Out of power, state Dems frustrated with national committee

Out of power, state Dems frustrated with national committee

Over the past 8 years, the Democratic National Committee has deteriorated, following the expiration of Howard Dean's "50 state strategy." Despite Democratic control of the executive branch, the party's state branches have dwindled down to almost nothing because of their lack of funding; they now struggle to pay staff members at all. According to DNC spokesman Adam Hodge, "state parties are the lifeblood of the DNC," because people are unlikely to vote for a party in the general election if they never see candidates from that party even contesting for local elections. This poses an interesting question: would a better functioning DNC have allowed Clinton to win the presidential race? It is hard to say; however, Democrats nationwide seem committed to rebuilding their party at the state level.

Obama calls for seamless transition for US military to Trump

Obama calls for seamless transition for US military to Trump

As the the presidential cycle begins anew, Barack Obama is gracefully stepping down from his position as commander in chief (not that he had a choice), and trying to make sure that the integrity of the military remains uncompromised despite Trump's questionable military objectives. Earlier in his campaign, Trump mentioned wanting to reinstate the practice of waterboarding, in addition to other torture and interrogation techniques. Furthermore, Obama "pointed to a handful of conflicts that Trump will inherit when he takes office...including the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria and in the Iraqi city of Mosul"; these conflicts are obviously very delicate situations that would be difficult for any president to deal with correctly. It is clear that Obama wants the best for his country and is trying his hardest to achieve it. However, will Trump be able to handle the massive responsibility of the military, even with Obama doing his best to make the transition smooth?

Senate Democrats Want to Block Trump's Supreme Court Pick

Senate Dems want to block Trump’s Supreme Court pick. That may be riskier than they think

Senate Minority Leader, Charles Schumer says that Democrats are hoping to block Trump's Supreme Court pick for as long as possible. The Senate needs 60 votes to approve a judge, but Republicans only hold 52 seats. Democrats are sure that Trump's nominee will not be someone that both sides could support, which means that Trump could have trouble getting his nominee through. While technically the Democrats can block the nominee indefinitely, this could end up hurting them in the 2018 congressional election and add to tensions between the parties.

Should the Democrats attempt to block Trump's Supreme Court nominee? Would it be wise to try to draw out this issue for months, or potentially, years? How would this move impact the Democratic Party in the future?

Obama Huddles with Democrats on Protecting his Signature Health Care Law

Obama Huddles with Democrats on Protecting his Signature Health Care Law

Obama recently met with Democratic congressmen to discuss ways to protect and preserve the Affordable Care Act. Donald Trump has been very adamant about repealing and replacing ACA, as well as with several other of Obama's executive orders that vary from protection for the LGBT+ community, Planned Parenthood funding, and environmental protection. While Obama met with Democrats, Mike Pence met with House Republicans and vaguely described Trump's plan to reverse Obama's policiesusing a two-track approach and executive orders.

How will the reversal of ACA affect health care in America? Will Trump follow through with his promises to reverse all of Obama's policies or will he keep some? What other policies besides the ACA will Trump target?

The New Congress Is 91% Christian. That’s Barely Budged Since 1961.

The Article

Diversity in Congress

This article is short and sweet, but very important. It spotlights the religious ill-diversity of Congress. This state of a near total Christian Congress has remained constant throughout history. We would like to think that our government is getting more diverse, but that doesn't seem to be happening any time soon

Obviously diversity is an issue in Congress, but how do we fix this issue? What are some troubles that this lack of diversity can cause? Also, do you think there is a large plurality of politicians that self proclaim as Christian for the sole purpose of getting more votes? 

Turmoil Overshadows First Day of Republican-Controlled Congress

The Article

Turmoil in Congress

Tuesday was the first meeting of the brand new Congress. Without much surprise there already is trouble turmoil. To start, Paul Ryan's constituents defy him, and there is immediate movement toward the repealment of the Affordable Health Care Act. 

Will this Congress be able to work smoothly and more quickly now that both houses and the president are of the same party? Do you think Republicans will ever actually be able to repeal the Affordable Care Act? How do you think the Democratic minority will act? 

***also please note that the author nonchalantly uses the word kerfuffle like it's no big deal.

Ford to scrap Mexico plant, invest in Michigan; CEO cites Trump policies

DA ARTICLE

Could Trump's tweeting actually have a positive affect on our country? This article discusses the Ford Motor Company's decision to cancel developing a $1.6 billion plant, instead investing $700 million in a preexisting assembly plant in the great state of Michigan. While most news outlets speculate this decision was made in part by Trump's pressure on the company, CEO Mark Fields denies this.

What are your thoughts?
Do you think it was Trump, economic factors, or both that resulted in Ford's decision?
Is this how Trump will begin his plan of bringing back outsourced jobs to America?
Will Trump's tweet about a "big boarder tax" ever come into fruition?
Will Cheetos strike up an endearment deal with Trump's orange face?


P.S

Yes, I got this from Fox to piss everyone off :)

Donald Trump, meet your toughest hurdle: The U.S. Senate

DA ARTICLE

In the article, Sen. Charles E. Schumer says, "the Senate has a rich, bipartisan tradition of being a constitutional check on presidents of both parties.” This fact will ring true especially for President-elect Donald J. Trump, whose controversial statements have made him friends and enemies in both the House and Senate. This article discusses Trump's foreseeable difficulty in dealing with the legislature.

How do you think Trump will fare in his first meeting with the 115th Congress?
Will Donald Trump's outlandish proposals, such as "The Wall," become a reality
or will Trump's plans be restricted despite the Republican majority in Congress?
DO YOU ENJOY BITING INTO A JUICY TRUMP STEAK AS MUCH AS I DO?*