Blanche Lincoln not only voted against the public option amendments, but she was the only Dem to not

[jsamuel]

say why today. Both Baucus and Conrad at least said why they were voting against Schumer's amendment. Baucus said it was "because it can't get 60 votes," which is nonsense. Do we only vote for what we think will win? What are we, fair weather sports fans? Conrad said it was because he preferred co-ops like other countries. The problem with that several of the counties he used as examples actually have government run systems like the public option already in place as well. He also compared the public option to the British system which is a complete straw man argument since the British system has the government run the hospitals and the doctors are employed by the government.

So why couldn't she at least say why she was against it? Is that so hard when every other Democrat managed to say why?

Update: Called her office, they said that her reason is the same as Baucus' reason or "because it can't get 60 votes".

So if every Dem who is voting against this public option is voting against it "because it can't get 60 votes", isn't that rather circular reasoning?

[sandnsea]

1. She lives on that planet Barney Frank spoke of

Have you looked at the numbers in Arkansas? I think they've got the highest percentage of any state who believe Obama isn't a citizen.

[jsamuel]

2. yes, 55% for and 38% against

[iceman66]

5. The Peoples' Republic of Wal-Mart.

[polichick]

3. I guess she could've said, "Because I'm a corporatewhore." nt

[KansDem]

4. Maybe the insurance company lobbyists haven't told her what to say yet?

She's probably waiting by a phone or fax machine...

[Barack_America]

6. I believe this was Rockefeller's amendment.

And I think Lincoln's take from the insurance industry speaks for itself.

In a way I respect her for not giving us some bullshit excuse like Baucus and Conrad attempted to.

Health insurance industry dollars. That's what it all comes down to.

[jsamuel]

8. no, it was Schumer's

Rockefeller also had one, but 5 Dems voted against that one.

[Barack_America]

9. I thought that Baucus's statement referred to his vote on the Rockefeller amdt.

But I looked it up, and you're right, he meant it as a much broader "fuck you" to the American people than I had originally suspected.

A shame, to be sure.

[Ruby the Liberal]

12. He gave the same reason on both votes.

[BurtWorm]

7. I haven't heard one courageous, intelligent reason to vote against the public option EVER!

Every one is based on a lie or a fear. Every single one!

[depakid]

10. We know why:

Buh bye Blanche- people in Arkansas deserve better (or someone other than) the corrupt and undistinguished backbencher that you have been.

[jsamuel]

11. UPDATED: Her reason is the "60 votes" reason.

[LiberalArkie]

13. Here is another carpet bagger that needs a little tar and feathers

I may hold my nose and take some pepto at the next election and vote straight Repub... At least I know where they stand.

[dbt]

18. I may be right behind you!

That woman* doesn't represent me worth a damn--and has NOT since her "I'm proud to stand with President Bush" days. Miz Blank has long been known as "one of the best Republicans in the Senate." It's way past time that Herself learned first-hand what Truman said about Republicans and Democrats who act like Republicans.

*SIDEBAR: That man Ross doesn't represent me worth a damn either. Worthless, the both of them.

:grr:

[mmonk]

14. Complete circle.

Without their voting that way, they couldn't complete it.

[damntexdem]

15. Would Lincoln blanch at Blanche Lincoln?

We need a raucous caucus to drown out Baucus.

[DireStrike]

21. Hah!

Poetic license on the "Baucus" rhyme granted.

[spanone]

16. keeping their customers satisfied

[gratuitous]

17. Ms. Lincoln apparently doesn't think her constituents are very smart

In order to pass the Senate, a bill only needs 50 votes, not 60. If there's a 50-50 tie, Vice President Joe Biden, a fellow Democrat, can cast the tie-breaking vote. Surely a United States Senator knows this. We operate on a majority rules basis in this country, and Ms. Lincoln doesn't think voters in her state know how to count.

Maybe the people of Arkansas will give her a little lesson in counting come primary season next time she's up for election?

[janet118]

19. Does she come from Arkansas?

Calling Bill Clinton . . . get down there and start raising funds for someone who supports a public option to run against the bitch (as in blue dog).

[fascisthunter]

20. she and the other Blue dogs will come to Regret

their actions...