Punditry StaffNo one expected Mitch McConnell to lose so badly and so quickly, and it sure as hell looks like President Biden COVID Bill big win is really McConnell’s big loss. For someone who wrote, prematurely now I admit, that between Senators McConnell and Manchin, the GOP is going to run President Joe Biden in circles, the Senate passing the COVID Relief Bill with most of it intact — the biggest item not passing was the $15 wage hike — shows already the skillful tactics of a President who is using whatever means at his disposal to turn his legislative agenda into a reality. So, Sláinte Chugal to President Biden.
What is so sweet about this COVID Relief Bill passing is that for the first time in so many years, Americans have finally witnessed Mitch McConnell’s run-of-the-mill tactics of blocking every bill under the sun from even coming to the floor in his Senate come to an end. The scorpion has finally run out of venom. What a sweet feeling that was. Senator Chuck Schumer was beaming with joy after he announced the passage and could not help himself but take a swipe at Mitch McConnell who frustrated the Democrats for so many years. Can’t wait for McConnell to retire. He will be remembered as the do-nothing Majority Leader of the Senate.
However, this win, which won the approval of the majority of the American people, might just be the ticket to break loose from the McConnell’s years of blocking legislation.
WORKING WITH MANCHIN
When the President announced a breakthrough late Friday, then retreated because Senator Joe Manchin did not agree to the bill’s amendments, it looked like Joe Manchin was holding the President hostage. But give the President some credit when he focused all his energy on Joe Manchin and eventually got the Senator from West Virginia to walk in a straight line with the rest of the Democrats.
We don’t know what Quid Pro Quo the White House arranged for Manchin’s vote. Since the next big bill is going to be about infrastructure spending, I would imagine that the State of West Virginia, which sits at the bottom of the economic ladder, might get some serious breaks. Lots of dough to rebuild its infrastructure and create jobs Joe Manchin can tout to his constituents next time he runs again for office. That’s how Washington really works. Everybody’s back needs scratching and there is always someone willing to scratch it.
To get on the right foot with Joe Manchin was an important step for Biden and Schumer. Because not lurking far behind is the scorpion waiting to spoil it for the Democrats. However, this win, which won the approval of the majority of the American people, might just be the ticket to break loose from the McConnell’s years of blocking legislation. The public’s approval is a big incentive for the likes of McConnell to back down and stay quiet.
Since not one Republican voted for the COVID Relief Bill, the GOP is sending the wrong signals about bipartisanship. Is that what their public wants, or is the influence of McConnell so poisonous, the GOP Senators have gotten quite used to blocking whatever Democrats want passed?
NO ONE HEARD FROM MCCONNELL ET AL
The quiet on the western front is noticeable. Since not one Republican voted for the COVID Relief Bill, the GOP is sending the wrong signals about bipartisanship. Is that what their public wants, or is the influence of McConnell so poisonous, the GOP Senators have gotten quite used to blocking whatever Democrats want passed? There is no rhyme or reason to the GOP position when it comes to legislation. It’s either their way or the highway. As if losing the Senate was all flushed down the toilet without the merit of any analysis of what the public wants.
The silence of Mitch McConnell is deafening. I would imagine the flaps around his neck grew by few more inches over the last two days as his anger grew. It just feels sweet to see him relegated to that side of the isle no one is paying attention to.
Biden COVID Bill Big Win is McConnell’s Big Loss
Punditry Staff
