The battle for Kennedy's seat

?The short memories of American voters is what keeps our politicians in office.? ~ Will Rogers

Somebody mentioned the "cram down" option a few posts ago. Even in the darkest of times I don't think either party would be so desparate to do that. I think the Dems are having a serious "Oh, crap" moment, right now. They reallllly need to ask themselves how it came to this. I can't imagine that there would be enough Dem support for a "cram down" that they would do it. Talk about losing seats! Holy Cow...

Brown's election may well have been the one thing to make the House and Senate both step back, take a deep breath, slow down, try to approach this whole thing from less of an emotional perspective, and reach out across the aisle to achieve some sort of bipartisanship on the bill.

Pelosi and Reid hold all the cards to the Dem's future. If they are smart, they will rein in their egos before it all goes down the drain.

This registered Independent who voted for Obama is glad that Brown won.

I think Obama won because, among other things, Americans were tired of the Republicans having their way with them. Brown won because, among other things, Americans are tired of the Democrats having their way with them. The "change" that people seek is a return to thoughtfulness, fairness, compromise and a long-range view of what's best for our country, not a wild swing from one party's far-leaning idealogy to the other. Human nature and politics being what they are, none of these things is likely to happen in Washington unless they are forced to happen. A balance of power forces compromise. Compromise is good.

This registered Independent who voted for Obama is glad that Brown won.

I think Obama won because, among other things, Americans were tired of the Republicans having their way with them. Brown won because, among other things, Americans are tired of the Democrats having their way with them. The "change" that people seek is a return to thoughtfulness, fairness, compromise and a long-range view of what's best for our country, not a wild swing from one party's far-leaning idealogy to the other. Human nature and politics being what they are, none of these things is likely to happen in Washington unless they are forced to happen. A balance of power forces compromise. Compromise is good.

I agree that compromise would have better served the Obama administration with regard to healthcare. They should have compromised while they had the chance. Now I believe all chance of compromise is gone and the Republicans will ramp up their obstructionist tactics to unprecedented levels. Shame on both partys. A lot of time has been wasted. I hope I'm wrong about all of this.

I agree that compromise would have better served the Obama administration with regard to healthcare. They should have compromised while they had the chance. Now I believe all chance of compromise is gone and the Republicans will ramp up their obstructionist tactics to unprecedented levels. Shame on both partys. A lot of time has been wasted. I hope I'm wrong about all of this.

Me, too. Although obstruction of this particular version of healthcare reform would be a good thing. Let's hope both parties can work together toward sensible solutions for not only healthcare, but the myriad other problems facing American right now.

Me, too. Although obstruction of this particulary version of healthcare reform would be a good thing. Let's hope both parties can work together toward sensible solutions for not only healthcare, but the myriad other problems facing American right now.

I believe the Republican party line is to cooperate with the administration as little as possible and help contribute to the perception of a failed presidency in order to position themselves best for 2012. This strategy may very well backfire, but it wastes time and hurts the country. I believe that the Republicans now will try to block any form of healthcare reform. That would be a shame because this is the perfect opportunity for the more progressive Republicans to differentiate themselves from the mob and provide their party with an electable presidential candidate. Problem is, electable Republican candidates have a slim chance of getting nominated.

I believe the Republican party line is to cooperate with the administration as little as possible and help contribute to the perception of a failed presidency in order to position themselves best for 2012. This strategy may very well backfire, but it wastes time and hurts the country. I believe that the Republicans now will try to block any form of healthcare reform. That would be a shame because this is the perfect opportunity for the more progressive Republicans to differentiate themselves from the mob and provide their party with an electable presidential candidate. Problem is, electable Republican candidates have a slim chance of getting nominated.

Well that certainly wouldn't be anything new for a lobsided Congress. Which is why I look forward to something more a long the lines of what we had in Clinton's second term, those folks got a lot done.

Somebody mentioned the "cram down" option a few posts ago. Even in the darkest of times I don't think either party would be so desparate to do that. I think the Dems are having a serious "Oh, crap" moment, right now. They reallllly need to ask themselves how it came to this. I can't imagine that there would be enough Dem support for a "cram down" that they would do it. Talk about losing seats! Holy Cow...

Brown's election may well have been the one thing to make the House and Senate both step back, take a deep breath, slow down, try to approach this whole thing from less of an emotional perspective, and reach out across the aisle to achieve some sort of bipartisanship on the bill.

Pelosi and Reid hold all the cards to the Dem's future. If they are smart, they will rein in their egos before it all goes down the drain.

If Pelosi and Reid are smart? Are you kidding? Did you just land on Earth?

If Pelosi and Reid are smart? Are you kidding? Did you just land on Earth?

I never implied that they were. I honestly think that Pelosi has gone bat sheet crazy due to her power in the gov't. Reid may actually show some modicum common sense seeing how he is getting killed in the polls in his own state. I think he may well see the writing on the wall if he doesn't do something. Only time will tell...

I think President Obama has the potential to be recognized as one of our greatest Presidents; however, I think he can and should attempt to accomplish this while bridging the parties instead of trying to push for a super majority.

When Speaker Pelosi made her announcement, "That was easy," regarding the health care house bill, it was easy because she had a majority. That being said, her plan skated by with only five votes. If she didn't have a majority, would that bill have been passed? I wasn't impressed. I am more impressed when they do actually cross the aisle......AND, listen to the people.

