Open thread: PelosiCare vote coming tonight; Update: 35 Dems oppose? Update: Stupak amendment passes; Update: Bill passes, 220-215, one GOPer votes yes
posted at 5:45 pm on November 7, 2009 by Allahpundit
Twitter’s hopping with rumors about vote-wrangling and backroom deals so I figured you guys could use a thread to exchange information. Just within the past half hour, Politico’s heard whispers from the Democratic leadership that they’ve reached 218. Debate on Stupak’s amendment to strip abortion funding from the bill is coming up, followed by a vote on that and then — sometime between nine and eleven p.m. — the big vote on PelosiCare itself. If you’re watching this all play out on C-SPAN (either on TV or online), keep your eye on Republicans demanding a promise from Pelosi that if Stupak’s amendment passes, it won’t later be dropped in the conference committee with the Senate. The Democrats have been coy about that thus far.
Updates will appear below as warranted. In the meantime, here’s Paul Ryan trying to rally the troops, apparently to no avail. Exit question via Karl: Should the GOP vote “present” on Stupak’s amendment instead of voting for it? Think strategically.
Update: The office of the GOP whip says 33 Democrats will vote no. 41 is the magic number.
Update: If you’re looking for reasons to hope, remember that Pelosi also thought she had 218 when TARP first came to the House floor for a vote last year. That went down in flames, only to be resuscitated a week later.
Update: Here’s a fun thought: What if the bill passes 218-217 … and Bill Owens casts the deciding vote? Dude.
Update: Locker-room pep talk, Obama style:
In listing their legislation they have passed to this point, the president told them, “You did this without any help from the other side,” complaining Republicans have been “saying ‘no,’ stopping progress, gumming up the works was their preferred strategy.”
“Are we going to stop now, or push forward?” Obama asked.
“Push forward,” a dozen or so Democrats shouted back.
“I’m absolutely confident we’ll get this thing done,” Obama told the group. “And when I’m in the Rose Garden signing a piece of legislation to give health care to all Americans, we’ll look back and say that was our finest moment.”
Update: Cantor says there are 35 Democratic no’s. It’ll be razor thin.
Update: At 10 p.m. ET, the vote on Stupak’s anti-abortion amendment is finally on. Stand by. As I write this, it’s 73/90 against passage.
Update: The vote on the amendment is 236/190 as I write this, which is bad news. Not only is there no guarantee that the amendment will survive the conference committee with the Senate (or a Supreme Court challenge, natch), but this gives pro-life Blue Dogs the cover they need to vote for the final bill. It’s going to pass. Sigh.
Update: A smart minority party would have voted present and made the Dems choke on it. Alas, this is our minority party:
“We believe in the sanctity of life, and the Stupak-Pitts Amendment addresses a moral issue of the utmost concern. It will limit abortion in the United States. Because of this, while we strongly and deeply oppose the underlying bill, we decided to stand with Life and support Stupak-Pitts.
“The danger of this bill passing without critical pro-life language was too great a risk to do otherwise. Indeed, a number of Democrat supporters of Stupak-Pitts had privately indicated to many of our colleagues that all they needed for “cover” was a vote, and they would support final passage even if the amendment failed.
“To be clear, the Stupak-Pitts Amendment’s passage is the right thing to do. We believe you just don’t play politics with life.
“When this bill is conferenced with the Senate, the pro-life majority in the House of Representatives must ensure that this important amendment is in the final legislation. If it does not, this same strong majority must defeat the bill.”
Update: It’s 10:45 ET and it looks like the final vote is coming within the next 15 minutes. I held out hope this morning that we might get a humpbot cameo tonight, but it looks like we’re in for an appearance by the melting bunny of death instead. Heart-ache.
Update: My prediction for the final vote, as of 10:52: 224-211.
Update: It was closer than I thought: 220-215, 39 Dems voting no and a solitary Republican — Joe Cao, who replaced “Dollar Bill” Jefferson in a blue district in Louisiana — voting yes. Take heart, righties: Reid is incompetent, which makes the likelihood of 60 votes in the Senate, especially after a vote this narrow, very slim indeed.
