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Another Filibuster? Senate Republicans Mulling A Filibuster Of Jobs Bill
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
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Senate Democrats want to vote on the first installment of a jobs package as early as Monday, amping up the pressure on Republicans to get aboard. But for the moment, they're not biting.
"We'll have a vote on a jobs bill on Monday," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said at a press conference today.
There's just one wrinkle: According to the Senate's top vote counter, there is currently no Republican support for the proposal Democrats are putting forth--and with Scott Brown to be seated today as the 41st Republican Senator, they'll need at least one member of the minority to come aboard.
"You need two to tango. And you need Republicans for bipartisanship," said Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL).
"Hope is prospective...we don't have bipartisanship at this moment. I hope we'll have it in a matter of minutes, hours, days."
That sets the stage for a potential showdown between the two parties on the first major issue since the Democrats lost their supermajority, and put health care reform on the backburner.
"I watched the Democrat leadership's press conference just now and what I learned is that there will be a vote Monday on 'a bill,'" said Don Stewart, spokesman for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. "But that they don't know what's in the bill or how many jobs they expect it to 'save or create,' or when anyone beyond the Beltway will see it, or how much it will cost. They did have a nice sign, though, and a pretty handout, so they obviously gave this some thought."
Bipartisanship!
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madmatt
February 4, 2010 11:06 AM
whadda ya bet the NEW jobs bill is nothing but tax breaks for corporations, you know the rethug way that worked so well over the last 8 years...way to fail again Harry, can't wait til ya lose in Nevada!
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JorgeOrwell
February 4, 2010 12:26 PM in reply to madmatt
Another reason Dems are going down in November. They are in complete denial. Ed Schultz nailed it in his theatrical, but very accurate report from Connecticut yesterday...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWvmkX4oAsQ
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goldiera
February 4, 2010 10:04 PM in reply to madmatt
Yes, that sums it up. Harry is an old woman in men's pants, a simpering idiot. No offense to old women in men's pants, but he is a total sissy. He is so repulsive, I cannot stand the sight or sound of him.
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Choppero
February 4, 2010 11:07 AM
I hope they still bring it to the floor without Republican votes. They need to force Repubs to oppose a Jobs Bill. Finally something that the typical american can understand. If repubs oppose, that won't look too good for them.
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ilovebacon
February 4, 2010 11:20 AM in reply to Choppero
Exactly. Make them filibuster. Then make a big stink about how the GOP is anti-jobs. This WILL work!
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Morbo
February 4, 2010 12:09 PM in reply to ilovebacon
Republican senators know we don't need jobs! After all, they each have jobs, and like global warming, if it's not right in front of a Republican's nose, it isn't real.
Every reality that's uncomfortable to them can be explained away by liberal bias.
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jeffgee
February 4, 2010 12:46 PM in reply to Morbo
What global warming? It's cold outside!
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JEP07
February 4, 2010 1:17 PM in reply to jeffgee
Global warming can be cold as hell..
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JorgeOrwell
February 4, 2010 12:40 PM in reply to ilovebacon
YES! This is the first time I've seen people advocating the filibuster on TPM.
Unfortunately, I'm beginning to think Dems have no interest in passing reform and jobs bills.
We only have to look at who is buttering their bread to see why.
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Overreach THIS!
February 4, 2010 4:04 PM in reply to JorgeOrwell
That was what they call gratuitous, mate.
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JorgeOrwell
February 4, 2010 8:56 PM in reply to Overreach THIS!
I just give 'em the truth and they THINK its gratuitous!
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CyberDuckie
February 5, 2010 2:24 PM in reply to JorgeOrwell
I'm all for the filibuster! Put the bill forth and let the Rethugs filibuster all they want. While they're busy reading recipe books and dictionaries, you shine a spotlight on them and use that time to drive it through to middle America that Rethugs are not on their side. The longer it lasts, the more ridiculous and asinine the Senate Rethugs look. DO EET!!!
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JorgeOrwell
February 5, 2010 3:17 PM in reply to CyberDuckie
All you gotta do is look back at ol' LBJ. Classic political playbook. I'm beginning to think Obama is either not interested in change or he is listening to Rahm Limbaugh, Geithner and Summers too much.
Time will tell
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Silence
February 4, 2010 12:35 PM in reply to Choppero
Are you referring to slush fund II - renamed THE JOBS BILL?
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roxsteady
February 4, 2010 12:50 PM in reply to Silence
Since 1959, the Bureau of Labor Statictics found that private sector job growth under Dems is 11.7% while under Republicans it's 5.4% Top that off with the fact that there were no net jobs created under Bush for 8 years while Clinton created 22 million jobs over 8 years and you have a pretty clear example of not knowing WTF you're talking about! As for the filibuster, I hope the Dems finally call their bluff. No food allowed, only milk or water and NO BATHROOM BREAKS? Personally, I hope Senator Byrd pretends to faint in his wheelchair or pretends he's having breathing problems. The visual will doom the Republicans!
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Silence
February 4, 2010 12:54 PM in reply to roxsteady
Clinton had a conservative congress.
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Mateo123
February 4, 2010 1:36 PM in reply to Silence
But not one republican voted for the 1993 Omnibus bill that raised taxes. They all cried about how it was unfair to raise taxes on the wealthy and on the middle class and on the poor and on the ants and on the roaches and on the rats and one the snakes and on the birds and on the bees and on the grass and on the ponds and in the sky and everywhere.
It was like a Palin rally times 100,000,000. The mantra was taxes = socialism. And, still, the bill led to balanced budgets and very clearly a successful economy. That was back before Joe Lieberman became a complete crook. He voted for it.
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Lestatdelc
February 4, 2010 4:00 PM in reply to Mateo123
Bingo. Why people conveniently forget that only after Bush I broke his "read my lips" late in his only term in office, and the 1993 omnibus bill which increased taxes, did we enter the longest, and biggest period of economic growth in our nations history.
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Signalman
February 4, 2010 1:50 PM in reply to Silence
So did GWB, from 2001-2007.
Would you like to restate your claim now?
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ericf
February 4, 2010 2:35 PM in reply to Silence
Not his first two years, when his economic program went in place. Besides, try to explain since 1959. The Great Recession is what happens when conservative ideas are put into effect. There's no getting around that.
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Silence
February 4, 2010 7:06 PM in reply to ericf
Take a good hard look at what is happening right now.
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mcrose68
February 4, 2010 9:03 PM in reply to ericf
Correction :
The Great Recession is what happens after the stimulus plan put the breaks on the economic collapse caused by Bushinomics.
The republican policies had us headed full-tilt for a second Great Depression. And if these Republicans successfully block progressive action they could still turn this into a Depression.
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Silence
February 5, 2010 8:21 AM in reply to mcrose68
This jobs bill is another complete waste of time and money.
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BlindBat
February 4, 2010 7:28 PM in reply to Silence
Please define slush.
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docrocktex
February 4, 2010 12:48 PM in reply to Choppero
Agreed
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Darrius
February 4, 2010 12:52 PM in reply to Choppero
Either way it is going to be a win for Obama and the Democrats.
If the Republicans don't vote for the bill then Dems can say that the Republicans VOTED AGAINST JOBS and that Republicans are holding the country back.
