Done and done: Dems celebrate after invoking cloture on ObamaCare
posted at 6:07 pm on December 23, 2009 by Allahpundit
It really is an achievement. Think how hard you’d have to work to produce a bill that’s equally hated by left and right.
Mike Crapo reminds us this evening that to undo this, the GOP would need the mirror image of what the Dems have now, i.e. 60 in the Senate and a Republican in the White House, which ain’t happening anytime soon. Even if tea partiers ride a red wave through to 2012, flipping 20 seats between now and then is a tall, tall order. (The last time the GOP had 60 Senate seats was 1911.) The longer it takes to get to the magic number, the more entrenched the bill becomes in the public imagination, the more people begin to rely on and plan around it, and the more difficult it becomes to drive a stake through it. As depressing as it is, Bill Kristol’s probably right that the Massachusetts special election next month is the last chance to nuke the bill. The future of American health care in the hands of Ted Kennedy’s constituents? What could go wrong?
Actually, there is one other hugely risky way to improve the chances of repealing ObamaCare: The GOP, as a minority party, could take up the cause this year of ending the filibuster starting in 2012. The Dems would be tempted to agree since the odds are fair that they’ll still control the Senate by then and could ram through more of their agenda via simple majority vote. The risk, of course, is that if the GOP takes back Congress and defeats The One, they can kill this travesty of a bill lickety split in 2013. How lucky do you feel?
Blowback
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Horatius,
I pray rou are correct.
However, your assumptions re SS are also a tad rosy. The old projections on the solvency of SS did not take into account the reduction of revenues to the Treasury (20+%) due to this recession. SS will be in serious trouble sooner rather than later.
mountainmanbob on December 23, 2009 at 7:07 PM
This economy/country will be ruined long before then.
Midas on December 23, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Remember the parable of the two hikers who meet a grizzly, and one puts on running shoes. “I don’t have to outrun the bear; I just have to outrun YOU”
Chris_Balsz on December 23, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Yes, I know. Bad penmanship. I really needed one more sentence there. Naturally, trouble is trouble, and if you are the one facing the economic devastation, etc. etc.
What I mean is that I just don’t think–if we resolve to not trim our principals–that in the long-term this attempt at Leviathan is going to succeed. That’s all. “A new day will dawn, and the sun will shine all the brighter.” Or, ummm, something like that. So indeed, be of good cheer. It’s Christmas, after all.
Horatius on December 23, 2009 at 7:09 PM
I don’t like purity/uniformity. If I wanted to be in a party of complete drones, I’d be on the other side. Now I’m not saying that there shouldn’t be some core values that every member should have if you’re going to consider yourself a Republican, conservative, or whatever else. But I’m so tired of people telling others to go away just because they didn’t do exactly what they wanted them to do.
Narutoboy on December 23, 2009 at 7:09 PM
We still have gorgeous National Parks for the despondent to curl up and die in.
The rest of us will be tearing up paper, throwing VIPs into the street and starting government over with Bic pens and notebook paper…and integrity.
Chris_Balsz on December 23, 2009 at 7:09 PM
gmoonster on December 23, 2009 at 7:01 PM
Midas on December 23, 2009 at 7:10 PM
I refuse to watch any of this. I think I will send Harry an email and tell him that the only possible bright spot to all of this is that it will hopefully inspire the people of Nevada to send his thieving ass on down the road.
But then again, when Tom Daschle got a job as a political consultant, aka influence peddler and is making big money. Too bad we can’t just exile these people to the North Pole or something.
Terrye on December 23, 2009 at 7:11 PM
The GOP has never rescinded a liberal program, nor have they even promised to nix this one like defunding PBS and the NEA in 1994.
Valiant on December 23, 2009 at 7:11 PM
I’m just not having an easy time here today. Happens when you’re talking about not giving up just because the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor..
Naturally, we should not trim our principles. Trimming principals, on the other hand, is probably not only okay, but may be required.
