Breaking: Cloture on Levin-Reed amendment fails.
By on Jul 18th, 2007 at 11:28 am
Breaking: Cloture on Levin-Reed amendment fails.
By a 52-47 vote, the Senate has failed to garner the necessary 60 votes needed to end debate and proceed with the Levin-Reed amendment to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq.
UPDATE: Bob Geiger and Greg Sargent have more.
UPDATE II: Roll call vote is here. Republican Sens. Olympia Snowe (ME), Susan Collins (ME), Chuck Hagel (NE), and Gordon Smith (OR) voted to kill the filibuster.
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ha-HA!!
July 18th, 2007 at 11:30 amThe Republicans do not respect the will of the majority of the American people, and they treat the troops like shit.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:31 amNeed eight more votes.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:31 amAs election 08 nears, those votes will come, in the mean time, more and more of our troops will be killed and maimed, along with many more Iraqis.
Thanks Bush/Rove/Darth.
Here we go again.
Cut off funding that’s all you can do now.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:32 amWow, I would have expected a few more R’s to jump the aisle on this one. The leadership must really be turning the screws.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:33 amWho abstained?
July 18th, 2007 at 11:33 amWait, so the filibuster failed if it came to a cloture vote right?
July 18th, 2007 at 11:33 amIt’s funny how 52 votes, a majority of 100 for all you mathematically declined, to proceed with the final vote isn’t enough to force a vote.
The reason congress has such low ratings is because the rules that govern it are seemingly from the Bizzaro World.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:35 amWithdraw, redeploy, and come protect our borders, ports, and major cities, PLEASE!!!
July 18th, 2007 at 11:35 am#6 Senator Johnson from SD is still out ill. He is the one vote that is missing.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:36 amAnyone surprised? What a waste of time.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:36 amHarry Reid is PISSED!!
July 18th, 2007 at 11:36 amTime for the entire west coast to secede from the union to form its own country - with UHC, living wages, equality for women and a strong police force rather than a vast military complex. Then let’s see what happens…
July 18th, 2007 at 11:36 amAhhh. Stay the course is back!!
July 18th, 2007 at 11:37 amCan we get one thing clear, please? This bit of political theater, and yes, it definitely was political theater, was never intended to sway votes. Reid and the rest of the Democratic leadership knew damn well that they weren’t going to get the votes, so this “failure” to do so isn’t a “failure” at all. What the tactic was intended to do was two things:
1. Demonstrate that the Democrats in Congress were listening to the American people and doing their damnedest to get the administration to change course in Iraq.
2. Demonstrate that the Congressional Republicans were blocking any and all progress toward this goal.
Did they meet these goals? I have no idea. That will play out in the days ahead. I doubt they did themselves any harm, though. The worst case scenario is that absolutely nothing changes.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:37 amDepends on what you mean by failed, squeeg.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:38 amIf forcing the repukes to verbally state their support of a policy that most Americans are against is what Reid really wanted to do, then it succeeded.
If the Dems were going to make the Repubs filibuster, why was there a cloture vote already?
July 18th, 2007 at 11:38 amLiberals and Al Qaeda mourn.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:41 amEVERYONE WRITE THE TROOPS AND LET THEM KNOW WHO THESE OBSTRUCTIONISTS ARE THAT ARE KEEPING THEM FROM THEIR FAMILIES BOGGED DOWN IN IRAQNAM….. LET OUR TROOPS TAKE THEIR POST TRAUMATIC DISORDER OUT ON EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE OBSTRUCTIONISTS!
July 18th, 2007 at 11:42 amWhy don’t you phone a few up and call them nazis. See if that don’t win their support.
I think the Republicans are in with a shot in 2008. Sure all they’ve got is a sold-out actor, a cross-dressing authoritarian, a crazy sell-out war vet and a walking hair piece in the race but they’ll be running against Democrats.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:42 amWhat lock can’t they screw up and lose ?
Yeah, what ever happened to the filibuster?
July 18th, 2007 at 11:42 am“If the Dems were going to make the Repubs filibuster, why was there a cloture vote already?”
Because this wasn’t a filibuster. Reid invoke a cloture rule allowing him to call for an additional 30 hours of debate before voting on the cloture motion. They have not (yet) actually forced the Republican minority to filibuster.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:43 am#6 Senator Johnson from SD is still out ill. He is the one vote that is missing.
Comment by beachcomber — July 18, 2007 @ 11:36 am
Oh right - I forgot about him… My bad!
July 18th, 2007 at 11:43 amA majority votes for Gore, Bush is elected.
A majority votes for peace, war is enacted.
This democracy thing isn’t working so well.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:43 amI think it was a clever maneuver by Reid; the Republicans have been held up to public examination by this.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:43 amSenators: dont stop now. Bring it back again and again and again. The defense of the war from the GOP gets weaker every month. The Senators who are running for re-election in 08 are cringing every time they have to side with the White House.
The Senate should call an all-nighter once a week for as long as it takes. The GOP has a right to filibuster - but they continue to try to avoid the F-word. Don’t let them change the subject.
And bring the Webb bill back up again and again. Bring the troop pay raises up again and again. Bring the Levin bill back again and again. Don’t stop now - it’ll work, one way or another.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:43 am“I think the Republicans are in with a shot in 2008.”
Yes, because supporting unpopular policies that are only shared by 1/4 to 1/3 of the voters is such an overwhelming victory strategy…
July 18th, 2007 at 11:44 amYeah they’ll appreciate that.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:44 amOr you could just send them “Vote Republican” flyers in the mail. Same result.
