GOP voters are in no mood for bipartisan compromise. That’s why they nominated Donald Trump, and why Congress won’t get much done if Hillary Clinton wins.Everybody seems baffled by the GOP base frustration with Congress. I've done no polling but I know from whence my frustration stems, perhaps it will be helpful to share that with you by way of a first approximation of an explanation.
Following strong showings in the 2010 and 2014 off-year elections, the GOP had a majority first in the House, then in both House and Senate. Not just bare majorities, but relatively convincing ones.
My frustration is that these majorities cannot pass legislation reflecting GOP values because (a) they don't have 60 votes in the Senate, to shut off debate; and (b) they face a presidential veto. Fine, it's not ideal but that is our system.
What irritates me is that these elected "representatives" then conclude they must pass legislation that can get out of the Senate and can receive a presidential signature. In other words, legislation reflecting the Democrats' values.
I, and I suspect people like me, are ready for our majority in Congress to say "We'll pass GOP-friendly bills, or try to, and if they never become law, so be it. We're not passing your stuff, period. If that means the government doesn't function, it's your fault. We did our part, you (the minority) wouldn't cooperate."
Unfortunately, the GOP congressional delegation believes any so-called "government shutdown" will be the death of their chances for reelection. What they don't "get" is that we don't care. They should do what we elected them to do, and if it turns out they're right, that people will then vote Democratic, my response is okay, we tried.
Refusing to consider Obama's nomination to the Supreme Court was the first time we saw the Congressional leadership show some backbone, and it was way overdue.
