This is not just an Obama/GOP package

[Still a Democrat]

To be clear, it has widespread Democratic support, in the congress and among rank and file. The GOP/Obama terminology is disingenuous.

[xchrom]

1. no it isn't -- and there is no particular wisdom in -- mom! everybody is doin it. nt

[aquart]

2. Well, it has zero support from me.

[The Magistrate]

3. Do Not, Sir, Mistake Acquiescence For Support

Many recognize nothing better than this can be had, in the actual political circumstances existing, and therefore are willing to accept its passage without too loud complaint. Most of these would support actively a measure along the lines proposed by President Obama as recently as this past September....

[kentuck]

4. Well said, Sir.

It's good to see you are thinking very clearly this morning.

[Still a Democrat]

5. Semantics aside, they basically echo the President

There are things they don't like, but on the whole it's acceptable. A vote in favor is a vote in favor.

[stopbush]

6. Agreed. The proof is in the Seante vote - 83 FOR.

When you have that much support for a bill it provides plenty of cover for those who want to cast a vote of conscious and vote against it. The bill will still pass without their support, but they get to make a statement.

The fact that few Senators of either party opted to go that route tells you that - at least in political terms - the YES vote was the smart vote to make.

[zipplewrath]

7. That's what Hillary thought

Remember when she voted to authorize the use of force by Bush against Iraq? That was the "smart" vote then too.

[stopbush]

8. Totally different situation. Wars in foreign countries v the voter's own wallet.

Assuming that past is always prelude is one of the mistakes that keeps getting made on this board.