. Meanwhile, let them own their mess. Liberals cling to finding common ground as much as conservatives cling to guns & religion. Let the GOP earn it.
If Democrats have a chance to help average working families and show they’re not obstructionists, they should take it. America doesn’t need two parties of no.
— Pollyanna goes to Washington, or is it Rip Van Winkle?
Republican write bills in secret, in the middle of the night, with ALEC, or corporate lawyers from Exon, the big five Banks, and so on, we've been watching this for years. And right now they are dismantling important arms of government wholesale.
And it really doesn't matter what Trump thinks from one day to the next because the kindergartners leading his party will not support anything that does not exploit the bottom four fifths in favor of the rich.
— Pollyanna goes to Washington, or is it Rip Van Winkle?
Republican write bills in secret, in the middle of the night, with ALEC, or corporate lawyers from Exon, the big five Banks, and so on, we've been watching this for years. And right now they are dismantling important arms of government wholesale.
And it really doesn't matter what Trump thinks from one day to the next because the kindergartners leading his party will not support anything that does not exploit the bottom four fifths in favor of the rich.
I'm sorry but you are wrong. We must NOT work with Trump or GOP or they'll be in office longer doing bad. I'm willing to sacrifice for the greater good and I'll also work the Resistsnce every day. So should everyone! The only way to stop them is to take back Congress in 2018!
Game-theory empirically shows that in order to optimize cooperation (which is the legislative goal we have lost), the "interaction strategy" that demonstrably works most effectively (zillions of simulations prove it) is "tit for tat." So: No no no! Democrats should definitely NOT work with Republicans--yet. One side will need to break the uncooperative tat first--but haha, it surely should not be the Democrats.
2
Dreamer.
The Republicans will never cooperate, in their current state of having been elected by Tea Party types.
Trump will do what he's told, which is to lash out.
We all know "tax reform" means cut taxes for the wealthy, and corporations who don't pay the established rate.
The Republicans will never cooperate, in their current state of having been elected by Tea Party types.
Trump will do what he's told, which is to lash out.
We all know "tax reform" means cut taxes for the wealthy, and corporations who don't pay the established rate.
1
"America doesn’t have room for two parties of “no.”"
I agree with commenter Purple State. The way for Democrats to not be the party of "No" and potentially work with Trump as Mr Marshall suggests in this piece is for the Democrats to publicly put out thorough, detailed proposals for things they think are important: tax reform, infrastructure spending and perhaps foreign policy.
If Trump wants to come to them fine; work with him. If Trump insists on more tax cuts for the wealthy than fight hard.
I agree with commenter Purple State. The way for Democrats to not be the party of "No" and potentially work with Trump as Mr Marshall suggests in this piece is for the Democrats to publicly put out thorough, detailed proposals for things they think are important: tax reform, infrastructure spending and perhaps foreign policy.
If Trump wants to come to them fine; work with him. If Trump insists on more tax cuts for the wealthy than fight hard.
The Democrats, having actually fashioned and passed functioning legislation (however imperfect) such as the ACA -- in the face of stubborn obstruction from the Republicans -- is the party of 'yes.'
trump has shown himself dedicated to undoing all that the Democrats have accomplished, as well as important institutions and policies (e.g. the EPA) that have protected Americans for decades.
The Democrats are saying 'no' to THAT.
And if trump, who has proved himself to be an incompetent, disinterested and grossly uninformed 'deal-maker' with a very short attention span, wants to 'deal' with the Democrats, it will mean giving up on the essence of the very load of hooey that he used as a demagogue to get himself elected.
This is a situation that demands much greater compromise on trump's part than on the part of the Democrats, who are defending established -- and popular -- institutions against attacks based on malicious ignorance and the vested interests of those whom trump really serves.
And it ain't "the American people."
Follow the money --esp. the tax breaks and windfalls from undoing regulations -- and that becomes quite clear.
No to that.
trump has shown himself dedicated to undoing all that the Democrats have accomplished, as well as important institutions and policies (e.g. the EPA) that have protected Americans for decades.
The Democrats are saying 'no' to THAT.
And if trump, who has proved himself to be an incompetent, disinterested and grossly uninformed 'deal-maker' with a very short attention span, wants to 'deal' with the Democrats, it will mean giving up on the essence of the very load of hooey that he used as a demagogue to get himself elected.
This is a situation that demands much greater compromise on trump's part than on the part of the Democrats, who are defending established -- and popular -- institutions against attacks based on malicious ignorance and the vested interests of those whom trump really serves.
And it ain't "the American people."
Follow the money --esp. the tax breaks and windfalls from undoing regulations -- and that becomes quite clear.
No to that.
2
I'll work with them when they acknowledge just how they obstructed President Obama, from the start. Not gonna happen.
2
Shorter version of op-ed "dems should be stupid and agree to let Lucy hold out the football".
Yes, cuz this time there's no way she's gonna pull it away at the last second.
Yes, cuz this time there's no way she's gonna pull it away at the last second.
Standing up against Trump's agenda doesn't mean turn around, bend over, and take it like a man. In no way do I want to cooperate with any policy agenda that Trump has proposed thus far.
If we were dealing with some semblance of a "normal" President, perhaps. But the mad king deserves no safe quarter from the Democratic Party.
If we were dealing with some semblance of a "normal" President, perhaps. But the mad king deserves no safe quarter from the Democratic Party.
No, no, no, never! Trump and the republicans won this election and they control all the levers of power. Let them do what they want and take the credit or blame for it in the next election. I won't vote for anyone who works with republicans.
2
I'm with you. Anyone who works w trump or GOP doesn't get my vote or my money and support.
1
This is easily the worst idea to come from the deluded mind of Will Marshall since his fervid support for the invasion of Iraq.
5
Would not even look at this article. I would have if the headline had been: Trump should work with Democrats.
1
Sorry but I don't see why we Democrats need to fix the egregious mistake some 60 million Americans decided to make on Nov. 8th. I know someone has to walk the "moral highground" (whatever is left of one in Wash) but must it always be Dems? People voted as if their was no alternative to the GOP- surprise, surprise THERE ALWAYS WAS. I say Dems should merely sit back and let this buffoons presidency self implode.
1
Your column is delusional on Trump and Republican expectations. They got where they are now, by being negative and poisoning the democratic process. You will only get more of the same.
2
A better idea: Let the Democrats opening position for negotiation be the repeal of the Reagan tax cuts.
Then proceed from there.
The era of Democrats being the noisy file that smooths over the rough GOP edges, effectively saving the GOP from itself, are over.
The GOP said to give them back government and they will fix everything. The voters responded in 2010, 2014 and 2016.
Yet it ALWAYS seems to come back to the Democrats getting the job done.
Not this time. The Dems need to save their strength so they have the energy to UNDO the mess they will be left starting in 2018.
Then proceed from there.
The era of Democrats being the noisy file that smooths over the rough GOP edges, effectively saving the GOP from itself, are over.
The GOP said to give them back government and they will fix everything. The voters responded in 2010, 2014 and 2016.
Yet it ALWAYS seems to come back to the Democrats getting the job done.
Not this time. The Dems need to save their strength so they have the energy to UNDO the mess they will be left starting in 2018.
