Comments on: Bipartisanship’s Last Stand: What does the Debt Deal mean for Legislators?

By: Casey E Armstrong

Casey E Armstrong — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 02:52:00 +0000

I certainly accept the possibility that reform is unlikely. At the moment, it seems almost impossible. I think our future is largely in the hands of the super committee. Despite its designation, the super committee is less of a joint committee and more of a conference committee in spirit. The conference committee has historically been the most reliable alternative public sphere within Congress. The development I will be following most is the makeup of this committee — with the right mix of individuals we may yet pull a rabbit out of a hat.

By: Jeffrey C. Goldfarb

Jeffrey C. Goldfarb — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 22:14:00 +0000

I am concerned that the economic consequences of the deal will be a prolonged depressed economy. I am deeply concerned that the political culture that led to this sort of substantive deal may fundamentally challenge American democratic deliberations. But this piece is heartening. It suggests that institutional reform, reform of Congressional compromise may help correct the cultural and economic problems. I don’t think this is likely, but it is possible, and I will follow the developments with interest with Armstong’s insights in mind.