4 ms·
> The frustrating thing about the center is the propensity to take things at face value, no matter how bad faith. It has been patently obvious for decades that
by munificent 6y ago
> The frustrating thing about the center is the propensity to take things at face value, no matter how bad faith. It has been patently obvious for decades that the Republican party plays by a thoroughly cynical playbook. A credulous centrist elite accepts each new plot twist as the status quo, after a genteel interval of whining.
It took me a long time to realize this, but I don't think "bad faith" or "cynicism" is the right way to look at how these Republican politicians are behaving. Both of those terms still imply a certain level of respect for the humanity of the other party and a desire to create some consensus, even if through subterfuge.
No, the Republicans are acting like Democratic politicians are enemies in war. It's not "cynical" to hide information from or mislead the enemy. It's just battle tactics. They aren't trying to reach consensus, they are trying to destroy.
- acjohnson55 6y agoI don't think war even describes it. Wars have rules. This is total war (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_war https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_war).
- koolba 6y agoFlipping through news channels I hear talk about “Biden packing the court” casually suggested as if it’s a totally reasonable option.
- Clubber 6y agoFDR threatened the very same thing when parts of his New Deal were getting overturned. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_Procedures_Reform_Bill_of_1937 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_Procedures_Reform_Bil... It was tactical move and it worked; not unlike what McConnell did to Obama's Supreme Court pick in 2016 when the GOP controlled the House and the Senate. Politics is hardball, always has been.
- lawnchair_larry 6y agoThis is ridiculous. It’s also what the republicans believe the democrats are doing. Both sides are absolutely certain they are right. Funny how that works.