But for now, we grieve.
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It will get worse before it gets better. The nuclear option is on the table so don’t get unnecessarily emotional if it comes to that, remember we were warned ahead of time.
Also, don’t forget that there will be Republican betrayal for Cap and Trade, the usual big government conservatives will be voting for it. Again, it’s best to be aware.
The most important thing to do is to continue to move forward and mobilize. Everyone must be brought into the Tea Party’s, I have personally targeted churches and church groups where I can advocate involvement and explain to them how it’s in their best interest to get involved. As we can see with Seixon, believers are the target.
Things WILL get worse before they get better.
True_King on November 8, 2009 at 5:38 AM
‘
It might be somewhat difficult to explain massive wins for Democrats when polls show their support below 40%. And if you are worried about fraud in your district, volunteer to poll watch. Count the numbers yourself.
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 5:39 AM
I’d assume this bill will be up before 2010 though.
disillusioned on November 8, 2009 at 5:50 AM
FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 887
We need to find every vulnerable Democrat and push.
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 5:52 AM
All can I say, if the miraculous occurs and republicans (small r intentionally, most don’t deserve the capital) regain control of the House in 2010, they better not f-ing elect Boehner as Speaker. Everyone with an iq higher than Levi Johnston knows that Stupak ammendment won’t stick.
varnson on November 8, 2009 at 5:54 AM
That is one heck of a loaded and ignorant statement.
LIFE is the natural reason to oppose abortion. Expansion of the species is the NATURAL reason to oppose abortion. Expansion of the species is the only way to guarantee it’s survival, that’s the NATURAL reason to oppose abortion.
Here’s another reason, economics. Only growth of the population can provide for a constant increase in wealth as the pool of potentially available labor increases.
Here’s another reason, knowledge and discovery. One never knows when the right combination of DNA is going to come around to create the right combination of synapses to create another Einstein.
Here’s another reason, EVOLUTION. If you willy nilly interfere with the natural selection process of a species, you reduce adaptation potential of the species.
One could go on for literally hours on this because there are MORE reasons for a real atheist to oppose abortion than there are for the followers of a god-construct.
The religious prohibition on abortion is the unnatural one because it derives it’s opposition from “super-natural” (read above nature or not bound by nature) instructions from a god-construct.
DO NOT confuse atheism with selfishness or hedonism. I’d refrain from espousing on atheist philosophy or reasoning until you actually understand the basics and philosophic constructs of atheism.
Finally, there are more examples of religions supporting abortion, murder and unnatural selection than there are atheist examples.
Jason Coleman on November 8, 2009 at 5:54 AM
Over at American Spectator blog, Phillip Klein notes the following re the Cao (R) vote to pass the Pelosi atrocity.
Cao’s first mistake was to trust anything that ObaMao promises. As NRO’s Geraghty says, “All of Obama’s promises come with an expiration date.”
Cao probably voted his conscience in re to his constituency, but I rather doubt that his constituency will be better off with this bill. Cao is too innocent to be playing in the dirtball field with Pelosi and ObaMao.
onlineanalyst on November 8, 2009 at 5:57 AM
You sure have that right:
2Timothy 3:1-4 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of …”
Basil Fawlty on November 8, 2009 at 5:58 AM
Yes. It should all be over, one way or the other, before thee end of the year. However, the impact will continue through to November of 2010. And I’m afraid we are going to have an historic high in unemployment, that is higher than at any time since the Great Depression. The 2010 elections are already looking incredibly bad for Democrats.
I’m collecting hankies for next November. So many Dem’s will need them. It just breaks my heart.
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 6:01 AM
As anyone who has ever lived in a third-world/ socialist/communist/dictatorship country will testify, the trend developing in USA is not towards open tolerant elections but more like Saddam Hussain’s and Hugo Chavez kind of democracy People like us can see the signs and similarities to the tyranny we left behind, and are scared of loosing every liberty this country has offered to each and everyone of us.
macncheez on November 8, 2009 at 6:03 AM
Well, if there is any justice at all left in this nation, the entire bill will be thrown out by the Supreme Court as being unconstitutional.
