10:30 10:50 a.m.: Cloture 2 — Something Wicked This Way Comes; Update: Ensign will vote no, Cochran may vote yes; Update: What’s your alternative, asks Teddy — a Gestapo? Update: 53 NO’S — CLOTURE FAILS! Update: Roll of glory added!
posted at 9:27 am on June 28, 2007 by Allahpundit
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We’re prepared for any contingency. Victory means a Humpbot cameo; defeat means I get tanked on hard liquor in the middle of the day. It’s win/win, really. The boss has already done a quickie round-up of stories this morning predicting the bill’s demise. John Hawkins’s Senate source lends his voice to the chorus:
To begin with, my source said he is guardedly optimistic that the bill will fail the 2nd cloture vote tomorrow. That is because he thinks that some of the senators who voted for cloture on Tuesday were doing so because they were being “senatorial” by allowing a debate. But, that only goes so far, and everyone realizes at this point that the Thursday vote is the final vote on amnesty as far as the base is concerned. In other words, a “yes” on cloture is a “yes” to amnesty.
At that point, I asked about the “fool the yahoos” maneuver. Will there be senators voting “yes” on cloture and then voting against the final bill and hoping that they can avoid being tagged as supporting amnesty? He said that because of all the attention this issue has gotten, the base isn’t going to be fooled and that anyone who does that will just have to hope that his election isn’t close enough that thousands conservatives sitting at home can swing it the other way.
McCain’s Iowa campaign chairman told WaPo yesterday he wished the issue of immigration had never come to the floor. As for St. John’s crony-in-chief, he’s featured prominently in the Times’s story this morning about senators being threatened by nutjobs angry over the bill. See-Dub will clue you in to the agenda behind the piece if you haven’t guessed already, but here’s your quote of the day from the man who once derided amnesty opponents as “bigots” before a crowd of swooning La Raza members:
“One of the requirements of public service in modern America is dealing with a few voices that are full of hate,” Mr. Graham said. “And our discourse and the way we politic, the way we engage each other, brings that out.”
It’s bringing something out: according to freshman Blue Dog Jon Tester, the feedback he’s getting from constituents is more overwhelmingly opposed on this issue than it is on Iraq, where public opposition currently hovers in the mid- to high-60s.
Updates will be flying fast and furious in an hour or so. I’ll do my best to liveblog the vote, although on Tuesday they didn’t repeat each senator’s vote after calling his/her name so it may not be possible. While you wait, read John Shadegg’s nightmare scenario at NRO about the various loopholes built into the bill that would let illegals caught while sneaking across the border nonetheless obtain legal status. Oh, and read this piece at Politico, which is comic in its adulation of Ted Kennedy even by normal media standards.
Humpbot waits in the wings, wondering if it’s his time to shine. Exit question: Pelosi and the gang deserve a pay raise, don’t you think?
Update: Here’s a no we weren’t counting on — Ensign has flipped. Don’t fear the reaper!
Update: They’re trying to flip Thad Cochran the other way now. If my vote tally last night was right, then we don’t need him.
Update: This must be one of those “voices of hate” Lindsey Graham was wringing his hands about. This debate was Godwinned weeks ago; might as well keep it up to the bitter end.
How many times does Teddy need to be told “close the borders first” before he grasps that that’s the alternative?
Update: Reid’s taken abuse, Bush has taken abuse, McCain and Graham and Kyl and Martinez have taken abuse enough for a lifetime, but one guy has stayed miraculously clean even though he’s sat idly by and let this sham take its course despite the uproar from his base and the pleas from Sessions et al. Save a little bile for him.
Update: How absurd has it gotten?
In case you didn’t catch this, the opponents of shamnesty are rushing through their statements because the Grand Schemers have only given them 10 minutes to speak. The shamnesty senators will get the rest of the hour to talk. “Typical,” says Session, of the way this debate has gone. And so starkly absurd. You’ve got the pro-amnesty senators on the floor now all bleating about how debate shouldn’t be ended…having just limited their opponents’ time to a measly 10 minutes.
