Now the question is whether the Dems will try to play games with the health care vote. Any predictions? My guess is that they'll push it some, but won't do anything truly outrageous, like pushing a vote through the Senate before Brown is seated.
Now? Now? You mean they haven't already played games with the healthcare legislation? I think the things that have already occurred are outrageous enough, but maybe we're all just de-sensitized to the greed and corruption in DC.
I think the House will hold its collective nose and pass the Senate version. The idea being that the Senate bill is the best the House Dems could now hope for. Done deal, although I'm for the nuclear option. f**k the Senate cloture rules. They're undemocratic. I would be in favor of getting rid of the cloture rules no matter which party has the majority. The only thing more undemocratic is the way House districts are gerrymandered in most states.
It depends on one thing, and one thing only. Whichever action each member perceives to be prudent toward keeping their seat, they'll take it. When you get down to it, that's all that most of those pieces of crap care about.
In some ways this is the ultimate CYA opportunity for all involved. - Vote against the health care bill and you might get reelected. - Vote for health care and you are updating your resume this November. Never underestimate a politician's capacity for self-preservation. For what it's worth, on CNN a Democratic rep from NY echoed Webb's comments.
All they need is 50 votes in the Senate if the House agrees to pass the Senate version. They will start on this tomorrow. They've believed during this whole debate on healthcare and the economy that "they" are much smarter than "we" are, and therefore they don't give a damn what Americans want.
They still think they are smarter, but they aren't losing their own seats over it. Right now it looks like being for it means losing your seat.
1. What Webb said is the most upright thing I've heard from a Democrat in a long time (except when my mom told me what a great son I am). 2. I don't think the House will accept the Senate bill. There's too much much in it that many of them are absolutely against. Given the electoral landscape now, I don't see any of them going out on a limb. 3. Three words I never thought I'd say in a political context: "Thank you, Massachusetts!"
Rachel Maddow is still carrying on about how the ONLY thing that can save the Democratic Party is to pass the bill. Period. Not only would I argue with her premise, but I'd argue whether the Democratic Party is worth saving.
but also on the openness and integrity of our government process. It is vital that we restore the respect of the American people in our system of government and in our leaders. __________________________________________________ isnt this what the last election was about...and the one before tha...and the one before that....etc. etc..
The Senate Majority Leader can call for a traditional filibuster. It is likely a cloture vote would not be needed, and the bill would be passed within a week after exhausting the filibuster. Unless the Senate rules have changed, the Democrats have the power to do this if they really wanted to.
Granted, it was only one guy, but there was a D congressman from NJ yesterday who said he would not vote for the senate version with the payoffs to LA and NE provisions in it. He said there were many fellow congressman that felt the same way If these provisions are stripped out, the bill needs to go back to the senate and we all know what will happen there (assuming the two RINOs from ME don't screw us). EDIT: Pelosi doesn't have the votes
