The first lesson may be the most jarring because American politics is typically portrayed as a principled battle between two ideologically divided parties. But as the Export-Import Bank debate proves, money often trumps those purported principles to the point that parties will suddenly trade ideologies based on their perception of short-term interests. In this case, the Republicans see an opportunity to humiliate Obama, and so they are momentarily ignoring their business benefactors who benefit from taxpayer subsidies. Meanwhile, Democrats are dropping their populist platitudes in favor of a chance to attract fundraising support from GOP-leaning business interests. As New Yorks Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer told National Journal about his efforts to use the Export-Import debate to court cash from the Chamber of Commerce: Ive said this to [chamber President] Tom Donohue and others: In many ways mainstream Democrats are closer to you than many Republicans. But, then, as dizzying as all these opportunistic partisan shifts may be, what hasnt yet changed is the power dynamic. If in fact the Export-Import Bank debate ends up with the same results as years past (read: no reform), then it will be a reminder that the corporate lobby still calls the shots in a principle-free legislative arena. It will be a reminder, in other words, that Big Business is still able to shape party politics to make sure its permanent interests remain Washingtons permanent interests -- regardless of what is the best policy for the country as a whole.
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 14:38:37 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015