***HEADS UP*** Senate votes on DREAM ACT and DADT Repeal scheduled for 10:30 (ET)

[jefferson_dem]

LIVE VIDEO HERE - http://www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN2/

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/#!/senatus
http://twitter.com/#!/StewSays
http://twitter.com/#!/jamiedupree
http://www.twitter.com/DemWarRoom
http://twitter.com/#!/evanmc_s

[wndycty]

1. Call! Call! Call!

C'mon on DUers, we are the ones who make things happen. Lets exhaust ourselves this morning, burning up the phone lines and working over the Senators and pressure them to pass both the repeal of DADT and to pass the DREAM ACT!

866-587-6101 (Its a DREAM ACT # but you can use it for both DREAM & DADT Repeal)

C'mon folks, we spend a lot of time talking about what isn't happen, how unhappy we are, etc. Here is our chance to stand with the President on two issues we all agree on with him, stand with the Nancy Pelosi and Congressional Democrats who passed both, and to suppurt Senate Democrats who are fighting to pass both of these bills.

Lets put up or shut up.

After calling, come back in here and check in by telling us who you called.

I have made three calls so far.

My Illinois Senators, Durbin and Kirk, as well as Scott Brown, Olympia Snow and Susan Collins.

[wndycty]

2. Folks need to suspend (not quit) complaining about other issues long enough to fight for these!

:kick:

[Clio the Leo]

7. bless you nt

[jefferson_dem]

3. "I urge my Senate colleagues today to join the House in honoring American values..."

@SpeakerPelosi
Speaker Nancy Pelosi

I urge my Senate colleagues today to join the House in honoring American values by passing #DADT repeal & #DREAMAct!

http://twitter.com/#!/SpeakerPelosi/statuses/16120553601499136

[wndycty]

4. K&R

I can only R it once, but I can kick it alot!

[jefferson_dem]

9. Thanks wndycty!

:hi:

Not sure if you saw Durbin on the Senate floor last night. He made the most compelling, passionate case for the Dream Act, during which he introduced us to a few of the outstanding individuals who have earned "social justice in citizenship". He made me proud to be an American ... and a Democrat.

[wndycty]

10. He is a champion!

:kick:

[jefferson_dem]

11. He sure is.

A real fighter for the cause.

Kirk, on the other hand, is revealing just how much of a tool he is. Moderate Repug? Haha.

[jefferson_dem]

5. HUFFPOST HILL - Saturday Votes Preview

DREAM ACT VOTE PREVIEW - Elise Foley: "Going into the DREAM Act vote tomorrow, it still looks unlikely that the bill will squeeze past 60 votes. The bill has about 52 sure "yes" votes, including Republicans Richard Lugar and Bob Bennett. Advocates are hoping some as-of-yet undecided Dems and moderate Republicans will come around, too. Advocates are targeting senators from states with large Latino populations -- George LeMieux, that means you -- and Republicans who supported the bill before. Orrin Hatch, the bill's original sponsor, and 2007 advocate John McCain won't budge on their opposition. But Sam Brownback, Susan Collins, Kay Bailey Hutchison and Olympia Snowe -- all of whom supported the bill in 2007 -- theoretically could. Then Dems would just need to convince a couple more of their own...OK, fine, it probably won't pass."

DADT LOOKING STRONG - Democrats feel like they have the 60 votes to break a GOP filibuster of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal. Watch the tally start to rise once they get to 60 and the desk asks, "Are there any members who haven't voted or who wish to change their vote to be on the right side of history?".... See what we did there?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/17/huffpost-hill-saturday-vo_n_798527.html

[wndycty]

8. Kick!

Great news on DADT and there is no reason to not fight for DREAM until the vote and even then we start again!

[polmaven]

17. I even got a request today

from the New England United Methodist Church, giving numbers for certain Senators whom the feel may be persuaded to vote for this bill. They asked us to call the Senators and urge them to do the right thing and vote "yea".

I have done just that.

