Booman Tribune ~ A Progressive Community

Reality-Check

by BooMan
Tue Jun 30th, 2009 at 10:56:28 PM EST

In order for Al Franken's mere presence in the Senate to make a difference, two things need to happen. First, the Democrats will need to get both Robert Byrd and Teddy Kennedy to show up to cast a vote for cloture. That is not an easy thing to do, given their health issues. Second, the Democrats have to remain totally united. If they can do both those things, they can pass anything they want on any terms they want. It will be possible on certain votes to get one or two or three Republicans to cross-over and make up for Byrd and/or Kennedy's absence, or for a couple of Democratic defections (I'm looking at you Lieberman, Carper, Baucus, Ben Nelson, Pryor, Lincoln, etc.).

In reality, Franken doesn't make much difference. The real difference is that with Franken in the Senate, the Dems have no ready-made excuses for failing to pass their agenda.

Reality-Check | 12 comments (12 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

Reality-Check (none / 0)

byrd's been released from hospital, and kennedy's resting in hyannis port, so after the holiday recess they ought to be able to vote on critical measures such as health care, climate, SCOTUS appointments, and such, even if they have to be brought into the chamber in wheelchairs or on gurneys,

unfortunately, the reality of the situation is we have neither a strong majority leader, nor a president that's willing to twist a few arms and spend some of his political capital. were that so, we could get some major things accomplished.

however, based on the actions ...or lack thereof... in the senate to date, and the seeming unwillingness on the part of the wh to push past the totally failed bipartisan approach, l would posit that we're going to be seriously disappointed.

franken being there doesn't change a thing except the math.

the revolution will not be televised...

by dada on Wed Jul 1st, 2009 at 12:15:43 AM EST

Re: Reality-Check (none / 0)

I won't to know if Blance Lincoln or Ben Nelson aren't gonna vote for cloture. I also want to know, if Mitch McConnell is going to still waste everyone's time(and see if Reid can hold the caucus together on cloture). Because we don't need Ben Nelson's vote on a bill just as long as Mitch McConnell isn't gonna be dick(Yeah .. I know .. fat chance!!)

by Calvin Jones and the 13th Apostle on Wed Jul 1st, 2009 at 12:55:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Reality-Check (none / 1)

"The real difference is that with Franken in the Senate, the Dems have no ready-made excuses for failing to pass their agenda."

this says so much.
One would THINK the democrats would be delighted that they can finally "pass their agenda", much as the republicans took advantage of their majorities.

the fact that they look for "ready-made excuses" pretty much tells the real story.

John Mccain Called his wife WHAT??

by brendan on Wed Jul 1st, 2009 at 07:29:42 AM EST

Re: Reality-Check (none / 0)

ben nelson can explain it to you. if he's busy, corral Mary Landrieu.

by BooMan on Wed Jul 1st, 2009 at 09:34:38 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Reality-Check (none / 0)

i'd also like to see what hapless harry has to say, I'm sure he can explain it too. And tom carper. and Diane feinstein.

never mind my change, where the fuck is my life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness?

John Mccain Called his wife WHAT??

by brendan on Wed Jul 1st, 2009 at 10:43:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Reality-Check (none / 0)

Is there a single issue that the Democrats are totally united on that Republicans are totally united in opposition against? If there is, I can't think of it. Anything that Ben Nelson and Blanche Lincoln would agree with the Democrats on, it's likely that Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins would also agree on. So the 61 number is symbolic in that it makes Harry Reid look like a tool when he goes up in front of the cameras to say "we just don't have the numbers" but it's not much more than that.

The conservative faction of the American political system still has the majority in the Congress - as they have for my entire lifetime of political awareness. All this means is that the Republicans can't tie up the Senate over completely pointless and desperate filibusters that anyone could see are stupid and partisan grandstanding. And McConnell had a limited number of those to play with anyway because Snowe doesn't have the room to play along with those stunts that the other Republican Senators enjoy.

by nonynony on Wed Jul 1st, 2009 at 10:35:44 AM EST

Re: Reality-Check (none / 0)

having a vote on Obama's nominees.

by BooMan on Wed Jul 1st, 2009 at 12:24:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Reality-Check (none / 0)

Personally I was thinking those would be covered under this:

the Republicans can't tie up the Senate over completely pointless and desperate filibusters that anyone could see are stupid and partisan grandstanding.

But I could be wrong about that. From a purely procedural standpoint this could make a fairly big difference in finally getting the government fully staffed with judges and (relatively) minor positions within the executive branch since there's no gain for a conservative Democrat to block them. I suppose.

by nonynony on Wed Jul 1st, 2009 at 12:43:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Reality-Check (none / 0)

Well here's some reality for you as you hinted in the original post:

"Lieberman: I Stand With The Small Minority Of Americans Who Oppose Public Option"

by MNPundit on Wed Jul 1st, 2009 at 12:39:54 PM EST

Re: Reality-Check (none / 0)

The Dem numbers should give them a real opportunity to end the current de facto rule by a minority of 40 through the EZ filibuster. I can't find exactly what changed, and how, that made it possible to "filibuster" just by saying you're going to, but it was one of the all-time Bad Ideas. It should be reversed, and now's the time it could happen.

FDR's response to progressive demands: "I agree. Now go out and make me do it."

by DaveW on Wed Jul 1st, 2009 at 01:59:39 PM EST

Re: Reality-Check (none / 0)

No more excuses...

No more excuses..

You're on the money.

by rikyrah on Wed Jul 1st, 2009 at 03:22:18 PM EST

Re: Reality-Check (none / 0)

If we could get all 60 to at least vote for cloture it would be a big help. If a handful voted against the actual bill it wouldn't then be a problem.

by ericy on Wed Jul 1st, 2009 at 04:59:30 PM EST

Reality-Check | 12 comments (12 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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