What do we expect now?

[Kulindahr]

According to all the networks, Romney via concession speech, and Obama with a "let's all pull together" visionary victory speech, Obama doesn't have to move back to his fancy Chicago house and Romney won't be putting anything on the roof of his car for a move to the White House.

And according to all the numbers, Congress won't be much different.


So what do we expect now? Will Congress get its act together and actually govern? Will the Republicans heed Romney's call to work together to get things done? Or will it just be more of the same?

Now with reference to the past only to explain your position, how do you answer the question?


For my part, I'm hoping Obama grows a pair of balls and leans on the Republicans to actually deal with the economy and the deficit. I don't expect him to do the least thing to enhance liberty by toning down the police state, but I can hope anyway.

[JB3]

Nothing. Obama's win was too small for him to have a mandate, and republicans in congress don't care about the outcome. (though expect that to change before 2014) Further, if you look at the exit polls, Obama's base of support actually eroded significantly, so he won't try anything big during his second term.

Basically, the parties spent $6 billion dollars for an election that changed nothing at all.

[Luciant]

I don't think things will change in Washington. Both parties are fundamentally the same, despite the constant false hyperdrama our television soap operas convey.

[Rolyo85]

I have never bought the "both parties are the same". That they haven't changed from yesterday is of course true, but they DO change, and they ARE different. The GOP was NOT the party of the phobic religious right until a decade or two ago, and the Democrats were definitely NOT the pro-gay unicorns of today until a few short years ago. Let's not forget it was a Democrat president who allowed (if unenthusiastically) DOMA to happen.

That said, I like to be more optimistic. Sure, congress will keep acting like a malicious child, but in the end, half of their reason for obstructing the president - winning the election - is no longer valid. They still win if the Democrats don't look good, but I think this election WILL serve as a sobering slap on the cheek for at least some of them.

The GOP needs to change, and it will. Whether it will happen while this Congress is in place, or not, who knows? But I believe change will at least begin tentatively.

[Kulindahr]

I'm going to go out on a bit of a limb and say I expect we'll get a jobs bill for small businesses, probably just a rewrite of what the Republicans killed this time. It's something everyone wants, and if Obama will use the bully pulpit and really fire up the public about the issue, it will pass. Mostly it will pass, though, because the previous legislation he backed was Republican at heart, so it won't be hard to get Republican voters to lean on their congresscritters.

But for the budget... I have little hope.

[rareboy]

Hopefully Obama finds his balls...and doesn't govern like he's afraid of the mid-terms the way that the Party restricted him in the run-up to 2010 and of course 2012.

And now, hopefully on this board, we can start to have more respectful and meaningful discussions about US domestic and international affairs issues without the naked Obama hate, race baiting and mooting of ridiculous and disrespectful issues like birth certificates.

My expectation for the legislative branch?

More of the same. More of the bankrupt and corrupt shuffling around the Capitol....putting the nation's business behind their own venal lusts.

For the Judiciary?

Hopefully the opportunity for Obama to place an indelible imprint on the Court and save the US from the wrong headed, politically and religiously based interpretations by Scalia, Clarence and Alito.

[Jack Springer]

Does Obama own the economy now?

[rareboy]

No.

Obama and the Congress and the Senate and the private sector own the economy now.

[Jack Springer]

What I expected. No responsibility.

[maxpowr9]

It comes down to whether Boehner wants to play nice with Obama. I get the feeling that the GOP senators will be more willing to work across the aisle. I personally feel any more obstructionism by the GOP will just hurt them more and Democrats would make inroads to take back the house in 2014.

[rareboy]

What I expected. No responsibility.

No.

What you fail to accept. Shared responsibility.

No president 'owns' the economy of the USA. This has always been a ridiculous assumption that some people make on both the right and the left. The President just isn't all that powerful...as we've seen time and again as legislatures block and destroy bills that would benefit the greatest numbers of people.

