Aug 4, 2021Ohio Elections, Generic Ballots, and Reconciliation“As Ohio goes, so goes the nation.” The phrase was originally coined for Maine. It’s no longer an apt phrase for Maine and it’s probably no longer an apt one for the Buckeye state. Joe Biden was the first candidate since John Kennedy in 1960 to win the presidency without…Ohio5 min read
Jul 30, 2021Why Democrats Can Still Pass a $3.5T BillThe Senate this week BID adieu to BIF and today may BID farewell to BID. The $579 billion in new spending from the bipartisan infrastructure framework (BIF) became $550 billion in new spending from the bipartisan infrastructure deal (BID). As the Senate continues consideration, actual legislation may be released today…Congress10 min read
Jul 21, 2021Watch Your Head on the Coming Debt CeilingIt’s that time of the DC season when debt ceiling politics reemerges. While the political theatrics will be hammy, the risk of a US government default remains low. In the end, bipartisan “Rescue Committees” could be the new Simpson-Bowles. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made news yesterday when he…Debt Ceiling Deadline4 min read
Jul 18, 2021Scranton Joe’s Competition PolicyWhen President Biden signed an executive order (EO) this month promoting competition in the American economy, he was swearing off his Senate identity as a defender of corporate interests and embracing his “Scranton Joe” roots as a fighter for workers and small businesses. While this competition viewpoint may not be…Antitrust5 min read
Jul 17, 2021Making a Reconciliation MarketWall Street doesn’t underestimate Ken Griffin’s ability to make a market. It’s time they stop underestimating Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s ability as well. From Wall Street to K Street, the consensus is Democrats could fail in their attempts to pass a reconciliation tax and spending bill that bypasses Republican support. If…Congress4 min read
Jul 10, 2021Progressives vs. ModeratesFrom the mayoral race in NYC to the debates over infrastructure in DC, there’s a narrative of a progressive vs. moderate battle within the Democratic Party. In a two-party system, there are inevitably ideological differences but such divides are not always clear cut. When there is a divide within the…Democrats6 min read
Jul 2, 2021Can the Democratic Market Makers Deliver on Infrastructure?America is turning 245 this July 4th weekend, which feels like the same length of time “Infrastructure Week” has lasted in American politics (the math is a little fuzzy). The questions on everyone’s mind are just how much longer Infrastructure Week will last and how will it end. We…Infrastructure12 min read
Jun 25, 2021Pelosi Claps Back on InfrastructureParticipation awards are not just for Millennials and Gen Zers. President Biden and a group of 10 bipartisan senators (average age 67 between them all) yesterday at the White House touted their participation in coming to an agreement on an infrastructure framework that would provide $579 billion in new spending…Infrastructure5 min read
Jun 18, 2021Trump’s Long and Short Shadow on the 2022 Midterms“I want you to take good care of all the furniture and ornaments in the house, for I want to find everything just as it is now when we come back again four years from today.” — Frances Cleveland, the first lady to President Grover Cleveland, to the White House…Trump7 min read
Jun 13, 2021The Democratic Tax Man is ComingThe tax debate has been on the backburner as bipartisan infrastructure negotiations have sidelined any tax increases. But that will soon change when Democrats move towards budget reconciliation. President Biden and Democratic leadership in Congress are getting ready to start the budget reconciliation process in an attempt to pass as…Taxes13 min read