If some Republicans do vote for the bill then everyone will say that Obama turned this around with his outreach efforts and showed real leadership to both parties and delivered bipartisanship.
P.S.
You have to be an idiot to vote against a jobs bill in today's economy; either that or you are representing the Klan. Unfortunately, we have quite a few of the latter.
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JEP07
February 4, 2010 1:07 PM in reply to Darrius
"You have to be an idiot to vote against a jobs bill in today's economy;"
...and even bigger idiots to fillibuster against it.
Every video of any speech they make to stall jobs will be fodder for electioneering Dems come September (or much earlier, if all that corporate campaign money heats up the ad wars early.)
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Cal Gal
February 4, 2010 2:20 PM in reply to JEP07
Ah, but you assume they're going to filibuster on the merits of the bill. As with health care reform they will filibuster on the basis of "they didn't let us read it," "they didn't take our much better ideas," and on the basis that it does not contain big enough tax cuts.
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calbearinillinois
February 4, 2010 3:18 PM in reply to Cal Gal
Seeing as how nuanced arguments work so well with Americans, do you really think the independents will buy it? Or will they latch on to the much simpler idea that the GOP hates anything Obama tries - especially when they pull 180s on stuff they sponsor/advocate once he endorses the idea.
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lapdogs
February 4, 2010 4:01 PM in reply to JEP07
Get The Cameras Rolling!!
We're talking about Nails In The "Republican Coffin" Ads - that need to start running as soon as they vote no or do their typical filibuster.
Show all the people in the UNemployment Lines followed by the Republicans telling the non-workers to go eat cake!!
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dswx
February 4, 2010 2:46 PM in reply to Choppero
No. Why in the world would anyone want to vote in those people who are against jobs? Plus the other economic disaster they brought us. Vote back in the people who caused this whole mess? Yeah right.
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goldiera
February 4, 2010 10:08 PM in reply to Choppero
I agree, but the old woman in men's pants won't do it. Keep the jobs bill buried, and let the country continue to collapse. What a bunch of old whores. They are so self-serving, it is obvious to anyone. They could care less about the American people.
Edmund Burke, a great 18th century thinker once said: "Politicians are not born, they are excreted."
He was right, these people need to be unemployed with no health benefits.
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nova voter
February 4, 2010 11:10 AM
make them filibuster the jobs bill. then introduce another jobs bill and make them filibuster that one. do it over and over again until either we get a bill passed, or the republican party is extinct.
as for mcconnell's snark about signs and handouts, he's got to be kidding-- those are the ONLY thing republicans have offered to date, on ANYTHING! remember boehner with his ridiculous HCR chart? or the pamphlets they waved around at the joint session on HCR? or the pamphlet they gave obama at the Q&A?
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ETSpoon
February 4, 2010 11:42 AM in reply to nova voter
Yes. Yes. And yes! Reid knows that as the Senate majority leader he has the right to end "silent" filibusters, where 41 Senators just have to say they intent to filibuster, and force the Republicans to filibuster the old fashinoned way, by talking for hours on end. If Reid has any balls he'd get those obstructionists behind the Senate podium and get the CSpan camera on them.
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davewtf
February 4, 2010 12:34 PM in reply to ETSpoon
Gotta agree, but Reid seems to have lost his balls a long time ago. Hard to believe that Reid was a successful boxer at one point in his life...
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margoharris
February 4, 2010 3:08 PM in reply to davewtf
Harry Reid>>>"Float like Barney Fife, Sting like Aunt Bea."
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lapdogs
February 4, 2010 4:05 PM in reply to margoharris
Nah - Aunt Bea would wupp the daylights out of him; with one arm still making Andy and Opie their supper.
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hunter
February 4, 2010 2:14 PM in reply to ETSpoon
It really doesn't work that way anymore. And no, Reid can't force them to stand and talk the whole time.
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jmnyc
February 4, 2010 12:36 PM in reply to nova voter
Exactly. I am dating myself but I worked on the Hill for 8 yrs leaving in 1995. Throughout Reagan and Bush I the Dems repeatedly put the Rs in a tough position by making them take tough votes.
I remember when Bush I twice vetoed unemployment extensions during the 1991 recession and it killed the Rs.
This has the opportunity to be a defining moment. The Dems should not let it pass.
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trblmkr
February 4, 2010 2:46 PM in reply to jmnyc
"I'm dating myself..." Watch out, you'll go blind. haha
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margoharris
February 4, 2010 3:06 PM in reply to nova voter
Remember the "Fudget" with no numbers? LOL
Alas, the old, white and poorly educated are oblivious.
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Sailormarlowe
February 4, 2010 11:13 AM
Haha, look at these dorky Dimocrats. Want jobs? Cut taxes, get the government out of healthcare & off the backs of business owners, and "Drill, baby, Drill".
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farnsworth
February 4, 2010 11:24 AM in reply to Sailormarlowe
We can definitely trust the advice of someone who thinks people are military positions.
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DontFeedTheTrolls
February 4, 2010 1:15 PM in reply to farnsworth
Please, don't feed the trolls.
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itsjibba
February 4, 2010 11:26 AM in reply to Sailormarlowe
So your solution to the Bush Recession is to continue Bush's policies?
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docrocktex
February 4, 2010 12:52 PM in reply to itsjibba
They will never learn.
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DontFeedTheTrolls
February 4, 2010 1:16 PM in reply to itsjibba
Please, don't feed the trolls.
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runfastandwin
February 4, 2010 12:00 PM in reply to Sailormarlowe
"get the government out of healthcare"
If only the GOP would actually try and make this happen, it would doom them. But they won't because they say one thing and do another. They know people with Medicare are 99 percent in favor of Medicare, and that is a bloc that votes.
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DontFeedTheTrolls
February 4, 2010 1:17 PM in reply to runfastandwin
Please, don't feed the trolls.
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Morbo
February 4, 2010 12:14 PM in reply to Sailormarlowe
I guess you're too stupid to examine the outcome of the last eight years, huh dummy?
Don't let facts get in the way of your asinine talking points.
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DontFeedTheTrolls
February 4, 2010 1:17 PM in reply to Morbo
Please, don't feed the trolls.
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stillidealistic
February 4, 2010 12:39 PM in reply to Sailormarlowe
Get the government outta health care! Ha! I wanna be there when the repubs put up a bill to get rid of medicare and the VA...Then we'll have 100 dem senators...I wonder how we'll screw THAT up?
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DontFeedTheTrolls
February 4, 2010 1:18 PM in reply to stillidealistic
Please, don't feed the trolls.
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roxsteady
February 4, 2010 12:54 PM in reply to Sailormarlowe
Bush cut taxes for the rich twice. Did he create any jobs over those 8 years? It doesn't work. Read my previous post!
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DontFeedTheTrolls
February 4, 2010 1:19 PM in reply to roxsteady
Please, don't feed the trolls.
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skitzo
February 4, 2010 3:19 PM in reply to Sailormarlowe
Reaganomics and the supply side "trickle down" theory, has been irreparably discredited by actual events over the last 30 years. No legitimate economist buys that shit because it doesn't work. Its nothing more than republicans promising candy (lower taxes) to voters and pretending it is some sort of principle.