The executive branch can provide direction, but as long as you continue to have pork barrelling legislators on both sides of the aisle refusing to give an inch....there is no way forward.

[chance1]

Hopefully Obama finds his balls...and doesn't govern like he's afraid of the mid-terms the way that the Party restricted him in the run-up to 2010 and of course 2012.

And now, hopefully on this board, we can start to have more respectful and meaningful discussions about US domestic and international affairs issues without the naked Obama hate, race baiting and mooting of ridiculous and disrespectful issues like birth certificates.

My expectation for the legislative branch?

More of the same. More of the bankrupt and corrupt shuffling around the Capitol....putting the nation's business behind their own venal lusts.

For the Judiciary?

Hopefully the opportunity for Obama to place an indelible imprint on the Court and save the US from the wrong headed, politically and religiously based interpretations by Scalia, Clarence and Alito.

Quoted for posterity

And absurdity

As it relates to CE+P

Obama hatred on CE+P is a myth past present and hopefully future

Despite the limp protestations by some

I would expect Republicans to show more willingness to trade revenue for costs

But the Pres. Should and will IMO set the tone

He should and will want accomplishments and good for the citizens not his base

Election is over

Time for real stuff

[eastofeden]

They publicly vowed to make him a one term President four years ago..this was the primary goal of the Repuks in Congress. Say NO to everything is certainly not going to work this time. They can minsinform and manipulate and lie to people all day long for the next four years but that didn't out didn't work out very well for them either the past four years.

Worst case scenario..they can also embody Einstein's definition of insanity...Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

I noticed in the last two weeks they were embracing and spreading the lie that they were "working with both sides of the aisile"...everyone from Mitt to Michelle Crazy Eyes Bachmann...it was a lie of course but for all of our sakes hopefully they meant it and indicates a new course of action. If they want to remain relevant they have no choice really.

[rareboy]

I expect a repeat of the last 2 years, with Congress continuing to be dysfunctional and the Obama administration continuing to not know how to manhandle the GOP, unless Congress switches hands in 2014.

at least Ginsberg won't be replaced by a conservative when she steps down from the bench.

Yes and thank God for that.

The real pity is that Scalia and Thomas are likely to still be in place 4 years from now.

[Jack Springer]

No.

What you fail to accept. Shared responsibility.

No president 'owns' the economy of the USA. This has always been a ridiculous assumption that some people make on both the right and the left. The President just isn't all that powerful...as we've seen time and again as legislatures block and destroy bills that would benefit the greatest numbers of people.

The executive branch can provide direction, but as long as you continue to have pork barrelling legislators on both sides of the aisle refusing to give an inch....there is no way forward.

Obama now has full responsibility. He has no choice but to lead now - if he's a real leader like most of you here say he is he'll be able to "control" both houses.

The ship goes up or down with him at the helm.

[rareboy]

Obama now has full responsibility. He has no choice but to lead now - if he's a real leader like most of you here say he is he'll be able to "control" both houses.

The ship goes up or down with him at the helm.

The President doesn't 'control' the Republican House. The Republicans do.

Even with Clinton, the most leaderly of presidents in the last 50 years....Newt Gingrich's Contract on America brought things to a virtual standstill.

We all will be looking to Obama to knock some sense into the House...but it isn't like he can have them rounded up and shut in a room with cigars, hookers and blow until they come to any agreement.

[Jack Springer]

What is this? It speaks of desperation... it has desperation written all over it. Obama has been trying to lead this country for 4 years and he had republicans spitting at his face preventing him from doing anything... filibustering anything he did. They wanted to make him a one term president and they failed MISERABLY. Obama has done an admirable job under the cruel circumstances pushed on him by republicans. Republicans are demoralized and fucked up enough right now... so Obama should do what Teddy Roosevelt did... speak softly and carry a big stick.

The republicans in the House better realize they have been messing with and manipulating this country long enough. That time is over.

