This week Congress raised the debt ceiling by a small amount, pushing the fight into December. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats struggle with Republicans, and within their own party, to pass Pres. Biden's agenda.

This week Congress raised the debt ceiling by a small amount, pushing the fight into December. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats struggle with Republicans, and within their own party, to pass Pres. Biden's agenda.

Congress averted an economic disaster this week by raising the debt ceiling. But, for Norman Ornstein, how it played out has become “exhibit a” in proving the dysfunction of the country’s legislative body.

Ornstein is one of the country’s foremost experts on Congress, having studied it for more than four decades. He ticks off numerous examples to make the case that in today’s political climate reforms are needed – now. These include executive and judicial appointments blocked, bipartisan bills put on hold, and the investigation into the violent insurrection of January 6th impeded.

Ornstein lays blame at the feet of Republicans who, he argues, seem more interested in power than governing – but also points to the rules of the institution that make obstruction easy.

Diane spoke to Norman Ornstein Friday morning about why it doesn’t have to be this way – and what can be done to change it.

Guests

  • Norman Ornstein Emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and a contributing editor for the Atlantic.

Topics + Tags

Most Recent Shows

How Old Is Too Old? Age And The 2024 Election

Thursday, Mar 14 2024Age has become a central issue in the presidential election. With the two oldest candidates in history running for the office, it should be, according to aging expert Tracey Gendron. But, she warns, we're talking about it all wrong.

The Human Cost Of The War In Gaza

Thursday, Feb 29 2024Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib is a U-S citizen from Gaza and a Middle East analyst. He has lost 31 family members in the conflict so far. He joins Diane to talk about the current conditions in Gaza and what the global community must do to address them.