Universal health care and the "nuclear option."

[Cyrano]

The "nuclear option" is a change in senate rules which allows a 51 vote majority to prevail, rather than the 60 votes that are now needed to stop a filibuster.

When Rethugs controlled the senate, but didn't have 60 votes to stop a Democratic filibuster, they threatened to use the "nuclear option."

As usual, thug tactics prevailed and made the Dems "fall in line."

So consider this scenario. Obama proposes universal health care, the Democratic majority votes for it, and the Rethugs block it with a filibuster in the senate.

Would the Democrats be out of line to use the "nuclear option?"

And keep in mind that this option would remain in effect the next time the thugs manage to seize control of the senate, which would render the Democrats powerless to stop anything.

So what are your thoughts on the "nuclear option?"

[Eric J in MN]

1. Democratic Senators shouldn't imitate the worst aspects of Republicans. NT

NT

[Donnachaidh]

5. if it gets the job done -- who cares?

The Repukes have NO qualms in doing anything short of a knife in the throat to get their garbage passed. The High Road does NOTHING for those of us who have lost health insurance because of the economic problems.


Tell them -- we'll light up your life with the nuclear option unless you get in line, STFU, and dance when we tell you. :sarcasm:

[kath]

2. Well, that would require having a spine - something conspicuously lacking in most of the Dems.

[HillWilliam]

10. A spine or something

resembling giving a shit about the constituents instead of the almighty corporate donor.

I'll believe spininess when I see it. Being a gay man whose vote is constantly sought but whose voice is never again heard once they get in office, my distrust is historically well-placed.

I'm hoping to be wrong this time; fervently hoping. I think I am. We'll know in a couple of years.

[NightWatcher]

3. or if they threaten a fillibuster, make them talk it to death

I am sick of us (dems) wussing out at the drop of a hat. We've got a majority, 50+1, hell, we've got 58/59 to their 41. There are more of us and I think that we need to impose the will that more than 53% of the voting populus desire and voted for this past November.

[Eric J in MN]

13. Bingo. NT

NT

[Cleita]

4. I think they could get enough moderate Republicans on board like

Olympia Snowe to support it, getting their non-filibuster majority. I think Republicans who know that their constituents want universal health care will vote for it or risk losing their seats. It's just one of those issues that smart senators will cross over the aisle for. It depends on how Harry Reid approaches them and how he sweetens the pot for them.

[anonymous171]

6. We should do it. Universal Healthcare is EXTREMELY important to us, politically.

[damntexdem]

7. No, bring some GOPers on board on each initiative to be passed.

Nuke the nuclear option!

[Cyrano]

8. I'd love to see enough of them sane enough to vote for universal healt care

But what if 41 of them decide to block it? Is universal health care, one of the most important issues of our time, worth the use of the nuclear option?

[W_HAMILTON]

9. Well...

You said: "And keep in mind that this option would remain in effect the next time the thugs manage to seize control of the senate, which would render the Democrats powerless to stop anything."

How is that any different than what happened before? The Democrats basically rolled over and played dead anyway.

Yes, I would fully support the "nuclear option" if the Republicans dared to stand in the way of universal healthcare. And most Americans would probably thank them for it.

As for what would happen when the Republicans gain control in the future, I'm not sure I care. Again, the Democrats didn't put much of a fight before anyway. Plus, permit those crazy Republicans a simple majority to pass some of their insane legislation, and I'd imagine the country wouldn't be "center right" for long. It basically would be giving them enough rope to hang themselves with.

[Cyrano]

11. I agree with you up to the "giving them enough rope" part

We are the ones who would be hung.

[W_HAMILTON]

15. I don't think so.

If you let the Republicans run wild and enact all the legislation they have proposed in the past, I think most of America will turn on them.

[quidam56]

12. Acceptable Standards of Health Care in Tennessee

We need affordable health care, but if we don't have any morals on acceptable health care what's the use. See what is deemed, defended and certified as "ACCEPTABLE" standards of health care in East Tennessee http://www.wisecountyissues.com Profit Care comes before Patient Care.

[leftstreet]

14. There will be no fight on Universal Health Insurance

PE Obama isn't proposing single payer like Medicare For All.

Why would any of our overlords in Congress fight against the rights of Big Insurance and Big Pharma?


Party like it's 1929!
:party:

[Cyrano]

16. Perhaps Obama didn't talk about universal health care before the election

You can call me a hopeful fool, but I truly believe that this is one of his goals. Had he mentioned it during the campaign, the Rethugs would have buried him.

It remains to be seen if my assumption is true, but if it is, I really want to see the Dems make it come about. And if they have to use the "nuclear option," so be it.