#senator feinstein

Do you have any thoughts on her situation now, like maybe should she have retired last time?

I think that the Senate's Democratic leaders very quietly and very respectfully urged Senator Feinstein to pass up the opportunity to become President Pro Tempore. I don't have any inside knowledge and haven't heard any specific rumors, but I'm guessing that the more powerful Democratic leaders in Congress and in San Francisco made it clear that if she was going to remain in the Senate and attempt to finish her term, she'd have to pass on being President Pro Tempore and step aside and let Senator Durbin become the chairman of the Judiciary Committee. If she had insisted on taking advantage of her seniority and hadn't stepped aside from the leadership positions, I imagine that there would be a lot more leading Democratic members of Congress calling for her resignation.

Senator Feinstein has had a legendary career in California politics, so it's sad to have to suggest that she give up a job that she's spent decades serving the country in. But I do think that she should have retired and not sought reelection to the Senate in 2018. It's really unfortunate to have to say it, but I think she's clearly diminished and the stories about her mental acuity are very troubling -- and a lot of those stories are coming from her friends and supporters on Capitol Hill. With the balance of power in the Senate being so narrow, I think she should resign now and let Governor Newsom appoint a replacement. On the rare occasions where she's attempted to answer questions from the press over the past few months, it's been obvious that she is very easily confused and clearly having at least some form of short-term memory issues. It's a tough situation personally and politically, and it would be unfortunate for this last part of her career to be how she is remembered.

Background

In 2018, Californians elected Democrat Gavin Newsom as their new governor in a landslide, with a record high number of almost eight million votes in his favor. He won 62% of the vote, the biggest victory in a gubernatorial race in California since 1950 and the biggest victory for a non-incumbent since 1930.

Balance of Power

Since the 2020 election, Democrats have held a razor-thin majority in the U.S. Senate. The chamber is split evenly, 50-50, but in the event of a tie Vice President Kamala Harris casts the deciding vote. A loss of even one single Democratic Senator, however, would shift the balance of power back to the Republicans and reinstate Mitch McConnell as Senate Majority Leader.

The oldest sitting senator is California Democrat Dianne Feinstein. She is 88. In California, when a U.S. senator retires or is otherwise unable to continue serving, the governor unilaterally selects a replacement, with no input from the voters or the legislature.

Recall Election

Coincidentally, this year Republicans have mounted a campaign to recall Gov. Newsom. Prominent Republicans nationwide, who have nothing to do with California, have nevertheless been vocal proponents of the recall. They hope to replace Newsom with a Republican--any Republican--who will appoint a Republican Senator to replace Feinstein should a replacement become necessary.

The recall election is today.

“We will be working with Senator Feinstein’s team to ensure that any additional infringing contributions are returned in order to ensure the Senator remains in good standing with the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.

She blew it, and she knows it. She was smug and condescending. I’ll bet that she regrets how this episode evolved, and wants a do-over.

Her approach to the kids is emblematic of the reasons why so many younger people have serious problems with the “establishment” component of the Democratic Party.

I’m sure she isn’t going to support the Green New Deal, regardless of do-overs, excuses, praise for children, etc. Her attitude mirrors that of Nancy Pelosi last week, when Pelosi pissed on the Green New Deal, gently of course. Yet, from a practicality perspective, these two women are probably closer to where we will end up politically with this than are the progressives. Too bad, but reality.

I like Senator Feinstein, mostly. She is a fierce supporter and proponent of protecting public lands and protecting the environment. She will compromise, but only if the compromise doesn’t destroy her core policy positions.

Here’s the video. If you go to about 1:15, you’ll get to the start of the hallway conversation Senator Feinstein had with the kids and the adults with them:

Episode 7 of Extra ClothesPins! Here are the links and shit mentioned in today’s episode:

Healthcare.gov

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Senator Feinstein’s bill

Senator Feinstein’s press release stating opposition to the Muslim ban