Though tempted to view these breaches of precedent by Republicans in isolation, I have to remind myself that the reasons they wanted to do so and got away with it are systemic. I mean, years ago, some of these things might have resulted in pressure from their own constituents. The Republicans have been chipping away at everything for decades to sculpt the nation into a shape that enables them to act with impunity. You can trace the progression in Congress starting with, say, Newt Gingrich. It’s like an abusive sociopath overstepping boundaries little by little until they’re in complete control.

That said, there was a time when politics broke out in fist fights. Thinking long term, it may not always be like this. But we can’t expect a single election, or mere voting, to fix this.