Progressive Politics

He can also fire the secretary of state.

What duties does the secretary of state hold that would go unattended until a new one is installed? How long would that take? And would he be able to actually get the committee to approve a candidate of such (comparatively radical) inclinations? What political and social fallout would he risk?

My statement "locking down the entire government" was an exaggeration, granted. But firing senior members of cabinet is a minefield and political dynamics tend to be slow to change course and often highly speculative.

Quick changes require overwhelming and clearly visible popular support, particularly during moments both critical for a politician's career and uncertain enough to affect their stance, and even then it may be counterbalanced by uncertainty and reluctance to change stance.

Congress, not Parliament.

My bad, I wasn't aware of the distinction (or that parliament has a more specific definition than "assembly of elected representatives"). I'll fix that. Thanks for pointing it out!

He's angry behind the scenes but unwilling to take action, which may have to do with the ongoing election.

I don't envy his position. It's far easier for us to complain and point out problems - which I'm not downplaying, don't get me wrong - than to come up with effective solutions. It's his job to do that, he chose it and he must be held to that responsibility, but all the amenities of wealth aside, I doubt that I'd enjoy navigating this mess where your every move gets you yelled at.