Unless they manage to do something so skull-hammeringly stupid that voters decide to stick with Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections, Republicans are poised to retake the House and possibly even the Senate. The Democrats seem to have done their level best to throw their political opposition a bone by being wrong on nearly every issue Americans care about. But what will happen after the GOP is back in control of Congress? The answer to this question will determine whether the Republicans will enjoy a long-term victory or just a way to stop President Joe Biden from getting his way.
In January, Republicans seemed to be at odds over what they should prioritize once they have one or both chambers of Congress. Some are looking at ways to collaborate with President Biden to address issues like trade, energy, the economy, and others. Some GOP lawmakers seem more focused on stepping up efforts to own the libs.
Of course, former President Donald Trump is looming large in the background and his shadow will likely touch everyone involved, especially those focused on preparing for 2024. He remains a vocal critic of the establishment and is pushing hard to get “America First” candidates elected to Congress. Everything occurring in the legislature will be done with an eye on Mar-A-Lago.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) declared a sweeping agenda for Republicans after they win in November. During an appearance on Fox News, he said the GOP sees the midterms as an “opportunity” to “change the course of where America is today.”
McCarthy explained that the GOP is mulling “narrow solutions” to issues like energy independence, inflation, crime, and the border crisis. The conversation took place as the House Republican Issues Conference began on Wednesday where Republican lawmakers are expected to unveil their “commitment to America” so that the public “knows exactly what we’ll do if we are fortunate enough to become the majority,” according to the minority leader.
“Our party is unified based on these Democrat policies that have created so much damage to America,” McCarthy said.
He continued:
“If they are concerned about rising prices, we have a plan to stop that. If they are concerned about gasoline, we can make America energy independent. If they’re concerned about their border not being secured, we can secure it. If they are concerned about parents not having a say in their kids’ education, we believe they have a right to that. If they’re concerned about the weakness from the White House, we believe in peace through strength.”
In a nod to the base, McCarthy reaffirmed his commitment to launching multiple investigations into the Biden administration. “We will investigate where the administration will not,” McCarthy declared. “What is the origin of COVID? Why did decisions get made in Afghanistan to pull out in a way that gave us 13 new Gold Star families? Why did the attorney general start investigating parents who go to school board meetings and call them terrorists?”
This all sounds wonderful, but we have heard this particular song before, haven’t we?
Republicans have always made soaring promises to win the support of conservative voters only to sit on their hands when they get to Washington. It can be expected that they won’t get much done with Biden in the White House and Democrats in Congress hindering the agenda. But perhaps they could take this time to focus on issues that have bipartisan support while ensuring the far-left agenda remains dead in the water.
There is also the risk that the “own the libs” faction of the party might divert from important issues by putting on their usual theatrics designed to give the appearance of fighting the left while they are only seeking to receive more attention and clicks. Sure, it might be entertaining, but if we are more focused on what Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) said about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and vice versa, it will be easier for those lawmakers who are only in D.C. to enrich themselves instead of truly fighting for their constituents.
This is one of the reasons why primary season is so important. Conservative voters have been trapped in this cycle for decades. Republican candidates promise one thing during the campaign and then do another after being elected. Then we complain about it.
Wash, rinse, repeat.
If we truly want to see an end to this cycle, we have to pay more attention to what folks who are supposedly on our side are doing. We have to be willing to show up at the polls to hold them accountable. Otherwise, it won’t matter if the GOP retakes Congress. We will see only more of the same.