Yet another loss for the overconfident leftinites.
All of you never learn.
Hype, hype, hype….no delivery.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:44 amThanks for the clarification, PaulB.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:45 amLiberals and Al Qaeda mourn.
Comment by Unvarnished Truth — July 18, 2007 @ 11:41 am
Don’t forget the families of deployed service members and the 26 million Iraqis who want their country back.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:45 amThe troops are just doing their jobs.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:45 am“Yet another loss for the overconfident leftinites.”
LOL… Yet another troll who completely fails to understand what’s actually going on.
“All of you never learn.”
LOL… Oh, the irony…
July 18th, 2007 at 11:46 am#17 From what I understand, the GOP is filibustering against the up or down vote the Dems want. The Dems have taken a few votes already to see if they can proceed with that vote.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:46 amHow’s it goin’, Kilo!?!
July 18th, 2007 at 11:47 amWhy don’t you phone a few up and call them nazis. See if that don’t win their support.
Comment by Kilo
Why don’t you stop being retarded? You write so much, but say so little.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:47 am“From what I understand, the GOP is filibustering against the up or down vote the Dems want.”
True, but it could really be called a “gentleman’s filibuster,” where the leadership accepts their word for it that they are going to filibuster rather than forcing them to do so. Reid still has not actually required them to live up to their promise to filibuster. He’s operating under rules that have been in force for some time and that benefitted Democrats in previous Congresses.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:48 amComment by PaulB — July 18, 2007 @ 11:46 am
What’s going on is that you’ve lost. Your party lacks the skills and tactics to overcome the will of true patriots, thank God.
And drop the “LOL” kiddie-speak while you’re at it.
S-u-r-r-e-n-d-e-r M-o-n-k-e-y
July 18th, 2007 at 11:51 am“What’s going on is that you’ve lost.”
No, dear, we haven’t. And since you have shown that you didn’t even understand what just happened last night, forgive me if I treat your political “analysis” precisely as it deserves.
“Your party lacks the skills and tactics to overcome the will of true patriots, thank God.”
ROFL… Whatever you say, dear heart.
“And drop the “LOL†kiddie-speak while you’re at it.”
LOL… Dear heart, how can I help it when you post such hilariously inane posts? As for “kiddie-speak,” dear, you really should be careful about those stones you’re throwing. Your glass house is quite fragile.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:53 amThe Republicans came out of this looking serious, responsible and strong (even when in the minority)….The Democrats came out of this looking bitter, politicallymotivated and committed to defeat at all cost.
The American people will remember.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:54 amTo Sen. Reid,
Don’t give up. Keep the repuklicans in the Senate house for even a week if necessary. Just threaten to reduce their bathroom breaks if necessary.
The repuklicans have treated you guys like shit for years, now you have the power to get back at them. Even if it means limiting their rights to take one in private.
To the trolls,
The Reid bill is in support for the troops. Do you support the troops? Do you want their families to see them alive and well again? Then shut up and suppport the bill. If you can’t then quit this blog and kneel before you Chimperor Boy King God. After all that’s what you do all day, kneel and pray to God, I mean Bush to protect you from the bad guys who want peace in the world and an Earth free of Global Warming.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:54 am37. Comment by PaulB — July 18, 2007 @ 11:48 am
Thanks PaulB, after reading your posts at #22 and 37, I’m learning a little more about the process.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:54 amWe’ll see about the “will of the true patriots” as they scurry to cover when election 08 rolls nearer.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:54 amComment by PaulB — July 18, 2007 @ 11:37 am
I am in full agreement PaulB. The republicans are backed into a corner now.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:55 amCome election time the voters will remember the repugnacans that didn’t want to bring the troops home.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:55 amOut with all Republican incumbents! They’re asking for it and the people will give it to them.
Also, regarding this cloture vote and last night’s vigil, where is the publicity about all of the peace vigils which were held all over this country last night??
Truth = Power. That’s why the complicit media cannot permit us to know the critical mass of consciousness which has turned against this war and it’s architects. If they did so, the people could and would take back their inherent constitutional power.
Truth is the enemy of this government. But, the critical mass is reaching the tipping point and they’re days are numbered before they will be extinct.
Rid the Congress of all incumbent repulbicans. It’s the only answer. They have failed the will of the people and do not deserve to be reelected.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:55 am“The Republicans came out of this looking serious, responsible and strong (even when in the minority)….The Democrats came out of this looking bitter, politicallymotivated and committed to defeat at all cost.
The American people will remember.
Comment by Ringo — July 18, 2007 “
How was that Kool-Aid omlette you had for breakfast?
-GSD
July 18th, 2007 at 11:56 amLooks like the repubs are looking out for Bushco as usual. In the process, people die, money is burned, and Bushco will view this as a madate to attack Iran.
This country is fukked. We’ve allowed former Nixonites to sieze control of our country, and take us down the path to another no-win scenario ala Viet Nam. The populace has been so dumbed down that they believe lies, ignore reality, and support facists disquised as patriots.
History will judge us harshly. Our arrogance will lead us to fall like every other civilization in history
July 18th, 2007 at 11:56 amJ-a-c-k-a-s-s
You’re the one who’s lost here. As in the Senate, House, state legislatures and Governor’s mansions. The White House will be next.
Iraq is the cement shoes of the Republican Party. It will be a pleasure to watch you drown.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:56 amtheir….oops! Those out there with their degrees in education. sorry.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:56 am“What’s going on is that you’ve lost.”
LOL… No, dear, we haven’t. But thanks ever so for playing; we have some lovely consolation prizes for you. Your inability to understand what happened last night is funny, though, so at least your posts are good for something.
