Would a Dem House be hobbled by a Rethug Senate and White House?

[Stevendsmith]

Now, I know the Senate is within reach as well, but I'm curious to know how a Rethug Senate and White House could check the power of a Democrat-controlled House -- and I'm thinking mainly in terms of the persuit of justice for Rethug foreign policy and domestic crimes.

[bowens43]

1. Yes. But so will the republicans.

[greeneyedboy]

2. you know what they say about looking a gift House in the mouth.

oh wait, that's "horse", not "house". never mind.


in any case, i'll take any victories we can get, and worry about the complications later. there's plenty of down side to losing, as we all know.

GOTV!

[bullimiami]

3. they surely could have investigations and subpoena power.

they can also refer criminal charges to the justice department.

they will be hobbled more on legislation than on investigation and of course you can impeach but it takes a big vote in the senate to convict.

[HereSince1628]

6. Yes, but hopefully the reports of the investigations will be public

and result in a wave of national resentment which changes the existing calculus.

[Stevendsmith]

9. I like the sound of that! (n/t)

[Touchdown]

4. Actually the House can hobble the other two.

It takes 3 to tango in the US. Stop this extremist agenda in it's tracks!

[Totallybushed]

5. Well, a Rethug

Senate would never convict an impeached President. Secondly, if the House wanted to accomplish any of its aims other than impeachment, it would have to work with a Rethug Senate. That means compromise. Finally, if the President and his accomplices are not removed from office, they are still in a position to get payback on House members who have offended them.

So, yeah.

[Gloria]

7. Well, it would have to be treated as an opportunity to CAMPAIGN

non-stop until 2008 on all the crap the Repugs have done and will try to do.

[cautiouslywaiting]

8. Yes

But we could keep them from getting any more of their fascist agenda passed.

[WilliamPitt]

10. Definitely

The idea for 11/7 isn't to take over completely, but to put up a wall between the White House and the congressional rubber-stamp party that has been going on since 2002.

Oh, and subpoena power.

[Stevendsmith]

11. Subpoena power alone makes me giddy with excitement!

Are you confident the Dems would use this power in a vigorous and effective manner? I'm not so sure. I've seen no evidence that the Dems have grown a spine. Then again, we know that Conyers and Waxman will be given new powers!

[MiniMe]

12. Judges are President, Senate alone. Thats what worries me. For the rest...

a democratic house would be able to subpeona and would keep a republican senate in check.