Harry Reid: 60 Votes Doesn't Mean Anything

New York Times:

"We have 60 votes on paper," Senator Harry Reid, the majority leader, said Wednesday in an interview. "But we cannot bulldoze anybody; it doesn't work that way. My caucus doesn't allow it. And we have a very diverse group of senators philosophically. I am not this morning suddenly flexing my muscles."

Indeed, becoming the first party in 30 years to reach the fabled plateau of 60 could create as many political problems as it solves, raising expectations sky high and potentially causing a backlash should Democrats falter on energy or health care.

Read the whole story: New York Times

Comments

[Thabit]

01:43 PM on 07/06/2009

I'm sure we have at least one Dr. in the democratic party, and this is to you. Could you do us all a favor and PLEASE INSTALL A SPINE IN HARRY REID! His lack of invisible means of support (spine) has really hurt this nation

[johnpfree]

03:54 PM on 07/03/2009

here's a nice Franken-re­lated article to post on his Big Page:

http://www­.salon.com­/opinion/c­onason/200­9/07/03/al­_franken/

[steve52]

10:37 AM on 07/03/2009

Reid is useless as a leader. During the Bush years, Republican­s never had 60 votes, but had their way regardless­. As an example, witness the angst over getting health care reform through the Senate. Here's a hint, Harry: do what the Republican­s did. Use reconcilia­tion. Ignore the opposition­'s whining. Run roughshod over their a s s e s. Change the rules of the Senate, as Republican­s threatened to do when Democrats had the temerity to question some of Bush's most extreme judicial nominees. Force them to filibuster­, rather than just say they will.

The American people elected Democrats to get things done. If they don't do it, they'll elect someone else.

[mmlk]

11:34 AM on 07/03/2009

Thanks, for saving me a hell of a lot of typing. What a waste of a majority leader Reid is. If we could only resurrect LBJ. The Obama administra­tion is taking on the feel of a national nightmare. A "do nothing," contentiou­s, eat-itself­-alive congress, and a "talk only" president. Seems like we're lousy in the opposition and worse in power.

[Eykis]

12:36 PM on 07/03/2009

As a native Texan growng up in Big D during the 60s, I have said this since Obama took office. I keep hearing about Chicago-st­yle politics - how about some LBJ-style politics - RAM IT DOWN THEIR THROATS. This is the WILL of the AMERICAN PEOPLE. No more excuses. Get rid of Reid for being ineffectiv­e, twist arms, make threats, I do not care, just produce CHANGE.

[jimfl]

10:23 AM on 07/03/2009

How do we get rid of this guy?

[Vernon Kelly]

09:12 AM on 07/03/2009

Can we please replace Mr. Reid as majority leader...w­e need someone with a spine...

[FessorFrink]

09:04 AM on 07/03/2009

Reid can't lead! Hey that rhymes! Seriously, someone like Feingold, Durbin, Sherrod Brown would do a much better job. You have to use some strong arm tactics. Majority Leader is the title if I'm not mistaken. Of course the keys are to vote for cloture. This way the up or down votes can pass bills with a simple majority. Filibuster­s and their threats have been used like tissues by someone with the flu. Stand up now or be cast aside.

[chronic]

09:00 AM on 07/03/2009

As I've stated for the past few years, Reid MUST be replaced!!

[jetphixer]

08:16 AM on 07/03/2009

Please replace the man in the majic undies!! Give us someone with the fortitude to get the the job done or lets start the progressiv­e party, No Lieberman no Mc shames,No grassley's no blanch Lincoln's just people with some fortitude an move, this country i gave 20 years of my life for, ahead again.

[TheIndependenceParty]

07:41 AM on 07/03/2009

We are in so much trouble. Two loser parties, and not a third in sight!

[Macready]

07:21 AM on 07/03/2009

yup . . . because a lot of those dems are blue dogs or worse like lieberman . . and then of course their is your weak leadeship Harry . . you should have been replaced.

[Artamentous]

07:14 AM on 07/03/2009

Democrats are so timid. They all want Bi-partisa­nship, blah blah.

Force things on Republican­s, America already sees them as destroying things over the last 8 years. Make them Filibuster­.

Harry Reid is such a terrible leader.

[SouthPrairie]

05:47 AM on 07/03/2009

And what would the GOP do if they had the super majority?

"Well you know, there are some who would disagree with us....." WEAK!

We need to move mountains here, so stop the soft peddling--­this is precisely why so many think the GOP are tougher. Stop bellybutto­n gazing and get tough. Stand for what you believe!!

The time is now--for crin' out loud.

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT A PUBLIC OPTION!!

[kev1000]

04:36 AM on 07/03/2009

Alright. I've been patient enough.

REPLACE THIS BUM NOW!

[Cyclone]

03:53 AM on 07/03/2009

One more thing. My wallet is closed until I see some action. I am very, very, proud that we have such a brilliant president in Obama . Love the man, but he needs to go too if he doesn't step it up.

[Decipherer]

07:01 AM on 07/03/2009

Since Obama is chief executive and has no control over the Senate, you might want to dial that back just a little bit. He can persuade, cajole, and occasional­ly threaten senators if necessary, but he cannot tell them what to do and make it stick.

[TheIndependenceParty]

07:42 AM on 07/03/2009

Then what is his political party for?

[sassafra]

03:03 AM on 07/03/2009

harry, my kids when they were 5 years old knew their way around a sandbox with a bulldozer, what's your excuse?