Democrats likely to face difficulties with agenda - CREW

This may well be true. A slim majority is not going to be enough to do all that needs to be done, and done quickly. Time is not on anyone's side.

However, it seems that it is our job, as citizens and voters, to make life a living burning hell for obstructionists in the minority, and if they fail to cooperate for two years, make them even more of a minority in 2008. It isn't as if they have nothing to lose. They do. Things could get much worse for them.

Democrats likely to face difficulties with agenda - CREW:


WASHINGTON — When the 110th Congress convenes Thursday, it will be a historic moment as the Republican Party turns the gavel over to Democrats in both the House and the Senate and the first woman takes her place as House speaker.

That moment will mark a shift in the balance of power in Washington as President Bush's authority diminishes and Democrats attempt to hold him accountable for his administration's actions. No longer will Bush be able to control the legislative branch, telling Republican leaders what to do while generally getting his way.

But after the pageantry and the pomp of swearing in newly elected members, Democrats may find it's downhill from there as they struggle to enact laws, not just pass bills.

'I don't think the 110th Congress is going to be very productive,' said Stephen Hess of the Brookings Institution. 'If you thought the 109th was down the drain, wait till you see this.'

Boston University historian Julian Zelizer said the midterm election results are unlikely to alter the dynamics in Congress. January 2, 2007