And because of him, the hard, gemlike flame of James Madison’s intellect will again illuminate Washington, if the Senate is provoked into rediscovering its role. Some of Trump’s nominees for high executive branch responsibilities radiate contempt for everyone except the small American minority that resides on the wilder shores of MAGAdom. Woodrow Wilson, the first thoroughly progressive president and (hence) the first president to criticize the Founding, did so resoundingly. AdvertisementHence today’s drama surrounding the Senate’s unshirkable duty to consent to, or reject, presidential nominees to high offices. AdvertisementThe Senate’s power to reject presidential nominees is as plenary as is the president’s power to nominate.

Source: Washington Post November 18, 2024 15:48 UTC