Congress has yet to actually state the portion of the Constitution that gives them the power to fundamentally change a large portion of the economy, as well as mandate compliance through purchase or risk imprisonment and/or fines.
As it currently stands, the “Interstate Commerce Clause” cannot apply here, because health insurance cannot be sold across state lines. Therefor, Congress has no standing on the issue, as such regulation rightly belongs to the individual states.
In order to gain standing, Congress would first have to repeal laws that prohibit the sale of health insurance policies across state lines. That single issue, however, would negate most of the need for any Federal health care plan, as the interstate competition would naturally drive down prices. If that were to be coupled with meaningful torte reform, 99% of the health care issues would be solved, with no need for Federal interference or increased taxation.
AW1 Tim on November 8, 2009 at 6:09 AM
Mornin’ Lox. Just reading the early morning posts. I hope the Democrats will be ready for 2010 because we are coming after everyone of them. I am so tired of the majority rubbing “I won” in our faces I could scream.
Our Congressmen have some townhall meetings around the state this week and it will interesting to find out what was going on last night. I plan to attend, so I am going to ask lots of questions.
yoda on November 8, 2009 at 6:10 AM
Seems to me they allow the Dems in the most vulnerable districts to vote “no” as long as they have enough votes elsewhere to get this stuff through?
Dr. ZhivBlago on November 8, 2009 at 6:10 AM
At this point, I’d find it hard to believe that in 2010 there won’t be a Republican swing for voters. Not really for what the Republicans have done, but rather for what the Democratic party hasn’t done.
disillusioned on November 8, 2009 at 6:11 AM
Do something in your community or district. Volunteer at the polls. Contact your local Republican committee. Volunteer for a candidate. Get involved. You can make a difference.
Fear and depression are contagious. But the situation is not hopeless. And hope is also contagious. So, be as full of hope as you can, and then give that hope to others.
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 6:12 AM
Shouldn’t just “seem” to you, Pelosi and Hoyer have stated as much.
Jason Coleman on November 8, 2009 at 6:13 AM
Well, Hannity can go get a glass of water and cool his scorched throat from barking against it all this time. I personally am pissed that this bill has taken all this time and effort to screw the American people and benefit the lazy, yes lazy, and we’ll find out the whole thing is Unconstitutional. Our Constitution does not allow our government to control our health selections. Everyone of these so-called lawyers in office needs to be thrown out for being so god-awful stupid and not even reading what they voted on. My level of disgust right now is beyond anything. Hospitals are gouging the insurance companies, incompetent so-called doctors are slicing people up and letting people die and now this. A bad day for America and to be an American while we have troops lined up for slaughter overseas and in our own country.
johnnyU on November 8, 2009 at 6:17 AM
Good morning little one. The Democrats aren’t ready. And this is a business opportunity. Invest in hankies.
Are you living behind the Blue Wall?
American people, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the United States: Tear down this wall!
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 6:18 AM
That’s how it works. That’s why it’s helpful to have extras. We need 41(?) to retake the House. the last I figured we were looking at flipping about 30. It would be very tough but most convenient if we could get that number over 50.
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 6:21 AM
The quoted poster above either has some serious problems determining reality vs. fantasy or is a troll tossing bait.
Given the link associated with the handle I’m gonna guess the former.
Jason Coleman on November 8, 2009 at 6:21 AM
In a sane world, that would be the case.
But, in one of the most unreal mockeries of the law ever conceived of, the Supreme Court ruled that, because a lack of interstate commerce is a net zero contribution to said commerce, it still falls under the interstate commerce clause. That is why a farmer growing produce and selling it at the local market, with no crossing of state lines whatsoever, is still (incredibly) subject to federal interstate commerce rules.
I don’t know the specific case, but Mark Levin addressed it in Liberty vs. Tyranny.
With this kind of possible travesty of the law, I hold little hope for the Supreme Court to turn this around.