Horatius on December 23, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Just heard that the Prez said the Senate was sacrificing for America by staying during the holidays to vote for Obamacare. How very white of you, Mr. President. OOPs!!! Was that white racism?
mobydutch on December 23, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Merry Christmas pappamac, and to everyone. I hope you have a safe, and fun Christmas, and all Gods blessings bestowed apon you! :)
capejasmine on December 23, 2009 at 7:06 PM
capejasmine: And,a very Merry Christmas CJ to you and your
family too!:)
canopfor on December 23, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Don’t forget John Bolton and a whole passel of other good conservatives gaining national attention.
Caststeel on December 23, 2009 at 7:14 PM
And to think, I thought the Clinton years were depressing.
Cylor on December 23, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Congratulations, America!
Not only have the Democrats decided to destroy our health care system and permanently cripple our economy, but your taxes are going up, too!
Lucky you! Merry Xmas!
Good Lt on December 23, 2009 at 7:15 PM
We’re going to flip 10 seats in 2010. I can feel it! I wonder if the demcorats will “share” chairmanships like Bill Frist did…*gag*
SouthernGent on December 23, 2009 at 7:17 PM
Yeah, I can agree, to a point, that the longer this drags out, the harder it may be to get rid of.
But, then again, there is just as much chance the longer this drags out, the more people will become educated about it and thus infuriated over it.
Democrats do not own the future. No one can predict what will happen next week, let alone next year!
Did King George have the last word on taxes in the colonies? Did the Dredd Scott Decision end the argument over slavery?
When the Soviets began building the Berlin Wall, was that the final word on freedom in East Germany? Has the battle over abortion ended?
I don’t know,,, I just don’t think this is over until one side quits. Let them all stand there hand in hand and celebrate the death of freedom. Let them boast openly and publicly that their corruption is no big deal! They can go ahead and lie and smirk and flaunt the power they think they have achieved over Americans. Let them boast.
But, what is the truth? What is the reality? Take away all the talking heads and all the spin and what are you left with? The truth is, a great deal of what they have achieved has been through default. The past many years the GOP, supposedly our advocates, have placed a higher priority on “appearing nice” than they have on fighting to preserve freedom and to protect our constitution. It has been the GOP that got rid of Newt. It was the GOP that threw Tom Delay to the wolves! Democrats did not defeat either of them! It has been the GOP and many of its leaders that have time and time again caved, given in or reached across the aisle to hand the Democrats victory after victory. And we have arrived here, today, because the GOP leaders gave us McCain as a candidate against Obama. McCain, who nearly sounded like he was endorsing Obama several times as he ran against him! I used to blame the American people, and we all have blame to share, but we really do not know how strong and how difficult it would be to stop, repeal or illuminate the bill since it has been a long, long time since we have had real GOP leaders. Every tiger seems strong as it stands on the mountain roaring. But, roars don’t win battles. Fights do. And the fighting is not finished until both sides leave the field of battle.
One more thing about truth. Sometimes it doesn’t need to be discovered. It needs to be remembered. Here again are the closing remarks from a speech I listened to not long ago:
“On Christmas day 1776, Washington’s army had collapsed from 30,000… to 2500. … Of that 2500, one third did not have boots. They wrapped their feet in burlap and the left a trail of blood marching the 9 miles to Trenton. Washington decided to cross an icy river, at night, in a snow storm. To march at night to surprise 800 professional soldiers, winning a surprise victory, capturing all 800, and re-establishing the legitimacy of the revolution. Two weeks later he had 15,000 volunteers. The password that night was “Victory or death!”
