Breaking down the health care breakdown

Although health care reform is not dead,* there is clear panic in the Democratic ranks, crowing in Republican circles, and annoyance at politics as usual from enlightened independents.

Over at The Hill, Jeffrey Young provides an excellent, concise breakdown of the 10 reasons why health care reform is a toxic political asset for the Democrats. He cites poor leadership (Obama), stonewalling (GOP), poor messaging (Dems), extrinsic factors (the economy, stupid), distasteful backroom deals (the so-called Cornhusker Kickback and Louisiana Purchase) and general Democratic soilage on timing, legislation, and politics.

*I would add a big, fat #11: political will (cojones). Growing a pair is the only way for the Dems to salvage HCR.

What year is this?

GOP senators propose term limits

A group of Republican senators have introduced a bill that would amend the Constitution to set term limits for congressmen in both houses. There are currently no term limits for legislators on the . . . more

Unemployment extension cloture vote to be held Wednesday afternoon

	With the GOP continuing to debate the unemployment extension bill, Senate Dems have moved to hold a cloture vote tomorrow afternoon to end this round of debate and proceed. If this vote passes, opposition . . . more

GOP refuses to speed up vote on unemployment extension

	Well there goes my cock-eyed optimism of yesterday. GOP senators will not acquiesce to an accelerated (relatively speaking) vote on pending federal unemployment benefits extension legislation HR 3548. . . . more

GOP blocks unemployment extension vote with amendments

	On Tuesday of this week the Senate held a successful cloture vote to proceed with moving forward to a vote on pending federal unemployment benefits extension legislation. With Republican amendments . . . more

SC GOP chairmen praise DeMint by comparing him to "the Jews who are wealthy"

Two Republican chairmen from South Carolina praised Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) for not using earmarks, comparing his fiscal responsibility to rich Jews: "There is a saying that the Jews who are . . . more

GOP continues to stall vote on unemployment benefits extension bill

Senate Republicans continue to prevent Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) from bringing House bill H.R. 3548 - which would give a federal extension to unemployment benefits - to the floor of . . . more