"The administration needs to find better ways to pay for a sharp reduction in the corporate tax rate. Democrats don’t have to love big business to recognize that our antiquated tax system forces companies to pay much higher taxes than their overseas competitors. That makes American workers less competitive and gives our companies incentives to move investment abroad — and keep profits there — to avoid the higher rate." I guess that is why Verizon paid $0.00 taxes on $14 billion in profits. The same for GE some years and 10% in other years. US corporations are not paying their fair share of taxes. Mega-corporations should not be exempt from paying taxes under any tax proposal. If they go overseas tax them anyway. It's possible.
Democrats would be more successful if they could peel away those "moderate" GOP Reps and senators and elect a more centrist Speaker and Majority leader who could create a coalition in Congress that can actually pass some acceptable legislation. The two party system is only a figment of our tradition. Maybe Congress should start acting more like a parliament and leave the fringes out. Heaven knows that Trump really doesn't give a hoot. He'll sign anything that comes across his desk if it means he can get back on the links more quickly.
In a word, "no".
What about encouraging both parties to work together to get things done. I am tired of articles that "demonize" one party or another. We all live in one country. And it is highly inlikely that only one party has all the answers or that the President from one party is a saint while the President from a party to which we don't belong is the devil. I realize all sorts of reasons exist why the two parties "cannot" work together. But demonizing or blaming has hardly solved the problems we have. It is why, at least in part, why some people are so turned off by politics.
Hmmm, interesting idea. I am sure it is tempting to go the way of obstruction and stubborn resistance given that it certainly worked for the Republicans. However, acting like adults might just work better.
This would at least give the American people a chance. I think that is worth trying in itself. If the American people then decide that they like the childish behavior of the Republicans better then having adults in DC, the Democrats always have the option to change to obstruction and disfunction themselves later.
This would at least give the American people a chance. I think that is worth trying in itself. If the American people then decide that they like the childish behavior of the Republicans better then having adults in DC, the Democrats always have the option to change to obstruction and disfunction themselves later.
But but but Paul Ryan said this morning in an interview he doesn't want Trump to work with the Democrats. The House can't get their act together. Paul Ryan should resign. He's a partisan hack and a failure.
Bills start in Congress. That means Ryan and McConnell. If they want to push an extreme Republican agenda, Democrats must do everything they can to block this agenda.
You have basically got it backwards: if Congress wants to get anything done, THEY will have to work with the Democrats. Tax cuts are not a priority; value added taxes are regressive. If Congress wants to do something (like raise the debt ceiling) they will have to work with Democrats. If trump (and Congress) want to invest in infrastructure, it cannot be a fire sale of our highways and bridges to giant corporations. Nor can it be that stupid wall.
You have basically got it backwards: if Congress wants to get anything done, THEY will have to work with the Democrats. Tax cuts are not a priority; value added taxes are regressive. If Congress wants to do something (like raise the debt ceiling) they will have to work with Democrats. If trump (and Congress) want to invest in infrastructure, it cannot be a fire sale of our highways and bridges to giant corporations. Nor can it be that stupid wall.
1
Obstructionism works. If the Democrats compromise they will stay in the minority.
Expecting good results from negotiating with Trump and the GOP is about as rational as a babysitter expecting good results from reasoning with a spoiled 2 year old. The only thing she can do is try to limit the damage the brat does until the parents get home. And that's all the Democrats can do right now, try to limit the damage Trump and the GOP wish to inflict on the country until the American electorate comes home and puts the GOP back into the political baby jail they so richly deserve. Expecting anything more is wishful thinking bordering on delusion.
2
NO, the object here, more important than ever, is that Trump and the Republicans fail in 2018 and that they are ejected in 2020.
Want another hard-line right wing supreme court justice?
Want brazen lying and "fake news" to be new legitimate tactics?
Want the Russians to feel & claim great success in landing their man in the White House and be encouraged to try again?
Sadly, Trump must fail and the country must just ride out the pain until he can be neutered in 2018. This is a man who CANNOT be trusted. You can never trust a shallow, egomaniacal, pathological lying CON man who will claim any sign of cooperation as proof of his great imagined political ability to arm twist opponents - "I made them do it" will be his retort and his addicted supporters will lap it up.
I am sorry to say that we, as a country, failed by putting this nebbish in office for four years, but we must make sure it is not eight.
Want another hard-line right wing supreme court justice?
Want brazen lying and "fake news" to be new legitimate tactics?
Want the Russians to feel & claim great success in landing their man in the White House and be encouraged to try again?
Sadly, Trump must fail and the country must just ride out the pain until he can be neutered in 2018. This is a man who CANNOT be trusted. You can never trust a shallow, egomaniacal, pathological lying CON man who will claim any sign of cooperation as proof of his great imagined political ability to arm twist opponents - "I made them do it" will be his retort and his addicted supporters will lap it up.
I am sorry to say that we, as a country, failed by putting this nebbish in office for four years, but we must make sure it is not eight.
2
Wait just a minute. The whole premise of this article, that Democrats have dug in and become the new "party of no" is just wrong. Chuck Schumer, Bernie Sanders, and other Democrats in Congress have said again and again that they will work with the Republicans and Trump on legislation that benefits people in this country, and they have even proposed laws that would do that: expanding Medicare, strengthening Social Security, single-payer health care or at least supporting and improving the ACA. But they won't, and shouldn't, cooperate with rolling back health care, lowering taxes on the rich, gutting programs for the poor and elderly, defunding climate science research, sabotaging public education, etc. So far, the Republicans have concentrated on doing only the latter. Why should our representatives help them do any of that?
2
Dems work with Trump? How about starting by withdrawing Grosuch and nominating Merrit Garland as a demonstration of sincerity? The we start negotiating.
2
While Democrats should most definitely agree to work with Mr. Trump where they can, unfortunately, you would be dreaming if Trump and the Republicans would go for any of these proposals. A carbon-tax when the president doesn't believe in climate change? A tax cut that doesn't help "job creators" (Mr. Trump and is oligarch friends)? Fat chance.
Democrats are right to propose all of these ideas to the American people. However, they will not receive any support from the president or Congressional Republicans. It is wasted effort -- the ideological gap is too large.
Democrats are right to propose all of these ideas to the American people. However, they will not receive any support from the president or Congressional Republicans. It is wasted effort -- the ideological gap is too large.
I agree that it would be good for the country to see the events described by Mr. Marshall come to pass. Congress has always worked only when both sides of the aisle are willing to talk. I think that Democrats certainly should work toward the goals outlined in this piece, but hold little optimism that the real 'Party of No' would sit still to allow them to actually get passed. However, just making the effort to govern rationally can only stand the Democratic Party in good stead when voters are looking at candidates in upcoming elections. I believe that Democrats should continue to propose, and vote on, any legislation they think would be good for the country. That in itself would mark them as the true patriots, as opposed to a party that spent years obstructing, but never putting forth proposals or plans of their own.
To this fantasy I can only say dream on bro, dream on.
You cannot and should not "bargain" with a party or person for whom reality and science are "fake news".
You cannot and should not "bargain" with a party or person for whom reality and science are "fake news".
