Countdown to Nuclear Option

[mburbank]

The Senate just took up the Priscilla Ownes nomination. Moderates on both parties are trying to forge a compromise, but I doubt there's any chance of one. The current Republican stratgey embraces polarization, and I'm pretty late to realize this a long term strategy.

I'm finally getting why W with no mandate in his first term and a slim one in his second has rules like a Monarch. He never had the mass popularity to remain in power. The only way to do it was a sort of 'shoot the moon' philosiphy of hanging on to a slim majority, and that slim majority is energized by polarization, demagogery (however that's spelled) and demonization.

Not only is there no need for concensus or compromise, either of those things could have damaged his ability to hold on to power with just enough above fifty percent to win his agenda.

The problem here is this administration is deliberately tearing the country into two camps and fanning the flames, Historically whipping up a mob can gain you short term victories, but it's very hard to control and very destructive. Of course by the time W's chicken's come home to roost he'll be on the celebrity golf circuit collecting huge speaking fees at places like Bob Jones University.