For nearly a decade, the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been the bane of progressives everywhere in the U.S. His refusal to consider any programs that are remotely progressive, and his dogged opposition to all President Barack Obama ever proposed, has led to some strong feelings amongst those on the left. But with McConnell announcing his retirement and the potential for Democrats winning the upcoming Senate Majority, does the world cry out for McConnell?
The answer is surprisingly a resounding no, thank you very much.
As Senate Majority Leader, McConnell has stonewalled all of the progressive policies favored by Democrats. Despite a tidal wave of public support for things like gun control reform, raising the minimum wage, and Medicaid expansion, McConnell has blocked them all. As a result, no progress has been made on the pressing issues of gun violence, inequality and healthcare.
McConnell has also been at the helm of the Republican party’s agressive attempts to shift representation in the Supreme Court. While Republican President Donald Trump’s appointment of Brett Kavanaugh was seen by many as a purely partisan move, it was ultimately McConnell who managed to push the appointment forward despite considerable opposition from Democratic Senators.
And, of course, McConnell has been a centralist figure in the Trump era’s chaotic political climate. With the constant undermining of norms and the neverending scandals that have overridden the last 3 and a half years, McConnell has remained pretty silent. While remaining a staunch Republican, McConnell has done little to stand up to Trump.
But now, with the potential for Democrats to take the Senate, the world may finally be able to move forward with more progressive agendas. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has promised to invest in education and economic security, and is currently leading the charge for the passage of a federal mask mandate. In addition, more attention can be paid to addressing the growing human rights crisis at the border.
So with all this, does the world still cry out for Mitch McConnell? The answer is no. The world no longer needs McConnell and all his obstructionist ways. It’s time for a new era with regard to progressive ideals, and with McConnell’s impending retirement, we can all collectively cross our fingers and hope that it is soon.