The Daily

'The Interview': 3 Senators Who Quit on Why Congress Won’t Stand Up to Trump

December 13, 2025

• Former senators Jeff Flake, Joe Manchin, and Tina Smith discuss the Senate’s current weakened state and its failure to check presidential power effectively.

• They describe the Senate as “broken,” “retreating,” and abdicating its constitutional responsibilities, especially in areas like war powers and tariffs.

• Partisanship and political incentives have eroded bipartisan cooperation, with the filibuster both protecting minority rights and sometimes stalling legislation.

• Leadership challenges within both parties contribute to dysfunction, including dissatisfaction with Senate leaders’ candidate selections and strategic decisions.

• The trio debates the merits of incrementalism versus bold reforms, noting public demand for significant changes on issues like healthcare, paid leave, and minimum wage.

• They highlight the growing political polarization and the decline of collegial relationships that once enabled compromise and effective governance.

• Concerns arise over the Senate’s limited oversight on foreign policy and executive actions, with fear of presidential overreach and reluctance among senators to confront it.

• Suggestions for reform include term limits, open primaries, and changes to Senate rules to restore accountability and encourage more productive legislative work.