Post Policy Party

 No matter how big the tent, each party has traditionally had an inner sanctum of revered principles.  For Republicans, these were limited government, reducing the national debt, strong defense,  and strident opposition to China and Russia as communist states.  But, after birthing an abomination, the GOP has postpartum regression.

A party toppling Liz Cheney from leadership has no core.  Cheney rests securely on the bedrock of conservatism, with high grades from the American Conservative Union, and the Heritage Action Group.

Cheney voted with Trump 92% of the time, her likely successor, Elise Stefanik, sided with him on only 77% of her votes.  But Elise is unctuous in her praise of the former president, Cheney, not so much.

The lack of policy is echoed by the GOP Senate Leader.  Mitch McConnell told reporters that, "one hundred per cent of my focus is on stopping this new administration."  Blind, unyielding opposition is not a system of beliefs.  Republicans offer no competing vision.  

America deserves better.

The Syllable Diet

Republicans are eating their words.  Although not losing weight, they are losing gravitas, over Justice Garland.  Orrin Hatch double dared Obama to appoint Judge Garland.  "[Obama] could easily name Merrick Garland, who is a fine man."  But the Hatch is closed to even meeting with Merrick.

The party of strict construction of the Constitution is now regurgitating new words into the sacred document.  Neither the President's duty to appoint justices, nor the Senate's duty of advice and consent expire in the last year of a presidency.  But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he will neither allow hearings nor a vote on the Garland nomination.  His rationale is that the people should be allowed to decide.

If Hillary wins, and perhaps the Democrats take the Senate, will Republicans also eat those words by filibustering her nominee for the Supreme Court?