Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Ol Janx Spirit

(345 posts)
3. I worry that a lot of people think Democrats have the power to do this and just aren't because they are weak.
Thu Jul 10, 2025, 10:32 AM
Jul 10

That's not the case. Democrats in Congress do not have the power to initiate official hearings being in the minority. If they can win in the mid-terms next year they will have that power again--but that is a long way off.

Democrats have held a few "shadow hearings" that have the look of official proceedings--but they aren't. They can get friendly voices to show up and "testify," but they do not have the weight of official hearings--and they can't compel anyone that doesn't want to speak to do so. They are essentially press conferences dressed to look like official proceedings.

State officials have very limited power to compel federal officials to testify even in court cases due to the Supremacy Clause, so individual states run by Democrats would also have a very difficult time compelling any testimony unless they can show that crimes were committed--and even then it would be a tough time-consuming exercise.

Elections have consequences, and this is one of those. Democrats have never gotten the memo that voting is about more than just who sits in a chair in the Oval Office or a congressional office. From what bills make it to the floor for a vote; to what hearings are called; to approving Supreme Court justices and federal judges; to policies like the horrific ones ICE are carrying out now: a vote means so much more than just being a popularity contest.

Recommendations

12 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

The problem with that is Mossfern Jul 10 #1
This is why we need to call on "citizens" and not Dems to do this. Then the people might listen. efhmc Jul 10 #2
I worry that a lot of people think Democrats have the power to do this and just aren't because they are weak. Ol Janx Spirit Jul 10 #3
100% true, yet they are carrying on business as usual. THAT Is why they look weak. Bluetus Jul 10 #4
This!!! calimary Jul 10 #6
I totally agree with all of that. I just don't want people to be under the false impression that... Ol Janx Spirit Jul 10 #12
I think we are all in "violent agreement" :) Bluetus Jul 10 #15
And who is going to fund these rallies, town halls, etc? The Dems do not have the deep pockets that Reps have. Sogo Jul 10 #17
An excellent question. Bluetus Jul 10 #18
The laws to know are purple_haze Jul 10 #5
I had to look 'em up. calimary Jul 10 #8
Exactly purple_haze Jul 10 #9
Seems less like pontification and more like discussion Torchlight Jul 10 #13
not really purple_haze Jul 10 #14
That will take gumption. nt Hotler Jul 10 #7
A little past time, IMO. republianmushroom Jul 10 #10
How Much Does trump Have To Destroy Mr.Bee Jul 10 #11
Democrats already have, but since the voters gave them absolutely no actual political power, their "calls" mean nothing. W_HAMILTON Jul 10 #16
That is because most of those calls are coming Bluetus Jul 10 #19
And there is no power outside. W_HAMILTON Jul 11 #22
How would we know? Bluetus Jul 11 #23
You just mentioned exactly why. W_HAMILTON Jul 11 #24
Conventional Dem attitude "when it actually mattered" Bluetus Jul 11 #25
Strawman. No one is saying to just focus on the 90-days before the election. W_HAMILTON Jul 11 #26
You realize that congressional Democrats literally do not have the power to do this? tritsofme Jul 10 #20
"Why don't Democrats stop ____ ?" "Democrats should ____ ." Pretend they have vast supernatural powers they betsuni Jul 10 #21
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»It is high time for democ...»Reply #3