“I want you to go from here this weekend and look every successful person in the eye, and look every patriot you know in the eye, and tell them, there are young men and women risking their lives all around this planet. In uniform, in the State Dept. in the intelligence community, so we can be free. Don’t tell me how much you’ve given. Don’t tell me how tired you are. Don’t tell me how frustrating it is. This country was created by people who were willing to say “Victory or death!” while marching in burlap bags in the middle of a snow storm. We’re going to have to find those people again! …we’re going to have to run people … in offices, we’re going to have to isolate and crush the secular, socialist left, we’re going to have to replace their failed system with a systems that succeeds. This is work George Washington would have approved of. And this is work you need to take seriously the next 3 years,, so that we can give our children and grand children the freest and most prosperous country in history.”
-Newt Gingrich
If all you can say is, “Well, that was then, this is now.” or “Newt sucks!” you’re part of the reason we’re losing the war.
JellyToast on December 23, 2009 at 7:22 PM
When the ultimate bill passes, it will be a direct result of: “voting for RHINOs because it’s the best thing for the party,” “compromising the little things for the greater good,” and “understanding and accepting that this is how politics works.”
Wheeling and dealing with moderates and their liberal cousins has choked the greatest Constitution/form of government in history and is ruining the greatest country in the world.
I am so pissed I’m nearly in tears.
pugwriter on December 23, 2009 at 7:24 PM
Which 10? With Rudy not running New York’s out. California’s a long shot, even in this climate. Dodd’s seat could be interesting, but I’m not all that confident about it. If Crist flips to the Dems Florida could actually be a loss.
I’m going to go look at the list now, but I think the GOP only picks up 6.
BadgerHawk on December 23, 2009 at 7:25 PM
“Scozzafava is my girl.”
-Newt Gingrich
Bishop on December 23, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Err…I mean RINOs. AAAAARRRGGGHHH!!!!
pugwriter on December 23, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Yikes. Looking at the list the GOP has to defend 12, plus has another 6 retiring (including Gregg in NH).
The Dems have 16 seats to defend, plus another 2 retirements. So it’s 18 to 18.
Boxer, Inouye, Mikulski, Gillibrand, Schumer, Wyden, Leahy and Murray should all be safe, plus whomever they put up in Delaware in Kaufman’s spot will win. So that’s 9 safe for the Dems.
Shelby, Murkowski, McCain, Isakson, Crapo, Grassley, Burr, Coburn, DeMint, Thune and Bennett should all win re-election easily for the GOP, plus whomever they put up for Bond (Missouri), Brownback (Kansas) and Bunning (Kentucky – unless Paul somehow throws that one a curve ball). So that’s 14 safe for the GOP.
So the GOP’s effectively going after 9 seats and the Dems after 5. I’d say that the GOP has a good to solid chance at: Reid, Lincholn, Dorgan, Bennet, Specter and Feingold, and an ok chance at Dodd and the open IL seat. Bayh’s probably safe. So hopefully 8, maybe only 6.
If the GOP can hold Florida with Rubio, Vitter in LA, and Ohio that leaves only NH as a really vulnerable seat.
So overall I’ll up my previous prediction from a pick up of 6 to 7. I just don’t see a way of getting to 10.
BadgerHawk on December 23, 2009 at 7:37 PM
It will be of little avail to the people, that the laws are made by men of their own choice, if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood; if they be repealed or revised before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes that no man, who knows what the law is today, can guess what it will be tomorrow. Law is defined to be a rule of action; but how can that be a rule, which is little known, and less fixed?
— James Madison
MB4 on December 23, 2009 at 7:43 PM
been gone awhile – my Son has been sick.
My question is.
Where is the bill – can anyone point it to me?
seesalrun on December 23, 2009 at 7:44 PM
T’was the Night before Christmas
And all through the House
Not a creature was stirring
Aside from the Louse
argos on December 23, 2009 at 7:45 PM
“California’s a long shot, even in this climate. ”
I don’t know. Around here in Silicon Valley I am hearing a lot of people who are fed up with these jackasses.
crosspatch on December 23, 2009 at 7:50 PM
One more thing about the GOP.
