Posted by
Kyle Singleton on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 4:18:13 PM
Conventional thought suggests that the Democrat party will increase their majorities in both houses of congress in this election. Depending on what polls you look at, they may even approach the 60 seat threshold in the Senate for invoking cloture on filibusters. The question is: which presidential candidate to we want to work with the Democrat-controlled congress? Let's take a brief history lesson. Both the Clinton years and the Reagan years are generally considered to be "good times" with a strong economy. Both of those presidents accomplished much of their along with the other party: Reagan with Tip O'Neill and a Democrat house, and Clinton with Newt Gingrich and a Republican congress. In contrast, President Carter and a democrat congress in the 70's isn't remembered quite as fondly. The point is, America is great not because of the greatness of one political party or the other, but because of the American people. The 2 parties have shown the ability to work together when the circumstances require it, but it is my view that, in general, no government action is better than too much government action.
Let's flash back to the present. John McCain has shown the ability to work with Democrats on legislation (much to my disliking). I think he has the leadership to work with a democrat congress, check their power when necessary, and work together with them when necessary. Barack Obama, so far, does not have a record of bipartisanship or leadership, to be frank. Maybe, as president, he will work with Republicans as well as Democrats on Capitol Hill. Maybe he won't. The choice is yours.