2
One does not shake hands with the devil without getting burned, there is no way Democrats should work with King Trump. They should work to find a way to impeach him and some in the House. They must clean their own house since we cannot recall them. We have had 8 years of the do-nothing Congress, we can wait a few months until King Trump is out. We cannot wait for the 2018 Elections, King Trump and Court can devastate our nation and the consequences can be unfathomable. This administration is a write-off since it began. We need to cut our losses, impeach him, and then deal with the aftermath. By the way, we can deal with it. Those in power have always believed we cannot take instability, they are wrong.
1
I would like to agree, but experience in my 7 decades of living tell me that if you make a deal with the devil, you're going to lose in the end.
This devil we must resist.
This devil we must resist.
5
Working with Trump is legitimizing the way he won the presidency and putting morality and decency aside. You are asking too much!
1
Thank you Mr. Marshall for your enlightening article.If nothing else, being obstructionists is tantamount to cutting your nose to spite your face. We all live in the same country, if Trump fails we all fail.However, we must receive payback for our assistance, such as what Mr. Marshall points out in his article.Trump must decide does he want to be successful & work with the hated Democratic Party, or go down with the Republican reactionary ship.
1
trump tweet from this morning:
"We must fight them [Freedom Caucus], & Dems, in 2018"
Doesn't sound to me like the Dems should work with trump.
"We must fight them [Freedom Caucus], & Dems, in 2018"
Doesn't sound to me like the Dems should work with trump.
2
He's suggesting an awful deal for the Democrats. In the first place, turnabout is fair play, and the GOP has left the Democrats with no other reasonable choice but to refuse to cooperate unless extraordinary concessions are made (well beyond those suggested in this article). If they do otherwise, the Democrats will reward and reinforce GOP scorched earth political tactics. The Democrats have to show there is a very high price to pay for such tactics. Secondly, he's suggesting the moderates in the Democratic caucus abandon their progressive colleagues to cut a deal with the GOP. Considering the passion and growing strength of the progressive wing of the party, that's not a good career move. Lastly, we all know the GOP's game on "tax reform" - they're proposing to cut tax rates in exchange for eliminating certain deductions, etc., because they know full well that tax rates are sticky (it's very difficult to restore them to higher levels), but deductions are relatively easy to reinstate. GOP "tax reform" is a relief act for lobbyists - get paid to lobby against cutting deductions that favor the GOP donor class and then, having failed, get paid to advocate for restoring them. Democrats, just say no.
1
Who in their right mind would want to work with this ignorant narcissist? The learning curve for Trump is too large to overcome.
3
I have 3 Precious words for every Sane and mature individual when faced with the prospect of choosing to "Work With" a Bully.
Don't Do It.
Ask any (young, usually female) runaway picked up by an actual Smooth Talking, well-dressed, nice looking,... bully at your local Bus Station: where you'll end up, how often you'll end up, and why you ended up that way on a frequent-consistent basis.
Don't Do It.
Ask any (young, usually female) runaway picked up by an actual Smooth Talking, well-dressed, nice looking,... bully at your local Bus Station: where you'll end up, how often you'll end up, and why you ended up that way on a frequent-consistent basis.
2
Marshall is assuming a rational president. That does not appear to be the case. The strategy that is working so far is maximum resistance to the president's executive orders, appointments and legislative priorities. As resistance gains popular support, Democrats can reach out to Republican legislators who are going to begin worrying about retaining their seats. Unlike our Commander in Chief, some of these people live in the real world.
During any president's term in office, it is he (or she) who receives the credit or the blame for whatever occurs. No such credit or blame will accrue to any Democrats who help Trump. McConnell proved that obstruction pays big dividends and obtains no penalties. With all due respect to Mr. Marshall, I believe he is rather naive.
2
Well that's demonstrably false, isn't it? Obama insured 10 million new people, cut unemployment, grew the economy and presided over declining crime and got no credit for it. Trump voters on Medicaid have no idea that they are on Obamacare. Trump lies about the economy and crime and they believe him. Good policy is not enough --success requires good PR, a painful lesson I hope the Democrats finally get. An Obamacare fix bill to heal its inadequacy and and announced jointly by Trump and Pelosi would kill the GOP once and for all. I say go for it.
Democrats should Not work with Trump. The President is not a man of his word and his promises would mean nothing. Democrats should continue to propose legislation in accordance with Democratic ideas. They should work with Republicans when ever possible to get such legislation passed, even if that means a veto-proof majority.
2
The Freedom Caucus is tremendously destructive. About that, Trump, Boehner and others are correct.
Some Democratic cooperation with certain Trump goals may benefit America on items such as infrastructure, certain tax reforms, some adjustments to Obamacare (to bring premiums and deductibles to lower levels).
Some Democratic cooperation with certain Trump goals may benefit America on items such as infrastructure, certain tax reforms, some adjustments to Obamacare (to bring premiums and deductibles to lower levels).
1
actually, there is no planned compromise - or cooperation- from the GOPTP on these agendas. the expectation is for Democrats to line up an do what they are told, and that will not happen. there is no indication that the GOPTP has any inclination to "work with" anyone but themselves
Really, really bad idea. Trump will take credit for any accomplishments and continue to criticize Democrats. It's a lose/lose. Only the truly naive would buy into this.
1
I take it Mr. Marshall is not a friend of the Democrats?
From what has been on show from POTUS thus far, either as "Leader" of the Free World, Chief Executive of the US, candidate or even business mogul, there is little to inspire confidence. He seems like a man bent on raising mayhem, incapable of introspection, contrition or remorse, or indeed rational thought. Anyone who shakes hands with him would probably be wise to count his fingers afterward...
What on earth would the Democrats stand to gain by seeking to help Trump? The unpredictability of the man almost foretells failure in any great endeavor. Who would want to volunteer to take the blame? Because that is what they would end up doing. He is the "I didn't do it"-man, so someone else must carry the can and the D's would be easy prey.
The only forlorn hope is for a large enough number of R's to understand that their future doesn't lie with the man in the White House. But even that is no guarantee for betterment. As he has already made clear, the Donald is big on loyalty... With the 2018 elections coming up, he'll be quick to organize challengers for anyone in the GOP who doesn't toe the line. And as history has shown, the voters can't be relied upon to act wisely.
Democracy at work...
From what has been on show from POTUS thus far, either as "Leader" of the Free World, Chief Executive of the US, candidate or even business mogul, there is little to inspire confidence. He seems like a man bent on raising mayhem, incapable of introspection, contrition or remorse, or indeed rational thought. Anyone who shakes hands with him would probably be wise to count his fingers afterward...
What on earth would the Democrats stand to gain by seeking to help Trump? The unpredictability of the man almost foretells failure in any great endeavor. Who would want to volunteer to take the blame? Because that is what they would end up doing. He is the "I didn't do it"-man, so someone else must carry the can and the D's would be easy prey.
The only forlorn hope is for a large enough number of R's to understand that their future doesn't lie with the man in the White House. But even that is no guarantee for betterment. As he has already made clear, the Donald is big on loyalty... With the 2018 elections coming up, he'll be quick to organize challengers for anyone in the GOP who doesn't toe the line. And as history has shown, the voters can't be relied upon to act wisely.
Democracy at work...
2
Trump has already shown tht he doesn't care enough about legislation to actually read it, and to understand it. He's also unwilling to compromise and he will shove through any piece of garbage to claim that he has fulfilled a campaign promise. No, don't cooperate with the short-fingered vulgarian.