The Democrats are ruthless. They are the very definition of the word, scoundrels. Corrupt. Cheats and frankly, traitorous.
I remember Newt saying that when he was a freshman, whoever the leader of the GOP was at the time, during meetings, would wave a white flag in front of the freshman and tell them all something like “Get used to this! We don’t win around here, we surrender.” I am repeating this as best I can remember it.
I don’t think we know for sure what the Democrats would be like if they had to put up a real fight. I’m not sure we can judge too accurately how tough they are when most of their GOP opponents cringe at the first sound of name calling.
Is it possible, too, we have some key GOP leaders who really don’t mind being in the minority at all? You don’t have to be responsible for much while you are in the minority, but the perks are still nice and the pay is the same. Would it even be unheard of that we might even, just possibly, maybe, have a real spy or two working within the GOP somewhere for the Dems? No No No, what am I saying, things like that never happen in warfare or politics.
Ronald Reagan was just one man. Rush Limbaugh is just one man. Newt Gingrich was just one man. One man, though, is a pretty easy target. We need a whole team. We need an army of people who are willing to get down and dirty for the glory of being a part of something historic. We need good men and good women to do small things and great things. Our kids are worth it. America is worth it.
I’m not giving in to the creeps. They do not represent what America is or was. We’re all going to die anyway and I’d rather it be by some disease, car accident or old age than by some freaking death panel.
And besides, if they succeed, what little wealth we have will go to them anyway. We might as well spend it on the cause!
God bless America! God bless the coming rebirth of freedom!
JellyToast on December 23, 2009 at 7:54 PM
The Republicans are always out voting against this stuff. Conservatives always focus in on the one or two Republicans that don’t. If anyone is to blame, it’s the side that is constantly whining about “RINOs.”
Narutoboy on December 23, 2009 at 7:55 PM
[Rolls eyes]
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 8:04 PM
The amendments were hung by on the Error with care
In hopes that St. Obama soon would be there
argos on December 23, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Nice post. Thank you sir.
The war between conservatives and liberals is the existential war between good and evil; it is never over. It is cyclic. America’s run is not over. The curve is lowering but Regan was a high point.
The liberals have the ideal liberal scenario. But they have been 100 years trying for this. Somehow all the “marbles” are not falling into their lap. Everywhere they turn is another check. Thank you conservatives at HA and elsewhere. Another lie that must be constructed or rather the same lie reconstructed. The Judases are yet to be paid and are wondering about their promises. Or even their lives (political) as the battle continues.
Problem for liberals; they musthave a leader or fragment for lack of morals. Their goals are greed an personal so must be hidden. Conservatives coalesce on a leader thru recognition of principle.
Yeah it’s tough. Rejoice that the battle is never “won” and that you, too can earn a greatest generation for your participation.
The generals know that there must be 7 – 10 support personnel for each front line soldier. Earn your Good Conduct Ribbon in support.
Sorry to rejoin the thread so late. Slow typing.
Caststeel on December 23, 2009 at 8:08 PM
Slow and inaccurate typing. Ugh.
Caststeel on December 23, 2009 at 8:17 PM
Suicide?
Dark-Star on December 23, 2009 at 8:18 PM
A team of committed conservatives who can articulate the message and fight is a winner. People are looking for leadership, not the mish-mash of muddle that they see in both parties. Clear choices are needed, but it requires people who will stand up and let people know who are. When people look at either party they yawn, and that gives the representatives full sway to carry on with their devious, self-serving shenanigans. Why? Because no one is interested. No one is watching, and no one is holding their feet to the fire.
It’s gone on too long, and it’s our responsibility to force a change. It will take time and effort. We do need some leaders to set the pace.
BTW, you always write excellent posts. I enjoy reading them and appreciate your efforts.
