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Registered User
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Posts: 193
Join Date: Nov 2009
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Of course, as should have been pointed out, the Democrats never had a filibuster proof majority, since the Democrats were never that united on exactly what the health care proposal should be.
The real question was never did the Democrats have sixty votes, but did the Republicans have fourty one (which they had for a very long time, hence why each of the dissenters got their say on the legislation).
Harry Ried, has basicly kicked this ball to Pelosi saying pass the Senate version or we start over with the new guy and you'll get even less.
The fact is There are several Republicans who are persuadable in the Senate, and Brown is likely one of them. He was a proponant of Massachucettes plan for Health Care reform, and there is some suggestion that his victory had more to do with Massachucetsian fear that the National Plan would cause problems for their state plan (which also carries a mandate) rather than an opposition to reform in general.
Brown immediatly upon winning began to tone down his rhetoric on Healthcare, suggesting that he likely is willing to vote for something, he just needs to have his cover to say he made the reforms necessary to protect MA.
The worst thing the republicans can do is read too much into this victory (just as the democrats can read too much into the loss).
As Obama said, the same frustration with the Status Quo that swept him into office is what swept Brown into office. It may prove in the long run that those selected in these elections will be less the died in the wool republicans that the far right thinks, and more the moderates like Romney and Brown.
The republicans are masters at rallying conservative groups and then leaving them at the alter once they get into power. Browns election might just be evidence of that same strategy playing out once again.
The Republicans need a leader, someone who can coordinate do more than Rally, but actually get things done.
The fact is, the republican incumbants of the Dr. No variety are likely to be just as be hurt by the current mood, as are Democratic Incumbants who are likewise finageling their own special deals.
We may just get that 100 independant senate...and if they are smart, they'll get rid of the fillibuster.
Once it becomes 51 votes to pass a bill, you'll see a lot more independent repubicans jumping ship, as well as the indpendent democrats. When party unity is no longer the be all and end all of passing legislation you'll get people more concerned about the passage of their own bills and their own constituants needs then wheather or not the national agenda of their party is achieved.
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