“Your party lacks the skills and tactics to overcome the will of true patriots, thank God.”
ROFL…. No comment necessary. See you in 2008, dear.
“And drop the ‘LOL’ kiddie-speak while you’re at it.”
LOL… Dear heart, how can I help it when you post such hilariously inane stuff? I assure you that when I write that it’s because I’m genuinely laughing at your silliness. As for “kiddie-speak,” dear, I’d be careful about those stones you’re throwing; your glass house is quite fragile. Ta-ta, snookums.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:57 amHad planned to say that “they’re all on the hot seat” instead.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:57 amAs is spending 8 and 4 years blaming election losses on electoral fraud instead of learning why it was ever a close race to start with and just fixing that.
Another great strategy is to get elected for a purpose, do nothing to garner support for meeting that objective, and failing to achieve it as a result with the most amount of publicity possible.
Do you really not pause when you see yet another story about a Democrat bill dying in the arse stuck between stories about how those issues poll and wonder why those in control of both houses can’t influence anyone from the other side of politics ?
BTW I guess this whole poll-driven policies idea must be why nobody’s tabling bills to end the torture programs operated under this of this and previous governments.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:57 am68% of the public.
For.
So, are they continuing the debate?
I say, no one goes home until the filibuster ends!
July 18th, 2007 at 11:57 amThe Republicans completely own this disaster now, and every soldier that dies can be laid at the feet of the Republican party. They have oil barrels of blood on their hands.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:57 amRingo’s hitting the sauce this early? Wonders never cease! Clearly, he’s also seeing double.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:58 amCrap… Sorry about the double post. I refreshed several times and just assumed that TP had eaten the post, as they’ve done so many times before.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:58 amThe Do Nothing Republicans continue in their Do Nothing ways.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:58 am“So, are they continuing the debate?”
No. This bit of political theater is over.
“I say, no one goes home until the filibuster ends!”
It wasn’t a filibuster. Reid invoked a cloture rule that allowed for 30 more hours of debate on the cloture motion. That’s all it was; that’s all it was intended to be.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:59 amFrankly, I believe it’s a good move for the Dems. Now the public can get to see how evil these republicans actually are and how they do not desire to support our troops by doing the only humane thing left to do - bring them home.
Half empty/half full…..I think this is definitely a “half full” moment for the Dems. They’re making the Repubs eat slop for breakfast today!
July 18th, 2007 at 11:59 amdamned the gop war-pigs
July 18th, 2007 at 11:59 amKilo’s right. Maybe the Dems should just take a page out of the Reps playbook and invoke the nuclear option! That’s what so many Reps suggested doing and Lott even argued fillibuster isn’t even Constitutional!
July 18th, 2007 at 11:59 amHow’s it goin’, Kilo!?!
Comment by CT_V
I love how cute Trolls are while they sniff each other’s arses…What’s the misperception of the day fellas?
July 18th, 2007 at 11:59 amComment by PaulB — July 18, 2007 @ 11:37 am
Thank you, PaulB.
The Republicans are exposed for what they are.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:00 pmGod forbid Iraq takes a turn for the worse.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:00 pmNew strategy.
We remind every Republican Senator who’s moderate or in a swing state that with out us the mainstream American voter he or she won’t get elected come 08.
http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ United_States_Senate_elections%2C_2008
July 18th, 2007 at 12:00 pmDo you support the troops? Do you want their families to see them alive and well again? Then shut up and suppport the bill. If you can’t then quit this blog and kneel before you Chimperor Boy King God. After all that’s what you do all day, kneel and pray to God, I mean Bush to protect you from the bad guys who want peace in the world and an Earth free of Global Warming.
Comment by JIMBO
—————————————————————————————-
You can’t make this stuff up.
It’s like parody but it’s real.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:00 pmIt’s funny how it used to be Iraq, Iraq, Iraq and now they don’t want to talk about it.
LOL
July 18th, 2007 at 12:00 pmToday, they’re creating their own legacy - a moronic group of uncaring “do nothing Republicans”. They’re sealing their own fate today.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:00 pmI think the Republicans are in with a shot in 2008
Only if they’re hunting with Darth.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:00 pmLMAO. This from you ?
When was the last time you wrote anything substantial here that you wouldn’t be ashamed to link us to ?
You differentiate yourself from 100 other people here posting predictable one-liners in exactly no way from what I’ve seen. You post under a different name or what ?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:01 pm# Time for the entire west coast to secede from the union to form its own country - with UHC, living wages, equality for women and a strong police force rather than a vast military complex. Then let’s see what happens…
Comment by unbelievable — July 18, 2007 @ 11:36 am
Please take New England with you! I believe we here in Maine hold the record for most attempts to secede from the Union. Don’t leave us with the Nazi bigots and Jebus freaks!
Seriously, I agree with the sentiments that this is a ploy to expose the Repugs for being the obstructionist jerks they are. We do need to keep throwing these same bills and amendments back at them week after week. Kudos to Reid.
Can anyone name one thing positive for the country that the Repugs have done since Bush and Co. took over? … Bush did (reluctantly) pardon a turkey at Thanksgiving. Being a vegetarian I am thankful for that. Other than that, I can’t think of anything.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:02 pmGenerals gathered in their masses
Just like witches at black masses
Evil minds that plot destruction
Sorcerers of deaths construction
In the fields the bodies burning
As the war machine keeps turning
Death and hatred to mankind
Poisoning their brainwashed minds, oh lord yeah!
Politicians hide themselves away
They only started the war
Why should they go out to fight?