2
OK sure, if Donald Trump grows competence, empathy, humility, and something other than a "need to win" then sure, go ahead and work with him. But after this interminable couple of months, does anyone really believe that will come to pass? Democrats absolutely should put forth a sort of "shadow government" to offer Americans an alternate to Trump, Pence et al. But working with him is a very dangerous proposition. No different from a fly in a fly trap. Plus remember: you're not just working with Trump. You've also got Mike Pence, Steve Brannon, Kellyanne Conway, Scott Pruitt, Jefferson Sessions, Betsy DeVos, Mick "hard power" Mulvaney, Rex Tillerson, and his lovely progeny. So make your demands Democrats, but never ever turn your back on these folks.
And when Trump says I'll give you an infrastructure bill if you give me offsets to pay for it? When he says no to revenue increases? There is no way Trump will or can work with Democrats. He is just moving his mouth and the usual nonsense is spewing out.
2
How on earth do "several dozen moderate Democrats in the House and a handful in the Senate" add up to "broad, bipartisan support"? Mr. Trump had an opportunity to reach out to Democrats in the weeks after his election, and in the naming of his cabinet. He chose to wage a perpetual campaign. Democrats have accepted the challenge. The measures outlined here would simply give Mr. Trump breathing space to enact dangerous policies in immigration, energy, environment, education, and foreign affairs. President Trump represents an existential danger to our very institutions and to our social fabric. We've waited this long, we can wait a few more years to fix the bridges. The real infrastructure urgently needed is a massive tomb for the GOP. I'm ready to pour the concrete.
I mostly agree with this Opinion piece. Democrats should not obstruct initiatives consistent with their beliefs. But, they need to carefully examine each and every opportunity to cooperate.
Democrats need to maintain their ethics though. I can see situations where their ethics and an issue that is important will clash! They cannot forget for a second how 45 lies and makes up things. Do NOT trust him. And do NOT be afraid to be as calculatingly obstructionist as necessary!
These are unprecedented times. Proceed with caution.
Democrats need to maintain their ethics though. I can see situations where their ethics and an issue that is important will clash! They cannot forget for a second how 45 lies and makes up things. Do NOT trust him. And do NOT be afraid to be as calculatingly obstructionist as necessary!
These are unprecedented times. Proceed with caution.
The executive actions and (unofficial?) statements of Pres. Trump, aka tweets, are so offensive to someone like me who firmly stands behind the ideas and believes of the Democratic Party, that I fully understand that the party is in a fighting mood. But if there is one statement that I will forever associate with the Obama era, it was one not made by former Pres. Obama, but by Mrs. Obama, "When they go low, we go high." Granted, it is hard to live by that credo, especially when you see that everything Pres. Obama stood for and did is now being shred to pieces by a group of people who think that global warming is a hoax, that unauthorized immigrants are our mortal enemy, that the Barbarians are coming and therefore an impenetrable and unclimbable wall is needed, and that diplomacy is a bunch of hooey. Still, if the Democratic Party wants to win back blue collar voters, it will have to work and act on their behalf. It should heed the lesson taught by the loss of 2016 election, which, if truth be told, it brought onto itself, not just by ignoring blue collar voters, but also by fighting within (party bosses who favored one candidate over another, certain groups who sowed dissension by blaming the nominee for things that happened two decades earlier). The party should at least make an conscious effort to show that it is willing to work with moderate Republicans, few of them as they may be.
No. It's like a marriage with an irrational and abusive alcoholic spouse which has reached an unrepeatable juncture. It's time for s divorce. States share a common language, common currency, a common defense and trade. Let's leave it at that and free up the states to become autonomous and free to create regional alliances. Cut federal taxes way way down to only cover defense and allow states to become like their own nations, let the South become a Christian utopia and let liberal and progressive states move into the future unburdened.
Democrats should work with anyone who will help us push our agenda forward. The notion that that anyone and the current WH occupier have anything in common strikes me as preposterous.
Democrats need to be united in saneness. The Trump administration is heading down a road that nobody can figure out or where it will lead. Standing united in NO is the only thing Democrats expect their representatives to do. There will be a price to pay in 2018 to those that falter.
Work with the billionaires and fascists? That's the same kind of mindset that has the Democrats defending a deeply flawed healthcare system, defending their non-prosecution of Wall Street banks, defending their huge expansion of drone strikes, defending ramped up prosecution of whistleblowers, defending the perpetuation of never-ending wars, defending their complete lack of support for grass-roots movements like BLM and OWS. That's what got us in this mess in the first place, Democrats, Obama in particular, constantly caving to the extreme right, allowing the so-called political center to be dragged so far to the right that neoliberal Democrats might as well be Republicans. And you think more of the same, more capitulation, more compromise, more working with the extreme right whose only goal is the dismemberment of rights, regulations and the common good, is the solution to the problem? It is the problem!
Anything that Democrats do to assist the GOP is going to reflect on the GOP, not the Dems. The obstructionism around the SCOTUS seat by the GOP last year was egregious and will have impact for half a century simply by the presence of the conservative who takes the seat, never mind the impact of decisions made during those 50 years.
So like Solomon, do the Dems decide to save the baby? Or is it better for the country long-term to let this one die?
So like Solomon, do the Dems decide to save the baby? Or is it better for the country long-term to let this one die?
First and foremost who cares who gets credit. The GOPTP is not going to compromise, collaborate or in any form negotiate with their agenda. Its their way or no way and for a decade and more they have made that clear. They want the democrats to vote against the interests of the United States of America. Not going to do it
This is...how shall I put this...insane. Yes, Democrats could extract any number of policy concessions from a desperate President Trump, who doesn't understand or care about policy specifics. Yet Trump, like Mitch McConnell, understand that the broader American public doesn't understand or care about the specific dynamics of power in DC. The average American asks "is Washington working, or not." If laws are being signed, little noise is being made, people are content and power structures stay in place.
This would be fine if Trump weren't waging a war on civil liberties, enriching himself and his family through the office of the President, stepping back from a tumultuous world and leaving us nation extremely vulnerable to the slightest threat--as he fails to flesh out his administration.
To even consider going down this path, Democrats would need to get concessions from Trump on a very aggressive set of preconditions: Publishing his tax returns (20 years back and each year hence); purging Session, Bannon and all Bannonists; canning Priebus/Pruitt/DeVos and installing Cohn as COS; embracing Obama's climate and healthcare legacy (with tweaks toward greater market-friendliness).
In other words, the terms for a Win-Win have to be that Trump governs as a centrist, delivers on Democratic priorities and mouths platitudes of national greatness. He would get the glory (because the Obama economy will keep rolling if it's left alone). Democrats would advance their causes.
This would be fine if Trump weren't waging a war on civil liberties, enriching himself and his family through the office of the President, stepping back from a tumultuous world and leaving us nation extremely vulnerable to the slightest threat--as he fails to flesh out his administration.
To even consider going down this path, Democrats would need to get concessions from Trump on a very aggressive set of preconditions: Publishing his tax returns (20 years back and each year hence); purging Session, Bannon and all Bannonists; canning Priebus/Pruitt/DeVos and installing Cohn as COS; embracing Obama's climate and healthcare legacy (with tweaks toward greater market-friendliness).
In other words, the terms for a Win-Win have to be that Trump governs as a centrist, delivers on Democratic priorities and mouths platitudes of national greatness. He would get the glory (because the Obama economy will keep rolling if it's left alone). Democrats would advance their causes.
