On Newsmax Wednesday, political analyst Mark Halperin said that Senate Democrats are using procedural delays to slow President Donald Trump's cabinet picks, arguing it is their only real leverage during confirmation hearings.
Halperin said that Senate Democrats are struggling to find effective ways to oppose Trump's cabinet nominees and top administration appointments, leaving them with one viable tactic: delaying the process.
During an appearance on "The Chris Salcedo Show," Halperin described a party in transition, lacking leadership and unity on how best to counter the incoming administration's agenda.
"Well, right now, the Democratic Party is struggling for leadership and identity and strategy and tactics," he said. "These nominees are flawed, like all human beings. And they certainly, in many cases, are offensive to the Democratic base, and in the abstract, they have elements about them that could make them unpopular with independents."
Halperin noted that the confirmation hearings are one of the few venues where Democrats can impact the process.
"I think what you're seeing is Democrats taking the one play they have on a stage where they get to be on roughly equal footing with the Republicans to criticize the nominees and to use the procedures of the Senate to slow things down," he said. "It may not look good to your eyes, and it may not look in the eyes of the American people, but it's something that they can do at a time when there's very little else they can do."
Senate Republicans, meanwhile, are pressing forward with Trump's cabinet and administrative picks.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., filed cloture Tuesday on John Ratcliffe's nomination for CIA Director, Kristi Noem's nomination for Homeland Security Secretary, and Pete Hegseth's nomination for Defense Secretary. However, Democrats forced procedural maneuvers to stall these nominations, leading to a tense scene on the Senate floor late Tuesday, according to CBS News.
Despite the delays, Republicans hold the Senate majority 53-45 with 2 Independents, making it unlikely Democrats can block any of the nominations.
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Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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