The republicans thought they had the people on their side, but they were totally wrong! The people stuck behind the President even with unemployment still at where it is. That shows resolve... a resolve that hasn't been with the American people in decades. Probably not since FDR's time. Now Congress, lets get the republicans moving and see progress on both the budget and small jobs bills... because us over on the left really CARE about the ECONOMY.

We'll see, he has to perform now. Blame is not an option. Leaders lead no matter what the obstacle.

[Corny]

Students in Mississippi riot after hearing of Obama victory...sadly, I expect more of this.

I am saving this video for the moment when somebody mocks "riots" in the middle east for something stupid

[TX-Beau]

I have never bought the "both parties are the same". That they haven't changed from yesterday is of course true, but they DO change, and they ARE different. The GOP was NOT the party of the phobic religious right until a decade or two ago, and the Democrats were definitely NOT the pro-gay unicorns of today until a few short years ago. Let's not forget it was a Democrat president who allowed (if unenthusiastically) DOMA to happen.

In the past they have been far more similar, and the legacy of the wing-nut right is going to be this, one median party, one party obviously off the rails loon party screaming for the 12th century.

BTW you haven't updated your blog in ages, now might be a good time, something about marriage hate and all that perhaps?

[bankside]

It is evident that Obama was being punished in this election.

But was he being punished for failing to cave in to enough crazy teaparty demands? Or was he punished for failing to sweep away enough of the dipshit policies of Bush.

I agree with kulindahr. He needs to reach down and locate his testicles.

[loveguys72]

Unless this election produces a serious "come to Jesus" moment for the GOP, I think we'll continue to see more of the same for the next two years, anyway. The two parties will snipe at each other and nibble around the edges of the country's problems, taking only the action they absolutely must to stave off complete disaster.

I'd be delighted to be wrong.

[Kulindahr]

Well when non-stop filibustering is happening and republicans are making it their mission to prevent anything he does.

We've picked up Senate seats though so that may give us more sway.

Do we dare expect that Reid will have the balls to change the filibuster rules -- like require just 55 for closure?

[Centexfarmer]

Like the rest of my fellow Americans I woke up this morning to discover that nothing changed.

After BILLIONS of dollars spent campaigning, both by the candidates, Super PACS, special interest groups, and what have you, and nothing but talk, talk, talk from pundits and comedians, where almost right back were we started.

So where do we go from here?

Senate Republican Minority (And still in the minority!) Mitch McConnell said after the 2010 Mid Term elections that 'job one is to make sure that Obama is a one term President.'

It's clear that they failed in that objective.

In addition I've heard that there are close to half a dozen or so "Tea Party" Congresscritters that only got to serve one two year terms in that capacity.

Their "electorate" kicked them out.

Bonus, they won't be able to suck off the Government Teet that they squeal so much about; because benefits don't kick in until at least the sixth term or so.

So they'll have to go back to the Districts and get "real jobs."

I can't think of a downside, so it's a "Win/Win!" for the rest of us.

I'm sure that the "silver lining" from the "right" is that Obama can't run for a third term (though don't be surprised that some nut-job somewhere will suggest that's exactly what he's gunning for...think Bloomberg, or or Rudy "9/11" Giuliani as test cases.).

It ain't going to happen.

America, and Americans have some very serious issues facing us.

I'm think that that the National GOP will be doing some serious "soul searching" over the next days and weeks to come.

Obama is out in 2016 thanks to Republican Term Limits set forth in 1948.

If they expect to maintain a "majority in the house," or possibly even gain a "majority in the Senate" in 2014, they're going to have to make their case to the American public, and "birthers, illegal immigrants, gays, healthcare, and a woman's right to choose," isn't going to cut it.

Besides that, by the end of this year (provided that the Mayan's weren't following the Julian Calendar...they weren't...and the Zombie Apocalypse seems to be over), the "sequester" budget measures (the only "compromise" passed by Republicans...hoping that things would be different come November 6, 2012) are now a reality that our Congress must face.