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ilovebacon
February 4, 2010 11:21 AM
Why do Republicans insist on calling the Democratic Party the "Democrat" Party? I'm goddamn sick of that!
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human
February 4, 2010 11:24 AM in reply to ilovebacon
these half-wits don't know the difference between a noun and an adjective, why should they be trusted on anything more complex?
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Serine
February 4, 2010 11:43 AM in reply to human
They do it as an insult, when they say it they stress the rat at the end.
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Max Thrax
February 4, 2010 11:41 AM in reply to ilovebacon
I'm a Democrat and I refer to the party as 'the Democrat Party' because it's a sign of disrespect. While I would never vote for a Republican, I probably have more respect for the Republican Party than I do the Democrat Party. Watch how the Dems handle this jobs bill to learn why I have no respect for the Democrat Party. Reconciliation now!
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FreeRider
February 4, 2010 12:01 PM in reply to Max Thrax
Why would you be a member of a party for which you have no respect? You must be stupid. That's the only explanation.
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Max Thrax
February 4, 2010 12:15 PM in reply to FreeRider
Nice comeback. No, I just have my eyes wide open. I wonder if continuing to expect Dems to fight despite their obvious lack of backbone qualifies as 'stupid'? I believe it does.
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FreeRider
February 4, 2010 12:33 PM in reply to Max Thrax
You said you're still a Democrat but have no respect for Democrats. In other words, you have no respect for yourself.
You could become a liberal Independent but noooooooo, you voluntarily continue to be something you despise and don't respect. Classic definition of stupid.
By the way, please do us a favor and get the hell out.
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lousgirl84
February 4, 2010 2:07 PM in reply to FreeRider
I'm with you. Life is too fricking short to dance around the truth. Just call it the way you see it.
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Cal Gal
February 4, 2010 2:28 PM in reply to lousgirl84
Hey, I'm a ReThuglican (technically ... I'm registered that way), and I call "my" party that because it's controlled by thugs, brainless thugs who swing out wildly to land blows against anything good and decent.
So if I'm a member of the ReThuglican Party, Max Thrax can be a member of the Democrat Party.
I, however, am a proud RINO, while Max seems to think he can pass off as a "real" Democratic (continuing with the confusion of a noun and an adjective).
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Schmed
February 4, 2010 2:42 PM in reply to Cal Gal
It could be that Max subscribes to the theory that there's a difference between the Democrats (the party) and the Democrats (the party members).
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Max Thrax
February 4, 2010 3:03 PM in reply to FreeRider
First off: Fuck you. I'm a Green, which means I have much more self respect than the average member of the DEMOCRAT PARTY.
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FreeRider
February 4, 2010 3:15 PM in reply to Max Thrax
Here's what you said: "I'm a Democrat and I refer to the party as 'the Democrat Party' because it's a sign of disrespect."
Oh, so you're a fucking liar?! LMAO! Which is it, genius? Are you a Green or are you a Democrat? It's clear that you're an idiot.
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Lestatdelc
February 4, 2010 4:01 PM in reply to Max Thrax
No. You are a liar.
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JorgeOrwell
February 5, 2010 5:56 PM in reply to Lestatdelc
You guys are too funny. In your race to be "right", you have totally lost the plot and alienated a huge segment of the left. It doesn't matter if he is a Democrap or Greenie!
The point is the guy says he's a lefty. He ain't happy with his choices on the left. People like him are either going to vote "other" or they ain't gonna show up. You think your silly arguments are ever gonna sway them or anybody else who voted for change last election?
Why don't you just move on or encourage your "Democrat" reps to think about the base and next November before they act.
Face it, Dems need ALL segments of the party if they are going to succeed. Those on the far left and right have very little to lose by voting their conscience or not showing up at all next election. They have lost all faith in politicians ability to affect their lives.
You are directing your anger at the wrong folks.
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For Want of a Nail
February 4, 2010 2:20 PM in reply to Max Thrax
You could join a third party or be an independant. While "stupid" is fitting, what you're saying is irrational.
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FreeRider
February 4, 2010 3:16 PM in reply to For Want of a Nail
After being mocked for claiming to be a member of a party for which he has no respect, he suddenly claims he's a Green.
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jenesq
February 4, 2010 12:33 PM in reply to Max Thrax
I'm sure your schoolyard namecalling will have a dramatic effect on Democratic policy. Really, what could be more effective than a well-placed "nanny nanny boo boo?"
Thank you for your wisdom and insight!
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FreeRider
February 4, 2010 12:39 PM in reply to jenesq
HA!
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sunnysteve
February 4, 2010 11:42 AM in reply to ilovebacon
It's a snark. I expect this in partisan blogs, like this one. When it is used by the office of the Senate Minority Leader, you get an insight into both the intentions and the maturity level of the other half of our national "leadership". That is to say: their intentions are bad and their maturity level is equivalent to that seen on a grade school playground.
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twoviragos
February 4, 2010 1:33 PM in reply to sunnysteve
It's definitely a snark. I noticed Republicans started saying it during W's time in office. It really annoys me too, which I think is the point. Republicans make it so hard to behave like a grown up.
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slb
February 4, 2010 2:46 PM in reply to twoviragos
Oh, it goes back before that; at least as far back as when Newt Gingrich became Speaker of the House.
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thomas1
February 4, 2010 11:43 AM in reply to ilovebacon
they are now, officially, the re-pig-lickin' party
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biryanifan
February 4, 2010 12:23 PM in reply to thomas1
That's an insult... to pigs!
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thomas1
February 4, 2010 1:26 PM in reply to biryanifan
sorry Porky and Petunia
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lousgirl84
February 4, 2010 1:53 PM in reply to thomas1
Oh my goodness. I had forgotten about Porky and Petunia. Thanks for the memories
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Steve the K
February 4, 2010 2:05 PM in reply to thomas1
Don't forget MISS PIGGY!
*karate chop deftly administered*
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Zell
February 4, 2010 12:38 PM in reply to ilovebacon
Why did they urge this?
Because, and I am unfortunately not kidding, they did a poll, and discovered that pretty much no one cares whether they say "Democratic Party" or "Democrat Party", except for supporters of the Democratic Party, who, generally speaking, it pisses off.
So, that's why they do it: Specifically to piss of Democrats, and no other reason whatsoever. They're just small, nasty people, in many ways, and this is one of them.
Further information on this:
http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2006/08/07/060807ta_talk_hertzberg
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darkrhyme
February 4, 2010 1:02 PM in reply to ilovebacon
It's code for their frothing base. A "club" thing.
And, they are immature fucking assholes.
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jhill123
February 4, 2010 1:19 PM in reply to ilovebacon
I prefer to think of the opposition as the republicant party.
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slb
February 4, 2010 2:50 PM in reply to jhill123
Yes, in both senses: can't and cant.
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Cal Gal
February 4, 2010 2:23 PM in reply to ilovebacon
It's very useful, however, to identify ReThuglicans trying to pass themselves off as independents. They just can't help themselves any more.
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lapdogs
February 4, 2010 11:28 AM
Well Dems, get your video cameras rolling on put the votes on YouTube.
