Progressives Demand Biden Be a Dictator and End-Run Manchin – Opinion

After the House Caucus meeting last night, the House progressives realized that no matter how much they tried to browbeat and otherwise intimidate Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and other potential holdouts, they weren’t just going to roll over and fall in line with their mammoth spending desires. Manchin has made clear that he’s not changing his mind.

The progressives have now issued a statement calling on Joe Biden to act by executive action and impose his (their) will on Americans — even if the Congress wouldn’t pass what the Democrats want. Can we call that an “attack on democracy”? It’s a term they like to use, but it doesn’t sound right when they insist that everything be done as their wish without passing any legislation.

“Today, the elected leadership of the Congressional Progressive Caucus is calling on the President and all Democrats who believe in the need to Build Back Better for climate, care, immigrants, and those seeking economic dignity and opportunity to come together and deliver for the American people. It requires a comprehensive approach across the entire government. In Congress, we will continue to prioritize a legislative path for Build Back Better, focused on taking the current text of the legislation passed by the House, keeping as much of it as possible — but no less than the elements contained in the framework negotiated by the President and committed to by Senators Manchin and Sinema some months ago. It is too late and far too difficult for us to quit now.

“In the meantime, the White House must continue to act on a parallel track by using the President’s incredibly powerful tool of executive action. The legislative approach, while essential, has no certainty of timing or results — and we simply cannot wait to deliver tangible relief to people that they can feel and will make a difference in their lives and livelihoods. Executive action, we believe, will be clear to all those opposing the legislative route and continuing to place obstacles in the way of its progress, and will assure them that both the White House, Democrats, and the United States will deliver immediate relief to people. A comprehensive plan of action will be released by the Progressive Caucus soon. It will focus immediately on measures that reduce costs and protect every American family in these times of rising Omicron cases.

“A whole-of-government approach to the crises facing the American people must also include taking federal action to protect the right to vote. Just as we cannot wait for a few Senators to deliver economic relief to our communities, we cannot wait for them to deliver relief from the rampant voter suppression and denial of the people’s constitutional rights. The determination shown by our Senate colleagues in achieving this high priority is encouraging. Progressives remain determined to see it through.

They say they’re going to detail a list of things for Biden to do by executive action.

We can’t wait to act for the Constitution or proper process, they’re saying, because we want what we want and we demand Biden give it to us. If other members have more sense, they might be able to change the law. Do you know what that’s called, progressives? That’s called the legislative process, and if you can’t get it that way, you’re not supposed to get it. The president isn’t supposed to make law; that’s not the way the system works. Democrats try to make the system a pretzel.

Jen Psaki (White House Press Secretary) spoke out about the issue. Basically that they’re all on board with this — and that they would try to do it if they can.

“We have used executive authority and executive action for a range of steps to make a range of progress and the president has not hesitated to do that. The benefit of legislation is obviously it makes it permanent,” she said. “So there’s a lot of value in that.”

Now they can say that, but they also need to figure out where to get money to try to fund things, because again, that’s Congress’ purview. Biden’s efforts would be likely to be challenged before the courts. So, it’s not as easy as it might sound. But they also have shown they don’t care much about the law or what is proper. Be prepared, however.