The increasing mismatch between population and power in American government that underlies the present gridlock needs to be addressed by structural reforms.
Salon writer Michael Lind • Regarding the social reasons the Republican party is currently strongly obstructionist. Lind compares working-class white voters to social groups of earlier eras – including British Protestants (who feared European immigrants) and Southern planters – that held disproportionate power in Congress and the presidency despite their declining numbers. He also suggests ways they hold that power, and how to get around it that are completely unrealistic (What if New York was five states instead of one?) and some that might be more realistic (What if we get rid of this stupid filibuster?). source
“EXCUSE ME! I HAVE TO GET TO THE FLOOR!” Jim Bunning, the senator and former baseball player, may kinda sorta have a point in his PAY-GO criticism, but this bill is really not the one to be making said point on. And the media is chasing him down looking for droplets of blood they can trail down as a result. Prior to this clip, Bunning flipped off an ABC News producer, which generally isn’t considered proper decorum in the Senate. (On a side note, we’d just like to point out that Fox News reporter Griff Jenkins has done this before.) source
After giving it considerable thought and talking it over with his wife, he reached the conclusion that he would not be running, although he said he would like to remain active in the Democratic Party here.
New York Assemblyman Vito Lopez • Regarding Harold Ford’s decision not to take on Kirsten Gillibrand in the New York Senate race. Ford hasn’t exactly made himself a lot of friends when attempting his Senate run, making himself sound like an idiot on multiple occasions, all of whichhave been coveredat length on Gawker. In fact, some might argue that Gawker singlehandedly ruined Ford’s chances by publicizing his stupid moves. Including us. Yeah, we said it. OK, we’ll give Harry some credit too. source