Come November, show the voters the video of which party's Senators want to get you re-employed and which party wants to keep you jobless - - which leads to being homeless and healthless.
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Mimi katz
February 4, 2010 11:30 AM
Why didn't they get this done before Brown was sworn in? It isn't as if they didn't know he was coming.
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slb
February 4, 2010 2:56 PM in reply to Mimi katz
Obama told them not to, remember?
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runfastandwin
February 4, 2010 11:30 AM
GODDAMMIT I AM SO SICK OF HEARING ABOUT THIS 60 VOTE BULLSHIT! Senator Reid, for the love of god, make these guys hold forth 24/7 so all can see what they are doing. The republicans are making it appear to the public as though they are the majority party and our leadership is acquiescing. You guys are going to lose the House and the Senate of this keeps up.
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jdb316
February 4, 2010 11:37 AM in reply to runfastandwin
Good idea in theory, except that if it doesn't get passed, the American people aren't going to care that the Republicans obstructed en masse. They're going to blame the party in power - in this case the Democrats - for once again being unable to get anything done.
A better option would be to use reconciliation.
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Serine
February 4, 2010 11:48 AM in reply to jdb316
Not exactly... once the fillerbuster ended I believe they can call for a floor vote which could pass the bill with a majority. Personally they might want to go that route since it would be carried on C-Span and everyone could watch each and every delay to getting something done.
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slb
February 4, 2010 2:59 PM in reply to Serine
The point is that it takes 60 votes to end a filibuster.
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rwc
February 4, 2010 4:35 PM in reply to slb
Yes. Nobody seems to really understand how the filibuster works. Polls show 75% of the public has no clue about it. And even the TPM readers misunderstand how it works. Republicans don't need to muster 41 ones to keep it going, the Democrats need to muster 60 to stop it. So the way it is set up, the party trying to kill the filibuster must get 60 votes on the floor, the filibuster forces just need one on the floor - a total mismatch. If nothing else they should change the rules to make the filibustering party be the one to need to scrounge up 41 votes.
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readerOfTeaLeaves
February 4, 2010 2:55 PM in reply to jdb316
Disagree- it is essential that the Dems insist on the formal filibuster procedure, so that Americans all over the world get to see how dumb some of these GOP senators actually are.
For myself, once I started watching some of the hearings on CSPAN a few years back, I could not believe what dufuses some of these senators are - mostly on the GOP side, as near as I can tell.
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Matt Jones
February 4, 2010 3:15 PM in reply to jdb316
The upside to making them read the phone book 24/7 is that, come election season, any Republican cries of "the mean ol' Democrats wouldn't do anything about jobs" will be ignored.
Well, by whatever fraction of the country still has their brains in "drive" anyways; the "Obama should be impeached" crowd from this week's poll will believe whatever they want to believe...
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Pete Bilderback
February 4, 2010 11:41 AM
Why would a single Republican sign on to this jobs bill? Unemployment is 10%, and impatient persuadable voters are starting to blame the Democrats for the weak economy. If unemployment is still 10%+ by November, the Republicans stand an outside chance of re-taking their majorities in the House and Senate. But if unemployment drops between now and then, the Democrats will maintain their majority in both chambers.
The Republicans made it clear at the start of this Presidency that they were interested in one thing and one thing only: making sure Obama failed so that they could recapture their political majority. If a lot of people have to lose their jobs in order for that to happen, they could care less.
The Republicans have put all their political chips on obstruction, and this is approach is just starting to pay political dividends. They're not going to back down now. Reid is wasting his time trying to find a Republican who will vote for the jobs bill.
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agio
February 4, 2010 12:04 PM in reply to Pete Bilderback
Absolutely correct.
Still Reid has to go through the Kabuki of pretending to look for a reasonable individual among a collection of 41 aloof ideologues.
Bring it to the floor and let them block it. Then flood every news outlet in the country and talk about how the GOP is blocking a jobs bill. So long as there is no price for obstruction the GOP will continue to use it.
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Overreach THIS!
February 4, 2010 12:11 PM in reply to agio
Strongly agree.
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Overreach THIS!
February 4, 2010 12:13 PM in reply to agio
Strongly agree.
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Pete Bilderback
February 4, 2010 12:37 PM in reply to agio
How long do we have to go through these elaborate Kabuki rituals? How many more jobs should we lose while politicians play games? Every job lost is a tragedy for somebody. The American people are not going to accept Republican obstructionism as the cause of our problems with the Democrats in control of the Presidency, House and Senate (with an 18 vote majority).
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agio
February 4, 2010 12:39 PM in reply to Pete Bilderback
Short answer: so long as the filibuster rule remains in place, and Reid remains committed to leaving it there.
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JEP07
February 4, 2010 1:17 PM in reply to agio
But is it really a "rule" or just a bad habit?
I'm not snarking,
Remember when the R's tried their "nuclear option" back in 2005, to get the likes of Roberts and Alito installed?
That was clearly done to protect the rights of corporations, and might have succeeded if the Dems had not backed off of their filibuster threats.
Don't we all wish now that the Gang of 14 had lost their bid to reconcile the two sides?
Considering that in this case, the nuclear option would be for the protection of The People, not corporations, doesn't it make sense to drop that bomb?
The Republicans set the precedent, maybe we should take their lead just on this issue and eliminate the filibuster as a tool of obstructionists.
Again, is the filibuster rule really a rule, or just a "comitic" tradition?
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agio
February 4, 2010 1:48 PM in reply to JEP07
Well, to be completely accurate, the "nuclear option" that Republicans raised was solely to eliminate filibusters on the Senate's "advise and consent" over nominees.
Personally I would like to see the filibuster, which has no Constitutional warrant other than "each chamber shall set its own rules" done away with entirely.
Does that mean, when Republicans gain a majority they might do serious damage? Yes, but it's a price I would be willing to pay if it meant a return to the Senate legislating as if passing laws mattered.
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slb
February 4, 2010 3:07 PM in reply to JEP07
Yes, it's a rule. And under the Senate rules, it takes a 2/3 vote to change the rules in the middle of a session.
I was never convinced that the "nuclear option" the Republicans kept talking about was an allowed procedure; I think executing it depended on cramming it past the parliamentarian by dismissing any parliamentarian that refused to go along with it.
If you can do that to one rule, you can do that to any rule, which means that the rules are only whatever the majority says they are at any given time. And that's pretty much the same as no rules at all.
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Cal Gal
February 4, 2010 2:34 PM in reply to Pete Bilderback
I think you forget the part about 40 senators being able to stop ANYTHING in the Senate.
The Democrats are NOT in control of the Senate, despite having a majority.
Hell, they weren't even in control of the Senate when there were only 40 admitted ReThuglicans there, because Joe LIE-berman pretended to be independent and wormed his way into the Democrats' caucus despite obviously being a ReThuglican sheep in Independent clothing.
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Pete Bilderback
February 4, 2010 8:34 PM in reply to Cal Gal
See, I'm old enough to remember when George W. Bush was President, the Republicans controlled the Senate, and everything was supposed to be subject to an "up or down vote." But somehow now that we have a Democratic president, a large majority in the House, and an 18-20 vote majority in the Senate, it takes the vote of 60 Senators to accomplish anything.
