Yes, I know, it’s a pretty trite title. That said, many of you would probably reply with “yes, but it fits most of your writing!” OK, now that you’ve had your moment of sarcasm, can we get down to business?
The Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell put out a press release denigrating the Democrat’s efforts to make a bad bill, worse. As part of his statement, McConnell accused the Democrats of both a lack of principle and laziness by saying:
‘So what’s becoming abundantly clear is that the Majority will make any deal, agree to any terms, sign any dotted line that brings them closer to final passage of this terrible bill. They are, for lack of a better term, winging it on one of the most consequential pieces of domestic legislation in memory’
“Winging it” are they? I don’t think so! Whether it is Reid or someone else, the Democrats seem to know exactly what they are doing.
The Senate started with a plan that was sure to split the Democrat caucus. As Steve has on his poll, there were at least 3 issues capable of ensuring that Placebocare didn’t exit the Senate; abortion funding, public option and the cost. We’ve already seen in the House version how the Democrats will “eliminate” abortion funding from the bill while retaining it via some smoke and mirrors. We also know that for all the discussion of concern over cost, there is no Democrat that will stand in the way of a “historic” legislation due to a measly few trillion dollars. That leaves the public option as the real divider.
Last night and this morning, we are hearing that the Democrats are finding a solution to the public option dilemma. Articles like this one at Politico.com, are suggesting that a public option that is run privately but at the government’s direction, may be the solution that lets the Democrat spectrum be equally offended but provides a solution that is equally accepted.
I won’t go into the weak mindedness of this non public, public option other than to say; “Isn’t this just more of the same?” Aren’t all plans today basically privately implemented but publicly mandated?
What I will say about the non public, public option is that not only might this get the Democrats to solidify, there are also signs that this kind of a solution may get the one Republican vote they need to close debate and move to a final vote. In fact, the non public, public option is the brain child of Senator Olympia Snowe. Yes, that’s right, the same Olympia Snowe who has a problem with a public option but has no problem with funding abortion services. See how this is coming together?
It’s becoming clearer to me that rather than “winging it,” that while the outcome may be imperfect from their viewpoint, Democrats are close to finding a path that will allow them to attain their goal, control of the health care industry. On the other hand, Mitch McConnell has yet to offer anything other than verbal tripe in the way of opposition. Not once has McConnell demanded a unanimous consent on any amendment, nor has he required the reading of the bill. Neither of these efforts would ultimately cause the bill’s failure if the Democrats are committed to unity for passage. However, either or both of these efforts would delay the passage of any bill. If there’s one hope for killing this bill it is kept in forcing the Democrat Senators to face their constituents another time before the vote. If the polls are correct, a number of them will hear clearly, that they had better not vote for Placebocare, at least if they value their cushy jobs.
So, while Mitch McConnell accuses the Democrats of ethical flexiblity and “winging it” it would seem that at this point, he is the one operating without a plan and in fact, “winging it!” Pot meet kettle!
