In a way I admire Ben Nelson

[Toots]

I hate his conservative views but he did get more for his state than any other senator. He played hardball and he won. I don't care for his methods or his real motives but I do appreciate that he worked the best deal possible for his state and by doing so pretty much insured his re-election. And that is not to my liking at all. Maybe admire is the wrong word, grudging respect would be more apt.

[TwilightGardener]

1. They're kinda pissed at him here for voting for cloture, so I guess

it's just as well that he brought home a bag of goodies.

[notesdev]

2. I'm wondering

why neither of my Senators managed to do the same for my state.

[me b zola]

12. Perhaps they didn't do the same because they realize that people's lives are at risk

and they did not feel it was appropriate to play games at the expense of the people.

[KharmaTrain]

3. The Ugly Part Of Making Sausage

And in the end they bring home the bacon. There aren't many pieces of legislation this size that don't end up in one or several Senators sitting there ready to sell their vote to the highest bidder. It's especially the tactic of the smaller states (note where those sitting on the fence represent) to get some grease and these opportunities don't come along often.

Talk about "reform" and "democracy" all one wants, but this is the nitty gritty of how things get done in a representative democracy.

[tomg]

4. I do understand your logic, but

to me, it is closer to a kidnapper who says "pay this ransom or I will kill this person" and then adds, "oh, and give me immunity." And gets it. It is not so much that I respect his backbone as I am disgusted at the lack of one in so many others. I hope that behind doors, the dems told him "okay. you have it now, but we are taking your ass out next time you are up." Somehow, though, I don't think so.

[Selatius]

6. You're not the first person to suggest this was a hostage situation instead of normal negotiation.

In a normal negotiation, both sides usually have to demonstrate some sort of good will gesture, and from there, there is give and take until a deal is cut.

Here, the dynamic really is more akin to a hostage situation. Liberals really do want a bill to pass, but the conservatives want nothing to pass, so naturally, the bill that is to be passed is the hostage, and liberals are forced to give concessions or pay-offs to Republicans and conservative Democrats (Ben Nelson) in order for the bill to be released from captivity.

[tomg]

13. You are right. It really is about the lack of good faith.

Part of me always wanted Bernie Sanders to do the same thing in reverse. But the guy has real integrity and honor, unlike Nelson and the rest of that crew.

[Jamastiene]

5. Excellent question.

This is the one time that Republicans didn't do much to even participate in making this bill. I would say that is a good thing, except I see what really happened. They didn't have to lift a finger. The blue dogs did their work for them.

Here is why I believe that, wholeheartedly:
At least 2 conservative Democrats set up Roe Vs Wade for a Supreme Court challenge in the near future that we'll probably lose. That is going to be an even worse fight for us later down the road because they have been making ground chipping away at that right for YEARS now. If we don't wake the fuck up and take the blinders off, that right will be lost for ages.

The hard work of Senator Sanders managed to score big for community health centers, which is a good thing.

A few blue dog Democrats managed to score big for their state.

The rest of our Senators...sort of...just...voted... without scoring goodies for our states.

You ask a very thoughtful, valid, important question.

[Renew Deal]

7. I think you're right

He scored big for Nebraska.

[iceman66]

8. Yet another example

of the ineffectual leadership of Harry Reid.

Rather than give in to Nelson's demands, he should have threatened to kill some pork projects in his state unless he voted for cloture.

[PassingFair]

9. Glad you like extortionists in our party.

I don't admire the venal little bastard AT ALL.

We, as an electorate, should be mindful that when
we elect our Senators, that they are responsible
for governing the COUNTRY as a WHOLE, and not just
to "bring home the bacon" via blackmail.

I'm sure you liked the "Bridge to Nowhere"
projects, et. al. as well.

Yeah, I think its JUST SWELL that one Senator
from one of the least populated states can potentially
barter away a woman's right to choose in 50 states.

:puke:

[Barack_America]

10. +1

I fail to see what is admirable about a man who would sink a ship, while securing one of the few lifeboats for himself.

[elocs]

11. Admire probably is the wrong word.

There is nothing wrong in understanding what those with whom you disagree may do or even to have an appreciation for it within their way of thinking.

Nelson represents the people of Nebraska and those are the people who voted for him and will vote for him again. Voters tend to often hate other politicians other than the ones who represent them because they bring home the bacon.

[NNN0LHI]

14. I hope the Dems spend every last dime plus some

Last time the Dems left a surplus when leaving office the following Republican administration used the money to start two wars we are still mired in today and gave tax cuts to their fat cat wealthy friends.

Spend it while you got it President Obama and other Dems. If you don't the next Republican administration will find a way to steal it and give it away to the wealthy.

Don