Update: Here we go. Standby for liveblog totals.
First run-through is 19-21. Webb voted no! I think most of them deliberately haven’t voted yet, though, so that they can see what the first totals look like and then vote accordingly.
25-30 now! Humpbot is warming up…
31-38! TWO MORE.
I count fully 53 no’s. We did it.
Robot libido
Uploaded by sabo-tage
Update: Here’s the roll. Gonna go do the cross-check to see who switched.
Update: The yes/no switchers were Bingaman, Bond, Brown, Brownback, Burr, Coleman, Collins, Domenici, Ensign, Harkin, McConnell, Murkowski, Ben Nelson, Pryor, Stevens, Voinovich(!), Warner, and Webb. Republicans are in boldfaced. I guess you can thank Sean Hannity for shaming Voinovich into flipping.
It’s worth going back and looking at the order in which they voted, to see who held back and waited to gauge how the vote was going before casting his/her ballot. I’ll bet Mitch McConnell was one of them.
Update: Well, well. Brownback initially voted yes — and then switched to no when he realized he was going to lose. Disgraceful.
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Comment pages: « 1 2 [3] 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 … 12 »
NOW are any of you confused about why Pres JORGE BOOSH was so adamant in supporting Specter against Toomey in the last election.
Mel Martinez too.
JORGE wanted to stack the deck with like minded amnesty supporters. BOOSH is a RINO.
Always Right on June 28, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Allen = Arlen
BacaDog on June 28, 2007 at 10:43 AM
So, Specter’s saying that the views of the callers don’t represent America? Americans don’t represent the views of America?
I wonder if he’d take the same stance, if the callers were for amnesty.
amerpundit on June 28, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Hey Mr. Spectre! That’s the most credible thing you’ve said in a while.
“We don’t run a representative democracy by opinion polls. If we did that we could dispence with the fat salaries!”
Roger that…it is good that you remember that as well.
Pilgrim on June 28, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Kyl is a real A-hole. Here’s what he basically just said, “The people don’t believe their government represents them anymore so let’s ignore them again and ram this abomination down their throats.”
WTF? How could you get the message so right and the cure so wrong? He is either really stupid or really arrogant. I vote the latter.
TheBigOldDog on June 28, 2007 at 10:44 AM
OMG, he just invoked Edmund Burke!
apostle26 on June 28, 2007 at 10:44 AM
You are right about they cant be trusted. I lost my head there for a second.
JackS on June 28, 2007 at 10:44 AM
FOOL-proof method?
DCJeff on June 28, 2007 at 10:44 AM
I have learned so much today listening to these people…for instance I am a racist who does not really know what he wants.
EnochCain on June 28, 2007 at 10:45 AM
At least Byrdy voted against this junk from the beginning.
Okay, I’m at work and I’m super nervous that this poo is gonna hit the fan in seven minutes. Fingers crossed…
Odds on first stroke out b/t McCain, Kennedy, Graham, etc. if this vote actually goes our way??
hollygolightly on June 28, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Oh come on don’t leave Murtha and Gov Rendell off of that list.
LakeRuins on June 28, 2007 at 10:45 AM
A “fool proof method”? You’re giving the DHS 24 hours to do an entire background check on them. Specter owes me a keyboard. He’s a POS.
amerpundit on June 28, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Specter: watching a man dig his own grave.
wccawa on June 28, 2007 at 10:46 AM
People seem to fail to realize that “more secure” is a relative term. One more Border Patrol agent is still “more secure”.
apostle26 on June 28, 2007 at 10:46 AM
He’s just afraid of dying before he gets another chance to f**k things up.
JiangxiDad on June 28, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Employer verification = foolproof? BS
Things sure different than in 1986 Arlen. People are speaking up.
