For those unversed in the culture and the peculiar mannerisms of the better half of Congress, the Senate sees itself a the more even-keeled legislative body, taking deliberative to mean “talking until the sun goes supernova, then beginning a fresh round of debate about why the sun did what it did and if it should be censured”. They are the club of 100, and a such, take very seriously the power and decorum they can now hide behind. A senator can single-handedly derail legislation if he’s positioned just so, as Tom Coburn has done with a veterans benefits bill.
It is therefore truly amazing that over the weekend the Democratic majority Senate was able to hold together its caucus long enough to end the debate about whether or not to have the health care reform debate, and move on to the debate. The debate will be followed by further debate as Droopy Dog, who for a time made noises about joining a Republican filibuster, again threatens to bat for the other team if that dreaded public option isn’t bludgeoned to death in front of him. Similarly, several other Blue Dog Democrats will lick their lips and ask for a taste of its blood.
Strange as it sounds, it’s up to Harry Reid exercise his leadership and make sure enough of his bill survives contact with other politicians to constitute real reform.