Democratic leadership has not made the Republicans pay any political price for their obstruction, and now all of a sudden everyone acts like it has ALWAYS taken 60 votes to pass anything. If the Democrats can't control the Senate with an 18 vote majority, then they are a sorry excuse for a political party.
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slb
February 4, 2010 3:09 PM in reply to agio
Bring it to the floor and let them block it. Then flood every news outlet in the country and talk about how the GOP is blocking a jobs bill. So long as there is no price for obstruction the GOP will continue to use it.
I am in absolute agreement with you on this. The way to discourage indiscriminate use of the filibuster is to exact a heavy political price for it.
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docrocktex
February 4, 2010 12:55 PM in reply to Pete Bilderback
Spot on.
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Publishermike
February 4, 2010 11:45 AM
It will never happen. The Repubs have had too much success with the strategy of being the party of No to change now. Dems need to drive this home. Point a camera at EACH AND EVERY Republican as they vote AGAINST a jobs bill, and then run nation-wide commercials compressing the 41 'nay' votes with the caption: "Wondering who to blame for high unemployment?"
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expatjourno2
February 4, 2010 12:00 PM
Fuck the Democrats. They had a whole goddamn year to pass this.
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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
February 4, 2010 12:09 PM in reply to expatjourno2
Huh? WTF are you talking about? What was the 780 billion dollar stimulus bill they passed a year ago, chopped liver?
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JorgeOrwell
February 5, 2010 5:26 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
So where are the jobs? "official" unemployment just went up to 10% in my state! By FDR's first 100 days he had put tens of thousands back to work in programs headed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Dude, you gotta set the bar a little higher here. Obama is beginning to look an awful lot like Herbert Hoover....
http://www.harpers.org/archive/2009/07/0082562?redirect=1982284879
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JorgeOrwell
February 5, 2010 5:28 PM in reply to JorgeOrwell
It smells like chopped live to me!
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Overreach THIS!
February 4, 2010 12:14 PM in reply to expatjourno2
So what does this mean in terms of our next steps? Fuck them, and then what, specifically?
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decisivemoment
February 4, 2010 12:18 PM in reply to expatjourno2
Read Norm Ornstein's piece on the Obama Administration's legislative record. This is an historically good administration and they're getting no god damned credit for it. Sullivan had it right with "Big Babyism" but wrong in only calling out Republicans for it. It's a problem across our political spectrum and your remark just proved it.
.
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jenesq
February 4, 2010 12:38 PM in reply to decisivemoment
I used to think that liberals lived in the reality-based community, but I am coming to realize that just about anyone can blind themselves to the facts if it suits a desired narrative (in this case, the specious claim that Obama hasn't done anything).
Ignorance is a cancer. Deliberate ignorance is...well, I can't think of anything bad enough.
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Cal Gal
February 4, 2010 2:36 PM in reply to jenesq
Glen Beck?
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lousgirl84
February 4, 2010 3:32 PM in reply to decisivemoment
To be specific
Featured Legislation
• Signed on January 22, 2010
2009 Tax Breaks for Haiti Donations
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Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009
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National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010
• Signed on October 22, 2009
Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act
• Signed on August 06, 2009
Cash For Clunkers Extension
• Signed on June 22, 2009
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
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Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009
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Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act
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Helping Families Save Their Homes Act
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Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act
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Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
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Omnibus Public Lands Management Act
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Small Business Act Temporary Extension
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American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
• Signed on February 11, 2009
DTV Delay Act
• Signed on February 04, 2009
Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act
• Signed on January 29, 2009
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
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psyclone
February 4, 2010 12:10 PM
Of course! Only Democrats would be so stupid to think they actually have a minority in the Senate right now.
Thank god Harry Reid will be gone by next year. What a fucking nimrod.
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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
February 4, 2010 12:12 PM in reply to psyclone
What part of the Democrats putting the bill on the floor and daring the Republicans to thwart the will of the majority with a filibuster are you not getting?
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psyclone
February 4, 2010 12:17 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
Yeah right. They will cave as they always do. Wouldn't want to upset that oh-so-precious Senate collegiality.
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FreeRider
February 4, 2010 1:47 PM in reply to psyclone
You mean like they caved and bring the stimulus bill to the floor? Or the way they caved and didn't vote on healthcare? Or what about the way they caved and didn't pass the president's budget?
Making a fool of yourself on a daily basis must be in your job description.
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lousgirl84
February 4, 2010 1:59 PM in reply to FreeRider
Good morning FreeRider. It's always good to see you and it's always fun to watch you rip the trolls.
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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
February 4, 2010 2:32 PM in reply to psyclone
Okay, seriously. Look at what you're saying and doing. Reid is doing what everyone's been saying they want him to do. And rather than say "yay, I hope he follows through with it for once" you predict defeat and bitch about it preemptively.
What on Earth do you think that accomplishes other than demoralizing yourself and others for what might turn out to be no reason, and making yet another incremental contribution to an atmosphere in which there's no reason for them to even think about trying to do what we want, because if we do, we'll still tear them down for it?
You set yourself up for a "toldja so," got that. If it turns out you're right, I'm sure you'll be back here letting everyone know. But if it turns out you're wrong, will you be back here next week saying "hey, everyone, looks like I was wrong, so sorry I peed in your Cheerios and a let's have a hand for Harry?"
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readerOfTeaLeaves
February 4, 2010 2:48 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
Great comment ;-))
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Barry Ragin
February 4, 2010 1:06 PM in reply to psyclone
What a fucking nimrod.
I do not think that word means what you think it does.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimrod
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JEP07
February 4, 2010 1:22 PM in reply to Barry Ragin
Nimrod was "a mighty hunter"...
But the term is used derisively by elitists as a substitute for "common folk."
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stillidealistic
February 4, 2010 1:30 PM in reply to JEP07
From the urban dictionary:
1)a dimwit, doofus, basically someone who isnt too smart and socially inept.
2)it used to mean a mighty hunter.
3)Sarah Palin, because she is a dumb hunter! this word couldnt fit her any better because one definition is stupidity and the other is a hunter. she is BOTH! fits like a glove!
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lousgirl84
February 4, 2010 3:38 PM in reply to stillidealistic
Sarah is all of those things, but you gotta give her credit for exciting all the ugly repuglican men and getting their little weenies hard, like sailormarlowe and silence, to name a few. I
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stillidealistic
February 4, 2010 6:09 PM in reply to lousgirl84
I am SO glad I didn't have a mouth full of coffee when I read that! It would have been all over the monitor or squirting out my nose!
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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
February 4, 2010 12:11 PM
Brian? Grow up. They're putting the damn bill on the floor without 60 votes in hand and daring the Republicans to filibuster it. Isn't that what everyone's been demanding? Now they do it and they get snark for doing it?
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Max Thrax
February 4, 2010 12:17 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
No,actually that's what Harry Reid SAID they were gonna do...and you know when Harry gets a head of steam there's no stopping him.
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admiralmpj
February 4, 2010 12:23 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
I'm starting to get the distinct feeling that after eight years of this, the natural Progressive position (on anything) seems to be of complaint.
