Lawrence's Last Word: The Senate Is Not Democracy In Action | The Last Word | MSNBC In a compelling episode of "The Last Word," Lawrence O'Donnell dives deep into the fundamental nature of the United States Senate, framing it as a consistently anti-democratic institution. This segment aired on January 31, 2020, during a pivotal moment in American politics surrounding the impeachment of Donald Trump.
Key Insights from the Episode
O'Donnell emphasizes that the Senate's structure is inherently flawed because it represents land rather than people, leading to significant disparities in representation. He highlights that while North Dakota, with a population of 760,000, has two senators, California, with a population of nearly 40 million, also has two. This imbalance does not reflect an equitable representation of the American populace, as the House of Representatives, which is designed to represent the people, shows a different story with 53 representatives for California and only one for North Dakota.
The Introduction of Structural Flaws
The discussion points to a more profound narrative: American democracy is not dead, but rather, it has revealed its structural weaknesses, particularly through the workings of the Senate. O'Donnell suggests that democratic voters often focus on winning the presidency rather than the Senate, contributing to systemic issues within governance.
Hope for Change
Interestingly, O'Donnell introduces a note of hope through the success of Democratic Senator Jon Tester from Montana, who, despite his state’s support for Trump, voted in alignment with the wishes of the majority of Americans. This instance illustrates that even in predominantly Republican states, there exists potential for Democratic representation, which could shift the balance of power in the Senate if concentrated efforts are made.
Conclusion
This episode challenges viewers to rethink their understanding of democracy in the U.S., particularly regarding the Senate's role. It calls for a renewed focus on winning Senate seats and ensuring that the government becomes more responsive to the electorate's will.
Feel free to share your thoughts on this topic! How do you view the representation in the Senate? Is there potential for a shift toward a more democratic system? Looking forward to hearing your insights!
