Sweeteners for the South By Dana Milbank
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Staffers on Capitol Hill were calling it the Louisiana Purchase.
On the eve of Saturday's showdown in the Senate over health-care reform, Democratic leaders still hadn't secured the support of Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), one of the 60 votes needed to keep the legislation alive. The wavering lawmaker was offered a sweetener: at least $100 million in extra federal money for her home state.
And so it came to pass that Landrieu walked onto the Senate floor midafternoon Saturday to announce her aye vote -- and to trumpet the financial "fix" she had arranged for Louisiana. "I am not going to be defensive," she declared. "And it's not a $100 million fix. It's a $300 million fix."
It was an awkward moment (not least because her figure is 20 times the original Louisiana Purchase price). But it was fairly representative of a Senate debate that seems to be scripted in the Southern Gothic style. The plot was gripping -- the bill survived Saturday's procedural test without a single vote to spare -- and it brought out the rank partisanship, the self-absorption and all the other pathologies of modern politics. If that wasn't enough of a Tennessee Williams story line, the debate even had, playing the lead role, a Southerner named Blanche with a flair for the dramatic.
After Landrieu threw in her support (she asserted that the extra Medicaid funds were "not the reason" for her vote), the lone holdout in the 60-member Democratic caucus was Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Like other Democratic moderates who knew a single vote could kill the bill, she took a streetcar named Opportunism, transferred to one called Wavering and made off with concessions of her own. Indeed, the all-Saturday debate, which ended with an 8 p.m. vote, occurred only because Democratic leaders had yielded to her request for more time.
Even when she finally announced her support, at 2:30 in the afternoon, Lincoln made clear that she still planned to hold out for many more concessions in the debate that will consume the next month. "My decision to vote on the motion to proceed is not my last, nor only, chance to have an impact on health-care reform," she announced.
Landrieu and Lincoln got the attention because they were the last to decide, but the Senate really has 100 Blanche DuBoises, a full house of characters inclined toward the narcissistic. The health-care debate was worse than most. With all 40 Republicans in lockstep opposition, all 60 members of the Democratic caucus had to vote yes -- and that gave each one an opportunity to extract concessions from Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) won a promise from Reid to support his plan to expand eligibility for health insurance. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) got Reid to jettison a provision stripping health insurers of their antitrust exemption. Landrieu got the concessions for her money. And Lincoln won an extended, 72-hour period to study legislation.
And the big shakedown is yet to occur: That will happen when Reid comes back to his caucus in a few weeks to round up 60 votes for the final passage of the health bill.
Republicans also knew that a single defection would kill the bill, so they tried to pressure the holdouts. "That's what we've got to choose today: Do we choose life or do we choose death?" declared Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.). "We just need one vote, one vote on the other side."
But Landrieu had already made up her mind. She went to the floor during the lunch hour to say that she would vote to proceed with the debate -- but that she'd be looking for much bigger concessions before she gives her blessing to a final version of the bill.
"My vote today," she said in a soft Southern accent that masked the hard politics at play, "should in no way be construed by the supporters of this current framework as an indication of how I might vote as this debate comes to an end." Among the concessions she'll seek: more tax credits for small business and a removal of the version of the "public option" now in the bill.
That turned all the attention to the usually quiet Lincoln, who emerged from the cloakroom two hours later to announce her decision. Her attire was school-principal prim -- blue suit with knee-length skirt, orange silk scarf tied tightly at the neck -- and she was clearly uncomfortable in the spotlight. She spoke with the diction of somebody giving a dramatic reading, and she stumbled more than once as she read, botching the crucial line: "I will vote to support, of, the, the, will vote in support of cloture on the motion to proceed to this bill."
She argued, a bit too strenuously, that "I'm not thinking about my reelection" in 2010. All the same, she made clear that Democratic leaders would have to give more if they want her to vote yes as the health-care debate continues. Specifically, she demanded removal of the public option. "I am opposed to a new government-administered health-care plan," she warned, further cautioning that "I will not vote in favor of the proposal . . . as it is written."
By the time this thing is done, the millions for Louisiana will look like a bargain.
__________________
"If we ever forget we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." Ronald Reagan
A Man WITH a gun is a CITIZEN, a Man WITHOUT a gun is a SUBJECT
The judge blaming the Army Corp. of Engineers getting blamed for the flooding has now opened the flood gates for lawsuits that we taxpayers will have to pay. So, Louisiana is going to make out like a bandit on both fronts. Seeing as how many their want and will benefit from spreading of the wealth via the healthcare bill...