Hawkins1701 on November 8, 2009 at 6:22 AM
I financially supported Cao’s campaign to help him defeat refrigerator Jefferson. However, he has lost me as a financial supporter for falling for any LIES that Pelosi and Obambi told him to get his vote FOR this debacle. And I will tell him that next time he sends me a solicitation for donation.
Instead, I am going to donate his share of my “take america back” budget to the best conservative I can find running against a blue dog democrat who voted Yes on this bill and the Cap and Tax bill.
karenhasfreedom on November 8, 2009 at 6:24 AM
I think the biggest problem for the Republican party will be the “big tent”. Cao was in an untenable situation. He is a republican in one of the most democrapic areas, and he is a devout Roman Catholic, who almost became a priest. He was between a rock and a hard place. But he sould have stood with his party. He was the LONE REPUBLICAN NO VOTE for God’s sake! He made a bad choice and it may come back to bite him…but do we want to lose him over this? A case of what battles we want to judge a republican by…
I think all the repubs should have voted “present”, and
sent a message that they knew the trick that Peloski and company were trying to pull. Hey, the president voted “present”, why dlidn’t we? *Sigh*
lovingmyUSA on November 8, 2009 at 6:25 AM
Defiant Sarah Palin: The Pelosi Bill Was Rammed Through on Saturday, But Sunday’s Coming
http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.blogspot.com/2009/11/defiant-sarah-palin-pelosi-bill-was.html
gary4205 on November 8, 2009 at 6:26 AM
Humans are not perfect. Neither are Republicans. Not all conservatives agree on all issues. There are moderates who stray from time to time, sometimes at the worst time. What can we do about it? We just have to work with what we have and try the best we can.
There are some quite wonderful new candidates from around the country who are running. I have hope.
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 6:26 AM
I am going to try my best to change things. I agree with you that we conservatives need to work together and make the Republican party stronger, which means no third party. We need to bring the party together to get rid of the Democrats one way or another. Then we are going to have to clean up their mess after they leave. I’ve already purchased a mop and I ready to start cleanin’ the “House“.
yoda on November 8, 2009 at 6:29 AM
This is why I watched movies on cable last night (silly romantic comedies), rather than watch CSPAN and get all worked up over this. Once I realized they were seriously going to vote on the issue, I figured they had the 218 votes. I was VERY disappointed to see CAO break ranks with his party, no matter what about his district. He is a neophyte who got swallowed whole by some pitbulls.
karenhasfreedom on November 8, 2009 at 6:29 AM
Representative Cao needs to be taken to the woodshed and severely punished by the House leaders and members. Beyond that, I don’t know. We might have to lose him.
It would have been smarter to defeat the anti-abortion amendment, but that’s not what they did.
So now, we see what we can pull off in the Senate. Delay for as long as possible and let the negative polling numbers sink in.
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 6:31 AM
Good night/morning Lox. the birds are chirping outside already. Cheers.
disillusioned on November 8, 2009 at 6:38 AM
Good for you. I think the most difficult thing we need to work on is how we can argue among ourselves, then make up, and get to work cleaning up this mess. It is just so difficult these days to disagree about anything without going total war, even if we otherwise agree on many things.
Stopping this bill should be one thing we can all work together on. And if we cannot stop this, then we must concentrate on building a big enough team to retake the House.
Yes we can!
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 6:39 AM
It’s appalling, but there are 220 very visible, totally irresponsible representatives in out Congress! Shame on them for voting ‘aye’ on a bill they haven’t read, and no one can comprehend! Don’t forget who they are.
GFW on November 8, 2009 at 6:39 AM
Have faith. Someday, it will be Morning Again in America.
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 6:41 AM
Oops! out = our
GFW on November 8, 2009 at 6:41 AM
My final thought for tonight:
If they’re going to throw me in jail for not buying health insurance…I will give them a reason to put me in jail.
Hawkins1701 on November 8, 2009 at 6:42 AM
And, why did he wait until the votes were at 218 to cast his vote and when he did, he voted Yea?????
yoda on November 8, 2009 at 6:45 AM
So this is how liberty dies…with thunderous applause
nyx on November 8, 2009 at 6:46 AM
Ah the glorious wall of shame of my state
Our Gov is a republican !
http://electedlist.com/California.html
macncheez on November 8, 2009 at 6:47 AM
Because he’s worse than a RINO, he’s a Democrat in Disguise.
