Wednesday, August 19, 2009

They Own the White House and Congress, but It's Still Republicans' Fault

Lesson here: even if you control both the executive and legislative branches of government--and have a "super-majority" in the Senate--you still can't pass legislation because it's all those mean ol' Republicans' fault.

Given hardening Republican opposition to Congressional health care proposals, Democrats now say they see little chance of the minority’s cooperation in approving any overhaul, and are increasingly focused on drawing support for a final plan from within their own ranks.

Baucus, and the Debate on Health Care, Go West (August 19, 2009)
Times Topics: Republican PartyTop Democrats said Tuesday that their go-it-alone view was being shaped by what they saw as Republicans’ purposely strident tone against health care legislation during this month’s Congressional recess, as well as remarks by leading Republicans that current proposals were flawed beyond repair.

Rahm Emanuel, the White House chief of staff, said the heated opposition was evidence that Republicans had made a political calculation to draw a line against any health care changes, the latest in a string of major administration proposals that Republicans have opposed.

Rahm Emanuel is a liar. Republicans don't oppose any health care changes. In fact, they have released their own health care plan, but Democrats have stiff-armed that.

As usual, Democrats don't consider Republicans' ideas useful. They just want GOPers to shut up and vote with Dems. Now, they're trying to blame their disarray on a minority that has absolutely no power in this government. How pathetic is that?