I've just about come to the personal conclusion that there's not a single politician in Washington who won't put themselves before "party" or "Americans," and that if they want to keep their jobs they'll "compromise."

Of course there are going to be some who are willing to take that gamble, which means more of the same, and worse because the check is coming due.

Of course, I've always been wrong in the past.

[JB3]

His base of support eroded significantly? Not entirely. And significantly more minorities got out to vote. 4 million more Latinos, and 72% of all Latinos voted for Obama. This was a mandate enough for him to do what he needs.

He has no mandate. He better understand that or he's going to go down a very deep rabbit hole that will end well for no one. (and if I was a betting man, I would wager that Bill Clinton has already warned him of something to that effect)

[ReadyWithReadyWit]

I actually think there will be a divergence of policy by the president. I think on economic policy, he will be forced to move further to the right to actually get things done and... for better or worse... I think he is comfortable caving a bit in this regard. On social issues, I think he might start to show more signs of the "crazy liberal" most of us hope exists in him... this is especially true if the GOP continues its intransigence on the economy... he will want something to define his legacy and if it can't be the economy... it might as well be civil rights and health care. And, of course, he will nominate one or more respectable court justices that don't turn back the clock.

[maxpowr9]

At least for budget cuts, it has been stated that bipartisan support will be for raising the age of Medicare eligibility to 67. That's pretty much a no brainer.

[gewhite3]

If the Republicans are too bull-headed to learn from this election, do the right thing for the people of the USA, and work to compromise with the President and pass decent legislation, then I see another Democratic majority (maybe even a super majority) coming up in the House and Senate in 2014. On their current trajectory, the Republican party will fade into oblivion and for good reason.

I have to admit, I've done something this election I've never done before. I was so disgusted with Republicans as a whole that I went down my ballot and voted for anyone that was a Democrat........ I couldn't vote for anyone with that dreaded "R" next to their name, it made me sick to my stomach to even think about it. I didn't care how many years they had been in office, what kind of job they had done, nothing could make me vote for them. That's saying a lot..........because I have NEVER done that. I hope that changes between now and the next election.

[JayHawk]

I did not review the thread because after I started out it became the same talking points.

I have read a ton of analysis and even listened to the right wingers whip themselves on republican talk shows.

Kevin Yoder won an uncontested race in Kansas to return as the 3rd districts congressman. He said there WAS a great deal of hold out in the previous congress but he was told by every supporter he visited that he needs to go back to Washington and cooperate and he thinks his fellow democratic and republican cohorts have been told the same thing.

As far as what happens? I like this analogy. Over the last few decades America has played "throw out the bums" and this time America is saying grow the fuck up and play in the sand box together. Republicans still have the purse strings but the national message seems clear. Reform taxes, address the fiscal cliff and work together.

I think they will come to deal and if tax reform is involved (instead of calling it raising taxes) then you will see democrats willingly involved in entitlement reform. Lets face it folks now matter how much vitriol you spewed or received over the last few years we must face those issues and the country is almost evenly divided so we can either sit on our hands and die together or win together.

I think Obama needs to use that sort of tactic on both his party and the republican party.

If anyone has seen the 60 minutes interview of Reid and McConnell then it is easy to tell that BOTH sides need their asses spanked by the leader we just elected.

[chance1]

I was watching a little Fox News today- always good to keep an eye on the other side....one Republican moderate- they do exist, just not allowed to speak much...was saying the Repub party was trying to live like Mad Men in a Modern Family world....sums it up!

that's pretty fucking funny

another approach would be they're like Mad Men in A Walking Dead world

perhaps funnier

[Jack Springer]

Utter baloney. That's not true at all. Republicans are demoralized. The democrats are energized. I don't agree with that statement at all. It's easy to dismiss him and not having a mandate, but he clearly does. I am sure a good part of the republican party will want to negotiate and compromise now considering many of their people in the Senate were defeated.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/1...n_2089819.html

And good old Joe thinks otherwise... they have a mandate and they will pursue it.