Once again, Cao’s chief of staff and most of his staffers are lifelong Democrats.
Like Scozafavva, the left has decided that the best way to get their agenda through is to masquerade Dems as Republicans to get them elected then use them as sleeper agents. In this case, Cao’s job was to give the appearance of bipartisanship.
He waited until passage to give himself cover. Had he put in his yea vote earlier, the Repubicans in the House would have descended upon him and pressured him to change his vote.
Jason Coleman on November 8, 2009 at 6:50 AM
This is the Tent question again. Would California have been better off with a liberal Democrat as Governor all those years that Arnie was am odd Republican? I don’t know.
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 6:54 AM
“The people who gave us Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now want to run our health care. Think about that.”–Sarah Palin
I really don’t want to.
ncborn on November 8, 2009 at 6:56 AM
Maybe, just maybe the supporters of this monstrosity will get enough heat at home to change their minds before the final bill comes up for a vote. Or maybe the abortion funding will be back in it by then.
It sounds like this would be a good time for conservatives to announce their intention to run for some of these seats.
darwin-t on November 8, 2009 at 6:59 AM
Yes.
Hawkins1701 on November 8, 2009 at 7:06 AM
Cao voted against Porkulus in January. That was one of our litmus tests back then. But from his voting record, he is certainly not conservative.
Could a conservative win in New Orleans in 2010 are anytime in the foreseeable future? Do we just give up on many urban areas and much of the Northeast? We have to set limits on who is in the Tent, but how do we do that and what should the boundaries be?
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 7:06 AM
Why?
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 7:07 AM
The guy can’t hide now….now he is exposed to the RNC and the public. I liked your comment, sleeper agent and that is exactly what he was.
yoda on November 8, 2009 at 7:08 AM
What an awful thing to wake up to …
Rod on November 8, 2009 at 7:10 AM
I agree wholeheartedly with what you say. But I have to tell you that forevermore the word HOPE is meaningless for me, tainted. I shudder when someone uses the word.
Instead I think of faith, optimism, expectation, desire, ambition, anticipation, confidence. We move forward with resolve and perseverance to instill in others that we can, should and will overcome liberal mindset and take back our country.
ladyhawke53 on November 8, 2009 at 7:15 AM
Morning all. Rather, it started good until I came to HotAir with my cup ‘o joe to get the lowdown on this bill. I am not surprised it passed, but I vow to do my part to convince all the people in my life who voted for Obama or are independents that they suffered a major loss with theis bill- a loss in health provider choice, a loss in freedom, a loss of hard-earned cash, and much more.
Even the Stupak amendment will eventually, albeit slowly and under the radar, become bastardized and we’ll one day learn that people are getting federally funded abortions through one loophole or another.
I cannot wait for 2010 and 2012. Tea Partiers Unite!
KickandSwimMom on November 8, 2009 at 7:17 AM
Chairman MaoBama, meet Chairman Cao!
(We’re f’ing doomed…)
Sweet_Thang on November 8, 2009 at 7:19 AM
We now know who they are and who to flush from elected office. The answer is very clear. If our country is to survive to be the leader of the free world, the time is now or it will be lost. The polls are our best weapon. They should be so negative towards these usurpers of our freedom that there can be no doubt of the consequences to be encountered if the Senate even hints to follow suit. FLUSH the 220.
volsense on November 8, 2009 at 7:19 AM
Here’s the dems that voteed against it: Adler (NJ), Altmire, Baird, Barrow, Boccieri, Boren, Boucher, Boyd, Bright, Chandler, Childers, Davis (AL), Davis (TN), Edwards (TX), Gordon (TN), Griffith, Herseth Sandlin, Holden, Kissel, Kosmas, Kratovil, Kucinich, Markey (CO), Marshall, Massa, Matheson, McIntyre, McMahon, Melancon, Minnick, Murphey (NY), Nye, Peterson, Ross, Shuler, Skelton, Tanner, Taylor, Teague
Hopefully I got them all with no typos.
darwin-t on November 8, 2009 at 7:20 AM
I want to reclaim some of the words that have been degraded or turned into their opposites by liberals. For example, I’ve been working on PTSD this week. For some reason.
