Scrapping and Starting Over: Reconciliation is not Viable

[FourScore]

Scrapping and Starting Over: Reconciliation is not Viable
by tmservo433
Wed Jan 20, 2010 at 09:01:38 AM PST

...Right now, there is a monumental drive to encourage reconciliation as a means to get all of the progressive agenda back into the health care legislation as a means to push something forward and get a W.

As positive as that may seem, it is more like whistling in the dark. Not all democrats are progressive, and at this point, the votes in the house are as fluid as water. Many oppose the Senate agreement because they want a stricter abortion clause (See: Stupak and many in conservative districts) some oppose because of single payer issues.. etc.

But what it all boils down to is: the VOTES are not there. By my quick count, as of this morning, Democrats can count on less then 170 votes in the house. Taking out those who will oppose like Stupak, etc.

And while it's great and joyous to say: "We'll go down in a blaze of glory!" going down fighting from a position of reconciliation with a bill that can't get off the floor is committing political suicide. Especially if you're willing to go down for a bill you just don't feel that strongly about...

SNIP

...Now is the time for legislative victories. HCR will not pass at all as it is, and anyone who says "we can do this or that" is not looking at the realities of who is out there voting in the house or how they now look at their fall election.

So the pressure will be on to get real, significant legislative "Wins" on the board.

And I'm sorry for everyone sold on the Baucus plan (which damn near everyone has to acknowledge is a pinch-your-nose and sign anyway deal), but the time to go forward with a compromise Frankenstein is finished.

Announce publicly that's it's scrapped/dead, and that it will be revisited immediately after meetings. Lock the doors. Get some wins on issues that polls can sell to their home crowds.

Then, if the democrats believe in Health Care Reform, screw the "60 vote super majority" requirement. Bring out a plan, maybe a single party plan. Put it in front of the people: single payer, universal health care. Take the summer and put up a referendum on the real deal when the stench of failure doesn't drip over this mess and you can say: this is what we believe in, and let the chips fall where they may.

Let Republicans be seen as obstructionists on something that you believe in. Let Democrats advocate something they actually believe in. Be agressive. Fight for the issue...

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/1/20/827526/-Scrapping-and-Starting-Over:-Reconciliation-is-not-Viable

[AlinPA]

1. The republicans have stopped health care reform. Baucus, Lieberman and that ilk

helped them to sabotage the reform. Reid failed as a leader. The republicans have been calling for scrapping everything and "starting over" all along.

[FourScore]

2. It's not about the republicans.

It's about the democrats scrapping a bullshit bill and starting over with something real.

[AlinPA]

7. That's exactly what the republicans have been saying all long. I'm repeating myself here.

[shawcomm]

3. and of course, "starting over"

means never hearing of it again.

[FourScore]

4. No...it means start over. n/r

[cascadiance]

5. We need to get the "closet corporatists" on record with votes on key legislation...

... and not hide behind the "We don't have 60 votes" crap that allows them to continue to hide from the voter where their true allegiance lies. Get rid of the filibuster and let 50 votes speak yes or no on HCR and other important legislation. Now maybe we really don't have 50 votes! Now if THAT is the case, we have more "primary work" to do in the coming months to get a real 50 vote majority for. But if we can get the 50 votes (or not) to pass bills, we will have on record who the closet "obstructors" are on record who are more interested in serving corporate lobbyists than their voters. And these are likely the pols that are more afraid of their constituency punishing them than the more vocal blue dogs (Lieberman, Nelsons, Landrieu, etc.). And they NEED to be exposed, as that is what will help voters make informed choices come primary season!

And if through 50 votes, we can actually start passing some decent legislation, that will help those that vote for the people's agenda and the party come November!

[bluethruandthru]

6. It will only be time to put Single Payer on the table when the democrats

commit to making sure the country understands what it is..and isn't. There would have to be a massive PR campaign and the media would have to stop selling the fear and ignorance agenda.

[bloomington67]

8. I'm not sure the votes ARE there anymore sadly

A few of these guys have already come out as early as last night to say it would be improper to push legislation through before Brown is seated. I smell guys looking for a back door out of the room - they don't really want to have to vote on it or maybe they don't believe in this bill as it's currently constructed. If the issue were pushed "as is" I'm not sure that they'd be able to get the votes right now without a lot of arm twisting because some of them would be casting a vote knowing full well they would be in the crosshairs when their terms are up. It's hard to get career politicians to commit hari kari.