Staff Reports
Ah, Washington in August—apparently the only place in the world where ice doesn’t melt, but political negotiations sure do. Senators have dashed off for their month-long vacation with the sort of urgency usually reserved for Anderson Cooper spotting a Krispy Kreme in the wild, leaving behind a pile of unresolved tasks, including President Trump’s 150 nominees waiting to be confirmed. It’s almost as if they could hear the beach calling them more loudly than the American people.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had been caught in a tango of political offers that would make even the most twisty-turny soap opera look straightforward. Democrats wanted the White House to unfreeze federal funding in exchange for them considering a few noncontroversial nominees. However, President Trump smelled something fishy in the offer and told the Republicans to steer clear of what he believes is nothing short of political extortion. Schumer, for his part, seems to be juggling pressure from his own party’s more radical elements, who likely see more give in Schumer’s negotiations than a slinky on parade.
The back-and-forth name-calling seems to have devolved into Trump being accused of tossing away negotiations like a chef unsatisfied with his omelet. Schumer took to the cameras to paint Trump as throwing a political temper tantrum and then retreating into his tower of ego to sulk until after recess. The drama is real, folks. One might say if this is “The Art of the Deal,” maybe they’re reading the wrong version.
Amid this vaudeville act of blame and finger-pointing, there’s the dreary fact that Senate decorum is having its own version of “American Breakdown.” The obstruction in place isn’t merely seen as an annoying political tactic; it’s also been branded historic, unprecedented, and as attention-grabbing as a grand piano plummeting from the sky. There’s even talk of changing Senate rules to speed up the snail-pace confirmations when they return. Oh, imagine, rules that work—what a concept!
Republicans and Democrats dancing around each other might make for great theater, but their encore of indecision keeps nominees in limbo, important positions unfilled, and citizens left wondering why Senators are more dedicated to perfecting their tan lines than their negotiation skills. It’s clear that while the Senators are off lounging by some pool, the temperature of political obstruction remains stubbornly hot in Washington. Perhaps the only thing that truly could cool it down is an iced-over hell—but don’t hold your breath waiting for that forecast.
