J. Nelson – Writer

Sometime in the wee hours of New Year’s Day, my best friend Bri and I were chatting about way the Republicans associated with Donald Trump’s incoming administration are at each other’s throats: MAGAs vs. Tech Bros. (Some commentators have described it as the Republican Party cannibalizing itself.) And Bri had a pretty good analogy for the dumpster fire that is Congress at the moment. I’m stealing her analogy and adding my own little twist.

The house (our government/country) is on fire. Republicans are actively adding gasoline to the fire while Democrats are trying to barter with them to use water on the flames, rather than bypassing Republicans to put the fire out themselves. The far-right is adding more fuel and rejoicing in watching the blaze rage while the far-left (“Bernie-or-bust”) has decided the house isn’t worth saving and is trying to build a new house off to the side on their own.

I would break down the analogy on the Republican side even more: The far-right is throwing the gasoline; the establishment Republicans are secretly trying to contact the fire department without letting the far-right know (for fear of being sacrificed to the flames) but refusing to back Democrats’ pleas for water and help; and the burn-it-all-or-bust far-right is actively destroying or disabling the firetrucks and fire hydrants.

And in that analogy you have the major archetypes at play in Congress for the coming two years at minimum (until the mid-term elections in 2026). And, for the most part, at play in the West Virginia Legislature when it convenes Jan. 8.

Amongst the Republicans, there are:

• The ones who want small government in terms of business and regulation, because they benefit from the wealth that rises to the top with deregulation, but they respect that there has to be some government structure for the country to survive, so they are willing to work with Democrats as needed.
• The ones who want small government for business but want a big, pervasive government when it comes to regulating or policing those deemed “other.” They are also occasionally open to compromise.
• The ones who want the sound bites and the cheering of the blood-thirsty crowd without regard to any damage they may cause, because they know they will be OK.
• Bonus: The emerging subgenre of the Republican tech bro: a political force operating outside elected office almost solely in their own interest (primarily financial).

Amongst the Democrats, there are:

• The business-friendly ones who, in many ways, aren’t that different from establishment Republicans since they, too, personally benefit when Big Business does well, but they support social safety nets and human rights.
• The not-so-business-friendly ones that believe in government oversight and regulation, in social safety nets, and in the need for compromise to keep things running.
• The socially progressive, business-unfriendly ones who despise legislation that primarily benefits the top 1%, but will occasionally compromise.
• The ones who are strong believers in their specific (usually social) issues and will not compromise, especially with Republicans.

As we go into the next four years, keep an out for these archetypes and which politicians — whether it be national, state, or local — best fit with each one, or even none. And decide what kind of politician you want representing you in office.

Then make sure to pay attention not just to what your elected representative says, but what they do. What do they support? Who will they work with? Do they vote against something that would benefit you, as their constituent (and then take credit when it passes anyway and does something good for you)? Do they talk a lot about supporting certain causes but then don’t do the work once they reach office? Do they post a bunch on social media or make grand speeches on the chamber floor then not even show up for the vote?

We don’t have to track every little thing every politician does, but if we at least pay enough attention to know which of the archetypes best fits our direct representatives, we can ensure in the future that we get a government that more accurately reflects our needs and desires.