Joe Biden is a walking idiot and an embarrassment to the country.

[bankside]

Do you expect the US has turned the corner?

I feel as though the US dipped it's toes in modernity during Bill Clinton's tenure, but then ran backwards to Bush Junior when it didn't have the courage to take the plunge. It seemed like Barack Obama's first term was the same kind of hesitant optimism, but that maybe the water still didn't suit them. With his reelection, I think Americans have finally decided to enjoy the modern world and make the best of it.

Even Republicans are saying they'll never be able to win another election pitting white people against brown people, straights against gays, christians against non-believers. I would be delighted if that's true.

[TX-Beau]

Well, Cheney spent 8 years ruling by fiat from an undisclosed location which when you think about it, does require some kind of evil genius - I always pictured him in some kind of evil super-fortress verbally fencing with James Bond.

[Rolyo85]

Y U Delete my pics? They were lovely

[Kulindahr]

I actually think there will be a divergence of policy by the president. I think on economic policy, he will be forced to move further to the right to actually get things done and... for better or worse... I think he is comfortable caving a bit in this regard. On social issues, I think he might start to show more signs of the "crazy liberal" most of us hope exists in him... this is especially true if the GOP continues its intransigence on the economy... he will want something to define his legacy and if it can't be the economy... it might as well be civil rights and health care. And, of course, he will nominate one or more respectable court justices that don't turn back the clock.

He already moved to the right. When the Republicans didn't budge, he moved farther to the right. He's been backing legislation that came from Republican sources, and the Republicans have been killing it -- including legislation they themselves wrote.

Caving to them will just destroy the gains that have been made. He should refuse to sign anything having to do with taxes that doesn't kill the Bush tax cuts and at the same time raise the individual exemption by $2k.

As far as respectable justices, I'd like to see him start doing that.

[Kulindahr]

Oh please... he's a fantastic Vice President and he destroyed Paul Ryan in the debate. He's the guy republicans love to hate for no reason. The real embarrassment got defeated last night... so much desperation...

I think Republicans hate Biden because he can be a good old boy while remaining a gentleman, and be just folks while retaining his brain -- and treat every last person he meets as a person.

[rareboy]

...And I see we're back.

Less than a day and we are stooping to 'Walking Dead' and trashing Biden.

It is going to be a long 4 years for some people.

[EastMed]

The first priority of President Obama is to resolve the so-called Fiscal Cliff and avoid sending the economy into a tailspin.
Will the Republicans cooperate? It's difficult to say. But they don't have a mandate to destroy the economy.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2...y-fiscal-cliff

[T-Rexx]

Joe Biden is a walking idiot and an embarrassment to the country.

Joe Biden is the reason president Obama finally came out in support of gay rights.

And he is the reason four (count 'em - FOUR!) states voted on Tuesday to support gay marriage.

You owe that man an enormous debt of gratitude.

[eastofeden]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/1...n_2088176.html

Students in Mississippi riot after hearing of Obama victory...sadly, I expect more of this.

From the artcile

that some students were heard shouting racial epithets about Obama and African Americans in general.

At least the racists have returned to owning their racism.

I grew tired of people who were openly and proudly racist for years suddently disavowing racism because Rush or Ann or Glennie or whatever pundit they were listening to told them they aren't racist and they began repeating it.

[Jack Springer]

Joe Biden is the reason president Obama finally came out in support of gay rights.

And he is the reason four (count 'em - FOUR!) states voted on Tuesday to support gay marriage.

You owe that man an enormous debt of gratitude.

Correction: Biden's gaffe was the reason Obama evolved about gay marriage.

[T-Rexx]

Correction: Biden's gaffe was the reason Obama evolved about gay marriage.

That's exactly my point. You owe that man a huge debt of gratitude. His "gaffe" (where he "accidentally" revealed his support of gay rights) is probably the reason four states have now supported your right to marry.

