Budget Deal A Danger To The Unemployed And The Democratic Party

It was shocking for Progressives to hear.  The bipartisan budget recently introduced by Representatives Patty Murray (D) and Paul Ryan (R) did not include an extension of unemployment insurance.  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid sought to reassure anxious Democrats by saying it would be the top priority for the Senate next year.  But that may not be enough to save the unemployed or the Democratic Party.

The end of unemployment assistance will result in great hardship for many Americans heading into the winter months. It’s simply inhumane to throw these families deeper into poverty. Republicans have always believed that the magic of the free market will somehow house and feed the poor while Democrats could be counted on stand firm against that cruel fantasy. This deal changes that.

By supporting this compromise, the Democratic brand will be greatly damaged and their electoral chances in the next two cycles made even more difficult. Democrats in 2014 and 2016 will be beat over the head by Republicans on the stump who will remind voters how the Democrats voted against extending benefits too. This blurs an importance distinction between the two parties neutralizing one of the strongest positions of more liberal candidates. With undecided, low information voters the key to success, that may be enough to sway many close elections.

So, unless there is a last-minute change in the budget deal or Harry Reid can make good on his word to restore unemployment assistance in the new year, Democrats are signing on to something that will not only hurt those already suffering the most, but will damage their ability to hold on to office and prevent the GOP War on the Poor from expanding even further.

By: Mark Quincy Adams

A proud 'pragmatic progressive' Mark Quincy Adams has been a political
talk show host and prolific pontificator since 1992. Find him on Facebook and Twitter @politicalglutton