They leave that role to the poor
Time will tell on their power minds
Making war just for fun
Treating people just like pawns in chess
Wait till their judgement day comes, yeah!
Now in darkness, world stops turning
As the war machine keeps burning
No more war pigs of the power
Hand of God has sturck the hour
Day of judgement, God is calling
On their knees, the war pigs crawling
Begging mercy for their sins
Satan, laughing, spreads his wings
All right now!
– Black Sabbath
July 18th, 2007 at 12:02 pmI say yes and no….bad thing that it won’t come to a vote….good thing that americans get another day of watching sicko republicans strut their evil stuff. It’ll be the best Dem recruiting tool to date.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:02 pm“As is spending 8 and 4 years blaming election losses on electoral fraud instead of learning why it was ever a close race to start with and just fixing that.
ROFL… Whatever you say, dear. Seems to me that 2006 showed that the Democratic Party has “fixed that,” wouldn’t you say?
“Another great strategy is to get elected for a purpose, do nothing to garner support for meeting that objective, and failing to achieve it as a result with the most amount of publicity possible.”
ROFL… That depends on just who is to blame for the failure to achieve the purpose. The Senate Republicans are openly proud of the ability to block meaningful legislation. But as 2008 gets nearer and nearer, we’re seeing more and more cracks in that facade. They’re not as clueless as their supporters.
“Do you really not pause when you see yet another story about a Democrat bill dying in the arse stuck between stories about how those issues poll and wonder why those in control of both houses can’t influence anyone from the other side of politics ?”
Not really, dear. Why should I? Senate Republicans have, so far, been quite proud of their ability to use the rules to block legislation. While I’m not happy that that legislation is delayed, I’m quite happy that they have handed the Democratic Party a cudgel to use against them in the next election.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:02 pmReid should now just declare a recess until after the end of the fiscal year. The Repugs don’t want to pass any legislation so why bother running up the electricity bill in the Senate chambers. PJ (#26) has the right idea but it should be done on the DoD bill continuously until the amendment is approved. The Repugs can’t hold out forever.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:02 pmHey Zooey: I’m wondering if the moniker (kilo) refers to the 2.2 micrograms of his grey matter?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:02 pmComment by Vice President Bush — July 18, 2007 @ 11:56 am
Please change your handle. It’s misleading.
SURRENDER Monkey ——
July 18th, 2007 at 12:04 pm“It’s like parody but it’s real.”
Funny, that’s what we say about you, dear.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:04 pmall these congresscreatures just insured their next paycheck from the folks that make weapons.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:04 pmcorruption is complete
The public can now see the clear picture…
The only thing standing between the troops and their loved ones back home are the obstructionists who don’t want to allow the majority to rule.
All that concern about Democracy in Iraq…
Go ahead, let the Iraqis vote on whether US troops stay or go. Let’s see how that one turns out.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:04 pmAs Colbert asked William Kristol… how’s that PNAC project coming along?
Hurray for the Dems in the Senate. Putting some balls on the table.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:05 pmWhy did Reid change his vote to “No” this last time for “procedural reasons”?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:06 pmYour host of the ‘Surrender Bee’………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Zooey Fatone!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 18th, 2007 at 12:07 pmPlease take New England with you! I believe we here in Maine hold the record for most attempts to secede from the Union. Don’t leave us with the Nazi bigots and Jebus freaks!
I currently live in Georgia, so I know how you feel. :D
Seriously, I agree with the sentiments that this is a ploy to expose the Repugs for being the obstructionist jerks they are. We do need to keep throwing these same bills and amendments back at them week after week. Kudos to Reid.
And I think it’s working… my conservative relatives all bash Bush now.
Can anyone name one thing positive for the country that the Repugs have done since Bush and Co. took over? … Bush did (reluctantly) pardon a turkey at Thanksgiving. Being a vegetarian I am thankful for that. Other than that, I can’t think of anything.
Comment by Pagan American — July 18, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
Remind us to be vigilant? :D
Hey, I’m vegan… that makes about two of us around here :D
July 18th, 2007 at 12:07 pmS-u-r-r-e-n-d-e-r M-o-n-k-e-y
Comment by CT_V1 — July 18, 2007
The nut-munching squirrel uses animal references. Ironic, no
July 18th, 2007 at 12:07 pmLMAO. This from you ?
When was the last time you wrote anything substantial here that you wouldn’t be ashamed to link us to ?
You differentiate yourself from 100 other people here posting predictable one-liners in exactly no way from what I’ve seen. You post under a different name or what ?
Comment by Kilo
I stand behind every comment I’ve ever made, snark or serious. I’m not here to prove anything. What you see is what you get. Link away.
You, on the other hand, are desperately trying to prove how smart you are, and fail miserably — which is pointed out to you by innumerable commenters. Look in the mirror if you want to see failure.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:07 pmComment by Fan_of_Man — July 18, 2007 @ 11:42 am
Yeah they’ll appreciate that.
Or you could just send them “Vote Republican†flyers in the mail. Same result.
Comment by Kilo
Soldiers are not stupid and most know exactly who is keeping them in Iraq while the real Al Qaeda is rebuilding in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They just cannot speak out openly and directly because of the UCMJ.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:08 pmHey Zooey: I’m wondering if the moniker (kilo) refers to the 2.2 micrograms of his grey matter?
Comment by veritas — July 18, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
That much?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:08 pmThey should have a up and down vote so we can clearly see who the cut, run and hide cowards are. We can count on the vast majority of democrats showing their yellow color.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:09 pmRepublicans would rather have our troops die then go against their god, I mean, their Bush, uh.. you know, chimpy, their president.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:10 pmThe piss-soaked trolls are here to mark another great turning point away from the wannabe fascist state.
