Trump’s total failure

A few weeks ago we witnessed the failure of the White House and the Republican Congress to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), which revealed a rebuke to the authority of this White House and in particular to President Trump. Now both the White House and Congress inform us they intend to rewrite not only health care but also reform our system of federal taxation. It seems to many, including Republicans, that before taking that first step, learning to chew gum might be a priority.

It has been 39 years since I was first elected to the U.S. Congress and not once during these last four decades have we witnessed the failure of a president to pass his most important legislative priority. President Carter pushed through the Congress his national energy and conservation proposal. President Reagan moved his controversial first budget through a Democratic Congress. President George H.W. Bush took us to war but eased the decision through good relations with both parties. President Clinton worked his will on the Republican majorities to pass major tax reform. President Obama, although continually rebuked by Republicans, significantly reformed the system through which American’s pay our healthcare insurance.

My memory goes back to 1948, when President Harry Truman demanded his priorities be considered and passed by “This do nothing, no good Republican 80th Congress.” Franklin Roosevelt was superb at cajoling, compromising and encouraging Congress to both consider and work with him on his major agendas.

I admire strong presidents acting appropriately and with wisdom, but I appreciate even more our doctrine of separation of powers. It is the Legislative and not the Executive Branch that must consider, have hearings and vote. The White House can only advise; consent is the sole business of Congress. However, knowledgeable presidents, trusted by members of Congress, are absolutely necessary to provide critical leadership.

During the last seven years of Obama's presidency, a Republican House voted a nonsensical four dozen times to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Now with the opportunity to write a different version, they failed. “Health care is difficult,” pronounced our surprised president. However, this recent debacle in the House demonstrated more than simply a difficult legislative task. It unmasks the simmering disregard for this president held by many within his own party.

Trump met personally with Republican members and reports from several of them noted the president’s lack of factual information about the health care legislation. At one point he was asked about a provision that worried several members and was the reason for their opposition to the bill. Trump’s answer, with a dismissive wave of his hand, was, “Don’t worry about the small (stuff).” Many members understood his flippancy as cover for the fact he has a dangerous lack of either information or memory. President Trump should understand that legislative details are the stuff of the Congress. Whenever a president meets about an issue, his expertise is not only expected but also required.

The disrespect and distrust of the president among members of Congress is a problem for America. Most congressional Democrats have long been appalled by Trump’s lack of attention, knowledge, and his belief in “alternative facts.” Now, with the initial failure of health care reform the president, I believe, is seriously damaged as "the person" to convince members of Congress from both parties to meet, negotiate and compromise.

The presidency and our Legislative Branch of government are now on unfamiliar ground; in this dangerous world, America needs a president who is knowledgeable, wise, appropriate, engaged, admired and trusted. The question is: where do we find one of those?