A Little Late For Bargaining

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Other Politics
Posted on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 08:55:00 AM EST
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Ezra Klein cites Paul Starr arguing for some last minute bargaining on health care:

[T]here should be one last effort to incorporate some of the stronger provisions from the House in the final Senate bill.

Ha! You can not simultaneously scream at the top of your lungs that it would be crazy to not vote for the bill and then say we should go back and negotiate some more. I'm pretty sure the folks on the other side of the table have figured out that you are going to capitulate on the point by now.

Speaking for me only.

< Let's Argue Policy | Wyden-Bennett Vs. Single Payer: Fundamentally Different Views Of Health Care Reform >

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A Little Late For Bargaining | 47 comments (47 topical)

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How many democrats (5.00 / 1) (#1)
by Edger on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 08:46:46 AM EST

will become pre-existing conditions in 2010?

I believe there will be more last minute (5.00 / 3) (#2)
by MO Blue on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 08:53:53 AM EST

"bargaining" on the bill. It will be by those who have been given all the power and they are not the ones who want to strengthen it. I expect more give aways to the industries and to the conservatives.

Bargaining (none / 0) (#3)
by Pat Johnson on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:10:19 AM EST

I'll say it: Obama is a weak leader. A jellyfish when it oomes to fighting on behalf of the rest of us. He steps aside and allows the special interests and those thieves in congress to fashion a bill that only increases their gains.

A leader, elected to serve, should be "hands on" in his approach even if it creates enemies from the other side since the job description is clear that serving the nation is first and foremost the objective of leadership.

Instead, we get President Do Nothing, glancing in once in awhile before he skips off to another speech, country, or fund raiser while the rest of us watch suffer with the consequences of this detachment.

His inactions have left the door wide open for the GOP to gain a foothold once again and this should at least offer a wake up call to the administration if nothing else. The excuses offered in his behalf on falling on deaf ears.

Weak Leader? (5.00 / 1) (#43)
by waldenpond on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 01:27:45 PM EST

I think he has gotten exactly what he wanted... a give away to insurers and Pharma. They will be useful to his reelection campaign. Other industries will watch how he screws the people and favors industry no matter how corrupt and will support him. He is change, just not the change people thought they were getting. He's not a champion of the people, he's the greatest champion of the corporatists.

Parent

Keep in mind (none / 0) (#7)
by SOS on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:23:54 AM EST

he wasn't even all that thrilled with becoming a Senator. He even said in his own book by his second day on the Hill he thought to himself . ."what in the hell did I get myself into now". .

Parent

If he wasn't (none / 0) (#13)
by Zorba on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:35:56 AM EST

that thrilled to become a Senator, why did he run for President? I guess it must be because he likes to travel around and make speeches, and you don't get to do that as much as a Senator. He seems to enjoy what amounts to perpetual campaigning much more than actual governing, which has been in short supply so far.

Parent

He does what his handlers (none / 0) (#17)
by Inspector Gadget on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:40:24 AM EST

want/need him to do. Axelrod couldn't have won the election if he was the candidate. Emmanuel couldn't have won the election if he was the candidate.

Parent

Rove or Cheney... (none / 0) (#25)
by kdog on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 10:02:34 AM EST

couldn't get elected either....hence GDub.

Maybe its time to start seeing the office of the president for what it has become...a figurehead only, a Big-Brother face for a campaign poster. A magnet for praise and ire.

The real C-in-C is a faceless twelve-headed monster that simultaneously resides in the boardrooms of America and DC back offices...not in the oval office.

Parent

Axelrod was a really big concern (5.00 / 1) (#33)
by Inspector Gadget on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 10:38:45 AM EST

for me during the election. I really, really did not want him in the WH.

Parent

The more I think about it... (5.00 / 1) (#34)
by kdog on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 10:50:53 AM EST

we should fill the offices of the president and congress via draft...identured servitude concerns aside for a moment, if someone wants in the WH, that is cause enough for concern to keep them out of the WH.

Parent

If elected... (none / 0) (#36)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 11:10:21 AM EST

...we will not serve? When will you wear your Mexican wrestling mask?

Parent

: I'll serve for you bro... (none / 0) (#39)
by kdog on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 11:27:31 AM EST

but under protest:)

Parent

Why did he run? (none / 0) (#40)
by shoephone on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 11:29:30 AM EST

Simple: Ambition + ego.

Now that he's got the golden ring, he is proving everyday what a rank amatuer he really is. And his advisors act like amateurs as well.

Parent

Because he thought the people (none / 0) (#46)
by Inspector Gadget on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 03:49:37 PM EST

around him would do a much better job than they are doing.