They just don’t know it yet. :D
July 18th, 2007 at 12:11 pmWhy did Reid change his vote to “No†this last time for “procedural reasons�
Comment by wijg — July 18, 2007 @ 12:06 pm
yes please! I’m curious about that as well…
July 18th, 2007 at 12:12 pm#15 . Did you get the phrase “political theater” from the poll on the AOL.com news story about this? After a one sentence lead in which they used the word “staged” and “dramatic” AOL asked in a poll if the move was political theater. What a great way of framing a topic.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:13 pm(A) - (C) - (E)
——————————CONSPIRACY——————————
July 18th, 2007 at 12:13 pm+
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J
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O
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They should have a up and down vote so we can clearly see who the cut, run and hide cowards are. We can count on the vast majority of democrats showing their yellow color.
Comment by Dave G — July 18, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
What part of democracy don’t you like, Davey?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:13 pmWell no, not really. How’s that whole winning congress vs winning the White House thing been working out for you?
Barrel of laughs apparently.
Ah. That tried and true winner. The old “if we explain well enough who’s to blame for us not achieving what we were elected to do they’ll appreciate that”.
Yes, do keep these election winning strategies coming.
Remind me, did you have a “cudgel” going into the last presidential election ? Would the Republican White House deceiving the nation into war and having that deceit exposed have qualified as a bigger or smaller cudgel than the “cloture” one ?
Actually, don’t answer that question, you may be in danger of getting the point if you do.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:13 pmHear that, military families? -
Republicans don’t care how long or unnecessarily your children, husbands, wives suffer and die, and GWB is happy to use them as human shields while he makes his oil buddies billions of dollars.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:13 pm#
Wow, I would have expected a few more R’s to jump the aisle on this one. The leadership must really be turning the screws.
Comment by squegeeboo — July 18, 2007 @ 11:33 am
#
July 18th, 2007 at 12:13 pmYeah, it’s that NSA spy thing. The Cheney/Bush/Rove cabal probably have something on each one of those Senators. Wonder what the dirt is on Joe Lieberman?
We should have an up or down vote so we can clearly see who the chickensh*t republicans are who are to cowardly to stand up and acknowledge the disaster this occupation has become. Repubs are the biggest cowards on the planet right now…
July 18th, 2007 at 12:13 pmI wonder how Dave G feels about the 74% of Americans who disagree with him. Are they yellow, cut and runners too>?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:13 pmDemocrats can`t see beyond their wel-fare checks.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:13 pmThey don`t know how to govern.
Maybe now they can concentrate on killing some babies and marrying some Queers
Comment by shane — July 18, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
Feel free to ignore my postings, pie crust.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:14 pmBen, I got the phrase “political theater” from the fact that it was, in fact, political theater. I’m not a politician, a pundit, or a blogger, so I tend to not worry about framing.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:14 pmThey should have a up and down vote so we can clearly see who the cut, run and hide cowards are. We can count on the vast majority of democrats showing their yellow color.
Comment by Dave G
So Dave, where are you stationed in Iraq right now? How is all that courage working out for you?
How about you propose a rational picture of “victory,” some strategy of achieving it, and then you can start criticizing those that would rather save lives than destroy them.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:14 pm#89 They should have a up and down vote so we can clearly see who the cut, run and hide cowards are. We can count on the vast majority of democrats showing their yellow color.
Comment by Dave G
Too bad your yellow-bellied friends and heroes are in the WH, hiding behind the military and the Repug congress, who will be a lot fewer in number in 09. Glad I could clear that up for you.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:14 pmDid anyone catch the part where a democrat woman from Montana (possibly from minnesota or winsconsin, or somewhere up there) was talking about her fondest memories of her trip to Iraq? She said some republican came back and said it reminded him of back home in Iowa or something, with a bunch of good ol boys or something to that effect I think.. Anyway, I’m looking for confirmation of this, did she say her fondest memory was when she was at some air force base and some dead soldiers coffins were being loaded onto a plane to go back to the US and she saw some army guys salute the coffins? She said something like “they didn’t know who they were, but they knew they needed to salute them†or something to that effect.
Did anyone else see that? Is that essentially what happened?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:15 pmThey should have a up and down vote so we can clearly see who the cut, run and hide cowards are. We can count on the vast majority of democrats showing their yellow color.
Comment by Dave G
Dave, Dave, Dave… so confused, and so proud of it. How does your comment make any sense at all?
They just voted, 52-47, along party lines. What don’t you understand?
Of course, the Repubs votes to stop cloture. They want more soldiers killed, more money wasted, more bloodshed and carnage. Meanwhile, al Qaeda is rebuilding everywhere else and Herr Bru$ch is doing NOTHING to stop this. His own government’s reports have said his efforts to stop terrorism have been ineffective.
But please, don’t let this stop folks like you and Kilo from mouthing off and entertaining us w/ your incoherent, disjointed ramblings. Now, you were saying?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:15 pm“Feel free to ignore my postings, pie crust.”
Well, mostly we do, sweetie, but damn, they’re just so funny that sometimes you just gotta comment, and laugh.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:15 pmI think Sen. Reid should drop the whole Defense Appropriations Bill and tell President Bush and the Senate Republicans that he would be happy to look at it again the INSTANT that Republicans allow an up or down on the Levin Reed Amendment.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:15 pmname jacking in progress on #101
July 18th, 2007 at 12:15 pm101 is a namejacking of my name
July 18th, 2007 at 12:16 pmHey hold your horses, nobody said all soldiers are stupid.
