longer.blue

Tara Setmayer: The Republican motion to bury the impeachment resolution in committee passed 211–204. A seven-vote margin. After voters delivered a stunning midterm repudiation of Trump’s chaos, corruption, and incompetence, Democrats somehow managed screw this up and hand Republicans an entirely avoidable victory. Talk about an epic self-own. Now, I’ve heard the arguments from people saying this vote wasn’t that big a deal. Democrats take control of the House in January. They’ll have subpoena power, committee gavels, and the ability to conduct a more thorough investigation into Hegseth’s incompetence and misconduct. Yes. I know. And that’s not the point! Politics isn’t just about what you can do three months from now. It’s also about the opportunities you seize TODAY to build momentum, establish credibility, and earn political capital. Think about what Democrats missed here…. Republican, Thomas Massie, introduced the articles of impeachment. Had Democrats defeated the GOP’s procedural maneuver, they could have put down a powerful bipartisan marker right now that Hegseth’s conduct warrants serious scrutiny. And when Republicans inevitably start screaming about a partisan witch hunt in January? Democrats could have pointed to this moment and said, Hold on. This effort started with a Republican. Accountability for Hegseth was bipartisan before we ever took control. That’s a pretty frickin useful argument to have in your back pocket! Instead, Republicans got to sideline the effort, Trump and Hegseth got to claim victory, and Democrats were left explaining why eleven of their members weren’t there to vote. (Remember, if you’re explaining you’re losing in politics!!!) Yes, some had (allegedly) legitimate reasons for being absent. Others reportedly got caught in traffic returning from a reception. And yes, Republican leadership was ruthless about closing the vote. But still…..ughhhh Seriously, what did you expect them to do? Roll out the red carpet? You count the votes. You get your people in the room. You SHOW UP. That’s how you demonstrate you’re ready to govern even before day one and you’re ready to kick ass and take names to hold people accountable. The American people just did their part at the ballot box. Democrats cannot afford to squander the political capital voters handed them before they’ve even taken power. Winning elections is only half the battle. Knowing how to wield political power is what comes next. With Jim Jordan, a career rabble rouser and obnoxious prick, as the Republican leader in the House, Dems better step it up. Because unforced errors like THIS is how you snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.