[jefferson_dem]

21. Bless You!

:applause:

[polmaven]

128. And Bless the UMC!

n/t

[Clio the Leo]

6. (stretch) ..... good morning fellow patriots! nt

[jefferson_dem]

12. DADT Repeal & DREAM Act Get Their Day In The Senate Today (TPM)

DADT Repeal & DREAM Act Get Their Day In The Senate Today

The Senate will act on two important pieces of President Obama's progressive legislative agenda today: the DREAM Act and the repeal of the military's ban on openly gay servicemembers. By the end of the day, the path to final passage is expected to be set for DADT repeal, while DREAM is expected to languish for another Congress to pass.

Starting at around 10:30 this morning, the Senate will take up a cloture vote on DREAM. Cloture -- voted in by a 60-senator super majority -- is required to cut off debate and move a bill to final passage in the Senate. DREAM, which would provide legal status for illegal immigrants who serve in the military or earn college degrees, is not expected to hit that mark, effectively scrapping the bill for the time being.

That will set the stage for a cloture vote on a standalone DADT repeal bill, which proponents say is destined for passage. That will be the first step toward ending the nearly two-decade practice of allowing gays and lesbians to serve in the military, but not if anyone who works with them knows they're gay. Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), who has been the driving force behind lining up the votes for DADT repeal, says he has the 60 he needs and most observers expect there to be little drama today.

Lieberman and his allies in the Democratic caucus are expected to get help repealing DADT from at least four Republicans -- Sens. Scott Brown (MA), Susan Collins (ME), Lisa Murkowski (AK) and Olympia Snowe (ME). Most of the rest of the GOP caucus is expected to vote against it, though Lieberman said yesterday that the bill may pick up support from the GOP as it heads toward final passage.

<SNIP>

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/12/dadt-repeal-dream-get-their-day-in-the-senate-today.php

[jefferson_dem]

13. Senate is in session.

:popcorn:

[jefferson_dem]

14. "It'll be such a strange feeling if Senate actually manages to do something positive today #DADT"

@ggreenwald
Glenn Greenwald

It'll be such a strange feeling if the Senate actually manages to do something positive today #DADT

http://twitter.com/#!/ggreenwald/statuses/16119737780011008

[Clio the Leo]

15. ** expecting vote at 11am or 1050am ...

If you're looking for the #DADT vote, we're expecting it at 11am or 1050am or somewhere around there this morning.
http://twitter.com/#!/LeoShane/status/16133938288271360

(approximately of course)

[DemocratSinceBirth]

16. Our Vets Like Bill Nelson, John Kerry, And Daniel Inouye Need To Speak Up

.

[wndycty]

18. Kick

:kick:

[DemocratSinceBirth]

19. James Inhofe Is Speaking

What a lousy bigot...

[karynnj]

20. I don't know of the others, but John Kerry has spoken up since 1993

His floor speech then, before DADT was suggested, would fit perfectly today. He also has put out statements often since then. I would not be surprised if he doesn't speak today - he has been speaking for HOURS on the Senate floor in day long sessions on START that he is managing. Not to mention, Lieberman will control who has time. Kerry is a war hero - as is Inoye - but we know that with the Republicans, that is a complicated subject.

Me - I would love someone unexpected - like Dick Lugar, a Navy vet, to speak endorsing it.

[politicasista]

129. People who claim to be "Democrats" still can't see that

Fact-based post get in the way, though agree that the floor speech then would have fit in just fine today. :)

[jefferson_dem]

22. "We cannot let these patriots down. Their suffering shld end. It will end w/ passage of this bill."

- Senator Levin.

[jefferson_dem]

23. Senator Reid: "I urge my colleagues to vote for the #DREAM Act and to repeal #DADT..."

SenatorReid Senator Harry Reid
I urge my colleagues to vote for the #DREAM Act and to repeal #DADT to strengthen our country and end discrimination in our military.

http://twitter.com/#!/SenatorReid

[Pisces]

24. Go DADT!!!

[Donald Ian Rankin]

41. I suspect you don't actually mean that? N.T.

[Pisces]

25. Go DADT!!!

[DemocratSinceBirth]

60. Does That Mean You Favor Its Repeal Or Retention?

.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

26. I Pity The People Of South Carolina

.

