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BosPhotoGuy's avatar

“We protected the rights of the minority. And we put country before party. If Democrats won't stop the power grab for the good of the country, then they should at least do it for their own good.”

I think the heart of the matter is that Republicans are convinced they can cling to power by ensuring we do not have free and fair elections. A combination of voter suppression techniques, extreme gerrymandering and outright election fraud will be used to try to hold the Senate. They are not worried about future repercussions because they are convinced they cannot be voted out of office, particularly in the Senate. Whether their arrogance is justified, time will tell, but I think the only credible explanation for their total disregard of their own constituents, as well as the Constitution and Senate rules, is their belief they cannot be defeated. It's a dark outlook, but I think it provides insight into their behavior.

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Bob C's avatar

I share your concern.

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Laurie's avatar

If the Democrats do regain power, especially without the filibuster, the first thing they should do is create statehood for DC and Puerto Rico. The DC residents deserve representation, and surely deserve Senate voices equal to Wyoming.

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David Crellen's avatar

You are correct. The Republican Senate strongly believe that, henceforth, they will ALWAYS remain in power. This is probably the unspoken contention of ALL republicans. They have made much gain in the devious tactic of prying and controlling elections ever since the Reagan-era "Contract With America" (Project 2025's forerunner).

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Kats in the Cradle's avatar

Picking nits: The Contract with America was Newt Gingrich's doing, during Bill Clinton's first term: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contract_with_America

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Bob C's avatar

The assumption of this piece is that Republicans will allow free and fair elections, thus putting their majority at risk. I think it's fair to say at this point that that is not a given.

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Betsyoh's avatar

Folks, Please do not miss this by Thom Hartmann. In the "big bill" there was put a provision to end the ability of courts to hold Trump and others in contempt. This would make Trump a dictator with no way to stop him.

https://hartmannreport.com/p/the-final-checkmate-republicans-move-7a2

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Susan Lee's avatar

I think he'd have real trouble even saying, "We put country before party," these days. He'd be laughed out of town!!!!! "We put Donnie-2-Dolls before anything and everything, because we are complete cowards and are clueless about what we've SWORN to the entire country that we'll do," is the current truth.

In my always-ever-so-humble opinion, of course.

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Vicky Kennedy's avatar

Does anyone think the GOP think they are leaving power? I’m skeptical!

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Angie's avatar

They’re going for the whole ball game and they’ll try to prevent elections from happening. OR they’ll just buy them all.

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Kathy Sowers's avatar

Thank you for the fine points - I haven't been familiar with "parliamentarian" and didn't look it up, was trying to grasp by context in what I've been hearing. This is clear. More brushing up on civics at 75! Better late than never!!

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Chris Dortch's avatar

Please let them do it and the Democrats win back both Houses in 2026. Norm, Jen and their talented team would know better than I, but with that sort of power, couldn't the Dems make D.C. and P.R. states, end the outdated electoral college, codify Roe, etc, etc.?

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Michelle Jordan's avatar

Absolutely!

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