He Never Learns
Obama
stands alone, alas.
Dec 1, 2014, Vol. 20, No. 12 • By FRED BARNES
There’s a lesson from President
Obama’s first term that he should have learned long ago. It’s simple: On an
issue that affects many millions of Americans, it’s best—even necessary—to have
bipartisan support in Congress. Going forward in a purely partisan fashion is
bound to cause national discord, increase polarization, and heighten distrust
in Washington. Worse still, it means the issue will be controversial for years
to come.
Obamacare becomes law, March 2010:
Count the Republicans.
The enduring unpopularity of
Obamacare—indeed, the Republican commitment to repeal it—is an example of what
can happen when bipartisanship is spurned. In this case, Obama and
congressional Democrats made no effort to attract Republicans. They declined to
compromise, offering Republicans zilch. They were mesmerized by their huge
majorities in the Senate and House.
Now they own Obamacare, including
all its troubles. Republicans own none. And the health care law lacks full
legitimacy. Four years after it was enacted, Democrats are still suffering
politically. For them, Obamacare is a drag.
The same is likely to occur with
Obama’s executive amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants. It is doubly
doomed to be regarded as illegitimate—first, because it stretches presidential
authority beyond the breaking point, and second, because it has no bipartisan
backing. Obama’s action is supported by many (but not all) Democrats in
Congress but zero Republicans.
The president should have known
better. In 2009 and 2010, Democrats dominated the Senate and House. To pass
Obamacare, legislative maneuvering was required, but not Republican votes. So
they didn’t recruit any. The upshot: Opposition to Obamacare is a thorn in the
side of Democrats and will continue to be.