Read what he said, they’ve all got mental disorders. There’s a difference.
Anyway, make sure you write your letters asking them to vote Republican in big, well spaced letters.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:16 pmDemocrats can`t see beyond their wel-fare checks.
They don`t know how to govern.
Maybe now they can concentrate on killing some babies and marrying some Queers
Comment by wayne
It would appear that some stooge has hi-jacked wayne’s name this am.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:17 pmCT, you aren’t being ignored, it is just that you are irrelevant. Got that? Good!
July 18th, 2007 at 12:17 pmThe trolls might think they won but the Republican senators don’t. This bill had lots of other funding and military issues and Reid pulled it and now the Repblicans are crying on the news.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:17 pmSince today seems the day for smart (?) comments, here’s mine: “Do you think president Lincoln or president Truman listened to the people?’
July 18th, 2007 at 12:17 pmNow all those who supported the death of more soldiers are known and can’t say they were not part of each soldier that dies from now until we get a real honest President. All those who support the Bush policy should feel proud today as we will have thousands of more dead soldiers to bury.. Some Republicans even went against their own voters and did just what Bush told them to do. Vitter had to do as he was told for the money. One good thing out of all of this is the 47 who voted to let our troops die will with luck get to see them so these young brave soldiers can ask them personally why the GOP let them die based on Bush/Cheney’s lies.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:17 pmOne Senator spoke of a Mother who’s son died and she wanted to continue the fighting so her son wouldn’t die for nothing. Well she will have thousands of more Mothers joining her in the pain, to bad she didn’t help stop other Mothers from having her pain. Well I guess it’s better to have thousand suffer with you then suffer alone. What a true example of American Christian Values just let kids die so the GOP can steal and line their pockets. Even the Iraq people want the US out yet not a word about that last night only what the President wants.
Either that or it’s just not that unique.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:18 pm“Well no, not really. How’s that whole winning congress vs winning the White House thing been working out for you?”
LOL… Ask me in 2008, dear.
“Ah. That tried and true winner. The old ‘if we explain well enough who’s to blame for us not achieving what we were elected to do they’ll appreciate that’.”
Dear heart, I thought the Republican Party was the party that was supposed to be about accepting personal responsibility. Are you now saying that it’s the Democratic Party’s fault that the Republican Party is obstructing any and all legislation? Wow… that’s going to be a political winner.
“Yes, do keep these election winning strategies coming.”
ROFL… We have every intention of doing so, dear. See you in 2008.
“Remind me, did you have a ‘cudgel’ going into the last presidential election?”
No, dear. This isn’t rocket science, dear; do try to keep up, won’t you?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:19 pmNo more funding bills. Period.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:19 pmIt is going to take Republicans thinking for themselves, listening to the vast majority of this country and freeing themselves from supporting an absolutely corrupt President just because he is a member of their party. They have to realize he has deemed himself a party unto himself. He doesn’t represent the will of this country. He doesn’t care what he is doing to this country, he doesn’t care what he is doing to our military, and he certainly is concerned with what he is doing to the Iraqis or their country. His interests go in another direction alltogether and they don’t coincide with what this country represents.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:19 pmRepublicans are too scared to vote. Now all the world knows this.
I’d like to see that as well MrBlueSky. (ELO ref?)
July 18th, 2007 at 12:19 pmIf Republicans know so much about winning the war in Iraq, then WHY CAN’T THEY WIN IT? 4+ years, most of which was with unlimited money and support from Congress, and little to no progress??
REPUBLICANS DON’T KNOW HOW TO WIN THE WAR.
Republicans are I-N-C-O-M-P-E-T-E-N-T L-O-S-E-R-S !!
July 18th, 2007 at 12:19 pm“Do you think president Lincoln or president Truman listened to the people?”
Yes. Next question?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:19 pmPaulB - thanks for the explanation of recent procedures…
also, especially, the reasons why this is as positive as i hoped it was…
i’m wondering now, why not a “simple majority”?… why 60?…
July 18th, 2007 at 12:20 pmwhen do the different rules apply?
Time for the entire west coast to secede from the union to form its own country
Hey unbelievable… let’s include the Northeast in this succession.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:20 pmI forgot the most important part. This President has no respect for our Constitution or the laws that govern us and that are the foundation of this country. It is time for Republicans to wake up before he destroys their own party along with this great nation.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:21 pmWell if what I said was incoherent maybe you’ll get it in the next thread about how there’s no viable bill on ending the war because everyone’s voting down party lines.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:21 pmNO SPINE RE: REPUBLICANS
July 18th, 2007 at 12:22 pmAnyway, make sure you write your letters asking them to vote Republican in big, well spaced letters.
Comment by Kilo
Way to insult our Soldier’s intellegence.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:22 pmYou are disgusting.
Comment by Republicans Can’t Govern: If Bush really wanted to win his “war on terror” would he have put Rumsfeld, Bremer, and Cheney in charge? Would he really take “advice” from Rove, Wolfowitz, and Perle?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:23 pm“Why did Reid change his vote to ‘No’ this last time for ‘procedural reasons’?”
If I recall correctly, he did that so that he can bring this up again (and again and again). I’m a bit fuzzy on this, so don’t take this as gospel, but I believe that only someone who voted no on the cloture vote can bring the issue back again in the future — the idea being that if none of the “nos” change their vote, it’s pointless to bring it back.
Failure to break the filibuster doesn’t mean that the bill is dead. Reid can bring it back again any time he wants to.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:24 pmFeel free to ignore my postings, pie crust.
