So it's easier to peel off GOP votes after a bad election loss?

[Still a Democrat]

I continue to be amazed and overjoyed at how much easier it is to peel off some GOP votes after November. My guess would have been less cooperation than ever.

[Skinner]

1. I'm not sure the fact that we lost is really the issue.

But I think the fact that we are two full years from the next election might make it easier. Everyone is more likely to do the right thing when there isn't an election looming over their heads.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

2. Were previous lame-duck sessions as "productive?"

Interesting question.

[Skinner]

5. If my memory serves, I think the answer is no.

I think an even bigger issue than peeling off GOP votes, is the fact that Dems are energized by the understanding that this is their best chance to get anything done for the next two years. If they can't do it now, it ain't getting done.

That, and the fact that some of our more risk-averse Senators and Representatives don't have anything to be afraid of anymore -- because they already lost. Might as well do the right thing if it's not going to cost you the election you already lost.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

6. The "right thing" is suddenly important.

I wish I could believe that.

Not that I disagree with your thesis.

[Skinner]

8. I think it is no surprise that successful politicians (ie: the ones who get elected)...

...are the ones who weigh doing the right thing against political expediency.

Not saying that's good or right or whatever. But it is what it is. They don't call it "politics" for nothing.

Apparently one of the unintended consequences of the election loss is that the "political expediency" side of the equation has been completely removed for some members of Congress.

[Johonny]

10. although some of them still won't vote for the Dream act.

[Skinner]

11. I know. It's sucks. (nt)

[louis-t]

3. They want to go home fer Christmas.

[RandySF]

4. Unfortunately, yes

They won the Hose and made gains in the Senate. There's no reasons left to stall until Jan 5.

[T Wolf]

7. Hey, maybe if more dems lose, they can get even more bills passed. Naw. It really was just a

combination of factors, not the least of which was the "deals" Obama made for the ponies he got.

Thirteen months of UI for some in return for opening the attack on social security and tax breaks for the rich.

Who-knows-what for DADT.

Who-knows-what for START.

Who-knows-what for 9/11 responder health care (how come they don't have to buy an insurance policy and fight with the corporate parasites for care?).

Actually, what this shows is that it is all a charade that simply throws some crumbs to the peons while leaving an entire bakery truck of loaves on the banquet table.

[Johonny]

9. They got the main thing they ran on, tax cuts for the rich

It's not clear these other issues really matter to them. The base might get worked up about these other issues, but really they hit the home run already for their real base. For that they owe Obama a lot and apparently they delivered on their side. They let Obama get a lot of agenda to the floor.

Of course it also frees up the new house to do nothing but waste time, which I imagine all the New congress will do. Lots of investigations, lots of bills that go nowhere, not much for the people the next two years. Hope Obama got enough passed to make a difference in the future cause nothing else is coming for a while.