The NPR Politics Podcast The Biggest Political Moments Of The Decade
Dec 30, 2019
Exploring pivotal political moments of the past decade, the discussion dives into the rise of the Tea Party and its influence on Trump's presidency. The emotional fallout from the Sandy Hook shooting prompts a look at the struggle for gun control legislation. Key Senate procedures, including the elimination of the filibuster for judicial appointees, are scrutinized for their lasting effects. Finally, the Access Hollywood tape's impact on Trump's campaign and its implications for impeachment are unpacked, revealing the complex dynamics of modern politics.
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Tea Party's Impact
- The Tea Party movement, fueled by reactions to Obama's presidency, rapidly changed the political landscape.
- It highlighted a conservative resurgence focused on fiscal responsibility and individual liberty.
Sandy Hook and Gun Control
- The Sandy Hook shooting prompted calls for gun control, but a bipartisan bill on background checks failed.
- This failure highlighted the deep divisions and intractability of the gun debate in Congress.
Senate Procedural Changes
- Harry Reid's use of the "nuclear option" to lower the vote threshold for presidential appointments, and McConnell's refusal to consider Merrick Garland, changed the Senate's dynamics.
- These actions reflect the escalating use of procedural tactics for political advantage.