I’m not particularly concerned that Paul Ryan will not be seeking re-election. I’m not particularly concerned that the lack of an incumbent may mean that his district is represented by a Democrat in the next Congress. It doesn’t particularly concern me that the Democrats may take the majority in the House or both the House and the Senate. It does concern me a little that Nancy Pelosi will probably become Speaker of a newly Democratic House. I thought she was a terrible Speaker but, then, I think that Ryan has been a pretty terrible Speaker, too.
What should concern Democrats is that the people who are happiest about Ryan’s announcement are those who are strongly pro-Trump. Also, don’t be surprised if the people who are most disappointed by a Democratic Congress are those in the Sanders wing of the party.
I agree. I think I’ve said before that given the stakes and current party composition, I much prefer divided government. However, I don’t much care if Pelosi remains speaker. Her success and effectiveness is an “it depends” question. I’m not a Democrat, but personally, I’d want someone who is younger and more interested in good governance.
BTW, I thought this video is a great insight into the power of the Speaker and how the sausage is made in the house:
https://youtu.be/cVkdlrINF_w
You’re right; it’s a good video but it doesn’t really explain just how powerful the Speaker is. The Speaker has complete, unchecked power over what comes to the floor of the House. If the Speaker doesn’t approve it, it doesn’t come to the floor. Period.
That, for example, is why I’ve said that the ACA completely reflected what the Democratic leadership wanted. If it hadn’t, it would never have come to the floor. They didn’t want single payer; they didn’t want any other alternative. They wanted that bill.