A perfect political storm

It's 2016 -- let the games begin!

What a perfect political storm we have brewing in this pivotal year.

First, we have a lame-duck president determined to seal whatever legacy remains and push through with executive orders the wish list of progressive causes he has championed since his community organizing days.

Then we have a Republican majority in both the House and Senate equally determined to lay out a new agenda for this nation and force President Barack Obama to use his veto pen.

And in the background, we have a presidential campaign that has been dominated by "outsiders" on the GOP side and by a long-awaited coronation on the Democratic side.

And while our eyes are focused on these political actions, terrorism, immigration, climate-change hype and a languishing economy still trudge onward.

Look for the Republicans to advance a highly anticipated repeal of Obamacare that will be quickly vetoed. And there will not be enough votes to override that veto.

Also look for a major push back by the GOP on the influx of Syrian refugees and yet Obama's power will likely halt that effort.

There's discussion on auditing the Federal Reserve, on rollbacks to executive orders on EPA climate regulations and more hearings on Benghazi.

And like the other issues, their chances for success are far-fetched.

Absolutely nothing will be done to undo the polarization of our political classes. Gridlock and hyperbole will continue unabated.

But there is actually a method to this madness.

The Republicans hope to advance a radically different agenda than the one under which we have operated for the past seven long, miserable years.

That differing agenda will be the one voters will face when the November general election rolls around.

We spent an inordinate amount of time in this country dealing with issues that are clearly unimportant.

By way of example, like it or not, Bill Clinton's past history will surface extensively in this upcoming campaign as his wife and candidate, Hillary, hopes to champion women's issues.

Quite honestly, Bill's past is unimportant and is more designed for tabloids than campaign fodder.

What's important are the core values of the candidates. We know the core values of the current administration and, for the most part, those values run counter to those of most Americans.

But this election will bring a new face and a new agenda to the national and international stage.

While the politicians in Washington look into the rear view mirror and try to undo Obama's actions and executive orders, voters should look ahead.

Do we want more of the same? If so, Hillary's your candidate.

Or do we want this nation to head in a different direction? If so, look on the other side of the ballot.

Some things in politics are complicated. And some are not.

Michael Jensen is the publisher of the Sikeston Standard Democrat.