just for argument's sake .. what if the Schummer ammendment was adopted?

[TheCoxwain]

What was the danger in that?


Is it just Republican Filibuster or something even worse ?


I am really trying to understand Baucus' stand as to why he could not vote for the amendment.

[rockymountaindem]

1. Because it could not get 60 votes in the Senate

This either a flagrant attempt at ass-covering by trying to get a bill that they can say at least a few Republicans voted for, so as to divert the anger of all those "independent" people from the town-hall daze, or because they have a real commitment to consensus governance rather than just getting a good bill passed over the objections of an entrenched minority.

Hence Nelson (NE) saying that anything that didn't get *70* votes would "lack legitimacy". They're just moving the goalposts.

[tridim]

2. Baucus votes how his bosses tell him to vote

That's really all you need to know.

[Ruby the Liberal]

3. Hes showing 'leadership'

as in he won't vote unless everyone else does too.

[Eric J in MN]

4. Baucus is just making excuses.

If a bill doesn't pass the full Senate in one form, then it can be changed, and then the Senate can vote, again.

If Baucus really wanted a public option, he would have given the full Senate a chance to vote on a bill which had a public option.