I love your list of words. I also like hope. Let’s reclaim all the positive words for conservatives. And the liberals can have all the scary, dark and dirty words. Awwwwwwwwwww.
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 7:22 AM
Well, the Healthcare Enslavement Act is another step closer to reality.
This has ruined my morning, and that’s just the beginning..
Sweet_Thang on November 8, 2009 at 7:27 AM
Fort Hood alledged mass murderer comes off respirator–Military claims under Pelosi’s newly passed health care bill, apparatus is no longer covered–death panel convened.
Rovin on November 8, 2009 at 7:28 AM
It ruined my night. I actually feel better this morning.
It’s a new day!
JellyToast on November 8, 2009 at 7:29 AM
I’m depressed. Even after reading Sarah’s facebook note, I’m still depressed. I shouldn’t be surprised, however.
Cao has to go.
I still think if they would have voted against the admnt, we might have been able to stop it.
deidre on November 8, 2009 at 7:31 AM
Victurry!! It is now time for us all to put aside our differences and embrace Obamacare. No more supporting the woman who can’t figure out who makes up NAFTA. Come join the winning team!
simplesimon on November 8, 2009 at 7:34 AM
I’ll never join someone’ team who doesn’t how to spell “victory.”
deidre on November 8, 2009 at 7:36 AM
Beautiful fall morning, excellent news from the Hill. Think I’ll have my first beer early, just to celebrate, before the rest of the world starts stirring.
And how about Nancy? A couple more like this and she’ll earn a place in the Speaker’s Hall of Fame, with Newt and Tip and Rayburn.
The Dems just iced their majority into 2012 and beyond.
And, once Cao gets forced out of the Party, Nancy have an even bigger majoprity to work with.
Bleeds Blue on November 8, 2009 at 7:36 AM
will have
Bleeds Blue on November 8, 2009 at 7:37 AM
How do you get rid of him? He was elected.
I think you’re right, but I can’t seem to get myself to crunch the numbers to prove it.
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 7:38 AM
“…whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender…” – Winston Churchill
Basil Fawlty on November 8, 2009 at 7:40 AM
I see you two have brought the salt.
yoda on November 8, 2009 at 7:42 AM
Did you hear what President Obama said?
deidre on November 8, 2009 at 7:42 AM
I don’t think the Senate has 60 but I also believe that Harry (Loser Harry) will go nuclear. Does he have 50? I think so.
stenwin77 on November 8, 2009 at 7:42 AM
You are suicidally insane.
Count to 10 on November 8, 2009 at 7:42 AM
There is still at least a little bit of a difference between armed conflict and politics in America. I hope.
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 7:43 AM
This is what I sent to my representative Arcuri (NY-24) this morning:
I plan on writing letters to the paper and spending a lot of time promoting the GOP candidate, and I’m hoping that the gentleman who ran in 2008 will consider running again. He ran a good campaign in an almost impossible year.
Cheers.
piglet on November 8, 2009 at 7:44 AM
What’s the opposite of suicidal? Because that’s how I feel.
Bleeds Blue on November 8, 2009 at 7:44 AM
So, if this goes to conference, and comes back with tax-funded abortions, will the pro-life Dems vote against it?
stenwin77 on November 8, 2009 at 7:45 AM
I was pretty upset when I went to bed last night. But the more I thought about it the less upset I was. I say that because of the following reasons.
1. Pelosi had to get something, anything out. ANYTHING would have and had to have passed. I almost feel like this was the Snowe vote of the Senate version. This gave her bill form (beyond the bullet stopping bill itself). The vote made it “real”.
2. I really think she is playing hot potato with Reid on this. She can go back to her constituents and say that she got something out, and that any failure now is on Reid. I feel like they have been getting along less and less and she views him more as a liability.