After Trump campaigned in the sewers, no one should be willing to give him their hand.
Elections have consequences, and the way Trump ran his will undermine his presidency.
Elections have consequences, and the way Trump ran his will undermine his presidency.
3
1) It is obvious that Trump cannot be trusted to hold up his end of any "deal". Never could; never can be. Ask the contractors he's stiffed.
2) Talk of tax cuts is utterly stupid, even if you include the middle class. We need to start paying for things we really need (infrastructure anyone?). Spending less on wars would be good if we can ever agree on how to get there, but that's wishful thinking, so the bottom line is if anyone utters the words "tax cuts", walk away and try to avoid condemning all of humanity for the handful of simpletons that have been elected.
3) Now that Republicans have control of everything, it is painfully obvious (and was all along if anyone was paying attention) that the problem hasn't been a dysfunctional government but rather a dysfunctional party. Let them sink in the quicksand they created. Why throw a lifeline to the worst of the lot? To use most of the words of Mitch McConnell, the Democrats should do everything they can to make Trump a one-term President (or if we're very fortunate, perhaps less).
2) Talk of tax cuts is utterly stupid, even if you include the middle class. We need to start paying for things we really need (infrastructure anyone?). Spending less on wars would be good if we can ever agree on how to get there, but that's wishful thinking, so the bottom line is if anyone utters the words "tax cuts", walk away and try to avoid condemning all of humanity for the handful of simpletons that have been elected.
3) Now that Republicans have control of everything, it is painfully obvious (and was all along if anyone was paying attention) that the problem hasn't been a dysfunctional government but rather a dysfunctional party. Let them sink in the quicksand they created. Why throw a lifeline to the worst of the lot? To use most of the words of Mitch McConnell, the Democrats should do everything they can to make Trump a one-term President (or if we're very fortunate, perhaps less).
1
This reads as just another "Third Way" argument from the group called "Bill Clinton's idea mill": don't offer an alternative to Republicans, just be Republican lite. It hasn't served the country well for the past quarter century, and now we're asked to believe that it suddenly will when the White House is occupied by the narcissist-in-chief? It sounds exactly like a continuation of the approach that has made a majority of Americans distrust Democrats.
2
"America doesn’t need two parties of no."
Not quite. What America doesn't need is two parties that have forsaken _human beings_ for the benefit of corporations.
Of course the Democrats should stick by their 'quaint notion that the people elected them to solve problems, not prevent them from being solved.' So yeah, make sure you have coherent proposals at the ready for when America needs you to govern, and Mr. Trump turns to you in desperation, but bear in mind that primarily, any proposed policy needs to serve human beings above corporations this time.
And one more thing:
Build that MAGLEV, for pete's sake.
Not quite. What America doesn't need is two parties that have forsaken _human beings_ for the benefit of corporations.
Of course the Democrats should stick by their 'quaint notion that the people elected them to solve problems, not prevent them from being solved.' So yeah, make sure you have coherent proposals at the ready for when America needs you to govern, and Mr. Trump turns to you in desperation, but bear in mind that primarily, any proposed policy needs to serve human beings above corporations this time.
And one more thing:
Build that MAGLEV, for pete's sake.
2
No, No, No, No, No.
This is just more of the double standard for Republicans and it cannot be tolerated. When Democrats like Eliot Spitzer get caught in a scandal he resigns and goes away and when Republicans like David Vitter get caught they go on as if nothing happened. Republican Chicken Hawks who never served wrap themselves in the flag and smear the Patriotism of war vets like John Kerrey. Republicans regularly get away with lying like Joe Isuzu, smearing Democrats in the process with stupid memes that take hold because Democrats do not push back.
The rudeness level fielded against Democrats in modern times has only escalated over time and the voters have rewarded them with more power than they have held in decades. The brazen bone-headed obstruction of Republicans during the Obama Administration is something unprecedented in our history. With 2 ongoing wars and a worldwide economic crisis, Republicans chose to obstruct every action by our President. I did not even vote for President Obama and was ashamed at their conduct.
No, America elected a Republican Congress, a majority of Republican Governors, a majority of Republican State Assemblies and put Donald Trump in The White House. They are going to have to learn that voting has consequences and that failure to pay attention could get them hurt. At some point a blithely stupid American populace that knows who is dating who in Hollywood but cannot tell you who their Congressman is has to get the message.
This is just more of the double standard for Republicans and it cannot be tolerated. When Democrats like Eliot Spitzer get caught in a scandal he resigns and goes away and when Republicans like David Vitter get caught they go on as if nothing happened. Republican Chicken Hawks who never served wrap themselves in the flag and smear the Patriotism of war vets like John Kerrey. Republicans regularly get away with lying like Joe Isuzu, smearing Democrats in the process with stupid memes that take hold because Democrats do not push back.
The rudeness level fielded against Democrats in modern times has only escalated over time and the voters have rewarded them with more power than they have held in decades. The brazen bone-headed obstruction of Republicans during the Obama Administration is something unprecedented in our history. With 2 ongoing wars and a worldwide economic crisis, Republicans chose to obstruct every action by our President. I did not even vote for President Obama and was ashamed at their conduct.
No, America elected a Republican Congress, a majority of Republican Governors, a majority of Republican State Assemblies and put Donald Trump in The White House. They are going to have to learn that voting has consequences and that failure to pay attention could get them hurt. At some point a blithely stupid American populace that knows who is dating who in Hollywood but cannot tell you who their Congressman is has to get the message.
4
Let me get this straight. Not one living President (including 2 Republican Presidents) supported Donald Trump's candidacy. Barely any Republicans working in the last 2 Republican Administrations or the 30 recent Republicans applied for jobs in the Trump Presidency, not even Chris Christy who was on Trump's transition team. BUT the Democrats should work with him?
Sometimes being the adult means walking away and letting the toddler have his tantrum and wear himself out.
Sometimes being the adult means walking away and letting the toddler have his tantrum and wear himself out.
3
NO, NO, NO. Will Marshall is the president of the PPI, otherwise known as the "third way" think take. This is the group that gave us Bill and Hillary Clinton and economic policies that could have been written by Alan Greenspan. Sorry, "Third Way" democrats are nothing but Republicans without the social agenda. Democrats need to stand strong and fight both the Republicans and the "Third Way".
4
Of course Democrats should work with Trump, now that he has made it obvious to everybody that he needs them a lot more than they need him. And needless to add, they should charge him an arm and a leg for it. Since he knows nothing and cares nothing about the issues, but does care about saving face, they can be quite confident that he will give away the store.
1
If Democrats "work with" DT they deserve to lose in the next elections. Democrats need to work with Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, but let's admit that most elites of both parties are more afraid of Sanders and Warren than they are of DT. And it's not in spite of DT being incompetent, it's more because DT is incompetent and Sanders and Warren are clearly competent to lead the nation into a future where elites and banksters can no longer exploit their countrymen
Can't trust people like Trump, they have to perform first.
It might be easier to with Mr. Marshall on the benefits of bipartisanship on issues such as tax reform and infrastructure repair if any Republican other than Donald Trump were in the White House. But because Trump represents an existential threat to American democracy and tolerance--not to mention the heightened potential for nuclear war and an environmental apocalypse--Democrats must forgo any short-term policy gains over the next four years to deprive Trump of any significant accomplishments as president. To co-opt a line from Mitch McConnell, the Democrats' top legislative priority must be to make Donald Trump a one-term president.
