Open Wide
2010-02-25 - by
President Obama may be setting up Republicans for a classic one-two punch.
First, the left jab: an open, public “discussion” where he challenges Republicans to put their ideas on the table. That’s what they said they wanted, isn’t it?
Then, the right uppercut: ramming a health-care bill through using something called “reconciliation.”
I don’t know what “reconciliation” means, but it is apparently a parliamentary term for “steamroller.”
Republicans will howl about the process. But who cares?
Obama needs a win – no matter how bloody. He needs to look strong. Then he can spend the rest of the year blaming Republicans for not doing more. And Republicans can blame him for doing too much.
And we’ll get a verdict in November.
Either way, Obama’s chances to pass a bill won’t get better.
Open Wide
2010-02-25/
President Obama may be setting up Republicans for a classic one-two punch.
First, the left jab: an open, public “discussion” where he challenges Republicans to put their ideas on the table. That’s what they said they wanted, isn’t it?
Then, the right uppercut: ramming a health-care bill through using something called “reconciliation.”
I don’t know what “reconciliation” means, but it is apparently a parliamentary term for “steamroller.”
Republicans will howl about the process. But who cares?
Obama needs a win – no matter how bloody. He needs to look strong. Then he can spend the rest of the year blaming Republicans for not doing more. And Republicans can blame him for doing too much.
And we’ll get a verdict in November.
Either way, Obama’s chances to pass a bill won’t get better.