National Journal reports that Democrats in Congress have hit on a new formula for 2008: less legislation enacted, and more investigations conducted:
Democrats are arguing that these hearings are being conducted to increase transparency, and ensure that the American people get the ‘change’ that they are demanding. But hearings don’t change anything; to date, they’ve merely demonstrated the partisan crusade of Democrats to destroy the Bush administration. Lest anyone doubt the view of the public on this strategy, just look at the Congressional approval rating. In every poll, Congress is rated as ineffective and unpopular. Do House leaders really imagine that more of the same will lead the American people to re-evaluate? In the last year of the Bush administration, voters will be asking themselves which party has a better vision going forward, for keeping America secure and the economy strong. A focus on investigations over legislation — however difficult it may be to legislate in an election year — will help Republicans make the case that Democrats are focused on settling past political scores.