BacaDog on June 28, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Now we know why Bush saved Specter from near certain primary defeat.
TheBigOldDog on June 28, 2007 at 10:46 AM
That’s right and it’s about time you started letting the people at the fitness club tell you what you really want!
DCJeff on June 28, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Don’t forget that you’re a dark, naysayer, who doesn’t represent the views of most Americans.
amerpundit on June 28, 2007 at 10:47 AM
Ah, compromise is the “art of politics.” Again, the professional politicians explaining to us, the unwashed masses, why they’re ignoring our ignorant opinions.
Arrogant much?
World B. Free on June 28, 2007 at 10:47 AM
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
IrishEi on June 28, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Arlen Sphincter:
Do you think he’s finally listening?
Pablo on June 28, 2007 at 10:48 AM
A vote against cloture is a vote to kill the bill.
F. ing. duh.
apostle26 on June 28, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Hm. I think you might just be right!
Spirit of 1776 on June 28, 2007 at 10:48 AM
HOLY SHIT. Specter says (a quote from the 14th century), it’s irresponsible for the people’s representatives to vote as the people wish.
mustang1 on June 28, 2007 at 10:48 AM
“A vote against cloture, is a vote to kill the bill”. He admitted it. He’s saying that if you oppose the bill, vote for cloture anyway. This way you can vote NO for the final passage, when you’re vote won’t count, so we can get it passed without you being responsible.
amerpundit on June 28, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Well, the secret’s out. Our Political Overlords are more “American” than we are. We serfs don’t matter anymore, it’s the will of the governors now instead of the will of the governed.
crazy_legs on June 28, 2007 at 10:49 AM
“those of us that work in the senate” Somehow “work” is not how I would characterize it.
Guardian on June 28, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Specter is about to expire, err his time is about to expire I mean.
LakeRuins on June 28, 2007 at 10:49 AM
HR Puff N Stuff!
Tru2my2 on June 28, 2007 at 10:49 AM
I wonder how those silky panties feel under that blue suit
JiangxiDad on June 28, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Why doesn’t he just go whole hog and say that every single former President would approve if we pass this shinola?
apostle26 on June 28, 2007 at 10:50 AM
Here’s Dingy Harry.
amerpundit on June 28, 2007 at 10:50 AM
Lord, Dingy Harry again.
BacaDog on June 28, 2007 at 10:50 AM
Fall on your sword. That is what Spectre is advocating here. Do the honorable thing. Fall on your sword.
Limerick on June 28, 2007 at 10:50 AM
LOL, amazing. Specter instructing others on how to do the amnesty two-step so they can say they voted against the bill in the final, meaningless vote.
World B. Free on June 28, 2007 at 10:50 AM
He needs a searchlight to find his johnson
JiangxiDad on June 28, 2007 at 10:50 AM
This whole fiasco has shown us one thing - very clearly.
The OLD MEN of the Senate have run their course.
It’s high time for new blood - put these fossils out to pasture.
jake-the-goose on June 28, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Ahhhh! Reid. Must. Claw. Eyes. Out.
wccawa on June 28, 2007 at 10:51 AM
And now….. bringing up the Rear….
MR EXCITEMENT HIMSELF….
The BULLY of the BELTWAY…..
Ladies and Gentlemen I give you…
Harry Whatzisname.
Always Right on June 28, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Yep.
Wade on June 28, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Reid: “I was born in a little town…because I’m a little man with a little mind.
IrishEi on June 28, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Uh-oh, harry is up and hitting.
Babs on June 28, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Reid: “I was born in a little town…because I’m a little man with a little mind.
IrishEi on June 28, 2007 at 10:51 AM
He’s actually actively facilitating the YES vote on cloture and final passage - he’s complicit in limiting the voice of the anti-shamnesty senators in his own party (10m vs. 50m). Vitter was on L. Ingraham this morning and said as much. McConnel. He gone.
wowbagger on June 28, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Is immigration a problem, Harry? Yes.
