FIRST
There is no reason for Democrats to even talk to those who tried to overthrow the US government. That includes the two senators and over 100 congress men and women.
This also includes anyone who is directly involved in the January 6th attack, specifically those who allowed their staff to give the traitors tours of the capitol the day before.
These people are an issue for law enforcement and the voters.
==========================================
WHICH REPUBLICANS DOES BIDEN NEED TO ACCOMPLISH HIS GOALS FOR THE FIRST 100 DAYS
The answer is "none". Almost everything important for the first 100 days involves the follow-up to the Executive Orders and further personnel and policy decisions.
The ONLY issue where Republicans could certainly help is on stimulus/COVID legislation. However, even this can be accomplished with zero Republican votes.
=====================
WORST CASE
We have a 2009 McConnell opposing everything. This is already not the case with regard to approving appointments. These votes haven't been close. However, if a compromise can't be reached and Biden acts alone, we will move to 2009 politics.
MIDDLE CASE
There is a small stimulus/COVID package passed and nothing else for many months, while the Democrats and Republicans decide their futures. In order to pass other legislation, Biden needs 10 Republican votes or to repeal the filibuster. Neither may be possible.
BEST CASE
There is a small stimulus/COVID package passed. AND, work begins in the committees on lots of other legislation. Basically, a group of 15 Republicans would join with 15 Democrats to negotiate on these new laws. Immigration is Biden's first priority here (after the stimulus package).
IN NO CASE
is it necessary or desirable to negotiate with Cruz and the House wingnuts.
THE MAJOR DECISIONS
1) What will McConnell do? How much power does he have? If he has 15 that will follow him, he can get a lot passed for the country that will also benefit those senators.
2) What will the Democratic leadership do if McConnell doesn't give them almost everything they request. Do the Democrats take the view of the left and push their agenda and refuse to work with Republicans on any meaningful compromise?
MY HOPE
is that McConnell can get 15 Republicans to commit to his leadership. Unfortunately, this could cause him to lose his title. I would expect Biden to insist on compromise and basically ignore the left within his party in order to pass legislation.
It is fine for the Senate to take up leftist legislation passed in the House. They deserve a vote. But, lets be clear, all but compromise legislation would be voted down.
There is no reason for Democrats to even talk to those who tried to overthrow the US government. That includes the two senators and over 100 congress men and women.
This also includes anyone who is directly involved in the January 6th attack, specifically those who allowed their staff to give the traitors tours of the capitol the day before.
These people are an issue for law enforcement and the voters.
==========================================
WHICH REPUBLICANS DOES BIDEN NEED TO ACCOMPLISH HIS GOALS FOR THE FIRST 100 DAYS
The answer is "none". Almost everything important for the first 100 days involves the follow-up to the Executive Orders and further personnel and policy decisions.
The ONLY issue where Republicans could certainly help is on stimulus/COVID legislation. However, even this can be accomplished with zero Republican votes.
=====================
WORST CASE
We have a 2009 McConnell opposing everything. This is already not the case with regard to approving appointments. These votes haven't been close. However, if a compromise can't be reached and Biden acts alone, we will move to 2009 politics.
MIDDLE CASE
There is a small stimulus/COVID package passed and nothing else for many months, while the Democrats and Republicans decide their futures. In order to pass other legislation, Biden needs 10 Republican votes or to repeal the filibuster. Neither may be possible.
BEST CASE
There is a small stimulus/COVID package passed. AND, work begins in the committees on lots of other legislation. Basically, a group of 15 Republicans would join with 15 Democrats to negotiate on these new laws. Immigration is Biden's first priority here (after the stimulus package).
IN NO CASE
is it necessary or desirable to negotiate with Cruz and the House wingnuts.
THE MAJOR DECISIONS
1) What will McConnell do? How much power does he have? If he has 15 that will follow him, he can get a lot passed for the country that will also benefit those senators.
2) What will the Democratic leadership do if McConnell doesn't give them almost everything they request. Do the Democrats take the view of the left and push their agenda and refuse to work with Republicans on any meaningful compromise?
MY HOPE
is that McConnell can get 15 Republicans to commit to his leadership. Unfortunately, this could cause him to lose his title. I would expect Biden to insist on compromise and basically ignore the left within his party in order to pass legislation.
It is fine for the Senate to take up leftist legislation passed in the House. They deserve a vote. But, lets be clear, all but compromise legislation would be voted down.