[jefferson_dem]

27. Graham's speech was truly pitiful.

Just read on twitter, and I agree: "Graham will probably live long enough to regret this speech."

[DemocratSinceBirth]

29. Jim Webb Is Speaking

He was a combat vet as opposed to a military JAG off like Graham...

[jefferson_dem]

28. Webb up now.

Forcefully defending repeal...even though he stumbled over that "lifestyle" characterization. :patriot:

[DemocratSinceBirth]

30. Saxby Is Blackmailing Us

Fuck that inveterate racist, homophobic, chicken hawk bastard.

[jefferson_dem]

32. I despise that bigoted, pasty-faced cretin.

My sorry-excuse-for-a-Senator... :(

[Clio the Leo]

33. You left out "liar"....

... for what he did to Max Cleland.

[Clio the Leo]

31. Has DREAM act already come and gone or....

.... are they debating both at the same time? I've been in the kitchen making breakie.

[jefferson_dem]

34. No vote on Dream yet.

[Clio the Leo]

35. This is the EXACT same argument those who opposed civil rights made 50 years ago.

"Now is not the time." ..... it's chilling in its similarity.

[impik]

40. Yep. These people lived in big mansions, but their souls and minds are deep in the caves.

[BeyondGeography]

36. Is that a principled American speaking or is it Lieberman?

[Clio the Leo]

38. It's Joe Lieberman, co author of both the DADT bill and the ENDA bill. nt

[Colobo]

39. Joe is a complex guy. Sometimes a hero, sometimes a villain.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

44. I think it's more simple than that.

My understanding is that he's fairly consistently left-wing on social issues and right-wing on foreign policy ones. I don't think he's either any kind of hero or anywhere near as much of a villain as any of the Republicans; he's a politician with his own views who votes and campaigns to support them, and he's right about some things and wrong about others.

The big difference between him and everyone else in the senate is that his views put him right on the narrow dividing line between the two parties, rather than more in one camp than the other.

[BeyondGeography]

42. Killer of both the public option and Medicare buy-in

and author of a whole host of other grotesqueries.

A lovely speech this morning though.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

43. Res Ipsa Loquitur

Question: Some have made an issue that it's an independent and a Republican taking the lead on this bill -- and not any of the Democrats. Although Sen. Gillibrand is here today, do you have anything to say to that?

Lieberman: No, I mean, the very fact that 50-some --

Gillibrand: Can I?

Lieberman: Yeah, go ahead.

Gillibrand: This issue is so important to so many of the Democrats -- both Mark Udall <(D-Colo.)> and I have been working very hard -- but we asked Sen. Lieberman to take the lead. He brings and commands so much respect both with the Democrats and with the Republicans

As the senior member of the Armed Services Committee, we could think of no better person to be the leading voice for this bill, and that's why we asked him to take the lead from the very beginning.

http://metroweekly.com/poliglot/2010/12/talking-with-lieberman-were-on.html

[jefferson_dem]

37. Lieberman referencing founding documents and American values to support progressive policy change.

:wow:

[DemocratSinceBirth]

45. I Have A Dream Act

A world without homophobic Republicans.

[Clio the Leo]

46. McCain speaking soon....

.... should be a ball of laughs.

[BeyondGeography]

47. Bennet quickly and effectively put Kyl in his place

[Clio the Leo]

48. I like Kristen Gillibrand....

.... I worry she's too cute to go farther than the US Senate. As one squeaky voiced blonde to another, it's hard to be taken seriously sometimes.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

51. McCain Is Speaking

What a hateful old man...

[Clio the Leo]

49. I also like Chuck Schumer.....

.... I love his hand gestures. I know that he and the President are going to bump heads a lot in the next two years though.

[impik]

50. Wow, it's like McCain fights for his life. The level of hate that lives in this guy is astonishing

[DemocratSinceBirth]

55. Even His Fellow Repugs Hate His Guts

.

