C-SPAN Won’t Fix Democracy

Jonathan Bernstein: “We wouldn’t be losing much to have the House cameras focused on the podium. Most of the time, roving cameras would reveal little beyond a handful of representatives engaging in debate in the front of the chamber while most seats on the floor remain empty.”

“That would look bad for the House. But it would be worse if members felt compelled because of the cameras to come to the floor just to listen to each other talk. As Woodrow Wilson wrote (when he was a political scientist, and before he became a terrible president), ‘Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition, whilst Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work.'”

“That’s still true today. Modern political scientists would add to ‘committee rooms’ what takes place in the offices of members and party leaders. That is where the real work of legislating and oversight happens.”