Why? Because you guys passed a piece of crap bill that you have admitted is unenforcable.
Will we let it happen again?
No.
BacaDog on June 28, 2007 at 10:51 AM
You pay for Tommy’s healthcare asshole.
DCJeff on June 28, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Wow. Harry Reid can name one “1″ call from someone supporting the bill. Does he realize how much of an @ss he is?
amerpundit on June 28, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Break out the waders. Reid is speaking.
JackS on June 28, 2007 at 10:52 AM
“Tommy” won’t have to be afraid???
Babs on June 28, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Dingy Harry Reid has an imaginary friend named Tommy.
Tommy was this bill passed..
Paul the American on June 28, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Show the letter, show the letter! Reid is full of it.
LakeRuins on June 28, 2007 at 10:52 AM
I think he’s gonna cry…
apostle26 on June 28, 2007 at 10:52 AM
They’ve resorted to actually attacking the callers. Sad.
amerpundit on June 28, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Awwww. Poor wittle Hawwy.
IrishEi on June 28, 2007 at 10:53 AM
VItter was on with Laura Ingraham about an hour ago and confirmed this. McConnell is working behind the scenes for passage.
TheBigOldDog on June 28, 2007 at 10:53 AM
again with the most deliberative body amid the strangle hold tactic
apostle26 on June 28, 2007 at 10:53 AM
McConnell’s ONline Contact form…it seems it’s the only way to get in touch with him or his office..ANY office:
http://mcconnell.senate.gov/contact_form.cfm
Pilgrim on June 28, 2007 at 10:53 AM
Talk Radio!!!
Bring on the Fairness Doctrine!!
Go to hell, Harry.
BacaDog on June 28, 2007 at 10:53 AM
Should we wait until we get a new Congress? Of course not. We want to pass the Grand Cluster-F*ck!
amerpundit on June 28, 2007 at 10:54 AM
“Generators of simplicity.”
How eloquent….
World B. Free on June 28, 2007 at 10:54 AM
and, and they said I was a poo poo head and, and WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
sunny on June 28, 2007 at 10:54 AM
I tell you what they are going to try to get that Fairness Doctrine enacted big time now. They are out to show us who the boss is and to slap our little hands.
LakeRuins on June 28, 2007 at 10:54 AM
I think Harry just threw in the towel. Better cue Humping Robot.
wccawa on June 28, 2007 at 10:54 AM
Israel Goldfarb?
Pilgrim on June 28, 2007 at 10:54 AM
Yeah, I don’t believe that the Senators that vote against this bill are filled with HATEFUL VENOM and are RACIST, I really don’t think their BIG RACISTS. -Reid
apostle26 on June 28, 2007 at 10:55 AM
I yield the floor to Dennis Miller.
Spirit of 1776 on June 28, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Here Comes Cadaver Reid. LOL owned by other convos.
Yet more Absolute Moral Authority.
“My calls are filled with hate, but save an immigrant who ‘just wants to come out of the shadows.’” Yeah, what’s stopping the guy? Nothing.
How does Reid manage to sicken me every time he opens his mouth? Talk Radio bashing too, even though they know the bill better than you do. “Support amnesty or you are a racist and a bigot, although I won’t say it to your face.” This little cad talks about Talk Radio being “too simplistic” when this idiot chooses to ignore the American people.
Harry Reid is just sickening. That’s the only word for it.
BKennedy on June 28, 2007 at 10:55 AM
It’s 10:55. Isn’t it cloture time?
amerpundit on June 28, 2007 at 10:55 AM
“We have an issue before us that we must resolve” Yes senator we have a government full of people that shouldn’t be there.
JackS on June 28, 2007 at 10:55 AM
WHAT is Hrry talking about???
Tru2my2 on June 28, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Didn’t I see this same scene in an old Donna Reid movie?
