Okay, let’s assume a reasonable best-case scenario that in November, Hillary wins by a landslide, and we regain control of both Houses. Considering that Republicans will still almost certainly be able to filibuster to death any legislation they wish, what can and should Hillary and our Party spend her first term advancing?
Here’s my take:
1. The Senate should confirm as many Federal Judges as possible, as quickly as possible. In the 2018 Congressional elections, we will be defending many more Senate seats than will be Republicans, and a business-as-usual scenario would probably lead to Republicans taking back the Senate.
2. If Republicans take back the Senate in 2018, there goes Hillary’s ability to appoint Judges, including a replacement to the possible next Supreme Court Judge who retires or dies. So, considering that she won’t be able to get much passed through Congress anyway, I think Hillary should launch a massive campaign to bring many more Democrats to the polls in 2018, and actually try to make gains in both Houses. This would be a kind of an adjunct to our revived 50-State strategy. Optimistic? Hugely. But has this ever been tried? Do we have anything to lose by trying?
3. Cigarette manufactures are prohibited from advertising that cigarettes are safe, because the FDA has ruled they’re not. Other product manufacturers are prohibited from making false claims about their products. I think the appropriate Federal Agency should deem climate change a serious threat to the welfare of the United States, and make climate disinformation illegal, with draconian penalties for violating this new prohibition. Hey, I think our kids are worth it.
What do you think we can and should do during Hillary’s first term? What Can Hillary do unilaterally through Executive Order? Curious minds are eager to know.