After eight years of complaining about Bush, complaining about the GOP Senate, the GOP House, the Neocons, the Vulcans (all of which, MIGHTILY justified, by the way), now the Democrats get in charge, and suddenly, nothing's ever good enough. It's reflexive at this point.
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psyclone
February 4, 2010 12:27 PM in reply to admiralmpj
Yes, it's purely reflexive. It couldn't possibly be because the Democrats continue to act like a squabbling, feckless minority even with their numbers advantage.
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JorgeOrwell
February 5, 2010 3:42 PM in reply to psyclone
BINGO!
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Barry Champlain
February 4, 2010 12:53 PM in reply to admiralmpj
Jeepers, MY understanding of The Facts is that after eight years of Bush, progressives organized in a way that hadn't been seen in years, if ever, and were primarily responsible for electing an ostensibly mildly-liberal Democrat to undo the damage. And we made him Black, too, just to shove it in their faces [g] (thus, creating History in the process)!
Meaning, brain surgeon, that the last time progressives "complained", it was accompanied by history-making action. Maybe your displeasure at our "complaining" stems from the fact that you fear what comes next.
And you probably should. I'm just sayin'.
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admiralmpj
February 4, 2010 1:50 PM in reply to Barry Champlain
Fear of what? You guys helping us lose another batch of Elections? Brrr...
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admiralmpj
February 4, 2010 1:52 PM in reply to Barry Champlain
Fear of what? You guys loosing us another batch of Elections?
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admiralmpj
February 4, 2010 1:52 PM in reply to admiralmpj
Sorry, Firefox is acting up on me.
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MP
February 4, 2010 12:16 PM
This is absolutely a set up on the part of the Dems. They could have easily followed standard procedure and agreed to seat Brown after passing this jobs bill. Instead, they are agreeing to seat him early and then bringing up the jobs bill, thereby daring the Repubs to filibuster.
It'll be interesting see how this plays.
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admiralmpj
February 4, 2010 12:24 PM in reply to MP
Wow. Never thought of that. Concur.
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jenesq
February 4, 2010 12:36 PM in reply to MP
You know what would be REALLY funny? If Scott Brown voted for the jobs bill. That would really slap the smirk off the face of the wingnuts who think that he is the second coming of Sarah Palin.
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twoviragos
February 4, 2010 1:44 PM in reply to jenesq
I can't remember who it was, but someone said that on the news in the last couple of days that they wouldn't be surprised if Brown was willing to vote with the Democrats at times. I think we have to remember that, while getting elected as a Republican, Brown still represents one of the most liberal states in the country AND he's up for relection in just two short years. He's sort of a reverse Blanche Lincoln or Evan Bayh. I don't think he can afford go too far right and still keep his seat.
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cambridgeMR
February 4, 2010 1:52 PM in reply to twoviragos
Speaking as someone from Massachusetts:
Scott Brown is not a moron. He knows that he represents a blue state. He's said, on the record, that he won't vote with Republicans 100% of the time. That would be political suicide.
He marketed himself as an independent. If his opponents in the next election can say "he voted with Republicans 95% of the time in Congress," he's toast.
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twoviragos
February 4, 2010 3:30 PM in reply to cambridgeMR
Hey Cambridge; I'm a former Central Square girl myself! Notice how quickly Brown distanced himself from the teabaggers and Sarah Palin as soon as he was elected? He was able to catch the MA Demo. Machine off guard once. I kind of doubt it will happen again. He's going to have to learn to walk a very fine line
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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
February 4, 2010 5:40 PM in reply to cambridgeMR
Unless McConnell replaces him with a Stepford Senator robot, like he did Snowe and Collins.
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twoviragos
February 4, 2010 5:53 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
HaHaHa! So true. Senator Collins has been way over her head with her meme on the so-called Xmas Day Bomber. Someone clearly gave her those talking points (lies) and she just keeps repeating them no matter how often she is disproven. If she wasn't acting so insidiously, I would almost feel sorry for her.
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Calouste
February 4, 2010 2:55 PM in reply to twoviragos
That assumes that Brown actually wants to keep his seat rather than go on wingnut welfare.
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jenesq
February 4, 2010 5:33 PM in reply to Calouste
He openly admitted to being pro-choice, which to me says he's more interested in staying a Sen from MA than cozying up to any right-wing base elsewhere.
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George C
February 4, 2010 12:57 PM in reply to MP
Actually,I think Reid should make seating Scott Brown the first order of business after a vote on the jobs bill.
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JorgeOrwell
February 5, 2010 3:45 PM in reply to MP
MP,
Think you are giving them a bit too much cred in the balls department.
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psyclone
February 4, 2010 12:20 PM
So, why the sudden all this new interest in daring the Repubs to filibuster? How come we didn't have any of this months ago when the Dems still had some semblance of public support for health care and the PUBLIC OPTION?
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dudeguy
February 4, 2010 1:46 PM in reply to psyclone
Because the public will, one hopes, support this bill.
And I know, I know the public supported a public option. But they didn't support the bill because the Republicans won the message war. This is a better bill for that strategy. I urge them to use it.
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Zell
February 4, 2010 12:21 PM
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Sportin' Life
February 4, 2010 12:23 PM
Well, what IS in the bill? Anyone know? Maybe TPM can find out and tell us.
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admiralmpj
February 4, 2010 12:25 PM in reply to Sportin' Life
And (more importantly to me) how big is the bill? Last I heard it was 80 Billion. That's certainly not small change, but if the Dems pass a Stimulus that was 800 Billion, and the fiscal hole Krugman keeps mentioning is 1.2 Trillion, shouldn't the next round of Government Spending fill that 400 Billion dollar hole?
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agio
February 4, 2010 12:44 PM in reply to admiralmpj
This bill, like the Recovery Act, is a stimulus in name only.
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agio
February 4, 2010 12:47 PM in reply to agio
Let me add: That being said I support this bill, which is better than nothing, and all we're likely to get since Washington, after eight years of profligate spending, seems to have found religion on deficit spending.
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kJCUWzUl
February 4, 2010 12:23 PM
it is fascinating to me how congress can be portrayed as a functioning institution while we lose two wars, China plays us like a puppet, and some false domestic two party drama is viewed as action that benefits our country.
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willia451
February 4, 2010 12:25 PM
Nuclear Option. The filibuster needs to go.
50 votes + Joe Biden should be enough for anything.
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Max Thrax
February 4, 2010 12:25 PM
Harry Reid draws a line in the sand and stands jut-jawed daring someone to cross it. Are you getting goose bumps yet? No vote on Monday or any day. No jobs bill. Move on to the next capitulation, rinse, repeat.
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mattstan
February 4, 2010 12:28 PM
"(I-IL)" ?
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jmnyc
February 4, 2010 12:40 PM
Make the Rs fillibuster the jobs bill, get them on record opposing it and then put it into the reconciliation bill (it should fit the spending rules) which they can't fillibuster.
Best of both worlds - we get the Rs on record opposing a jobs bill and it passes in the end.
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synchronicity
February 4, 2010 12:44 PM in reply to jmnyc
Ditto and rinse and repeat as often as possible with other bills.
Make them filibuster!! Make their hypocrisy and ignorant behavior more public.
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Maritza
February 4, 2010 12:44 PM
Double dare them to filibuster the jobs bill.