So long as Donald Trump is president, shutting down the government sounds like a great idea to me.
The Democrats, like the Republicans, care more about their own pursuit of power than doing what is best for the people of America. Their actions are no more or less noble, and if they think the best way for them to gain power it to oppose Trump, that is what they will do. If they think they can benefit by working with Trump, that is what they will do. But they will only do what benefits them, even if they destroy the country in the process.
Any Democrat surveying the carnage that the Trump administration is wreaking on the country and the planet should conclude that the single overarching objective of the Democratic Party must be to remove Trump from office at the earliest possible time. Any good that could be accomplished by cooperating with him would be far outweighed by the damage he would do if granted a second term.
As the person in charge of his party and the nation, even if only nominally, it is up to Donald Trump to show Democrats that he actually has an interest in working on a bipartisan basis. Taking the pledge to repeal the ACA and eviscerate Medicaid off the table might be a start, and the fact that Trump and his minion Price are still threatening to blow up the ACA in order to try to pin the tail on the donkey is evidence of the very opposite of bipartisan commitment. By standing up for their principles, Democrats are not being the party of no; their opposition protects real people from the anxiety and ruin of not having access to medical care. Democrats would simply be negotiating against themselves at this point, something they -- and indeed, no one -- should ever do. I wish it were different but it's not and nothing good can come from simply pretending otherwise.
Even if the Republican Party is incapable of governing and prioritizes party over country, the Democratic Party can do the right thing and put the country first. I have serious doubts about whether Trump is willing and able to make significant concessions necessary for compromise, considering it will likely infuriate his base and congressional Republicans. But if he is willing to try substantive compromise Democrats should be the patriotic and mature party and make a good faith effort to deal with him. I say that as someone who thinks that the Trump administration will likely be remembered as one of the darkest chapters in American history.
Americans deserve a functioning government regardless of who holds the White House. "When they go low, we go high" should be more than a campaign slogan.
Americans deserve a functioning government regardless of who holds the White House. "When they go low, we go high" should be more than a campaign slogan.
really bad ideas don't need Den support. No good ideas come from this administration or his party.
There is no blanket strategy in this case. Whatever Trump proposes has to be judged on the merits. Democrats cannot become the party of no, they are the party of governing. Whether they are the party for the average person is another story.
1
The President isn't a real politician and therefore can't be worked with by either party. For example, as his cornerstone healthcare policy was collapsing, Trump was busy pretending to be a truck driver. He can't work with Republicans in many regards, let alone Democrats. So my critique of this author's opinion is that he/she fails to see the forest through the trees - if Democrats want their policies implemented, then they should work with Republicans to reach those goals. The President is too unpredictable and without principle to be counted on with regard to any issue.
The operative words are 'work with'.
But how does one effectively work with someone(s) who are always using your 'working with them' as a sledgehammer against you?
If the GOP wants to work with the DEMS, it is now for THEM to put up.
But how does one effectively work with someone(s) who are always using your 'working with them' as a sledgehammer against you?
If the GOP wants to work with the DEMS, it is now for THEM to put up.
Yet another fool betting that Trump is going to make that long-awaited "pivot."
1
I'm always confused when writers claim that US corporate tax rates are too high and then demand that loopholes be closed. Don't the latter more than neutralize the former?
I am willing to invest four year to make it clear that the Republican Party, as it is currently constituted, does not have 1) the good of the country as its core value, 2) does not have the ability to form clear policies to meet its objectives and 3) has let a bunch of saboteurs into its midst.
1
The problem is....no matter how willing some Democrats might be to work with Trump and sane Republicans.....they will still be demonized in the right-wing media hate machine as "socialists," and Trump would be most likely to claim all the credit. In the present climate where Republicans condemn and demonize Democrats at every turn (including just making stuff up).....it would be very difficult for Democrats to be able to trust that they would ever get anything in return other than a re-election campaign filled with lies, misrepresentations and millions in "dark money" directed against them!
1
I don't think Democrats would be wise to work with an unstable, incompetent President who has no real understanding of what his policy goals are (beyond some vague sense of appearing to deliver on his campaign promises) . You can't trust what Trump says or tweets so why would anyone in their right mind trust Trump to deliver on promises to work with Democrats?
1
For now the only thing I want the Democrats to work with Trump on is creating a single payer health care system. That would be a remarkable accomplishment.
We don't even know for sure if Trump was legitimately elected. Why not wait and see what the investigation turns up?
There is a very deep, committed and wealthy contingent in this country that wants to "trim" the role of government, which basically means dismantle it. The president and alleged representatives who serve them need to be tossed out by the rest of us, whose only power base is the ballot box. That is where the focus needs to be. Unfortunately, granting victories to Trump takes us in the wrong direction.
It's possible, if the Democrats proceed with caution. The Dems would need to secure "behind the scenes" understandings and terms with Trump: cut his Twitter; ban Miller, Bannon, Kushner, Nunes altogether; lock Ryan/McConnell in a closet, invite bipartisan moderate Republicans to participate; rebuild the ACA; use the Obama Doctrine for the budget; share the credit; and finally, agree to proceed with the Russia Investigation without delay.
A lot of nice ideas here, but none of it will come to pass while Republicans control both legislative bodies, Trump's alleged deal making prowess notwithstanding. "America doesn't need two parties of no." Catchy line, but beside the point. When there is even one party of no, nothing good can happen. Just this morning Speaker Ryan announced that he absolutely will NOT work with Democrats on health care, despite his utter failure on the issue. Just what are Democrats supposed to "work with" when the Republicans preemptively state their refusal to negotiate? There is nothing the president can do about this, even if he were an effective politician.
It's a lovely sentiment but you cannot work with someone whose position is always "my way or the highway".
No. Sorry, this is nice in theory, but the Dems simply cannot trust this POTUS. He would only INITIALLY work with them to serve his own interests, and then when a deal is close to being done, he will either reneg, change the agreement, and/or criticize the Dems. If the president were of a person of honor, then yes, but he is not. It is a con game, and the Dems will only be suckers if they try and work with the President.
Yes, sure, work with him if he all of the sudden becomes interested in actually solving problem. But I'm afraid he will continue to propose facile idiocy to stroke his own ego.
Mostly I concur. However, your op-ed piece ought to include consideration of some of the more far out provisions Ross Douthat has mused on in a few of his recent op-ed pieces. Particularly noteworthy, though undeveloped and without details, is his discussion of a fairer deal for smaller cities and rural areas left behind in the ongoing transformation of the American and world-wide economy. Reinventing passenger railroad travel would help, but it's only one element; revision of the Internal Revenue Code is essential. The trend to larger and larger major metropolitan areas to everyone else's derogation is bad policy. We can do better and should, and I urge this as a resident of Manhattan, and not the one in Kansas.
Donald Trump lost the popular vote by a substantial margin. He has no electoral mandate for any of his policies. Democrats should not cooperate unless they get exactly what they want. Trump made his own bed, and he should be left to lie (pun intended) in it.