3. This thing needs to be merged with the Senate version, which will then need to be re-scored by the CBO. And if I did my math right House + Senate= Budget Buster. Which is going to tick off a lot of people.
4. People are going to go crazy over this. The majority of the country is against it in even the most liberal of pols and now all of the purple states have ammo to run these guys out on next year. And they are going to jump down their Senators throats over this news. I think that the outrage is just going to get worse. Much much worse.
I really would have liked to have seen this thing die on the floor. But lets be honest, there was no way that was going to happen. Pelosi needed this to pass, and much like Cap and Trade she did everything she could to make it happen. Now BOTH of those headaches are on Reid. And I really think she is going to leave him out to dry on this.
I look at how Obama, Pelosi, and Reid talk/interact with each other and he is clearly the weakest link. I feel that both of them threw these grenades into his fox hole knowing that they were too hot to throw anywhere else but the next guy over.
I also think Obama realized that he is going to loose control of one of the chambers. And I get the feeling that he is willing to let he Senate slip on passing these bills (and thereby loosing control due to Reid) so he can still have the house. Though I may be giving him too much credit there.
This isn’t the end. Not by a long shot. They still have everything to loose and I am going to make sure my Senator gets an earful every day until this thing goes down.
Gatsu on November 8, 2009 at 7:47 AM
What’s the opposite of suicidal?
Bleeds Blue on November 8, 2009 at 7:44 AM
Bleeds Blue: The opposite of suicide!
A Liberal telling the truth?
canopfor on November 8, 2009 at 7:50 AM
That was a wonderful thing for you to do. Especially since NY-24 is a vulnerable Democrat district. Unfortunately, there is not yet a single Republican candidate who has announced. Now, go get a GOP candidate!
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 7:50 AM
With the passage of the Health Care “Reform” bill, the House of Representatives has passed from being a self-serving collection of busybodies, scolds and nags to tyrants. The individual mandate is as obnoxious as anything ever foisted on America by King George III.
Like those early times, the depredations of government gave rise to resistance, expressed today in the Tea Party movement. Like then, as today, the first impulse was to petition peacefully for the redress of grievance. Like then, as today, those petitions fell on the deaf ears of officious politicians who knew what was best for the colonists, as our Congress people know what is best for us. The arrogance of those earlier British politicians sowed the seeds for what became the American Revolution. The arrogance of our current tyrants in the House are again sowing those same seeds.
How long before the American people rise against the tyranny growing in our midst in the House of Representatives?
SteveK on November 8, 2009 at 7:50 AM
lol… you’ve got me there! Perhaps in time I can hold the word “hope” without seeing the horrible images I associate with it! I’ll work on it!
Until then I remain optimistic and have faith that our enthusiasm and confidence will go far in defeating the dark side! :-)
ladyhawke53 on November 8, 2009 at 7:51 AM
What I will be doing is purchasing pre-stamp post cards at the post office to give to friends/family that I know don’t want this massive government healthcare bill to pass, but won’t take to the time to call/write our senators. I will fill each out with a few sentences stating I want them to vote NO on the democratic healthcare bill, fill in the senators mailing address and all the person I give one to has to do is sign their name and put their return address. I encourage others to do the same.
evie on November 8, 2009 at 7:51 AM
You won’t be alone. My wife and I plan and adding to the crowded situation.
karl9000 on November 8, 2009 at 7:53 AM
Even Bleedsstupid & Simplyanidiot don’t believe this was about healthcare, it was about power. However it’s not over till it’s over and I believe the liberals and our two resident dim bulbs are celebrating a little early.
donh525 on November 8, 2009 at 7:54 AM
That b***h.
What options do we have to stop this?
Lady Heather on November 8, 2009 at 7:54 AM
oh, I need more coffee. Pre-stamped, I believe they are .29 each.
evie on November 8, 2009 at 7:54 AM
Yes and even if by some horrible miscarriage of intelligence, the Senate version passes, the two sides have to get together and hammer out something that would be agreeable to both. IF in this lifetime that should happen, it still has to go thru the vote process again in both groups. This is a setback for the opposition to govt healthcare, not a defeat.