Comment by CT_V1
Sure nut-muncher, as soon as I feel like taking instructions from impotent little chipmunks I’ll do whatever you say.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:24 pmWell if what I said was incoherent maybe you’ll get it in the next thread about how there’s no viable bill on ending the war because everyone’s voting down party lines.
Comment by Kilo
2.2, you have yet to make a valid point when you come here and rant endlessly. Since you only listen to yourself, of course you think you make sense. Just like the Great Deciderer thinks he makes sense. It’s God’s will, ya know. God told Bush to smite Saddam! ;-)
July 18th, 2007 at 12:24 pmAnyone? Did anyone else see the female democrat on this morning talking about fond memories from when she traveled to Iraq???
July 18th, 2007 at 12:25 pmLets waste more time on an issue neither side has enough votes to win. Fix the lobbying loopholes, cure the health-care concerns, stop the pet pork projects and add-ons to numerous bills, give the line item veto. They are using the war as a smokescreen while insurance and oil companies rape the American public. Leave the my chest is bigger than your chest for the strip clubs and go do some work to improve the quality of life in this country.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:25 pmComment by upside00 — July 18, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
Got that? Good! Got that? Good
Going there? Great
Staying here? Fine
Another conspiracy? Yipee!
Why would someone answer their own question, a dumb one at that?
Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:26 pmProject much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much?
Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much?
Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much?
Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much?
Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much?
Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much?
Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much?
Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much?
Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much?
#130 Way to insult our Soldier’s intellegence.
You are disgusting.
Comment by Wayne
The Repugs and their asslicking trolls here not only insult the military’s intelligence they don’t care if they get killed and maimed for no reason, other than to support the chickenhawk NeoCon and BushCo agenda.
And this is coming out finally, so everyone, including tghe military families will see it clearly by 08.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:26 pm“i’m wondering now, why not a ’simple majority’?… why 60?…
when do the different rules apply?”
When someone announces an intention to filibuster. These days, with the Republican Party filibustering everything in sight, nearly tripling the amount of filibusters as compared to previous Congresses, that means, in practice, damn near every major bill.
If nobody filibusters, it’s a straight majority vote. It could be worse; at various times, I believe it’s been as much 3/4 or 2/3 of the Senate to break a filibuster.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:26 pmSure nut-muncher, as soon as I feel like taking instructions from impotent little chipmunks I’ll do whatever you say.
Comment by shane
Funny, I always did get this shrill, high-pitched, chattery feeling from Li’l CT’s posts. Kind of ’splains it.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:26 pm“The trolls might think they won”
won what? the right to keep 150,000 american men and women (who were trained to be soldiers, but are being used as iraq’s national police) in iraq? all the while, the iraqi politicians are going on vacation for the entire month of august.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:27 pmProject much? Project much? Project much? Project much? Project much?
Comment by CT_V1
Hmmm… kind of a certain “masturbatory” quality to this post.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:27 pmCt,
You having fun with your little cut and paste rant? No wonder you are so irrelevant, you just proved it again.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:28 pmwon what? the right to keep 150,000 american men and women (who were trained to be soldiers, but are being used as iraq’s national police) in iraq? all the while, the iraqi politicians are going on vacation for the entire month of august.
Comment by pgw
Careful, pgw, keep posting comments like this and the poor little trolls’ heads might start exploding.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:28 pm“Lets waste more time on an issue neither side has enough votes to win.”
The status quo is a short-term “win” for Republicans. Long-term, though, is another matter, which is why you’re seeing more and more Republicans speak out. They’re scared to death of 2008.
“Fix the lobbying loopholes, cure the health-care concerns, stop the pet pork projects and add-ons to numerous bills, give the line item veto.”
Not going to happen. Senate Republicans have already blocked the first item, they will definitely block the second (and Bush would veto it if they did not), neither party is interested in stopping the third and fourth, and the line item veto has already been found to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, even if Congressional Democrats were interested in giving it to Bush.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:29 pmComment by shane — July 18, 2007 @ 12:24 pm
Take those orders now, grape nuts. Waiting ain’t an option.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:29 pmHey hold your horses, nobody said all soldiers are stupid.
Read what he said, they’ve all got mental disorders. There’s a difference.
Anyway, make sure you write your letters asking them to vote Republican in big, well spaced letters.
Comment by Kilo
Hey shitforbrains. Why don’t you give us your address and we’ll send the troops this little bit of troll wisdom. I’m sure most of them would like to have a nice little chat with you upon their return.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:30 pmNo more funding bills. Period.
Comment by RUCerious — July 18, 2007 @ 12:19 pm
Defund the f*cker and let the Republicans try to explain to the sheeple why.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:31 pma shame that republicans wont fund the troops.
guess that goes hand in hand with the president telling the troops they dont deserve a pay raise.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:31 pmTake those orders now, grape nuts. Waiting ain’t an option.
Comment by CT_V1
Such tough talk from the pantywaist. Tell us again why you aren’t in Iraq.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:31 pmOuch!
Filibuster hangover!
July 18th, 2007 at 12:32 pmAnyway, make sure you write your letters asking them to vote Republican in big, well spaced letters.
Comment by Kilo
Way to insult our Soldier’s intellegence.
You are disgusting.
Comment by Wayne
The Kilo troll is completely stupid.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:32 pmYeah you’ve missed the point there.
Half of this discussion was written by you in posts where you’ve quoted my half of the discussion. How are you losing track of this ?
What ? You mean the party in control of both houses blaming the minority ? Sure.
Next time you’re in the office coffee room why don’t you complain about “cloture” to someone and see what kind of condiment they offer you.