Cody1991 on December 23, 2009 at 8:21 PM
Somehow it doesn’t feel like it’s done. I remain optimistic.
joe_doufu on December 23, 2009 at 8:32 PM
The People were misled, all f**ked in the head
While visions of socialism kept them feel fed
And Nancy in her latex, and Harry suckin’ pap
Had just settled down for a fat load of crap
I need some help here, folks ….
argos on December 23, 2009 at 8:32 PM
You may want to rethink the “s-word”. Remember how well that worked the last time.
Besides the present problem is that the liberal/failed states would be left in the Union.
The successful states need a way to kick out or at least put on probation the failed states. Rejection rather than secession. Yeah. Kick the losers out.
Ah hell. That would just produce Yemen, Sudan, A’stan, Iran, NoKo on NA. Sigh. F’n liberals are pernicious, evil, stoopid and always with us.
Why can’t we have a better quality of humans? Oh wait …
Caststeel on December 23, 2009 at 8:37 PM
I think people here are pretty realistic about that sort of thing, it’s been discussed before, but oh well.
BTW, just for the fun of it, I was thinking about what Democrat doublespeak for it might be if they were to try to…. you know. Maybe something like “Unified Communities Program” or “Harmonious Living Accord”.
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 8:51 PM
How well what worked?
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 8:52 PM
Everyone is too glum. It still has to be reconciled to the house bill, then implemented after a supreme court challenge and nullification from the states. If all else fails, Americans are well-armed.
Vashta.Nerada on December 23, 2009 at 8:52 PM
Torches & pitchforks!
Alden Pyle on December 23, 2009 at 8:56 PM
SO WHERE ARE ALL THOSE SENATORS THAT OPPOSED THIS THING BUT VOTED EARLIER FOR IT TO ALLOW DEBATE?
THEY ARE 100% LIARS LIARS LIARS.
IF THEY WANTED DEBATE, THEY ALSO WOULD HAVE VOTED AGAINST CLOTURE
mooseburger on December 23, 2009 at 8:56 PM
I had an earlier post deleted without comment.
All one has to do is go over to a certain liberal blog with no traffic to see the “Hot Air Comments of the Day”.
You don’t want to be on this list because no one will see it.
The tail is wagging the dog.
Valiant on December 23, 2009 at 8:56 PM
What’s this “S” word everyone is worrying about? Surely not “S”outh Carolina !! lol
We did this before. There’s always a spirit that lives in the heart, and it never dies.
Cody1991 on December 23, 2009 at 8:57 PM
The last time, if I recall correctly, was when Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993, in a completely peaceful and by all accounts successful s…, woops, I meant “parting of ways”.
Rebar on December 23, 2009 at 8:59 PM
While out in the nation there arouse such a clamor
I sprang from my barcalounger & said Wha’ts’a matter?
Away to the T.V. I flew in a flash
To see our new president throwing a bash …
To see our new president printing up cash?
Seriously, folks, I’m dyin’ here.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a goddamn Democrat without any beer
argos on December 23, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Hey Horatius
HA is not America. Choose your battles more carefully.
AP: yes it is your site but secession is a legitimate topic.
Unlikely, but a last ditch desperation HOPE. See my 8:37 post.
Let the posters handle it. A gentle hint is best. Yes, I do understand that hints do fail but troll lies and ad homeniums are worse. This is a conservative site.
That is, after all, the beauty and strength of America. People doing good for other people ’cause they want to make a profit.
Caststeel on December 23, 2009 at 8:59 PM
It could, but if it does the movement isn’t going to start here at HotAir so there’s no point risking a ban over it. Besides, if a movement like that does start and makes the news, AP will probably reappraise the restriction over time.
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Oh, I get it now, I thought he was talking about I said.
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 9:01 PM
inspiring. Reminded me of my favorite Winston Churchill quote- “Never give in! Never, never, never, never – in nothing great or small, large or petty. Never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.”
alwaysright43 on December 23, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Now that I understand your point I’d like to respond but am not sure what’s safe. I’ll just say that in this case the sides would be morally reversed. It would be more akin to the Declaration of Independence.