Remember, they got him billed "a master campaigner" and he expected they would make him appear to be a magical POTUS.

Parent

: Yes (none / 0) (#47)
by jbindc on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 04:12:43 PM EST

All that experience "running his campaign" showed us he had the experience to run the country.

Parent

There are no consequences to being (none / 0) (#15)
by Inspector Gadget on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:39:10 AM EST

a lousy President. He'll get everything all the others have received whether he's voted out of office in 2012, or expires his terms in 2016.

His approval rating is now at 47% according to one poll.

If all those asked for their opinion were absolutely keeping up, the rating would most likely be less.

Parent

Obama is Rahm's $200Mill Drive-Thru Clown Speaker (none / 0) (#41)
by Ellie on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 11:44:36 AM EST

... all dressed up as a Brand Name Preznit, just as Bush was the logo/mascot for the various hands up his pointless @ss.

By now it should be self-evident that the differences depend on your preference to talk to the Burger King® or Ronald McDonald®, and pay for and eat what they serve up.

Me, I can handle a a Jr. Whopper with Cheese® (when I fall off the veggie wagon) but I like McDonald® fries -- and that's only if I eat junk takeout at all. The last Big Mac® I had left me in agony.

The thing is, were Rahm to run honestly on his own cred and offer, say, some halfway decent made to order Jewish deli, I'd be more friendly to that prospect than I have been to pretending that Obama is anything more than a front.

It's the lying I can't stand. [/obligatory Clinton-era Pearl Clutch].

Parent

Delusional (none / 0) (#4)
by ruffian on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:10:39 AM EST

That's all I can say.

Possible vote (none / 0) (#5)
by jbindc on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:17:50 AM EST

scheduled for Saturday (at least according to a friend who works for one of the Senators who is 99% sure she has to be at work and miss an event we were supposed to go to together).

I shutter to say this but (5.00 / 1) (#8)
by MO Blue on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:25:22 AM EST

I think I agree with Snowe that I would like to see this slow down. While her objective is to stall and possibly defeat the bill. I would like there to be enough time for the average citizen to know what is in the bill being voted on and not just industry lobbyists.

Parent

Earlier this week (none / 0) (#22)
by Steve M on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:52:41 AM EST

I was riding the Metro in DC when I saw an attractive young lady in a Central Michigan sweatshirt. Naturally I thought of you!

Parent

You're very sweet! (none / 0) (#23)
by jbindc on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:56:49 AM EST

Alas, I haven't been on the Metro in a couple of months, as I am working in Georgetown now, and there is no Metro stop nearby!

Parent

To far of a trek from Foggy Bottom? (none / 0) (#26)
by andgarden on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 10:04:06 AM EST

Parent

: Yes (5.00 / 1) (#32)
by jbindc on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 10:35:24 AM EST

when it's cold and you are a lazy person - a half mile is too far! :)

Parent
: *too (none / 0) (#27)
by andgarden on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 10:04:15 AM EST

Parent

Um (none / 0) (#28)
by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 10:06:12 AM EST

I take it Mrs. Steve M. is not a fan of my writing?

Parent

: Shh! (none / 0) (#31)
by Steve M on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 10:31:36 AM EST

Parent

I'm sorry, but I have to say it again (none / 0) (#6)
by Militarytracy on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:22:18 AM EST

He's just a kid. I think he's learning. I think he could shape up to be something wonderful if he will allow time and pressure to touch him and he doesn't run for cover and spend his career hiding from it :) He's a kid though and what he lacks in emotional intelligence and life experience cannot be made up for in I.Q. points :)

If this is the kind of product (none / 0) (#9)
by SOS on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:27:50 AM EST

UCLA is churning off the assembly line these days us Old Folk have serious problems.

Parent

: We've always had serious problems (none / 0) (#11)
by Militarytracy on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:33:52 AM EST

with the youngsters. They are energetic, exuberant, full of every good and wonderful promise, and full of chit. I was a serious problem as a youngster. I look back at me, whew.....I'm so glad you guys let me live :) I may have been weeded out by lesser people :)

Parent

" A Kid"? (none / 0) (#10)
by Pat Johnson on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:32:44 AM EST

We elected a "kid" on a learning curve? I thought this was the one we had been waiting for, the lightbringer, the transcender, the answer to fulfill the "hope and change" we expected if we listened to the pap that was being spread on his behalf.

A "kid"? If I had wanted a "kid" to lead I would have pushed hard for Justin Timberlake. At least he can sing.

He best get his act together in the next 3 years or we could be looking at "hockey Mom" and "the Family" as our next round of incompetents to "lead".

