The term “green shoots” is increasingly being used to describe the first positive signs of growth after an economic downturn. It is now possible to say that we are seeing green shoots on Capitol Hill, signs that the institution of Congress may be becoming a bit less dysfunctional than it […] Read more »
Stress Tests for Republicans
… In effect, what journalists and voters do when they encounter presidential contenders—asking questions, assessing the candidate’s reactions—is a form of stress-testing that candidates must endure and pass if they hope to win their party’s nomination and ultimately the White House. If a candidate can’t figure out the best way […] Read more »
Remembrance of Shutdowns Past
… It’s fine, of course, to employ legislative strategies to encourage the other side to compromise or to score political points and curry favor with the voters. But the trick is to hold out for the best deal possible while at the same time looking serious, thoughtful, measured and reasonable. […] Read more »
Debunking Conventional Wisdom
At the beginning of this month, Republicans took the reins of Congress, prompting an outpouring of conventional wisdom from the pundits that the Grand Old Party, after leading a House that broke records for doing nothing, now actually has to legislate to win in 2016. It sounds right that Republicans […] Read more »
Fox News Poll: Voters expect GOP Congress to win more often than Obama
As the 114th Congress gets underway, the vast majority of voters continue to give legislators the thumbs down, and many people are unfamiliar with the leaders on Capitol Hill. Still, a majority thinks the new GOP-led Congress will trump the president in the next two years. Only a third of […] Read more »
Economy Up, G.O.P. Wants a Little Credit
After years of finding the dark lining in every silver economic cloud, Republicans are facing a political quandary that is dividing their leadership even as it buoys the nation: The economy appears to be achieving liftoff. … To some Republicans, a strategic shift is in the offing: Obama’s economy is […] Read more »