When Democrats are in charge Republicans mount effective resistance to liberal reforms; when Republicans are in charge they can do whatever bullshit they want because “you didn’t vote for the dems: this is how democracy works!!”. An example from this year in the House:
This week [i.e., January 16th 2026], the House passed H.R. 7006. While framed as a standard appropriations measure, it advances core elements of Donald Trump’s extremist agenda—especially on abortion, public health, and foreign policy. Worst of all, 153 Democrats joined Republicans to pass it. The House passed H.R. 7006 in the same week the Senate rejected extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy support—setting millions up for higher premiums. Meanwhile, this bill offers no material relief for working families while entrenching ideological restrictions and harmful priorities.
Democrats folded on the government shutdown, we got nothing for it, and now they’re rolling over again. Democrats also have a rotating set of scapegoats who will vote yes on Republican-lead bills:
A small band of moderate House Democrats teamed with Republicans on Thursday to pass a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, overcoming a revolt by most Democrats furious about ICE’s aggressive operations in Minneapolis and other U.S. cities.
The vote was 220-207, with seven Democrats breaking with their party and voting yes. The House also passed a separate package of bills to fund other federal agencies in a broad, bipartisan vote in a bid to avert a partial government shutdown on Jan. 31. …House Republicans were in a celebratory mood after the vote, and aides were seen taking Champagne bottles to a private room just off the chamber floor… Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., flanked by GOP colleagues, said at a news conference after the vote. “The House has now passed all 12 appropriations bills, the Senate will soon do the same, and the president is going to sign them into law — what a concept.”…
This is largely because Democrats haven’t had a majority capable of passing without at least a couple decenting Republicans for a long time and Republicans are very very very good at keeping the party in line.
Now should Democrats play the same game? Perhaps you could argue it’s a moral failing not to but I think a lot truely believe in freedom of the vote much more that Republicans do. However I will admit it’s disheartening to see it so repeatedly abused.
When Democrats are in charge Republicans mount effective resistance to liberal reforms; when Republicans are in charge they can do whatever bullshit they want because “you didn’t vote for the dems: this is how democracy works!!”. An example from this year in the House:
Source: 153 Democrats Vote Yes to Pass H.R. 7006
Democrats folded on the government shutdown, we got nothing for it, and now they’re rolling over again. Democrats also have a rotating set of scapegoats who will vote yes on Republican-lead bills:
Source: House passes sprawling spending package as Democrats split over ICE funding.
“There’s nothing we can do!” They cry, as they vote to further the Republican agenda.
This is largely because Democrats haven’t had a majority capable of passing without at least a couple decenting Republicans for a long time and Republicans are very very very good at keeping the party in line.
Now should Democrats play the same game? Perhaps you could argue it’s a moral failing not to but I think a lot truely believe in freedom of the vote much more that Republicans do. However I will admit it’s disheartening to see it so repeatedly abused.