You Might Be Surprised Who Just Called Marjorie Taylor Greene a “Good” Republican
In a rare bipartisan gesture, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders labeled controversial Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene “a good Republican.” At a town hall with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, citizens questioned how to resolve the government shutdown. A Republican-leaning voter asked Sanders who GOP leaders would work with Democrats to reopen the government. Sanders commended Greene’s recent outspoken criticisms of her party’s leadership, saying her first duty was to her voters, not the president.
Sanders “never thought I would say this,” but Greene’s attitude is unique in favor of honesty over party loyalty. During the shutdown, Greene claims Republicans prioritized presidential fealty over problem-solving. She slammed GOP leaders for refusing to negotiate health care subsidy renewals, which could double insurance rates. Greene also denied being loyal to Trump, stating her top priority is her voters.
Ocasio-Cortez doubted we could work with Greene on health care. She said cooperation must be accompanied with actual support for legislation that benefits individuals, especially low- and middle-income Americans. She highlighted her bipartisan maternal health and infant support work as successful cross-party cooperation, but said rhetoric would not.
Both parties are digging in as the government shutdown enters its second week. Republican spending proposals without health care subsidies will be opposed by Democrats but ignored by Republicans. A Republican opponent of her party’s bargaining techniques, Greene was praised by an unlikely source for prioritizing constituent issues over party lines during the standoff.
Sanders’ surprising praise reflects Congress’ shift. Greene occasionally departs from Trump’s health care and budgetary policies. Her breach with party orthodoxy is calculated; she supports most GOP policies. She regularly criticizes party leadership and takes policy positions that deviate from the Republican mainstream to show herself as an independent voice.
This moment goes beyond news. Even ardent supporters are altering their politics. Sanders’ praise of a Republican for putting constituents first implies that issue-based devotion may be most essential in American politics.
As closing proceeds, major questions remain: Does Greene’s dissent effect GOP colleagues? Are health care subsidies bipartisan? Sanders’ remark to a Republican rival: a joke or indicative of Congress’ ideological shift?
Sources
RawStory article on Sanders praising Greene
Media coverage of Greene’s criticisms of GOP leadership and healthcare subsidy standoff
Reports on Ocasio-Cortez commentary on bipartisan cooperation
Coverage of ongoing government shutdown negotiations
