Where are Senate Democrats?

[ProSense]

Here is a report from Sam Stein:

Harkin: If Obama Caves On Taxes, He Better Pray For Palin In 2012

The Hill: 14 Dems want deficit action despite failed fiscal commission vote


So while Boehner, Ryan, DeMint, McConnell, Cantor and other Republicans are out there talking crap, Senate Democrats aren't announcing that they will not support tax cuts for the rich. Instead, they are wondering if the President is going to cave(?) and worrying about the deficit?

Other than Reid's announcements, why aren't Senate Democrats countering Republicans?

Pelosi, Hoyer, Van Hollen and other House Democrats have spoken out.

[Jennicut]

1. Because our Senate is made up of a bunch of idiots?

Sigh. The Senate is a mess and has always been...even with all of the Dems in it. A useless institution is what is it becoming over time.

[Clio the Leo]

2. "caving" to give everyone a tax cut is only bad for wonk-nerds like us...

... a year and a half from now, the majority of the public wont be upset that the rich got a tax cut as long as THEY are getting one too. Now if the OPPOSITE happens, whole 'nother ball game. We're all fighting for bragging rights ... and we're atypical of the average voter.

[treestar]

3. They sound like DU posters rather than people with a lot of power

And how are they going to vote?

[karynnj]

4. I tried hard to construct reasons - they are working as hard as they can to get a compromise

that will renew unemployment extensions etc. It suggests that the Democrats care more than the Republicans that the middle class tax cuts continue. They likely see that if they were publicly out there it could make them less effective making deals.

But, I can't even convince myself. I had CNN on while cooking yesterday and EVERY talking head referred to the Democrats wanting to extend the tax cuts just for those making under $250,000 and the Republicans think it fair they are extended for everyone. Two errors - it is $250,000 of taxable income and everyone paying taxes gets a savings under the Democratic plan. In addition, they all spoke of the hardship on big business.

There were no Democrats on in the 2 hours or so that I sort of watched. This is not good. This week, to my knowledge the only things where intensive work is being done are the Food Safety bill, that now might have a problem, the Deficit Commission - where the Democrat everywhere in Kent Conrad and START, which Kerry and Biden have taken the lead on. Many Senators have spoken out in the Senate - in excellent speeches - is the media not inviting them or is everyone too chicken to speak in favor of something popular in the country?

[Parker CA]

5. Spineless and completely without message. Or, they're simply not bothered by what's going on.

The burden has largely been carried by Pelosi and the House. Our biggest problem is that our Dem messaging machine is never functioning. Hard for a few to successfully carry and spread the message of such a large group. The media surely doesn't help our cause, but it seems we're unfortunately just completely outflanked and under-prepared for these recent battles. Pretty frustrating from my position, so I can only imagine how the likes of Pelosi and the select few other vocal Dems must be feeling.

[samrock]

6. Hiding..

as well as they can.. Chicken livered cowards..

[phleshdef]

7. Both the Democratic Senate and House have the power to just let them all expire.

41 Democratic Senators can single handedly assure that the budget gets balanced this decade.

[Bettie]

8. Because they are hiding?

Seriously, at least one of these guys needs to grow a spine!!!

[daa]

9. The repukes have 42 Senators isn't that the majority? nt

[disillusioned73]

10. When the person leading ..

doesn't draw a line in the sand, it's difficult to get out there and fight for something.... when the "compromises" are looming

[Bluenorthwest]

11. What my Senator has been saying

That would be Merkley, who has been on it from the start. This is from a couple of weeks ago. Making the case. As he should be doing.
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/11/sen_jeff_merkley.html

[Major Hogwash]

12. If those 14 Dems want deficit action, why don't they get'r done?

I mean if they think they can, then why aren't they doing what they want to do.
Life's not fair, and if they can't do what they want to do, that's not fair.