I think the Democrats are going to win this healthcare battle. There. I said it. I believe today’s vote on the Slaughter rule is a foreshadowing of the healthcare vote.
Case in point: Just a few days ago Democrat congressman Jason Altmire made headlines by saying he believe the Slaughter option to be “wrong” as seen in the vid below.
But today Altmire voted to approve usage of the Slaughter option. In all 222 Democrats voted to approve the use of the Slaughter option. It seems to me that if 222 Democrats voted to allow the rule a pretty similar number is going to be a “yes” on healthcare reform. And Democrats only need 216 to pass it.
I think this vote was a bellwether. I think we’re in deep deep trouble here and all those “maybes” and fence-sitters are simply waiting to see if their vote is needed or will they be allowed by Pelosi to cast a meaningless “no” vote to save their career while allowing healthcare to be “deemed” passed.
Here’s my question and I hope one of you has an answer. If a congressman voted to allow the Slaughter rule, isn’t that an indication that they’ll vote in favor of the deem and pass?
March 18, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Unfortunately, I think I agree with you.
March 18, 2010 at 8:10 pm
I'm begging for someone to point out how I'm wrong. I would love to be wrong about this.
March 18, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Wait till the fat lady sings.
March 18, 2010 at 8:27 pm
We will have to "slaughter" them at the polls this fall – whether or not the thing passes. Unfortunately, with approximately 50% of the electorate effectively paying no income taxes (3% of total tax burden) the Dems have a reservoir of folks who like the free goodies and aren't paying for them.
Bread and circuses anyone?
March 18, 2010 at 8:38 pm
The country was simply not built to be able to respond to this level of fantasy and tyranny. They pushed this so much past the breaking point that we’ve gotten into a weird sense of “It’s all going to work” sheer chaos. Even the complete meltdown of Europe and all the numbers pointing to a complete collapse this summer aren’t enough to wake up enough people’s eyes. It’s all very, very dangerous.
March 18, 2010 at 8:49 pm
In order to caucus with a party, you are obligated to vote with them on procedural matters. In that sense, it is actually surprising that 22 Dems voted AGAINST the resolution. There are several who voted against who will likely vote against the bill. Included among those is the whip from MA who was blasting Slaughter today.
I'm not saying things look great, but I think we still have a 1 in 3 shot. So make your calls and hit your knees.
March 18, 2010 at 10:21 pm
The fact that 37 states are promising to sue is a glimmer of hope. While in court, the law can't go into effect. And while the Eeyores will disagree with me, I think repeal of legislation (or subsequent legislation to render Obamacare useless) is a STRONG possibility.
I know people say that Democrats will campaign on the "Republicans will take away your health care!" platform, but after giving the American people the proverbial finger the past 18 months, only a minority of really naive liberals are going to buy what the Democrats sell.
March 18, 2010 at 10:51 pm
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Projections-from-the-Houses-deem-to-pass-roll-call–88465682.html
There's always hope.
March 19, 2010 at 1:56 am
Decent article & explination in the washington examinar in the post above.
March 19, 2010 at 12:05 pm
Matt, I can't prove you wrong on this, however, my hope and wishful thinking is that perhaps some of the pro-life democrats might be saying they will vote yes just to keep the vultures from the culture of death away from them. Then when the time comes to vote, they will vote NO.
That would be a glorious moment, wouldn't it?
I'm just going to keep praying, then calling the members of congress…Then going to confession after making those calls.
March 19, 2010 at 10:11 pm
No Matt – it means more would prefer to avoid voting. It's easier for them to get votes for deem and pass than it is to vote for the white whale of a bill they're faced with.
So no – as Boehner says – they still don't have the votes for ObortionCare – if they did – they'd be voting today.
Either way – this is going to sink them all – they are going down to the bottom lashed to the white whale with Captain B-Ahab Obama.
Keep praying, fasting, talking, calling, campaigning. Never give in!! They are doomed – evil always takes you down!!
March 20, 2010 at 4:44 pm
My congressman, Chet Edwards (D-TX 17), announced he will vote "no" on the health care bill, but voted "yea" on "Deem and Pass"…seems like there's plenty of game-playing going on. Edwards wants credit for voting against the health care reform bill before the House, but is perfectly willing to allow it to go over his "no" vote.
In his heavily Republican district, where we had a Republican until gerrymandering came into play, he's playing rear guard against a challenger. And get this…the city where 40 Days for Life began, Bryan Texas, is in his district.
People of Bryan Texas…vote him out!!!