This is a class blog for the students of POLSCI 426: Congressional Politics at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Measuring success in the first 100 days of the 111th

The first 100 days is apparently not only a measure for Presidential success, but for Congressional success as well. The 111th Congress has undergone some of the most activity since the 1930's (although without the same level of success) and still has more on the agenda.

The new Congress, led by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, have had to deal with crisis management in an economic period of unrest. From bailing out banks, TARP, investigating CEO bonus pay, and passing the largest stimulus in history, the real work has yet to be done.

Language has always been key in the fight on the Hill, especially when talking about "stimulus" which was branded a "spending bill" by Congressional GOP'ers. On the other side, the "stimulus" was a "Recovery Act" to Democrats. Congress seems to be as hyperpartisan as always, as seen in the passage of said stimulus in the House of Representatives, where it made it through without a single Republican vote supporting it.  

"And while the first 100 days saw unprecedented new spending, an extension of health insurance for children, and new employee rights in wage discrimination cases, most votes and debates followed party lines. One thing Congress has not achieved in this first 100 days is clear: that much talked about spirit of bipartisanship."

  1. With more on the agenda, such as the reforms in the health care system, how long can President Obama expect to have the same level of support now that his first 100 days are coming to a close?
  2. Do you feel that "the first 100 days" is even a valid measure in modern politics, considering it was first used by FDR after his election in 1933?
  3. Can Congressional Democrats hold the reigns of power long enough to pass the projects they have waited years to push (such as education reform, a new energy policy, universal health care, etc.)?

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