The "System"

Decentralization is the only realistic way of organization for the American political system. If there would be one large group presiding over each party in control of every aspect, nothing would get accomplished and most people’s interests wouldn’t be accounted for, thus leading to disapproval by the American people. It is similar to America’s Criminal Justice system, also decentralized. The workload in both systems would overwhelm a single body, so multiple groups come together w/ autonomy to create the “system” in America.

As witnessed w/ the September 11th attacks, coordination in the Criminal Justice system was difficult and at best “OK” before, after, and during the attacks. However, party cooperation at different levels w/in the decentralized political system I feel is pretty good. Often times the larger committees will fund candidates in local districts that they feel can swing to their advantage. They also stump for each other, endorse one and other, send staffers to help w/ other campaigns, etc. Parties are even able to quickly come together after bitter battles (e.g. Obama v. Hillary) for the betterment of the party.

W/ this last presidential election, the Democrats got the benefit of low self-esteem towards the GOP, thus propelling them to the White House and both chambers of Congress. While probably not to the extent of winning an election, this low self-esteem is what propels 3rd parties to success in elections normally dominated by the two major parties. All President Obama had to do was play to the center and associate the low approval of President Bush to the GOP and he was golden; which he did and easily won the presidency. However, even being the president doesn’t mean being in control of your respective party.

Because President Obama ran a national election he had to play to a broad range of people, often shifting from his liberal views more towards to the middle to garner votes. He also spoke often of bipartisanship, something that in office he is stressing his colleagues practice. On the other hand, someone who only has to appeal to their district constituents can show their true colors easier; someone such as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. She is only responsible to her people in California, and because liberal thought heavily outweighs conservative thought, she can use her office to play to that w/ national ramifications even though she wasn’t elected nationally. The current Stimulus bill is a prime example of this. She took charge and made it her bill, NOT President Obama’s. Therefore, she is clearly in charge of the party, not President Obama. Obviously this is only a single bill, but it has demonstrated how Pelsoi can flex her muscles and how President Obama is willing to step aside and let her.

As for the GOP, is there really anybody in charge right now?! Technically, Michael Steele is the chair of the RNC so himself, House Minority Leader John Boehner, or Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell should be the leader; but has any of them stepped up?! For the sake of the party, GOP faithful better hope one does, or perhaps a dark horse will come forward towards the next election such as Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.

Moving forward, hopefully President Obama can regain control of his party from the ideologues such as Pelosi and practice the bipartisanship he pledged. Otherwise American policy will drastically shift to the left and away from where a majority of people sit, the center.