Well I was okay until you wrote that.
Where you said that using the fake threat of WMDs to lie a country into war wasn’t a bigger ace up your sleeve going into an election that complaining about fillibusters.
You may have to help everyone here catch up to you on that one as you are entirely on your own there.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:32 pmCare to explain ?
thanks, PaulB…
uh oh… sounds like spector is getting pissy
about something reid did…
the whole morning seems to have become a
pissing match…
DON’T BACK DOWN, DEMS.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:32 pm.
Why is it the Dems are screaming bloody murder about the Republicans being obstructionist when they did the exact same thing when they were in the minority. I’m thrilled the Al Qaeda operatives in Congress were resoundly slapped down!
July 18th, 2007 at 12:33 pmMy aching head!
Can somebody make C__T and Kilo shut up, please!
The noise is killing me!
July 18th, 2007 at 12:33 pmEither that or it’s just not that unique.
Comment by Kilo
Now, 2.2, that’s unique!
July 18th, 2007 at 12:33 pmHmmm… kind of a certain “masturbatory†quality to this post.
Comment by The republic of Stupidity
It’s a well-known fact that CT has to type with one hand….
July 18th, 2007 at 12:34 pmCON?
SPIRA?
CY?
SPIRA-CONSPIRA?
ARAB SPIRA CON?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:34 pmHellinabucket (#122) -
Sorry… I borrowed my nym from an old 1980’s pirate broadcaster of the same name.
To all: In May, the Democrats showed that they are “Republican lite” by giving in to Bush. They co-owned the war from late May until yesterday. Reid wanted to show the world what the Republicans were up to.
I am now able to forgive the Congressional Democrats for the May vote. From now on, only the President and the Congressional Republicans own this Illegal, anti-Constitutional war. And all thanks to this all nighter.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:35 pmOuch!
Filibuster hangover!
Comment by Egreggious
Oy, I know what you mean. I was up at 7:30 instead of my usual 6 am.
That is what you meant, right? :D
July 18th, 2007 at 12:35 pmI’m thrilled the Al Qaeda operatives in Congress were resoundly slapped down!
Comment by Chuck O
Oh, god, the Joker’s back under a new name!
Jihadi! Jihadi! Jihadi! Jihadi! Blah, blah, blah…
July 18th, 2007 at 12:35 pm#156 Can somebody make C__T and Kilo shut up, please!
The noise is killing me!
Comment by Egreggious
It’s only noise if you listen… and since they are irrelevant, we don’t.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:36 pmMight not want to draw too much attention to the fact after 130 posts that the troll is the only one who takes issues with such statements on this liberal blog.
You’re kind of doing the trolls work for him there if you missed the whole point.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:36 pmspecter just admitted the dems “backed down” in defference to the prez last spring… that that was the time to bring up a vote to get
52 votes…
he keeps saying how all kinds of bills could have been debated
easily, quickly, earlier… blaming the dems for not doing so…
whaaat?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:36 pm“Yeah you’ve missed the point there.”
No, dear, I didn’t. It’s just that your point was so silly it wasn’t worth spending much time on it.
“What ? You mean the party in control of both houses blaming the minority ? Sure.”
Dear heart, since that is precisely what is happening, something the Democrats aren’t going to have any trouble pointing out, I’m afraid that, as usual, you don’t have a point.
“Next time you’re in the office coffee room why don’t you complain about ‘cloture’ to someone and see what kind of condiment they offer you.”
Why should I, dear? I’ll simply point out that the Republicans blocked an “up-or-down vote.” I’ll then go on to recite the list of (mostly quite popular) legislation that Republican Senators have blocked an up-or-down vote on. Simple, easy to understand, and quite true. Anything else I can do for you, dear?
July 18th, 2007 at 12:36 pmComment by Zooey — July 18, 2007 @ 12:34 pm
Chapter 1: Zooey’s “entitlement” to the facts. No, mammy, it’s called projection.
Sociology “street-cred,” she assumes.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:36 pmSo you’re paid by the word and can’t even work hard enough to justify your pay. Pathetic, INDEED!
July 18th, 2007 at 12:37 pmThom Hartmann, on his show yesterday, read a letter from Abe Lincoln written to his law partner (before he was President and while he was in Congress). It had eery parallels to our present situation. He was talking about how the current President (Polk?) had lied the country into the Mexican War. (I apologize if I get any of these details wrong, I am going by memory while listening driving my car).
July 18th, 2007 at 12:38 pmIt was a good show and I love listening to Thom Hartmann. He always has such solid, logical, based in the law and Constitution discussions.
#104 ~ Cowards are slaves to their fears. We’re not afraid of fighting, we’ve been doing plenty of it. You seem to be afraid of change and ideas however. You seem afraid to admit failure. You seem extremely fearful that any way out of the mess in Iraq might come at the hands of a Democrat.
You’re looking like quite a coward to me.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:38 pmWhy is it the Dems are screaming bloody murder about the Republicans being obstructionist when they did the exact same thing when they were in the minority. I’m thrilled the Al Qaeda operatives in Congress were resoundly slapped down!
Comment by Chuck O — July 18, 2007 @ 12:33 pm
“Obstructionist” is not a bad word, as far as I’m concerned.
If it’s something I don’t want to see go forward, I want it to be obstructed. Otherwise I don’t.
The Republicans obstructed this bill. I’d like America to know that.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:39 pmYou’re kind of doing the trolls work for him there if you missed the whole point.
Comment by Kilo — July 18, 2007 @ 12:36 pm
You’re missing