[BeyondGeography]

52. McCain

:cry:

[MadBadger]

53. McCain is arguing that because the public voted out the Dems, they dont want DADT repealed

LEARN HOW TO READ THE POLLS MOTHERFUCKER

[Clio the Leo]

54. Exactly.....

.... and of course, ultimately, civil rights are insured by the Constitution, it matters not what "the people think."

[MadBadger]

56. It really is amazing how ugly this person has become

He didnt look this hideous ten years ago.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

57. That's Because His Maverick Shtick Was Working To His Political Benefit

.

[jefferson_dem]

58. Go Durbin!

"Children who live in the shadows, and dream of greatness"

[Clio the Leo]

59. Durbin's making me a lil weepy....

.... talking about the children who "live in the shadows of this nation, who love this country, who say the Pledge, who salute the flag, who just want to serve this country."

[jefferson_dem]

61. "Sen John McCain just conceded repeal of DADT will pass..."

"...but says it wlll inflict "great damage" on the military."

http://twitter.com/#!/markknoller/statuses/16156977667252225

[Clio the Leo]

63. I'd highly recommend that McCain stop talking to JUST the old dudes...

.... granted, he's used as "evidence" the fact that his son thinks DADT should not be repealed.

[impik]

66. Here's what i think:

McCain is in the closet. No other explanation.

[Clio the Leo]

68. hmmm ..... interesting. nt

[BeyondGeography]

62. Durbin making it real

Excellent.

[Graybeard]

64. Showing that these are great kids who will be helped.

The Repukes try to portray them as criminals, thugs and

terrorists. No. Look at these kids and be proud.

[BeyondGeography]

65. The Undertaker also whining about procedure

And Reid starts by detailing why his complaints are nonsensical

[dave29]

67. I think I can actually see McConnell's head going back into it's shell

as he speaks

[impik]

69. Hee. Funny. Thanks.

[gkhouston]

72. Maybe he's trying to find his brain or his conscience. Could be a long search, either way.

It's hard to believe this is actually going to finally happen. :bounce:

[Clio the Leo]

70. Barry Goldwater: "You dont have to BE straight to SHOOT straight."

heh.

[CBHagman]

71. Bump, bump, bump, bump.

I've been listening to C-SPAN Radio (and occasionally screaming at it :-)) this morning. I've been e-mailing and calling my senators regularly about the DREAM Act, the DADT repeal, and of course the START treaty, all of which we really need to get done this weekend.

[Clio the Leo]

73. thank you for the calls.

I called mine ..... was like asking for votes from an old stone fence.

[CBHagman]

88. My sympathy.

I know it's hellish out there, especially with some of these characters. But thanks for keeping at it.

[dave29]

74. voting on DREAM now

.

[Clio the Leo]

75. which is, sadly, not expected to pass. nt

[Clio the Leo]

76. Wish the Senate displayed the votes on the screen like the House does...

.. DO SOMETHING OBAMA!!!! :)

[Parker CA]

80. From my count it's 39 aye to 22 nay right now. nt

[Phx_Dem]

77. Very exciting!

:7

[dave29]

78. Of note, Lugar was an aye on DREAM

[Graybeard]

81. And Durbin walked over and thanked him personally.

Shook his hand on the floor of the chamber.

[impik]

82. He's a decent man. I won't be surprised if he'll vote yea on DADT too

[dave29]

83. Brown,(r) MA (No) Snowe (r) (No), Tester (D) (No), Nelson (d) (No),

[jefferson_dem]

85. Shame on these POSs.

Cowards.

[dave29]

90. Murkowski Aye, Baucus No

hmm

[flpoljunkie]

93. Senator Lugar cosponsored the Senate version of the bill with Durbin. He's a class act.

S.3827

Latest Title: Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2010
Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard (introduced 9/22/2010) Cosponsors (2)
Related Bills: H.R.1751, H.R.6327, H.R.6497, S.729, S.3962, S.3963, S.3992

Latest Major Action: 9/23/2010 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 583.
COSPONSORS(2), ALPHABETICAL : (Sort: by date)
Sen Leahy, Patrick J. - 9/22/2010
Sen Lugar, Richard G. - 9/22/2010

[MadBadger]

79. Lugar with the Aye

[Parker CA]

84. Not looking good right now...41 aye vs. 30 nay.

[MadBadger]

86. It isnt passing

We've lost too many Democratic votes and wont pick up enough Republicans.