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 9:04 PM
FIFM
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Pretty work.
Now let’s go trash a troll. They can run almost fast enough.
Caststeel on December 23, 2009 at 9:04 PM
For those that don’t watch Hannity, Mark Stein is hosting tonight and Michelle is on right now.
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Thank you. Like I said recently, Sometimes I post. Sometimes I rant. Sometimes I write something worth reading.
One other thing, about the password Washington’s soldiers used, “Victory or Death.”
They were fighting a real life blood and guts war. Death, real death, was an every day possibility.
We have a different kind of death to face. That being, death to self. Why should we expect to pay so little to preserve what cost our forefathers so much to create and birth? How precious is our freedom? How much do we really care about our nation? Are we willing to give up our money? Our time? Our reputation? Are we willing to travel? Work long hours for a candidate or a cause? Are we willing to do so even when there is little or no recognition? At the risk of being spit on? Harassed? Are we willing to invest in a long shot candidate or cause? Will we keep going even while so many others are deserting, our feet are frozen and bloodied, it’s nine more miles in the snow and then there’s still a river to cross?
JellyToast on December 23, 2009 at 9:11 PM
Blah blah blah
Blah blah blah blah blah
I don’t see how you do it, Allah. What a ship of fools.
argos on December 23, 2009 at 9:14 PM
BTW, you are ALL a bunch of morons, and i doubt that even HALF of you vote.
argos on December 23, 2009 at 9:15 PM
I think it is the supercilious arrogance that gets the Pundit through the day.
But what do I know?
Horatius on December 23, 2009 at 9:18 PM
Lay off the booze, Argos.
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 9:22 PM
Who’s the loser–the loser, or the loser calling him a loser?
Horatius on December 23, 2009 at 9:23 PM
How are you getting past moderation?
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 9:33 PM
I like that quote, too.
You know,, it took me awhile to get over seeking approval or looking for affirmation from the mainstream media. I wanted so often to see or hear Dan Rather come out and say wonderful things about Reagan. I wanted so desperately to hear someone on CBS or NBC or CNN come out, stand up for conservatives and expose the libs.
But just like we all sometimes fall into that, another thing we have to guard against is seeking affirmation from the doomsayers. It is easy to fall into a pit. You don’t have to do a thing. Despair is a deep, deep pit. It takes effort to overcome it. People who say it can’t be done are everywhere. God bless them. Well, maybe some things can’t be done. Look what two kids did to ACORN. Imagine if there had been 20 more of them? 200 more? You know what I heard that girl say on Hannity ( I can’t remember her name, the one who played the prostitute). She said something like they were too young to believe they couldn’t do it. No one was around to tell them it would never work!
JellyToast on December 23, 2009 at 9:36 PM
At the risk of being banned I’m going to say something about secession.
It’s important to understand that when a large segment of the population is so maligned, so ignored and so put upon that they would even consider leaving, there is something dreadfully wrong.
People who live in blue states will never understand because they are immersed in liberal group-think. We are not where I live.
We live in the last remaining areas that truly embody the principles upon which this country was founded. I’ve traveled, studied and worked in great places, but I always understood that I’m an American. I know where my heart is, and I know who I am.
Some people who think they’re Yanks reside in NYC, LA, Detroit or Chicago. They rarely leave their abode and snark about how provincial and foolish others are. The truth is they are limited in their knowledge of this country. They really don’t know their fellow citizens, nor apparently do they care.
I will stand up for and defend my fellow citizens, There is an innate decency and common sense here that trumps any of the confused thinking of so-called ‘sophisticates’ in any major capital.
This is my home. These are my people. The manner in which we are treated is the Palin Syndrome.
The heat always ramps up because without us the liberal Dems and their agenda is toast. They need our hard-earned money as much as they need the poverty vote.