You seem to have a penchant, jack, for attacking those who have helped you beyond measure. You call him an "idiot" and an "embarrassment" because he has done so much good for you personally, for gays in particular, and for the nation in general.

[Jack Springer]

Overall though, the man is an idiot. Very unstable. The city fool.

[bankside]

...And I see we're back.

Less than a day and we are stooping to 'Walking Dead' and trashing Biden.

It is going to be a long 4 years for some people.

May it be a long 12 years.

[Rolyo85]

Overall though, the man is an idiot. Very unstable. The city fool.

If you don't see how calculated his behavior is, sir, I'd say you're blind.

[JayHawk]

...And I see we're back.

Less than a day and we are stooping to 'Walking Dead' and trashing Biden.

It is going to be a long 4 years for some people.

Fortunately the main stream of the republican party feels it has done no wrong either or that going to the middle was a mistake. I suspect unless something changes significantly they will put up another completely unqualified stark raving manipulative liar in 2016 as well. Many continue to blame the "folks with their hands out" and claim that the users outnumber the smart diligent republicans.

We can only hope they keep that attitude and fail to get behind anything resembling a national candidate. Just more loss and obscurity for that party until they change their mindset.

[bankside]

Fortunately the main stream of the republican party feels it has done no wrong either or that going to the middle was a mistake. I suspect unless something changes significantly they will put up another completely unqualified stark raving manipulative liar in 2016 as well. Many continue to blame the "folks with their hands out" and claim that the users outnumber the smart diligent republicans.

We can only hope they keep that attitude and fail to get behind anything resembling a national candidate. Just more loss and obscurity for that party until they change their mindset.

So the choice facing Republicans is,

• Continue to fail whilst waiting for Americans to "just wake up and see what's really going on!!!!!!!!!!!11!!!!1!!!one!!!!" or
• Become Democrats in their political attitudes, values, and policies.

[JayHawk]

No not become democrats. Not in the least. Honestly if there were a substantial conservative party that did not believe I was less than human or that women should thank god when raped then i might vote for them again..... might.

If you recall Obama kept the Bush financial team and Fed and he kept the Secretary of Defense. There are things long standing democrats are simply not qualified to do for this nation. However the republican party is voting off hate vice a new path.

I think they will either evolve or a libertarian party will begin to eclipse them as a party....

[bankside]

No not become democrats. Not in the least. Honestly if there were a substantial conservative party that did not believe I was less than human or that women should thank god when raped then i might vote for them again..... might.

If you recall Obama kept the Bush financial team and Fed and he kept the Secretary of Defense. There are things long standing democrats are simply not qualified to do for this nation. However the republican party is voting off hate vice a new path.

I think they will either evolve or a libertarian party will begin to eclipse them as a party....

If the parties agree on what a secretary of defence should look like, how does that make Democrats any more or less qualified than Republicans on defence issues? And don't forget that Obama was more or less consulted in the proposed handling of the 2008/2009 financial crisis; he owns the economic decisions to begin intervention as much as the Republicans do.

And don't forget the Democrats with decades of skillful economic acumen going back to Clinton's days when the economy was growing robustly and the budget was actually balancing… I'm hard-pressed to think of anything that Republicans can do better for your country than Democrats, other than blame women for failing to appreciate the gift of rape babies and blaming gays for causing hurricanes. (We get a pass on global warming though).

I guess what I'm wondering is, how would "a substantial conservative party," that would deserve a shot at power, differ from "a substantial Democratic party" other than in their attitudes towards the rest of humanity?

[T-Rexx]

Overall though, the man is an idiot. Very unstable. The city fool.

The man is "an idiot" because he supports what is right.

He is "unstable" because he brings what is right to public discussion.

He is "the city fool" because he has done so much to make the lives of so many Americans so much better.


Would that I could be so idiotic, unstable, and foolish. What America desperately needs is more of these qualities that Republicans despise and mock.

[palbert]

I expect a more involved -- and public -- Mormon Church.