Obviously, the Republican Party still has a role to play. GOP legislators can best be described as “useful idiots” who make Democratic proposals seem moderate and responsible. Consider the “compromise” stimulus package.
The compromise represented a dramatic finale to a tumultuous and frustrating week for Democrats pushing the package, as Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) saw the limitations of an expanded majority and a band of GOP centrists came to appreciate the very high price they can extract for their votes on key measures.
The bipartisan deal was cut after two days of talks and would cut more than $100 billion from the $920 billion bill, dropping its cost to about $820 billion, if amendments added on the Senate floor are retained.
The Democrats suggest more than $900 billion in pork. So Republican “centrists” cut a few billion here and there, and everyone can now embrace $800 billion in pork. The economy is saved. Fiscal probity is maintained. Millions (or is that hundreds of millions, per Nancy Pelosi?) of Americans will go back to work. Such a victory!
Do you think we could sell the Republican Party to some country overseas that is looking for a completely useless, faux opposition party?