Parent

She's talking about Ezra (none / 0) (#12)
by andgarden on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:35:06 AM EST

Parent

I couldn't figure out if it was Obama, Ezra, (5.00 / 4) (#16)
by ruffian on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:39:25 AM EST

or Tiger Woods

Parent

Not much difference (none / 0) (#24)
by jimakaPPJ on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:59:40 AM EST

all are very good at what they do.

It's just that we didn't hire a speaker, a writer or a golfer.

Pray that he doesn't have to take a 3:00 AM call.

Parent

: You know (none / 0) (#49)
by jimakaPPJ on Fri Dec 18, 2009 at 08:54:33 AM EST

I would hate to think that a President, after being informed that an attack had happened and all was being done that could be done.... and that was the situation with Bush...would jump up screaming and running in a panic mode. I much prefer a man who calmly completes what he is doing and then moves forward.
Of course in Obama's case he would call his speech writers.....

Parent

I'm sorry (none / 0) (#14)
by Militarytracy on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:36:51 AM EST

I meant that Ezra is a kid. Our President is very young as well and that too may work against him. I hope he too can learn, but his transportation secretary was just on the Daily Show bragging about how bipartisanship is in Obama's DNA so maybe not :) I was speaking of the wonderkid Ezra though.

Parent

I guess I'm going to have to (5.00 / 1) (#18)
by dk on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:41:52 AM EST

disagree with you on our President. I simply don't believe that 48 is "very young." YMMV.

Parent

: I agree.... (none / 0) (#20)
by Inspector Gadget on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:47:15 AM EST

although, I do believe he is the most immature and disinterested POTUS ever.

Parent

I saw that too (5.00 / 4) (#19)
by ruffian on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:42:11 AM EST

Bipartisanship is in his DNA. Good reason to put more money into gene therapy research.

Parent

I know (none / 0) (#21)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 09:52:11 AM EST

that MT was talking about Ezra, but I think Obama is a effectual "kid" when it comes to politics. He's naive about the game players, doesn't know how to play the game to his advantage, so he lets folks walk on him. Yes, I actually think his intentions are bad, he's not working in our best interests and had no intention to any more than Bush ever had any intention to help "real" people. However, he's also destroying his own legacy in the process because of his lack of experience-induced ineptness.

I think when he gets out of office his books will be worth squat. Of course he has a nice nestegg with the Banksters and Insurance industry, although there is no honor among thieves.

Not that I care about his GawlD- legacy. I'm just saying.

Parent

Is there anything... (none / 0) (#29)
by desertswine on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 10:26:41 AM EST

much left to negotiate away?

I heard Lieberman prefers (5.00 / 3) (#30)
by ruffian on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 10:30:08 AM EST

Arial to Helvetica.

Parent

Roe v Wade (none / 0) (#35)
by MO Blue on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 10:51:48 AM EST

can effectively be made irrelevant through this legislation.

One issue that will be handled separately, though, is abortion. As I reported yesterday, Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), who has been working with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), presented Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) with new legislative language on federal funding for abortion yesterday. Nelson says abortion is a make or break issue for him, and he regards the provision in the current Senate bill as too lax to support.
As of last night, Nelson hadn't had a chance to evaluate the new compromise. But according to Politico, Douglas Johnson of the National Right to Life Committee has already decided: "This proposal would break from the long-established principles of the Hyde Amendment by providing federal subsidies for health plans that cover abortion on demand. This is entirely unacceptable." link

Parent

: Ahh yes.. (none / 0) (#38)
by desertswine on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 11:22:11 AM EST

God and Nelson.

Parent
: If Dems think they can ante up Roe and win ... (none / 0) (#42)
by Ellie on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 12:29:19 PM EST

... they're in for a rude shock in 2010. Sacrificing millions of lives for the "win" of Dem majorities that coddle Coat Hanger Dems and empower Dead Baby Republicans isn't just a non-starter, it won't fly with anyone being told s/he'll be doubly criminalized merely for trying to access equal health care.
The "choice" for women (girls, and young people affected by Reproductive Rights and Sexual Health) offered by Obama's Dems here?
Suffer and die the same way you always did before gifting us trebly with congressional majorities and the WH ...
only now, under ObamaCare, you'll be forced to pay (and dearly) for what they never intended to give you in the first place.

Parent

Massive medicaid expanison (none / 0) (#45)
by Socraticsilence on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 01:37:17 PM EST

and the guarenteed issuance provision.

Parent

Won't Pass? (none / 0) (#44)
by waldenpond on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 01:33:20 PM EST

For me, this is a done deal. The Dems keep caving. The lying (it bends the cost curve) is pissing me off.

A Little Late For Bargaining | 47 comments (47 topical)

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