Will Marshall instructs us that we have the opportunity to show the contrast between Dems and the GOP: that we can govern and they can't. He wants us to ignore the 600-pound elephant in the room—actually, three elephants:
First, there is little or no desire in most blue districts for their representative to work with the Trump Administration in any meaningful capacity, as the end result would simply advance his agenda to the detriment of ours.
Second, Trump is not fond of giving credit where it is due, so there really is no incentive to work with him even if we got something out of the deal. Anything beyond a meeting to survey the divide between the administration and Democratic Caucus results in nothing good.
Third, it is difficult to work with someone with little grasp of his own reality. Does Will think this will change if his gaze changes from right to left? He has the same blind spot either way.
Unified Democrats, even if we look like the new party of "no," is our last line of defense against a radical Trump agenda that is already tearing at the seams of the GOP. Why would we jump into the fray just to come out with a cookie? Trump still gets the entire cake.
Until the GOP caucus has a "come to Jesus" moment and understands the minority party still represents half of the United States, blue representatives should focus on the needs of their constituency and districts.
Marshall, it seems, would rather they sell out to satisfy the conservative in him. Don't do it.
First, there is little or no desire in most blue districts for their representative to work with the Trump Administration in any meaningful capacity, as the end result would simply advance his agenda to the detriment of ours.
Second, Trump is not fond of giving credit where it is due, so there really is no incentive to work with him even if we got something out of the deal. Anything beyond a meeting to survey the divide between the administration and Democratic Caucus results in nothing good.
Third, it is difficult to work with someone with little grasp of his own reality. Does Will think this will change if his gaze changes from right to left? He has the same blind spot either way.
Unified Democrats, even if we look like the new party of "no," is our last line of defense against a radical Trump agenda that is already tearing at the seams of the GOP. Why would we jump into the fray just to come out with a cookie? Trump still gets the entire cake.
Until the GOP caucus has a "come to Jesus" moment and understands the minority party still represents half of the United States, blue representatives should focus on the needs of their constituency and districts.
Marshall, it seems, would rather they sell out to satisfy the conservative in him. Don't do it.
Trump has no history of honoring commitments. He is clearly beholden to Russians whom he has aided in money laundering through real estate transactions, bailing him out of disastrous bankruptcies. What makes this author believe that Trump can be trusted in any deal? He's already stated clearly during the campaign that he likes to re-negotiate deals after he has signed them (in a speech he made to a Jewish group, insinuating that they also do this type of activity). So, both the Democrats and the Nation as a whole will be better served by isolating Trump until he can either be forcibly removed from office or simply defeated in 2020. He is not capable of doing any type of work that will benefit the public, the world, or, for that matter, the Universe. His military engagements in the Middle East are already showing how bad he and his advisers can be, his stance on the environment is disastrous, and his ideas for infrastructure are chock full of weasel deals for contractors, thereby creating cost overruns and exploding our deficit. Trump is a con man who cannot be trusted under any circumstances.
The Democrats just can't get past losing the Presidential election. Rather than showing their constituents that they are more mature than the Republicans, and working/negotiating with the Republicans, they have decided to become the 2nd Party of No. They have proven they are as immature as the Republicans who worked against the previous President.
Schumer and Pelosi are the worst of the lot, always grabbing photo ops to bash Trump and the Republicans. They come across as cry-babies - "play the game my way or I'll take my toys and go home".
Schumer and Pelosi are the worst of the lot, always grabbing photo ops to bash Trump and the Republicans. They come across as cry-babies - "play the game my way or I'll take my toys and go home".
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Absolutely not. End of sentence, end of story.
Sure it does. Muslim bans? No. Reverse climate change accords? No. Deregulate banks and remove post-collapse protections? No. Trade wars? No. Mexico wall? No. More coal? No. No. No. No.
See?
See?
This article assumes Trump and the GOP are willing to engage in collaboration with Democrats. Trump's narcissistic personality disorder means that this is literally inconceivable for him. Encouraging the Democrats to try, try again fails to see that such efforts are only construed by narcissists as laying down. And to Trump and his ilk, anyone who lays down is worthy of contempt and double dealing. I agree that Democrats should always be coming to the table - but with their progressive policies in hand, not an insipid olive branch. ONLY when Trump and the GOP makes a concession, can we cautiously consider more active efforts to collaborate with this disastrous government. This will likely be a very cold day in hell...
Ah, you are so reasonable, logical. Except - we have decades of proof before us that we are dealing with a tribe that uses illogic and unreason as its primary weapons.
Ever trained a dog? Or child? Saying yes, even partially, to bad behavior - will powerfully reinforce the bad behavior. 100% of the time; no exceptions. The ONLY thing that ever works is to never, ever, let the horrible behavior be rewarded.
We must say "no" to "no". Nothing else can possibly work; and in case you hadn't noticed- our survival as a nation is at stake.
Ever trained a dog? Or child? Saying yes, even partially, to bad behavior - will powerfully reinforce the bad behavior. 100% of the time; no exceptions. The ONLY thing that ever works is to never, ever, let the horrible behavior be rewarded.
We must say "no" to "no". Nothing else can possibly work; and in case you hadn't noticed- our survival as a nation is at stake.
Ha...Ha...Ha!
Why should Democrats be the ones to legitimize Trump? All they are going to do is make him look good.
Why should Democrats be the ones to legitimize Trump? All they are going to do is make him look good.
Trump is a "Temp".
The maximum he can be President is 8 years.
There is no minimum.
Just as the Republicans have greatly damaged this country with their "Party of NO!" nonsense that endangered and undermined this nation, so too with Trump and his ruling by sneers and ignorance.
There is no working with a party that kowtows to the Koch Brothers and their loopy cult, the "John Birch Society", that has to change it's name every time someone kicks over their rock. Consider this: the JB Society was founded to "fight" Communism... and now we are investigating whether the White House has become a nest of treason. Now, granted, an "Oligarchy" and "Communism" are hardly the same, but they are both hierarchical ruling concepts - and we are an equalitist democracy.
Unless the Dems wish to dismantle this nation, then they should - and must - simply stand aside.
The goal of Trump and Friends is to dismantle the "administrative state".
Everything is to go in a hot Libertarian/Freedom Caucus dream.
The looters are to take over, an Ayn Rand fantasy, a Paul Ryan Utopia that dismantles Social Security...
Exactly where do you think Dems should be at that moment: Joining in on the Great Dismantling? How close should they be standing when SNAP is ripped down?
NO! Dems - do not help these madmen ripping the guts out of this country!
Yes, we lost. We have no numbers.
Now, LOSE BIG!
Step back!
Move away!
Let the R's be known forever as the Destroyers!
KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAN!!!
NO HELP!!!!
The maximum he can be President is 8 years.
There is no minimum.
Just as the Republicans have greatly damaged this country with their "Party of NO!" nonsense that endangered and undermined this nation, so too with Trump and his ruling by sneers and ignorance.
There is no working with a party that kowtows to the Koch Brothers and their loopy cult, the "John Birch Society", that has to change it's name every time someone kicks over their rock. Consider this: the JB Society was founded to "fight" Communism... and now we are investigating whether the White House has become a nest of treason. Now, granted, an "Oligarchy" and "Communism" are hardly the same, but they are both hierarchical ruling concepts - and we are an equalitist democracy.
Unless the Dems wish to dismantle this nation, then they should - and must - simply stand aside.