JiangxiDad on June 28, 2007 at 10:55 AM
I thought this jerkoff only had 10 minutes??
ne0365 on June 28, 2007 at 10:55 AM
McConnell must go too. He is no leader.
Wade on June 28, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Well they have to shut their pieholes first.
EnochCain on June 28, 2007 at 10:56 AM
If we had an effective police force back in the sixtys — a Gestapo — then we could have gotten the truth out of Teddy. Mary Jo would still be dead but maybe we would not be suffering this carbon dioxide spewing this blow hole has produced ever since.
jimwesty on June 28, 2007 at 10:56 AM
ahh, yes the lineage practices of jews are especially relevant to this bill
apostle26 on June 28, 2007 at 10:56 AM
“…walked 20 miles to school.
barefoot…
in the snow…
uphill…
both ways…”
IrishEi on June 28, 2007 at 10:57 AM
My skin is white…lolololololololol
My skin is american skin…lolololololol
sunny on June 28, 2007 at 10:57 AM
… snore …
Good Lord, does Dirty Harry even have a pulse?
nosliwelyk on June 28, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Oh. He’s referring to himself in the third-person now. Oh, and as I right this, he’s invoking the racism card.
amerpundit on June 28, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Finally: the racism card
Guardian on June 28, 2007 at 10:57 AM
That’s a misquote…What he actually said was “the American people don’t represent the interests of the Mexican government. I’m doing that.”
sdd on June 28, 2007 at 10:57 AM
modified Race/Diversity Card Alert!
apostle26 on June 28, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Reid - This guy is absolutely insane.
Tru2my2 on June 28, 2007 at 10:58 AM
My skin is American skin? If so, then put it on!
Spirit of 1776 on June 28, 2007 at 10:58 AM
My skin is epithelial tissue.
amerpundit on June 28, 2007 at 10:58 AM
OMG… more searchlight stories…. NOOOOOOO!!!!
tshell on June 28, 2007 at 10:58 AM
damn…I just want to smack him…
DCJeff on June 28, 2007 at 10:59 AM
lol.
Spirit of 1776 on June 28, 2007 at 10:59 AM
The disengenuous assholes keep talking about immigration.
No problem with immigration, idiots. It’s ILLEGAL immigration we’re talking about now.
Clean ‘em all out. They do not serve us at all, or rather they only serve us badly.
techno_barbarian on June 28, 2007 at 10:59 AM
I testify!!!!! Praise the Lord!!!! You are healed, America, with this bill!!!!!
Limerick on June 28, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Thanks to this site for the continuing coverage and analysis.
What strikes me the most this morning is that this is no Mr. Smith Goes to Washington chapter for the Senate. John McCain and Lindsay Graham are not ging to be featured in Profiles in Courage 2 for the way they have pushed against the public will on this issue.
In fact this issue has proven that Congress is broken and it will be up to we, the people, to fix that which a bunch of overprivileged self-important career politicians are unwilling to fix themselves.
highhopes on June 28, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Expedient at the expense of what is right
Umm, yeah, that’s what we’re saying.
apostle26 on June 28, 2007 at 10:59 AM
CSPAN needs to have a timer in the corner of the screen so we now long we have left to put up with their diatribes.
DCA on June 28, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Reid: “we need to do what’s right, not what’s expedient.”
Exactly. So kill the f-ing bill.
Pablo on June 28, 2007 at 10:59 AM
My skin is oily and a little smelly at the moment….
DCJeff on June 28, 2007 at 10:59 AM
and he was THANKFULL
JackS on June 28, 2007 at 11:00 AM
LOL…….you guys are cracking me up. Thanks so much for making the pain of watching this circus a little easier……or at least a little more entertaining.
speed911 on June 28, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Barrasso of Wyoming is apparently voting NO on cloture. I don’t know if that’s news or not.
amerpundit on June 28, 2007 at 11:00 AM
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