Nelson: We're Making Progress, But No Surefire Agreement

I can't take this. Mr. President - it's time to sic Rahm on Sen. Nelson and tell him that he can be a respected and cared for member of the party, or he can be the man who killed health care reform, but he can't be both.

I know, but a girl can dream.

Why do they have to pass this on Christmas eve? Why not just on Christmas or the day after Christmas and then they can go home after that.

YEAH!!! The need to hurry and get this thing wrapped up.

Well, the abortion issue would have to be resolved anyway for the bill to pass the House.

Gee -- Harry Reid negotiating for the pro-choice side? Why do I feel that women's rights are not secure?

Sen. Nelson claims that he wants to do what is best for Nebraska but has skimped on his vote counting. He has two choices -- the bill pretty much like it is with possibly some more support for those who choose to create children from unintended pregnancies and no bill. That's it -- he does not have the choice of a bill which further damages the right to choose and deprives women of coverage for the full range of their health care needs.

Who's paying for Nelson's propecia?

He's not delaying anything because the CBO score is still not in yet. I think it's all a dog and pony show - he gets to fake playing hardball maybe to trick the Stupak voters in the house that his hard fought for abortion amendment is worthy of their support.

recently reported:

Adding to his demands for stronger abortion restrictions, Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) has announced that Senate Democrats would have to allow states to “opt-in” to the Medicaid expansion to secure his vote for the Senate health care bill. In a letter to Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, who has previously raised concerns about the provision in the Senate bill that would expand Medicaid to 133% of the federal poverty line (FPL)

The only sure thing about the Senate's Health Care Bill is that Lieberman comes out the winner in his own mind, which is all that ever counted for him. If the bill eventually becomes law, voters will hate it because of the mandates without good cost controls. If the bill fails, then Obama's biggest domestic initiative goes down in flames.

Either way, Lieberman gets to exact his revenge on Obama and the people who supported Obama against Lieberman's BFF St. John-the-Forgetful (or St. John-the-Deceitful).

"We're Making Progress".

Translation: "They're giving in to me".

I'm getting tired of bill negotiations where progress is defined as giving in, as opposed to giving up something, too. Isn't the goal to meet somewhere near the middle, as opposed to pulling the opposition all the way to your side? You know, give a little, get a little. I feel as if these negotiations have been all about giving up everything of importance in exchange for voting for cloture.

What, we've learned nothing from Lieberman moving the goalposts anytime it appeared a new compromise was reached? Nelson is playing for time to force the bill to wait for the January recess, plain and simple.

Reid should schedule the Senate for sessions on the health bill for December 25 through and including January 1. You want to delay? We can all delay together here in Washington. Recess cancelled, everyone stays after Senate if necessary.