The goal of Trump and Friends is to dismantle the "administrative state".
Everything is to go in a hot Libertarian/Freedom Caucus dream.
The looters are to take over, an Ayn Rand fantasy, a Paul Ryan Utopia that dismantles Social Security...
Exactly where do you think Dems should be at that moment: Joining in on the Great Dismantling? How close should they be standing when SNAP is ripped down?
NO! Dems - do not help these madmen ripping the guts out of this country!
Yes, we lost. We have no numbers.
Now, LOSE BIG!
Step back!
Move away!
Let the R's be known forever as the Destroyers!
KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAN!!!
NO HELP!!!!
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The author of this article needs to have a seat. Trump is not going to propose any legislation democrats can get behind. His infrastructure bill that never materialized was laid out as a scam to privatize infrastructure. If he thinks there is any overlap in what democrats want to do and what Trump wants to do he is wildly mistaken. Trump says one thing and then does the opposite. The only way forward on healthcare is to move to the left (bigger subsidies, stronger mandate, public option in places with little competition), there is no move on the right. And healthcare is just one issue.
Hell no - it just won't happen. Trump will never accept lower taxes for the middle class, while keeping taxes high on the wealthy. He'll propose a token cut for the middle class and massive breaks for the wealthy. Similarly, the idea that Trump would even listen to any proposal to enact a carbon tax is laughable. This is the guy who just proposed cutting the EPA by 30% and removed the Clean Power Plan.
I don't think there's a single Democrat who wouldn't be willing to cooperate with Trump if he were reasonable and willing to make compromises, but the words 'Trump' and 'compromise' just don't go together too well. Remember how well he was able to compromise with the Freedom caucus last week? I believe his version of 'compromise' involved issuing an ultimatum, which they promptly refused, which promptly torpedoed the so-called 'healthcare' bill. Trump is used to being supreme dictator of his businesses, where his management style was clearly just (1) give orders (2) expect them to be carried out. He hasn't got a clue how to work with others or make compromises.
Democrats should match him, inflexible ounce to inflexible ounce. Announce they are willing to work with him, but only if at least some of their demands are met. It will never happen, but at least they can say they tried.
I don't think there's a single Democrat who wouldn't be willing to cooperate with Trump if he were reasonable and willing to make compromises, but the words 'Trump' and 'compromise' just don't go together too well. Remember how well he was able to compromise with the Freedom caucus last week? I believe his version of 'compromise' involved issuing an ultimatum, which they promptly refused, which promptly torpedoed the so-called 'healthcare' bill. Trump is used to being supreme dictator of his businesses, where his management style was clearly just (1) give orders (2) expect them to be carried out. He hasn't got a clue how to work with others or make compromises.
Democrats should match him, inflexible ounce to inflexible ounce. Announce they are willing to work with him, but only if at least some of their demands are met. It will never happen, but at least they can say they tried.
While working with Trump is a laudable goal and could make needed changes in health care etc, there is one HUGE problem with this thinking. Trump has so many detrimental ideas on climate change, gun control, internet safety (to name a few) that to abet him and his agenda, even in the name of cooperation, is to destroy so many other aspects of what the Democrats believe in!
Why do ANYTHING that would give this man and his band of incompetent kooks and family members a chance at a second term????
Why do ANYTHING that would give this man and his band of incompetent kooks and family members a chance at a second term????
Ironically, it appears that the Trump administration presents a unique opportunity for cooperation between parties in congress. Thinking Republicans are skeptical about the intentions and capabilities of this President and are likely to be open to compromise. Now is the time. The way things are going, no one's position is safe through 2018, not to mention 2020. Thank you for your rational and noncombative commentary!
Oh, yes, this makes so much sense! After FINALLY listening to its base and coming off a big win in the non-repeal of the ACA thus actually helping millions of low income Americans, Democrats should now return to the strategies of their big-business "let's compromise to get tax reform" donors that got them in 2016 control of the White House, the House, the Senate and flipped the Supreme Court their way...Mr. Marshall, on what Bizarro World do you reside? The way for GOOP moderates to make a comeback is what is happening in states like Kansas where Democrats said to the crazies, "Fine, you own it. All of it." Now those crazies have lost seats and Kansas is finally breaking its swamp fever. It did NOT come from working with a right-wing nutty governor and his Koch-funded stooges. It came from letting them own the mess they had created.
Really!!?? Look what happened to Al Gore and Mitt Romney. Trump loves to get even with anyone who opposes him. So working with him is a mistake. He'll reel em in and throw em back out. He's a manipulative liar and can't be trusted. Humiliation is his chosen tool.
Can't do it. Rural voters wanted to stick it to the elites - anyone with an education - when they elected Trump. Now his policies will stick it to the very people that placed their hope and trust in him. Give the Trump voters what they want. Why throw a lifeline to a party of racists who are willing to destroy the country to give the rich an even greater tax cut after 8 years of opposing Obama simply because he is black?
Where is Schumer's pledge that his sole aim is to make trump a one term president? McConnell has already set the example following suit with the most aggressive filibustering campaign in US history declaring that all Obama legislation should be blocked regardless of merit. Come on Schumer get with it!
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please remind Mr. Marshall that President Warren is not yet in office. His agenda is decidely too liberal for the Donald and his troops. Until we get a real leader, just say NO! Helping Trump now to achieve success will only hurt the Democrats in 2018 and 2020. Time to re-read McConnell's promise to Obama and take it to heart.
The man is erratic if not certifiably insane. He's unpredictable, mercurial to the point of manic. He utterly lacks self-discipline. He is obliviously ignorant, willfully ignorant, and garden-variety stupid.
He will say anything, no matter how outrageous, vulgar, rude, harmful. He tears people down, not only because of their opinions, but for no reason at all. Character assassination is a sport with him. Groping women is just his locker room behavior.
We have lost count of his lies, his juvenile exaggerations, his senile delusions of grandeur, his foolish, pie-in-the-sky promises. His roosterish crowing and chest thumping would be hilarious if he weren't president.
He became president by swimming with the GOP sharks in their acid tank. His 'populist' rants won over enough voters and the hard-line GOP would never vote another way, despite the weird, awful thing they elected.
The GOP has lied, cheated, gerrymandered, and stolen power for decades. They thwarted the democrats, especially democratic presidents, every chance they had.
And they chose Trump. And he has shown that he will undermine everything Obama accomplished and everything that democrats stand for.
Why on earth should democrats work with him? How could they?
He will say anything, no matter how outrageous, vulgar, rude, harmful. He tears people down, not only because of their opinions, but for no reason at all. Character assassination is a sport with him. Groping women is just his locker room behavior.
We have lost count of his lies, his juvenile exaggerations, his senile delusions of grandeur, his foolish, pie-in-the-sky promises. His roosterish crowing and chest thumping would be hilarious if he weren't president.
He became president by swimming with the GOP sharks in their acid tank. His 'populist' rants won over enough voters and the hard-line GOP would never vote another way, despite the weird, awful thing they elected.
The GOP has lied, cheated, gerrymandered, and stolen power for decades. They thwarted the democrats, especially democratic presidents, every chance they had.
And they chose Trump. And he has shown that he will undermine everything Obama accomplished and everything that democrats stand for.
Why on earth should democrats work with him? How could they?