That will give the Senate Democrats license to pass what they need to pass via reconciliation.
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AnswerFrog
February 4, 2010 12:45 PM
This is good. Let the GOP be "anti-jobs".
GOP = JOB KILLERS
If the Dems were smart, they would never shut up about how the GOP just want to kill jobs for their political benefit.
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willia451
February 4, 2010 12:51 PM
I disagree with everyone itching to make the GOP filibuster.
Giving the GOP the floor of the Senate to talk about anything and everything they want to, for days or weeks on end, is a bad idea.
Its what they WANT! Its what they have wanted for a year now.
Just drop the nuclear option bomb and pass anything and everything with 50 votes + Joe Biden.
Its time for that.
Unless you want 2010 to look exactly like 2009.
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docrocktex
February 4, 2010 1:42 PM in reply to willia451
At 10% unemployment, they are NOT going to stand before the American people and filibuster a JOBS bill.
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dndobson
February 4, 2010 12:55 PM
Not holding my breath...
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roxsteady
February 4, 2010 12:58 PM
How long do you think the public will tolerate this before calling their Republican Senators and cursing them out? Do you really think this will reflect well on them? It's better to expose them for the ass hats that they are. Reading the same talking points over and over again? Remember, NO BATHROOM BREAKS! The prostates of every geezer on their side and the small bladders of the 2 haggs from Maine won't hold up. By midnight, someone's going to have to PEE!
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jenesq
February 4, 2010 1:01 PM in reply to roxsteady
Lose the misogyny. "Hags?" "Small bladders?" WTF?
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Max Thrax
February 4, 2010 3:17 PM in reply to roxsteady
The constituents of Senate Republicans believe the jobs bill will take away their guns and destroy white culture. They won't be screaming anything but 'Socialism! Socialism!'. Over-estimating the intelligence of the American people is one of the Democrat Party's biggest flaws.
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roxsteady
February 4, 2010 1:03 PM
I believe in calling people what they are. If you've got a problem with it, it's your problem. You know, free speech? Ring any bells? As a woman I know exactly what I'm talking about.
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jenesq
February 4, 2010 1:23 PM in reply to roxsteady
Yes, yes, you have a perfect right to be a bitch (is that OK for me to say? I mean, "I'm a woman, and I know what I'm talking about" so that must make it OK), and I have an equal right to call you on it. You may have missed this fact somewhere along the way, but being criticized for your words does not amount to an infringement on your right to free speech.
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roxsteady
February 4, 2010 1:37 PM in reply to jenesq
Bitch?
It's probably not a good idea to criticize my descriptions when you refer to people as wingnuts. The difference though, is that I agree with your name calling. Like me, you too believe in calling people what they are.
It's nice to meet you Pot, I'm Kettle! Oh, and I almost called you the c word but, I figure that everyone already knows what you are!
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jenesq
February 4, 2010 1:47 PM in reply to roxsteady
Whew! That point sailed right over your head, didn't it?
In any case, people choose their political beliefs. They do not choose their gender. But whatever....if you think that using gender-based insults is an effective political criticism, go right ahead.
Oh yeah, and "I know you are but what am I?" lol
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roxsteady
February 4, 2010 1:59 PM in reply to jenesq
You began this by commenting on my comment. Why, when you referred to people as wingnuts. Do you know what the word hypocricy means? Just pick someone else because I'm not sure what your problem is since it appears that we're on the same side. Just ignore my comments if they offend you. You're not required to comment on my comment. Do you understand that? Comprende?
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lousgirl84
February 4, 2010 2:04 PM in reply to roxsteady
Good morning FreeRider. It's always good to see you and it's always fun to watch you rip the trolls.
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roxsteady
February 4, 2010 1:05 PM
And, yes it's HAGGS! Housewives Against Good Government!
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Steve Vokers
February 4, 2010 1:06 PM
I'm unclear on how the Repubs filibustering a jobs bill can be anything but a massive win for the Dems? I mean, I know they can screw up a wet dream, but still.
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Max Thrax
February 4, 2010 1:10 PM in reply to Steve Vokers
Because you're assuming Reid will do as he says. He won't. He'll cave. It's what he does.
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jsdc007
February 4, 2010 1:09 PM
I can't wait to watch Susan Collins lisp her way through the phone book at 3 AM, and watch Scott Brown ticked off at 7 AM because he's about to miss his workout.
Make them filibuster.
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slb
February 4, 2010 3:23 PM in reply to jsdc007
It. Doesn't. Work. That. Way. Any. More.
How many times do you guys have to be told that?
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Maritza
February 4, 2010 1:10 PM
Let them filibuster. This is EXACTLY the kind of bill that Reid should INSIST that if it doesn't get 60 votes that the Republicans should be forced to FILIBUSTER the old fashioned way.
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roxsteady
February 4, 2010 1:17 PM
Exactly! You want optics? We'll give you an eyefull and just like last Friday, the Republicans will come off looking worse. Their claims that giving tax cuts to the rich, twice through reconciliation will be thrown back into their faces. That and the fact that it didn't spur investments from said rich people to create any jobs!
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Max Thrax
February 4, 2010 1:19 PM in reply to roxsteady
Big difference between what President Obama can do and what Harry Reid can do. It will be another year before Reid is gone and the Dems have a new Senate leader before anything gets done.
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Partisancheese
February 4, 2010 1:21 PM
I don't think anyone wants to see them after one straight week of filibustering. their youthfulness might start to fade.
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JEP07
February 4, 2010 1:24 PM
"Republicans = Unemployment"
There's the bumpersticker we'll have for 2010, especially if they filibuster the jobs bill.
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Publishermike
February 4, 2010 1:52 PM in reply to JEP07
how about" "Lost your job? Thank a Republican."
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Jarl van Hoother
February 4, 2010 1:39 PM
I really think the key is that they've got a good name for the bill. "The Jobs Bill." I don't know if that's the nickname or the official name but it's golden. They're not "reforming", they're not "capping and trading", it's just a bill. For jobs. Fillibuster against that, vote against that, and it simply won't look good. To anybody.
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AndrewT
February 4, 2010 1:46 PM
Man, I wonder if there's any Innsmouth blood in McConnel's family history. What a fish frog.
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Publishermike
February 4, 2010 1:53 PM in reply to AndrewT
Hail Cthlulu (R-Ky)
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lousgirl84
February 4, 2010 1:55 PM in reply to AndrewT
That is quite a description - fish frog. Again, we insult the fish and the frogs by comparing these ugly worthless steaming piles. They all look like rich white ugly republican men who can't keep their women satisfied.
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Steve the K
February 4, 2010 4:14 PM in reply to lousgirl84
Yes, please do NOT insult Kermit!
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roxsteady
February 4, 2010 1:54 PM
He looks like a turtle. Where are his lips?
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cambridgeMR
February 4, 2010 2:00 PM in reply to roxsteady
Someone put him in the drier with the ugly stick and did two loads.
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conniptionfit
February 4, 2010 2:03 PM in reply to roxsteady
LOL! I always think "Yertle the Turtle" whenever I see McConnell. And you know what happened to ol' Yertle....