These are things to consider IMHO regarding politicians. I felt that Ms. Pelosi could have been more influential under the Bush Admin, but she wanted to drive wedges. I'd like to see our President make a commitment to the people for bridging (attempting) partisanship and begin working on issues at the root. Not "pass it now while we have a majority and fix it later."

And, the more I learn about Scott Brown, I really like him. It appears that he is the fresh face/voice we've all anticipated. Perhaps his candid approach to politics will go far in raising the bar on both sides.

I look forward to healthcare reform. I would really like to see this start within the legal system as well with pharmaceutical companies. Wishful thinking?

Pelosi has announced that she no longer has the votes to push it through. Back to the drawing boards we go...

Pelosi has announced that she no longer has the votes to push it through. Back to the drawing boards we go...

I heard this today. How did she lose so many votes with only one change in the Senate? Is she driving more wedges?

I heard this today. How did she lose so many votes with only one change in the Senate? Is she driving more wedges?

The progressives in the House did not like the Senate bill for a whole host of reasons.

Yup...the house version passed by only 5 votes. Not exactly overwhelming by any standard. They were destined for a showdown, anyway. Brown or no Brown it was going to be a battle royal!

Obama going after the banks again. He wants to seriously limit the ability of the big banks from doing proprietary trading. I am very disappointed in him. He's just another politician !! And he seems not to be very good at that. He has gotten terrible advice from his political people. He has allowed Reid and Pelosi to make a mockerey of the political process. He has not "changed" anything in Washington except to make it more partisan. Too many "behind closed doors" deals and virtually no transparency. This populist sentiment is very destructive to getting things done and is extraordinaryly divisive. I regret voting for him.











h He has gotten terrible advice from his political people. He has allowed Reid and Pelosi to destroy I regret voting for him.

I believe the Republican party line is to cooperate with the administration as little as possible and help contribute to the perception of a failed presidency in order to position themselves best for 2012. This strategy may very well backfire, but it wastes time and hurts the country. I believe that the Republicans now will try to block any form of healthcare reform. That would be a shame because this is the perfect opportunity for the more progressive Republicans to differentiate themselves from the mob and provide their party with an electable presidential candidate. Problem is, electable Republican candidates have a slim chance of getting nominated.

Sincere health care reform cannot exist without tort reform. Until the Dems punish their special interest group, the trial attorneys, it is not right to ask every other group with a piece of the health care pie to take a hit. Even with a supermajority in the Senate, they had to buy-off Senators and the unions after it passed the Senate. I do not think any real health care reform is possible now, and given the plans that the House and Senate previously put together, it is a great thing for our nation.

The other centerpiece of Obama's administration is cap-and-trade, which given that the UN has admitted their data was wrong and that the Penn State scientists have been suppressing other peer reviewed literature that did not support their theory of manmade global warming, that too is dead. I am glad that we found out about the lie that is manmade global warming prior to destroying the US economy over it, Will someone please inform the NY Times of this? They seem to still have their heads up their ___ about this one.

I thought part of the thinking behind the new bank rules was to bring back some of the good ideas from the Glass-Steagal Act.

Sincere health care reform cannot exist without tort reform. Until the Dems punish their special interest group, the trial attorneys, it is not right to ask every other group with a piece of the health care pie to take a hit. Even with a supermajority in the Senate, they had to buy-off Senators and the unions after it passed the Senate. I do not think any real health care reform is possible now, and given the plans that the House and Senate previously put together, it is a great thing for our nation.

The other centerpiece of Obama's administration is cap-and-trade, which given that the UN has admitted their data was wrong and that the Penn State scientists have been suppressing other peer reviewed literature that did not support their theory of manmade global warming, that too is dead. I am glad that we found out about the lie that is manmade global warming prior to destroying the US economy over it, Will someone please inform the NY Times of this? They seem to still have their heads up their ___ about this one.

I agree, Dominoes. Either start in the legal system or it's States' Rights. Period.

When the Billary Bill didn't pass in '93, GA was hit with some strong mandates regarding health insurance. It didn't happen overnight or even in one year. But, legislation was passed and the carriers had to ante up or they were out of business in this state. It worked. There are still uninsureds here (many by choice and lifestyle), but healthy competition exists and reigns, keeing rates affordable with good plans! We also have a great Insurance Commissioner, albeit a Good ol' Boy. But, he is a strong consumer advocate! Other states aren't as fortunate.

(Don't even get me started on what transpires in FL!)

Apparently Cosmo is quite proud of their find! Most of their 'Sexiest Men' become actors or are in reality shows. They like that Scott is now a Senator!

I would insert the link, but not sure I know how....it came to me in an email.

Miss Critter: You are very sensible and I appreciate your input. Thank you for bringing common sense to this forum.

Apparently Cosmo is quite proud of their find! Most of their 'Sexiest Men' become actors or are in reality shows. They like that Scott is now a Senator!

I would insert the link, but not sure I know how....it came to me in an email.

Here's the photo



I have to ask the esteemed panel here: How do you think this would have gone if a WOMAN running for this office had posed nude for Cosmo? Is there a double standard here?

Here's one person's opinion:

I loved Condoleeza Rice's boots. And, I like Mrs. Obama' style as well.

I loved Condoleeza Rice's boots. And, I like Mrs. Obama' style as well.

Double standard though?

Double standard though?

Of course. Women in politics routinly get beat up more than men for all sorts of things. Palin's wardrobe? Clinton's pants suits? I don't ever remember the press making jokes about a tie or suit Obama or McCain wore on the campaign. For Scott, this probably helped him. For a woman, I think it would discredit her somewhat in the eyes of the media.

Dominoes is right on.