D'Amato: The loss of bipartisanship is harming the nation

The Democratic Party has veered so far left that it is no surprise that many have simply left it.

Instead of a party that used to stand for something and compete with Republicans in the arena of ideas, it has become an insular organization devoid of any solutions to this nation’s problems. It has become an echo chamber of strident resistance to anything President Donald Trump proposes. Ironically, the party that used to stand for freedom of speech and ideas has become one intolerant of anyone or anything that doesn’t spew its left-wing ideology.

It has gotten so bad that even Sen. Chuck Schumer, whom I respect, has become the target of their venom. Why? Because he dared to vote to keep the federal government open to deliver services for those who depend on its programs. Instead, most Democrats would have preferred to shut the government down to make the point that they are opposed to anything and everything Republicans want. Republicans have been similarly oppositional when Democrats are in power.

I truly lament today’s political environment, particularly as one who witnessed the opposite during my days in the U.S. Senate. During that time, Republicans and Democrats worked together to accomplish any number of important initiatives for the American people. Sure, there were some heated debates on the Senate floor and in committees, but it ended there with civility and without the vitriol that permeates today’s discourse.

Typically, my fellow lawmaker from New York, Sen. Patrick Moynihan, and I worked closely together on many issues. Liberal Ted Kennedy and conservative Orrin Hatch worked on important matters protecting the health and education of the American public. Incidentally, they were also friends who respected and liked each other personally. I enjoyed a terrific and genuine relationship with New York City Mayor Ed Koch and worked tirelessly with him for the people of the city. A staunch Democrat, he even endorsed me in my races, a thought almost inconceivable in today’s politically charged environment.

This year’s Democratic city mayoral primary makes my point on the local level. With one exception, each of the candidates is running against Trump, and any candidate who dares to even imply that they would work with Trump is branded as evil. How could anyone who may become mayor continue to insult and berate a man who, as head of the federal government, doles out billions of dollars annually to his constituents?

More recent events appear to provide little optimism over the prospect of Democrats seeing the light. The Sen. Bernie Sanders/Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez "Fighting Oligarchy Tour" highlights how bad it has gotten. The show typifies a party that opposes everything and stands for nothing. However, there does appear to be a glimmer of hope that certain Democrats may lead their party from the brink of extinction to a competitive force in American politics. It will take some people with courage, civility and common sense. Maybe it’s someone like Pennsylvania’s Sen. John Fetterman, who voted with Schumer to keep the government open. Responding to left-wing darling AOC, Fetterman said, "We kept our government open. Deal with It!"

While bipartisanship may not be dead, it certainly is on life support. The only hope is that sooner or later, Democrats will understand that their constant vitriol and opposition to everything is a losing strategy at the ballot box, and that failure to work with Republicans for the good of the republic will doom them to either a perennial minority status or worse, irrelevance.

This guest essay reflects the views of former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D’Amato.