But they’re not going to get it much longer. When people start talking about secession, they’re really saying that they refuse to be used, that their rights are, or should be considered as equal, and that they will stand for their rights.
Liberals of both the Republican and Democrat party are guilty of bigotry. It’s shown every day for their lack of regard for the people they depend upon more than any other group.
Cody1991 on December 23, 2009 at 9:42 PM
I’m not familiar with you but assuming you’re not just another troll and might actually like to remain here after you’ve sobered up, you should clear up the air and apologize before AP receives my email and probably bans you, which may be inevitable regardless.
Anyway, get well soon.
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 9:47 PM
I haven’t start quoting the Bible yet. Stick around.
JellyToast on December 23, 2009 at 9:47 PM
That would be cool to see.
Narutoboy on December 23, 2009 at 9:54 PM
I haven’t started quoting the Bible yet. Stick around.
JellyToast on December 23, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Had to fix that.
JellyToast on December 23, 2009 at 9:54 PM
That’s nothing, I used the wrong spelling of the S word, (the wrong S word), twice in the past 24 hours. That’s probably why I haven’t received a warning like the others.
(I suspect that might also be why the moderation system is broken. They may have modified it to flag the S word and messed up the rest of the filters.)
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 9:58 PM
…that was a response to your fix notice, not what I quoted.
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 9:59 PM
The photo atop this piece looks like a bunch-o-crooks. Gee could they really be? Absolutely…
jgdp on December 23, 2009 at 10:12 PM
I swear I am the freaking worse at misspellings and typos. Or writing sentences that bring out my white trashiness. I don’t even see the spell check red underline thing until the moment after I push the “submit comment” button. The other thing I am often doing is having a conversation with someone here while trying to post. That usually always ends in some kind of misspelling hell.
JellyToast on December 23, 2009 at 10:14 PM
There are more empty suits there than at Men’s Wearhouse.
kingsjester on December 23, 2009 at 10:26 PM
How much of all this crap is being ignored because of the holiday?
Cindy Munford on December 23, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Probably quite a bit, which is why I think it would have been good to force a reading of the bill so that the vote would occur after the holiday, which would also have given opponents more time to search for weaknesses and attack them, and allow families to discuss it during their Christmas get togethers.
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 10:45 PM
Speechless. May those politicians who supported this bill rot in hell. Despicable traitors to the Republic for which they do not stand.
Sherman1864 on December 23, 2009 at 11:18 PM
Not as risky as you might think. Even on Hardball, they are acknowledging the top 5 endangered Senators in 2010 to all be Democrats. The 2010 Senate election will be played out on a structurally even playing field, with each party defending an equal number of seats. Losing five seats would have to be considered a rout and unlikely under those circumstance, and even if there was a five seat shift, the Democrats would retain a majority with Joe Biden breaking the partisan tie.Regardless whether it is 2,3,4 or 5 seats in 2010, it gets more interesting in 2012 when the field tilts dramatically in favor of Republicans. Of the 33 seats contested, the Democrats will be defending 24 seats, and the Republicans only 9. Even if they win 2 seats in 2010, it is virtually a fait accompli that the GOP will retake the Senate majority in 2012. In 2014, 21 of the 33 seats are defended by Democrats and 12 defended by Republicans. Again – advantage GOP. We are looking at a virtual certainty of a GOP majority in the Senate from 2013 through 2016 at minumum.
mw on December 23, 2009 at 11:33 PM
The group mug shot is so adoreable… now summon the tumbrels and pikes and let’s get things rolling for these thieves!
ya2daup on December 23, 2009 at 11:35 PM
We can’t ask for a reading of the bill tomorrow am?
journeyintothewhirlwind on December 23, 2009 at 11:41 PM
No, cloture ended the possibility.
