A Republic if You Can Keep It

 The ongoing political strife between the two major parties in the United States has led to a breakdown of trust and governance, evidenced by recent government shutdowns and contentious redistricting efforts. This environment poses a significant risk to the stability of the American political system.

1. Government Shutdown Impact: A recent 50-day shutdown, initiated by Democrats, resulted in widespread disillusionment among voters toward both parties. Poll ratings for the president and Congress dropped significantly, reflecting public frustration over economic concerns like stalled paychecks and disrupted services.

2. Internal Party Divisions: Some Democrats who opposed the shutdown showed courage by breaking from party lines, prioritizing essential budget matters rather than playing political games, which ultimately harmed citizens.

3. Redistricting Problems: Efforts by political figures to ensure "fair" redistricting are often veiled attempts to create more advantageous districts for their party. This has led to further gerrymandering across states, increasing polarization and making voters believe the electoral system is unfair.

4. Judicial Nominations: The confirmation process for federal judges has turned contentious, particularly after the reduction of required Senate votes from 60 to 51. This change has allowed both parties to fill judgeships with more extreme candidates, further deepening partisan divides.

5. Escalating Partisanship: Both parties have resorted to politics over cooperation, resulting in a populace that becomes increasingly divided. Actions taken by one party are often met with hostility by the other, regardless of their merit.

The cycle of political maneuvering and escalating partisanship endangers the integrity of American governance. Leaders need to prioritize collaboration over combat to preserve the principles of democracy as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Senators exemplifying courage and bipartisanship are crucial to steering the country back on a path of cooperation and effective governance.

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/11/19/a_republic_if_you_can_keep_it_153547.html