Time to let the Republicans really filibuster against something popular.

[David__77]

Nancy Pelosi will gain in public opinion due to the passage of health care. Everyone loves a winner. Harry Reid, not so much. In his defense, he has been hamstrung by a rock-solid Republican opposition, and the traitorous Democrats in his own caucus. That is a recipe for impotence politically.

It is time to let the Republicans really filibuster, as in having to maintain the floor for days at a time. But don't just let the Republicans talk, have the Democrats talk too, and highlight the backward policies of the Republicans and all of the good things the Democrats want to do but cannot, because they are obstructed by the Republican minority.

The object of this filibuster should be something that has solid approval of a majority of the citizenry, and something uncomplicated and easily understood. Maybe some provision of the financial reform can be parceled out for this purpose. In any case, at this very, the political initiative must be decisively seized through a variety of means. The potential advantages must not be squandered.

[Motown_Johnny]

1. Dodd's financial reform... even though it is so watered down you could make tea with it

yes, I said TEA

[KharmaTrain]

2. Save That For The Immigration Debate...

No need for the filibuster now as the fixes will be done through reconciliation and 51 votes, but next comes what will surely be a nasty battle over Immigration reform. What the GOOP is blind is how this issue has energized the Hispanic community (as witnessed by 200,000 or more marchers in Washington yesterday) and, next to the state of the economy could be a major story going into this fall's elections. The GOOP is up against the wall to come up with some draconian response which will get a strong reaction from not just the teabaggers but Hispanics as well. The GOOP has backed itself into the corner of doing to this group what they've done to the blacks...and these are growing voting blocs in predominately red states. Force them to filibuster this fall and watch how their political fortunes go down the tubes.

[Lance_Boyle]

3. The Democratic position on this - supporting amnesty - will be amazingly unpopular.

[trayfoot]

5. Yes, amnesty is VERY unpopular!

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

8. I bet it will be popular among the latino vote.

Net gains, IMO.

[Lance_Boyle]

10. I would not be so sure of that.

Some of the most virulent opposition to amnesty I have encountered comes from the people who immigrated the legal way. While I would agree that the vast majority of Hispanic voters in the US support REFORM, I'm not sure I'd say the same about any reform that includes amnesty. And remember - illegal aliens themselves are not counted among Hispanic voters.

[KharmaTrain]

12. I Don't See Amnest y In These Bills

Of course that will be the right wing talking point that surely will flood the hate airwaves. Paths to citizenship, yes...just like what Raygun proposed in 1986 (how can they fight St. Raygun???) and going after those who hire the "illegals" to exploit the cheap labor and avoid paying the taxes. If people are upset with these provisions then they were never interested in reform in the first place (and plenty of racism to go around).

Yep, it will be "amazingly unpopular" with those who weren't going to vote for Democrats in the first place, but it will also attract far more Hispanic votes and energize that growing segment. A dirty secret...many here think it's the "liberals and progressives" who are the base of the party...it's the various minorities that do the heavy lifting...the 90% black vote that shows up for Democrats and this could soon be matched by Hispanic numbers in that range. Any "division" or lost votes due to this issue will be made up and then some.

[David__77]

7. I don't think that's a good idea.

The Democratic constituencies are divided on this one. It doesn't pass the "reasonableness test" for large segments. It's not a fast track to citizenship - it seems like the bracero program to many. It will rile the right and divide the left.

[kratos12]

4. Corporate Personhood

It's pefect.

Citizens United is very unpopular even amongst the baggers.

Simply bring a Bill to the senate that makes it the law of the land that Corporations do not have the same rights of speech as people.

The Pukes wikll be besides themselves as they attempt to satisfy both masters.

It would also serve to defang the effect of the money that will flow to the Republicans this summer.

Thoughts?

[David__77]

11. I think you may be on to something there.

There certainly could be requirements that in order to receive certain tax breaks or contracts with the federal government, the corporations must adhere to the rules stipulated by McCain-Feingold, etc.

[Lorien]

6. Unless they manage to squeeze in a public option in reconciliation

how will this sham of a bill ever become "popular"?

[David__77]

9. I don't mean this bill, I mean another item entirely.

...however, I do not think this bill will be unpopular as it plays out.