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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

How do we get rid of this guy?

[Vernon Kelly]

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

[FessorFrink]

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]

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

[jetphixer]

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]

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

[Macready]

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]

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]

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]

Alright. I've been patient enough.

REPLACE THIS BUM NOW!

[Cyclone]

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]

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]

Then what is his political party for?

[sassafra]

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