The Congressional Election in the U.S

[Pandora]

As Iam sure that many of you already know, there was recently an election in the United States. This election determined who would have the majority in the Congress.
The result of this election was that president George W Bush suffered a major setback. The Republican party lost their majority in both chambers, this was an outcome that suprised many. That the Democrats would gain control of the House of Representatives was perhaps not so suprising, but that they would obatin a majority in the senate as well certainly was.
How dou you think that the outcome of this election will affect U.S foreign policy? Personally i believe that they will have to reconsider their role in Iraq pretty quickly, as it currently costs more than it gains.
In October alone nearly 2000 american soldiers were killed in action in Iraq, when this came out the result of course was massive protests led by relatives of these soldiers.
It is believed that the reason why the Republicans did so poorly in the election, was that these relatives were given too much room in the media.
Another area were i think that drastic changes need to occur is the environmental. The U.S need to sign the Kyoto protocol and do everything in their power to reduce their co2 emissions into our planets atmosphere.

Do you have any other areas were you think that we will see a change in U.S foreign policy as a result of this election, or do you think that things will remain as they are now?
Personally i think that this is an interesting area to discuss, and i hope that this will contribute to do just that.

[Farnan]

In October alone nearly 2000 american soldiers were killed in action in Iraq, when this came out the result of course was massive protests led by relatives of these soldiers.

Uhh... no, I don't know where you got the number 2000, but it is definately incorrect. There has been a total (I got this number from an Anti-war site) of 2868 American soldiers killed during the entire war.

[Pandora]

I actually read it in a newspaper, so i assumed it was correct

But if iam wrong iam willing to admit it of course

[Farnan]

I actually read it in a newspaper, so i assumed it was correct

Sorry, but that newspaper was incorrect, unless it meant Iraqis. In October, around 2,700 Iraqis were killed.

[Pandora]

ok fine, what about my other questions? do you have any thoughts about them?

[DefenderofFreedom]

The Democrat controlled congress won't mean much as far as Iraq go, even though the Democrats say to be the "Change" while running, but that was only to get elected. However, I believe the new Secretary of defense will have the best chance at working to improve the situation in Iraq (though the dems will take any successes achieved and claim them as their own.)
So, will the Dems have any effect on Iraq? Nope.

[Last Roman]

So, will the Dems have any effect on Iraq? Nope.

Or at least not a large one. My guess? They'll try to get more help from abroad.

[General_Curtis_LeMay]

Yo brothers,
The US will be for the next 2 years a do nothing country. W. will NEVER sign Kyoto, and there are 51 democrats on the szenate, (out of 100) hardly the 66 that it takes to overide the President's veto, if there is any envirnmental legislation signed in the next two years, it will be compromised at best, and unaccomploshing at worst.
In so far as Iraq is conserned, there is no way that the Dems will be able to pull us out of Iraq. 1: The constitution gives the congress virtualy no power in concern to the military. They will not be able to pass any legal legislation that will pull us out of Iraq unless they have W.'s signature (something they'll never get). Furthurmore, there are enogh Reps in both houses, that will now go in one direction, (seeings as they have no power) instead of 300 differant ways like they did when they were in power. This will cause the Dems a boatload of trouble because the Reps doubtlessly think that by not going with anything the DFems cook up will screw up the US, they'll be able to blame it on the Dems in '08.
Just something to think about.

[DefenderofFreedom]

Heh, most the Dems won because they said they could change what's going on... but hey, lieing is part of being a politician trying to advance your career.

[ForgottenImmortal]

Says somebody who supports the Republican party who's 109th Congress was one of the most corrupt congresses in American history. Not to mention the massive earmarkings that's rose unchecked under Bush's and Republican watch. Ignorance amuses me.

[Last Roman]

As most, if not all, of you know, the Democrats took both the house and senate of the US legislature a couple of weeks ago, the first time since '94 that they've had this much power in the congress. So, is the Republican Revolution (a national swing to the right that started in the 80's) officially over, or is this more of a reaction against recent events rather than a national move to the center-left?

[Dionysios II The Great]

Not knowing much about Americans expect their knowledge on Europe, i think it's because of the recent events, seeing most people hate Bush anyway...

[Erik]

Or have the Democrats moved further to the right to join up with the Republicans?

[Last Roman]

Or have the Democrats moved further to the right to join up with the Republicans?

The Democrats have been pretty middle of the road for the past decade or so.

[Erik]

The Democrats have been pretty middle of the road for the past decade or so.

Compared to what?
In Europe they would be considered far-right.

And don't you think the Democrats have moved to the right during the last 4 years or so?

In a two party system there is always a tendency for both parties to appeal to the average citizen, because that's the only way you can get a majority.
So if the average American has become more right-wing then it's logical for both parties to become more right-wing as well.

[Last Roman]

Compared to what?
In Europe they would be considered far-right.

Why would I compare it to a European party?

Republican Revolution... lol.

that's what it's been called for awhile.

[DefenderofFreedom]

Republican Revolution... lol.

lol, it amuses me too. Did I ever say Republicans can do more good than Dems? Im just saying that the Democrats were the better actors this time around (a much beter plot to go along with too).

[Farnan]

Hey, I merged these two threads since they are basically the same, except Last Roman's is a bit more specific...

[Big War Bird]

Another area were i think that drastic changes need to occur is the environmental. The U.S need to sign the Kyoto protocol and do everything in their power to reduce their co2 emissions into our planets atmosphere.

Do you have any other areas were you think that we will see a change in U.S foreign policy as a result of this election, or do you think that things will remain as they are now?
Personally i think that this is an interesting area to discuss, and i hope that this will contribute to do just that.

Kyoto is very unpopular with both republicans and democrats. Both parties see Kyoto as endangering Americans' jobs and business. When Bill Clinton signed it, he knew full well that it would never be approved, and indeed he never fought for it to be passed through Congress. He signed to be popular with Europe, that's it.

[Sétanta]

Good news for the Republicans. The Democrats have two years to screw up the country so that in 2008 they will get screwed over in the Presidental election.