Two To Tango

(Two To Tango)

Negotiations are by definition including two parties. Each side has their own conditions and has the limits on what they can accept. However, if only one side actually participates, and is able to unilaterally set terms, then the party that eschewed its portion, has to necessarily adapt to what was previously released. Except, apparently if one is President Biden.


The Republican House, due in large part to Speaker McCarthy, has developed a plan to raise the debt ceiling while at the same time, cut spending and limit federal budget growth to one percent annually. Covid funds would be re-directed.  A work requirement is added. The debt ceiling itself would be increased by $1.7 trillion but that is now in the context of the cuts the Bill is contemplating. So, what is the President's plan ?


For his part, Biden has not even met with the Speaker since last February much less offer any counter proposals. In true Biden fashion, he is railing against what he is calling "MAGA Republicans." That would seem to be his position on everything that is opposed to his direction. In the President's world, the debt is not a crisis. Just like the border is not a crisis. Fentanyl is not a crisis. China is not a crisis. And so on.


Therefore, in his mind at least, Biden does not feel he has to compromise. And of course there are those who would burn the President, at least in effigy, if any approach were to be made towards the Speaker. Along with everything else, Biden has just announced another Executive Order, this time regulating power stations. What could possibly be outlawed next. Log fires ?


Standing in his way is the House Republican Conference, and the debt ceiling measure will be only a single portion, Gradually, as cases arise, Republicans will do their part in curbing the President's "Green" ambitions. This is what happens when one is not at the table/

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