Bug the daylights out of your senators…. give em hell!
ladyhawke53 on November 8, 2009 at 7:57 AM
This is the only undisputably true thing said in the last 2000 posts. Those wimps in the Senate and their arcane rules may yet screw this up.
Bleeds Blue on November 8, 2009 at 7:59 AM
Well,Nancy Pelosi was almost orgasmic at announcing the
Liberal Partys HealthScare Bill,in which their will be
no cost control,so the KOOL_AID was much over flowing at
the Liberals giddyness into at long last,after decades,
they final got their Utopian Paradise at the cost of the
American taxpayer for the next 1000years!!!!!!!(Snark).
canopfor on November 8, 2009 at 7:59 AM
Being a politician just got a hell of a lot harder as of last night. They’ll wish they were janitors.
Coronagold on November 8, 2009 at 7:59 AM
Norsk faen drittsek…
You’re an embarrassment.
Caper29 on November 8, 2009 at 8:00 AM
Ah yes I forgot the final vote as well. I am calling mine twice a day at the least. They will get sick of hearing my voice!
And look at it like this, if AP is saying this bill is going to crash in the Senate that alone should tell you how bad they will bungle it up. I think AP is quite the realist and I don’t see him making such claims without sound logic behind it.
I really think they WANT this to die, so they can break it up and try it that way. A la Lieberman.
Gatsu on November 8, 2009 at 8:01 AM
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 7:50 AM
I remain hopeful that Richard Hanna will run again and plan to write him to encourage him to do so. Arcuri is very vulnerable and knows it, which is probably why he ducked constituents during the recess. The results in NY-23 have to demonstrate how vulnerable he is, though he has the Working Families Party covering his back.
I’m done fussing and wringing my hands about congress. This vote is a call to arms – I plan to devote as much time as I can to getting a conservative Republican elected here.
piglet on November 8, 2009 at 8:03 AM
Mr. Perriello (D-VA 5):
Good morning. Last night the casting of your AYE vote set you upon a path directly against the guidance and instruction that Mr. Jefferson would have done. You had your arm-twisted by voices that do not occupy your district and essentially subjugated the voices and the sovereignty of the American people who live here to those who do not. I once admired your pragmatism, now decry your lack of courage and foresight. Twice now, first with your ill-advised Cap and Trade vote, and now this vote demonstrates that Tom Perriello is guided by others and cannot represent the 5th district. Not only will this vote end your congressional career, but it shall pursue you into your post-congressional career. I am sorry that you chose this path, for it was not without warning from your constituents.
ted c on November 8, 2009 at 8:05 AM
Two words NEVER to be placed in the same sentence!!!!
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 8:05 AM
The Democrats went all in on this bill. I don’t believe the Republicans on the hill did. But the tide is rising out here in the country.I don’t, won’t, believe this will stand. I will fight it with all my being and I know their will be many, many others. It will not stand!
donh525 on November 8, 2009 at 8:06 AM
My question is with two senators firmly behind the “Blue Wall” (Schumer and Gillibrand), who should I be contacting?
piglet on November 8, 2009 at 8:07 AM
ted c on November 8, 2009 at 8:05 AM
Beautiful. We should all spend Sunday sending our “representatives” such missives.
piglet on November 8, 2009 at 8:08 AM
Pelosi … orgasmic
canopfor on November 8, 2009 at 7:59 AM
Two words NEVER to be placed in the same sentence!!!!
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 8:05 AM
Loxodonta:Ahem,hehe:)
canopfor on November 8, 2009 at 8:09 AM
Well said.
visions on November 8, 2009 at 8:09 AM
My question is with two senators firmly behind the “Blue Wall” (Schumer and Gillibrand), who should I be contacting?
piglet on November 8, 2009 at 8:07 AM
Mine are Burris and Durbin. I feel your pain.
donh525 on November 8, 2009 at 8:10 AM
It’s always best to work where you are with what you have. if your believe Richard Hanna is the best possible Republican, why not shoot off a letter to him as well, cc your letter of complaint to Rep. Arcuri (D) NY-24.
Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 8:10 AM
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