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im hip
February 4, 2010 1:56 PM
I doubt that Reid will force the Republicans to actually filibuster instead of the gentleman's agreement we have in place now. The problem is that to have a gentlemanly agreement one needs both parties to act accordingly.
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acf_ma
February 4, 2010 1:58 PM
Still the party of NO. Now, they have the independent Senator Brown, who will show his independence by voting in lockstep with the rest of his part elders.
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roxsteady
February 4, 2010 2:02 PM
Then, in 2012 he'll be thrown out if they don't recall him. I read a comment a few weeks ago from someone from Boston who said that they have a recall law in Massachusetts. It's still not a red state.
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Cal Gal
February 4, 2010 2:42 PM in reply to roxsteady
State recall laws don't apply to the House and Senate.
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Kevin Sutton
February 4, 2010 2:26 PM
The Democrats actually bringing a bill forward is good, but actually passing one is better. Isn't it possible to pass the jobs bills through reconciliation with a sunset clause?
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Elizabeth2
February 4, 2010 2:34 PM
I hope - I pray - that the leadership breaks the jobs bill down into attractive, easy to understand pieces -- as many as possible -- and then put them to a vote. Make sure the people understand the Reps are stopping specific things that would bring them jobs, over and over again -- because they don't care about governing, they only want failure. It's the only way people will see the light. Make them vote "No" against motherhood and apple pie - day after day, week after week. h
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MtnTpprNM
February 4, 2010 2:37 PM
Let them filabuster. Let them filabuster from now to the next election. Country needs to see them at work. NOT
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Cal Gal
February 4, 2010 2:44 PM
I particularly want to see them filibuster a bill to give tax breaks to small businesses who hire new employees. They'll lose their only remaining non-crazy, non-overlord part of their base.
Get small businesspeople to become independent and you can move into the wasteland for a long, long time.
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Lucieann
February 4, 2010 2:56 PM
I really wish that the Democrats would knock it off with the bipartisan bs....look where it got them on health reform!!! They should force the Repubs to have the filibuster...a true filibuster the way it was meant to be..and force the issue...they have to remain on the Senate floor and will be forced to explain why they don't want to help Americans when it comes to jobs? Is this what they really want going into the 2010 election?? Not.
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Max Thrax
February 4, 2010 3:05 PM in reply to Lucieann
Actually the definition of stupid is expecting Harry Fucking Reid to fight time and time again and never learning your lesson.
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pmb50
February 4, 2010 2:59 PM
Heres an idea how about forcing republicans to vote for the jobs bill by defining this issue and creating a narrative that republicans would rather play politics to regain power then to put any Americans back to work. We all know how it’s done the republicans do it all the time
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agio
February 4, 2010 3:12 PM in reply to pmb50
I think that is exactly what the President is trying to do. Whether he can get the lazybones in the House of Lords, ahem I mean Senate, to go along, is anyone's guess.
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Rich in NJ
February 4, 2010 3:09 PM
Then let them filibuster for as long as they want and let the public know where they stand.
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JohnMcCSF
February 4, 2010 3:26 PM
Let em filibuster. Don't pull the bill. Let em filibuster for a couple of months of lousy unemployment reports
The Congress is incapable of doing anything much of a positive nature
Make em pay
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JohnMcCSF
February 4, 2010 3:27 PM in reply to JohnMcCSF
It would at least throw the spotlight on that fool Brown who has to stand for re-eRection in 2012
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dem4life
February 4, 2010 3:36 PM
Is there any other faces to represent the gop than two white ugly men.
uck
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agio
February 4, 2010 3:47 PM in reply to dem4life
39 other ugly white men.
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rhallnj
February 4, 2010 3:36 PM
Presumably this is why Brown hurried up his swearing in-so that he could begin his career as McConnell's 40th bitch on the jobs bill? I say no more ghost filibusters, make them come to the floor for a few weeks. With HCR stalled, there is nothing going on anyway.
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xargaw
February 4, 2010 3:51 PM
Harry Reid is likely to get creamed in November which would mean a new majority leader for the DEMs. A new leader is a good thing. On the other hand, if the DEMs could pass a strong jobs Bill, Harry might be able to squeak by. The best scenario would be for Harry to win and the DEMs to elect a new leader anyway. The DEMs could gain a lot of respect and a lot of public support if they made the GOP fillibuster the old way and the media covered every night on the News. Let the people see that the GOP is not helping out of work Americans.
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lapdogs
February 4, 2010 3:54 PM
Do Republicans know how to READ Anything?
They keep on complaining that "the bill is too big" or "they don't know what is in it".
If this isn't on every "News Network" tonight, then that only proves they are lapdogs for the Republicans!!!
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lede3957
February 4, 2010 4:15 PM
As I was about the read the article (so sorry to have to think this, less known say it) the picture struck me and I began to stare at it. What I saw was a group of most unattractive old men with hateful faces and hateful policies to match. I was embarrassed for thinking it but it was true.
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Packerfanchick
February 4, 2010 6:42 PM
MAKE THEM FILIBUSTER! CALL THEIR BLUFF! YOU WILL CREATE FODDER FOR MORE ADS, PLAY POLITICS SO WE CAN GET SOME REAL RELIEF!
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ChrisNBama
February 4, 2010 7:08 PM
Oh, please, PLEASE let this be true! Christmas in February, anyone?
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LiesPrevail
February 4, 2010 9:19 PM
Bwahahaha That picture is funny as hell. Three old grumpy constipated a-holes.
This would indeed be amusing to watch unfold.
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Moindie
February 4, 2010 10:33 PM
I saw someone ask this earlier, but never got much response. Does anyone have any clue what is in this "Jobs Bill"??
I find it interesting that everyone on here is so excited about wanting to pass a bill that they know nothing about!
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sbv
February 4, 2010 11:15 PM
to all my fellow tpm commentators:
please call speaker of the house pelosi's office tomorrow, and your representative, and tell them it is time to pass the senate health care reform bill.
yes, it is imperfect, yes it has flaws, yes it is a disappointment; BUT the cost of not passing health care reform of any kind will have long range negative consequences including the possible loss of both majorities in the house and senate. should this happen, there will be nothing else done - no jobs, no education, no DADT, no energy, no regulations and president obama will be a lame duck.
at this point, we can not cut off our noses to spite our face. dividing democrats is exactly what minority mitch mcconnel is hoping for; we will have played right into the gop's hands. their worst fear is some kind of health care reform is passed.
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Tosh
June 6, 2010 2:53 AM
Why would a single Republican sign on to this jobs bill? Unemployment is 10%, and impatient persuadable voters are starting to blame the Democrats for the weak economy. If unemployment is still 10%+ by November, the Republicans stand an outside chance of re-taking their majorities in the House and Senate. But if unemployment drops between now and then, the Democrats will maintain their majority in both chambers.
The Republicans made it clear at the start of this Presidency that they were interested in one thing and one thing only: making sure Obama failed so that they could recapture their political majority. If a lot of people have to lose their jobs in order for that to happen, they could care less.
The Republicans have put all their political chips on obstruction, and this is approach is just starting to pay political dividends. They're not going to back down now. Reid is wasting his time trying to find a Republican who will vote for the jobs bill.
m65 kamagra
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