Enforcing Party Discipline
If Republicans are too harsh on their members (like Delaware’s Rep. Mike Castle) for occasionally voting out of step with their party, are Democrats too
Jul 31, 2020132.8K Shares5.7M Views
If Republicans are too harsh on their members (like Delaware’s Rep. Mike Castle) for occasionally voting out of step with their party, are Democrats too lenient? In the wake of Republican soul searchingtoday over the loss of yet another stalwart GOP moderate, Politico notesthat on the other side of the aisle the threats of retribution leveled against the 34 House Democrats who voted against health care reform in March have entirely fizzled:
“„But five months later, the group of 34 has emerged from primary season not much worse for the wear. Every one of the 30 lawmakers who voted against the health care bill and is seeking another term won re-nomination.
Of course, Democrats’ laissez faire attitudes towards their candidates’ diversity of views is one of the reasons they were able to claim such a large majority in 2008, but the lack of an effective means of enforcing party discipline though effective primary challenges poses its own problems.
With no fallout for bucking their party on health care, wavering Democrats will likely experience few incentives to tow the line on other tough issues, like energy or immigration. There’s a fine line between promoting inclusiveness and enforcing orthodoxy, and it’s one with which both parties are evidently still struggling.
Dexter Cooke
Reviewer
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
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