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 11:44 PM
I was wondering about that. I thought cloture was just ending debate and that reading the bill into the record was a different matter.
journeyintothewhirlwind on December 23, 2009 at 11:47 PM
I’m not that knowledgeable about all the parliamentary rules, but that’s my best understanding. It makes sense, though, because generally people would want to read the bill before they debate it—though apparently reading bills is considered archaic, probably because most of the time they vote the way the lobbyist pay them to vote so there’s no need to do any reading.
FloatingRock on December 23, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Thanks for trying to clear up my confusion. I was probably reading too much into a statement made the other night by one of our Republican Senators that there would be more fireworks before this was done. And now I can’t remember which Senator mentioned fireworks. Maybe it is time for bed so that I can get up for the vote.
journeyintothewhirlwind on December 24, 2009 at 12:03 AM
And yes it is idiotic for them not to read a bill or force the reading of a bill (so they actually write the bill and don’t just vote on blank pages) before they debate and vote.
I would love students to go to their teachers, before they hand in their term papers, tests, etc and negotiate for their grade before the teacher is allowed to see their work. Could some of our brave, Conservative HS and College students do this and report back how it went?
journeyintothewhirlwind on December 24, 2009 at 12:06 AM
So, they can do whatever they want to us, and take whatever they want from us? Whether we like it or not?
I remember not long ago when I thought my government kinda looked out for us.
Now they exist to do things to us, and take things from us.
Alana on December 24, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Exactly. I fully expect five seats in 2010, and the momentum to finally put a stake in Barry and his band of myrmidons in 2012 seals the deal. I am also betting that at least 40 house seats switch GOP in 2010.
Vashta.Nerada on December 24, 2009 at 12:15 AM
It might be a different Senator and statement, but DeMint said he was going to call for the bill to be read. I was initially very angre when he didn’t but then realized that McConnell probably dissuaded him. At least I hope that’s the case because I hold/held DeMint in high regard.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2009 at 12:54 AM
Yeah, but how? They have some real heavies running interference for them. Not even sure the Breitbart videos have managed to really dent ‘em.
Dr. ZhivBlago on December 24, 2009 at 3:13 AM
Look at the bright side!? Oh never mind.
shov74 on December 24, 2009 at 6:50 AM
A day that will live in infamy! How can this not end up before SCOTUS?
shov74 on December 24, 2009 at 6:54 AM
Congratulations, Democrats
It isn’t everyday you get to bankrupt the country!
Nice to see that they chose to hijack Christmas Eve, and celebrate the birth of Christ, by forcing us to pay for the deaths (abortions) of babies.
Herod the Great didn’t even attempt anything as foul as this
ToddonCapeCod on December 24, 2009 at 8:14 AM
Go back to your cartoons boy. This is way too adult for you.
Squiggy on December 24, 2009 at 8:41 AM
Congratulations to the 21st century Nazi Party of America.
Cybergeezer on December 24, 2009 at 9:43 AM
There better be a whole new attitude when the GOP takes back congress and the Presidency. The time has come to drive a steak through the heart of socialism! We need investigations into the corruption of Democrats, and yes, even some Republicans going clear back the Fannie and Freddie! Democrats who have financially profited from the corruption and deal making need to be exposed and need to pay! Criminals are criminals! Looking the other way for the sake of the country gets you right back to where we are today!
Democrats have been criminal! I do not see why any corrupt politician should ever be allowed to leave office with millions of dollars in retirement!
JellyToast on December 24, 2009 at 10:07 AM
What a wonderful Christmas Miracle! Enjoy your Obamacare, one and all. I even greater things for America in 2010!
simplesimon on December 24, 2009 at 10:17 AM
InTheBellyoftheBeast on December 24, 2009 at 10:19 AM
I’m going to try and foregt about it until after the holidays simply to be able to enjoy them. Then I’m going to call my GOP headquarters and sign up to help in 2010.
jeanie on December 24, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Did anyone notice simple’s use of ‘your’ Obama care. Is he/she from another country or, perhaps, another planet?
jeanie on December 24, 2009 at 10:27 AM
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