Dear Editor,

Tom Tye and the Republicans have a short memory. To say that the Republicans were willing to give the current President Barack Obama “a chance to guide our nation” is sheer nonsense.

Sen. Mitch McConnell said he hoped Obama would fail as President. Sen. McConnell also stated that his main emphasis would be to make sure Obama was a one-term president.

The Constitution does not list this goal as one of the responsibilities of a U.S. senator. Now, Mr. Tye wants everyone to come together for the good of the nation.

For the past eight years the Republicans have done everything in their power to obstruct any policy and/or legislation to move this country forward. I am not suggesting that the Democrats use the same tactics on Trump that the Republicans used during Obama’s administration, but please do not delude yourself that the Republicans were willing to do anything to lead this nation forward during Obama’s time in office.

The Senate’s refusal to vote on President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee is a clear example of a lack of cooperation. The Constitution states the role of the Senate is to “advise and consent;” therefore, the Senate’s decision to decline to vote on the president’s nominee illustrates their failure to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

Rene Payne

Stanford