[dave29]

98. DREAM down 55/41 :(

[dave29]

102. McCain FAIL on last DADT repeal comments

"We have kids without limbs at Walter Reid"

Yeah, that's your fault, dumbass.

[jefferson_dem]

87. Sucks. Everyone figured DREAM would be an uphill battle.

n/t

[Clio the Leo]

92. Those opposed included Max Baucus..... BOOOOO!!!!! nt

[Clio the Leo]

89. Key DADT votes to listen for are Brown, Murkowski and Snow....

.... we're expected to get the 60 vote threshold, but, barring any surprise Dem defections (Manchin is expected to vote no) we need at least two Rs (in addition to the bill's co-sponsor Collins) to vote aye. Those three have been the most vocal in their desire to see repeal happen.

[jefferson_dem]

91. Baucus NO. Bennett (UT) AYE. Webb AYE.

[MadBadger]

94. What are all the Democrats gathered around watching?

Is it the vote?

[Clio the Leo]

96. they're holding a scrum....

.... Senate rules require that an actual ball be pushed forward on the floor. :)

[Clio the Leo]

95. On the up side, if DREAM had passed, we've have to wait longer on the DADT vote...

.... because there's a 30 hour cloture waiting period. (Which is why the ACTUAL DADT repeal vote likely wont happen until tomorrow.) I always have to see the glass half full. :)

[MadBadger]

97. 55 for - 41 against

[Parker CA]

99. 2 mins of debate then DADT!! Come on people!! Do the right thing here!! nt

[MadBadger]

100. What is with McCain and the no limbs?

[Graybeard]

106. McInsane: Gays openly in military = dead soldiers.

This bastard has no shame.

[Parker CA]

101. McCain is such a f'ing POS. Invoking wounded at Walter Reid as reasons to vote against DADT. nt

[dave29]

104. That was disgusting, followed by the glare at Lieberman

what a piece of shit.

[BeyondGeography]

105. A bitter bigot

[impik]

103. Heartless, heartless people.

[Parker CA]

107. Anyone hear what Brown or Collins voted?

[Clio the Leo]

108. No, but I believe Collins is a co-sponsor of the bill. nt

[jefferson_dem]

109. "Mark Kirk votes "yes" on #DADT repeal"

So says "teh twittah"

[impik]

110. OMG.

[dave29]

119. 63-33, it's over

[Parker CA]

111. Brown votes yes! Collins yes!

[Parker CA]

112. Snowe yes!

[dave29]

113. DADT repeal cloture will pass!!!!

[MadBadger]

114. Snowe - AYE

[jefferson_dem]

115. Voinovich AYE!

[Parker CA]

116. Total nays = 30 right now. Didn't catch ayes.

[MadBadger]

117. I cant count, so just read me the results!

[dave29]

122. 63-33, DADT repeal on it's way.

[Clio the Leo]

118. Lt. Dan Choi to McCain "Your argument against equality has no legs,"

[Parker CA]

120. Yea = 63!!!!! Nay = 33. Suck it bigots!!

[impik]

121. 63!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Clio the Leo]

123. WHO WANTS TO DANCE WITH ME!!!!

:bounce:

http://youtu.be/XjVNlG5cZyQ

[Graybeard]

126. At last! An end to the insanity of having to lie.

I"M DANCIN' WITH YOU.

[dave29]

127. +1000000

:)

:toast:

[backscatter712]

124. DADT GETS CLOTURE!!!

:hippie: :toast: :party: :bounce: :beer: :hi: :loveya: :fistbump: :headbang: :yourock: :woohoo: :applause:

[great white snark]

125. Friggin A YES!

woohoo!