While focusing on FISA, don't overlook today's Medicare vote. Huge, and McLame didn't show.

[Faygo Kid]

Today's 69-30 vote to pass the Medicare legislation protects seniors' and other Medicare recipients' access to doctors, expands low-income protections, helps stem premium increases, provides protection against unscrupulous marketers, and restores mental health parity coverage, among other good things.

This bill provides real help to people in need, pokes a sharp stick in Bush and McConnell's eyes, curbs overpayments to the insurance industry and (hopefully) signals that the slavish devotion to Administration policy is over.

McLame was the ONLY senator not to vote. Even Ted Kennedy made it. McLame is a coward, who did not want to go on record. Overall, this was very good stuff.

And like I said, most importantly, it will make a positive difference in millions of middle and lower-income Americans' lives. So don't discount this one, whatever your feelings about FISA. This one was a win for us.

All in all, great stuff. And here's a bonus: Ted Kennedy returns to the Senate floor. What a moment: http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=127843

[sniffa]

1. This really has no place in GD:Fisa

ALERTED!!1!!1!

[Danger Mouse]

2. EXCELLENT to use against McCain. He doesn't support his fellow seniors.

We should make sure this gets more attention.

[sniffa]

3. It's already well known he doesn't support his fellow seniors

He voted against recognizing Matlock and Angela Langsbury as extraordinary Americans, AND it's been rumored that he's tried to ruin the bingo cards of those at his table. I also have it on good authority that he only has 3 beanie babies on his dashboard.

[Danger Mouse]

5. He said he 'fucking hates' Country Kitchen Buffet, too.

[blondeatlast]

10. He's been disconsolate since all the Phoenix area Luby's packed up and left town. nt

[Faygo Kid]

15. Funny. Millions get their healthcare because of this vote. Even those with beanie babies.

Maybe even some members of your family. Beanie babies or not. Seniors or not, as many others are eligible for Medicare. Despite Bush's best efforts.

This was a battle. This was a big win in our war for a decent nation. Please learn about that as well as enjoying the opportunity for ridicule of older Americans.

[TexasObserver]

4. We need to go right at McCain on senior issues. He's vulnerable.

And seniors are his base.

[Danger Mouse]

6. And veterans. He has a TERRIBLE record there.

[TexasObserver]

13. We need to have vets and seniors at his events, asking pointed questions of him.

[Q3JR4]

7. At least something good came

out of today.

The Medicare bill passed with veto proof majorities in both houses of congress.

Go ahead and veto it, *, I dare you.

Q3JR4.

[The_Casual_Observer]

8. This stands a good chance of being vetoed.

[Faygo Kid]

9. Let him veto it. 69 votes is veto proof. It's over.

He's toast. These senators won't go back on these votes; it would be political suicide - and for Bush?!?

It's over. Biggest Dem win in a long time.

[blondeatlast]

12. Oh, your keyboard to Flying Spaghetti Monster's ears...

Obama could run with that veto and McSame's apathy right where it would do America the most good.

That would be so absolutely fucking sweet this insulin-dependent would have to go the hospital...

[blondeatlast]

11. Debate issue. Debate issue, Debate issue! This'n 'll be GOOD. nt

[thewiseguy]

14. Ted Kennedy showed up in the Senate for the first time and voted for it

So yes the Medicare bill was a bigger deal to Ted than FISA.

[nightrain]

16. I'm very glad that the Medicare cuts did not pass. It would have also

impacted my reimbursement--non-physician, and I'm only just getting by like most of us. Doesn't quite balance out the passing of FISA with immunity. I am SO disappointed in Obama. He caved when he could have led. And I'll probably still hold my nose and vote for him, given the alternatives. Distressing... going to rein in my hopes about him and other politicians/leaders....

[Jim Lane]

17. Did McCain express a position on this, one way or the other?

It might well be that he knew it would pass even without his vote, or, if he opposed it, he knew that resistance was futile. Under those circumstances, his missing this particular vote isn't critical. We could make hay with it if he publicly said he opposed the bill, though.