Former US president wades into national conflict over House maps, as Texas lawmakers approve map to favor GOP

Barack Obama waded into states’ efforts at rare mid-decade redistricting efforts, saying he agreed with California governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to counter the new Texas congressional map by launching an effort to redraw his own state’s map and create more Democratic-friendly districts, calling it “a responsible approach”.

“I believe that governor Newsom’s approach is a responsible approach. He said this is going to be responsible. We’re not going to try to completely maximize it,” Obama said at a Tuesday fundraiser on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. “We’re only going to do it if and when Texas and/or other Republican states begin to pull these maneuvers. Otherwise, this doesn’t go into effect.”

Obama also called Newsom’s strategy “measured”, as it only temporarily grants the California legislature the ability to redraw maps mid-decade.

    • Corkyskog@sh.itjust.works
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      11 hours ago

      I agree. If people want to argue for more control, then argue to put more money into localities hands… Although beware those slimy selectmen and city managers.

  • CptOblivius@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    Fight fire with fire approach. Taking the high road will not get us anywhere right now. The GOP will never fight fair.

    • Serinus@lemmy.world
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      1 day ago

      This isn’t that.

      Fire with fire would be going all out. It’d give Dems the chance to get ahead and for this to backfire on Republicans.

      Instead, there are no losses for Abbot here. Texas is certainly going to try. And they’ll either get away with it or it’ll even out. If we’re lucky it’ll even out.

      It’s like gambling with house money.

      This is the rachet effect on display. It’s not intentional. Newsom is worried if they go all out that voters won’t approve the measure.

      • JPAKx4@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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        23 hours ago

        If there truly is a blue wave due to trump, then tbh the Texas gerrymandering could backfire incredibly hard. Then we would certainly have abbot lose.