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Three things to expect from the Trump era

By Larry Kummer - posted Monday, 14 November 2016


Everybody focuses on Trump as the big mover of 2017-2020, ignoring the other players at the table. Such as the leaders of Congress. They have solid Republican majorities in both Houses - one of the most ideologically coherent caucuses in modern American history. It's a tool - well-stocked with right-wing activists ready to wield it.

Political gurus talk about the imperial presidency, but the Founders believed that Congress was potentially the most powerful branch of the government. They have taken the initiative from the President before - Nixon was not one of our great liberal presidents by choice - and might again if Trump cannot manage them. Obama felt the of their disciplined ranks of conservatives. Trump also suffer if they see him departing from the Right path.

The likely result will be a power struggle between Congress and Trump, with the House as center ring for budget fights and the Senate for tug-of-war over appointments and treaties. The first salvos have already been fired: "GOP insiders to Trump: Leave the policy to Paul Ryan."

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Who will win? FDR lead a Congress united to face obvious foes. He did so resolutely and with almost more-than-human skill. LBJ was a masterful manipulator of Congress, pushing them to achieve the almost unattainable goals that he set for them. Reagan led Congress to boldly cut taxes and boost spending. Trump has set for himself goals almost as ambitious as FDR and LBJ. Time will tell whether Trump has the discipline and ability to manage Congress, or if they will manage him (I'll bet on Congress). Either way, America will take a large step to the Right during the next four years.

I call them girlie men.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger mocks the California legislature, showing how not to pass laws (17 July 2004). Bet that Trump will try this tactic.

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This article was first published on the Fabius Maximus website.



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About the Author

Larry Kummer is editor of the Fabius Maximus website.

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