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Randolph Carter's avatar

I'll go back and read the referenced piece about the previous poll, but how is "a strong skepticism of society’s elites" something to be concerned about? It sounds like one of the founding principles of our country, along with a strong skepticism of the masses - hence our Republican form of government that seeks to restrain both elite and mass enthusiasms that threaten to trample on individual rights.

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Harley "Griff" Lofton's avatar

I expect to see Harris issue the average number of executive orders depending on the composition of the House and Senate.

If, as I expect, she will have a Republican House and Senate there is every reason to believe the only way in which she will have any authority will be through executive orders and the veto. If Republicans waste less time on meaningless performative investigations and more time reasserting Congress as a coequal branch of government they could significantly cut back on executive power.

Further now is the time to challenge the legality of "signing statements" on bills sent to the President. It is an attempt to usurp the power of Congress to legislate and the Courts to interpret the meaning and Constitutionality of laws.

While the SCOTUS has radically expanded the concept of executive immunity for Trump I am certain that given the opportunity they will also be eager to restrain executive power where it infringes upon legislative prerogatives. Depending, of course, on the party of the incumbent and the partisan composition of Congress.

If Harris has a Democratic majority in both houses (depending of the fate of the filibuster) the perceived need for executive action will be less. If Congressional majorities are divided then the perceived need increases.

I say perceived need because these are essentially political actions meant to signal messages to the political base of the executive and not in response to an emergency or as a temporary action until Congress can act.

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