__________________ "My next door neighbors two dogs have created more shovel ready jobs then Obama has." - Gary Johnson
The judge blaming the Army Corp. of Engineers getting blamed for the flooding has now opened the flood gates for lawsuits that we taxpayers will have to pay. So, Louisiana is going to make out like a bandit on both fronts. Seeing as how many their want and will benefit from spreading of the wealth via the healthcare bill...
DITTO!!!
And dont forget some of the folks, now living in Texas.
That are still living on the tax payers dime.
With free housing & monthly pay checks.
Don't get me wrong, I know folks were hurt badly.
But there has to be a limit to the freebie handouts.
__________________
"If we ever forget we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." Ronald Reagan
A Man WITH a gun is a CITIZEN, a Man WITHOUT a gun is a SUBJECT
I can only hope that the votes of the Louisiana Senator and the Arkansas Senator were the votes that ended their political careers and that the voters of Louisiana and Arkansas vote them out of office.
Mr. Burke, I worked all my life paying in to Social Security so that when I retired I could live comfortably on my Social Security and savings. Medical bills took the savings and the Social Security is not enough to live on so I draw food stamps for me, my wife, and two grandchildren I am raising. Guess that makes me one of those lazy asses you are supporting. Sorry. Have a nice day Mr. Burke.
__________________ America: Love it and protect it or leave it In God I Trust
I support Arizona
I can only hope that the votes of the Louisiana Senator and the Arkansas Senator were the votes that ended their political careers and that the voters of Louisiana and Arkansas vote them out of office.
Mr. Burke, I worked all my life paying in to Social Security so that when I retired I could live comfortably on my Social Security and savings. Medical bills took the savings and the Social Security is not enough to live on so I draw food stamps for me, my wife, and two grandchildren I am raising. Guess that makes me one of those lazy asses you are supporting. Sorry. Have a nice day Mr. Burke.
Windwalker and all she will not be re-elected !!! And she knows it and that maybe why she turned turn coat.
No one likes her here and there are already people that are running against her when the time comes.
She's another Liberal sell out that should be hanged.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) won a promise from Reid to support his plan to expand eligibility for health insurance. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) got Reid to jettison a provision stripping health insurers of their antitrust exemption. Landrieu got the concessions for her money. And Lincoln won an extended, 72-hour period to study legislation.
The only pricey whore was Mary Landrieu....
That expand of eligibility must include anyone who can find their way into America..
All of these scumbags need a rectal examine...
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God bless and our Men and Women In Uniform. RIP Arkansas Hunter e
The only bad thing about handing these donkeyholes their pink slips come the 2010 elections, is that they then get to enjoy their life-long retirement and other bennies - they aren't worried.
I'd like to see these criminals prosecuted and jailed, if we could get the proper charges filed and an honest court to try them. They kick We The People in the nads, then they reap windfall rewards......
WHAT is wrong with this picture...!?
There will come a time, when We The People, having had our fill of this organised crime & corruption, will stop trying to vote the "B's" out and instead, HAUL THEM OUT to the nearest tree.
I can only hope that the votes of the Louisiana Senator and the Arkansas Senator were the votes that ended their political careers and that the voters of Louisiana and Arkansas vote them out of office.
Mr. Burke, I worked all my life paying in to Social Security so that when I retired I could live comfortably on my Social Security and savings. Medical bills took the savings and the Social Security is not enough to live on so I draw food stamps for me, my wife, and two grandchildren I am raising. Guess that makes me one of those lazy asses you are supporting. Sorry. Have a nice day Mr. Burke.
I'm sure Burke was referring to young, able bodied people who have been raised to depend on the government for every need. Food stamps were thought to be originally intended for those that truly needed help for reasons beyond their control, such as your issues. However, there are always people who will try to use the system to their advantage. We now have 2nd & 3rd generation welfare recipients & they are concentrated in mary landreau's part of the country. They are raised to think that it is a normal way of life and they are taught all the tricks to cheat the system & therefore live very well, by their standards. The '94 congress took the first step toward correcting the problem, in spite of clinton, but never finished the job. If we could ever get that straightened out, your's & my social security would be a lot more secure. Sorry about your health problems. My wife also has some health issues. Hasn't broken us yet, but looks like our benevolent government is trying their damnedest to do it.
I don't want anything for free. from the government or otherwise. I don't even like asking co-workers for a ciggie if I run out or left them in the car. But I do expect government to ensure the insurance companies provide the service to take my money for. If that means they have to set up in competition so be it. but this is not the problem, the cause of the problem goes way back to when corporations decided they no longer had to show any responsibility to their workers. to increase profits is now the goal. not to produce the best product. ship the jobs oversea. the jobs that cant be shipped can be made part time - no benefits.
I don't blame the insurance companies for not wanting to cover a 55 year old with Diabetes, or someone with Hepatitis, or a schizophrenic. It's not in their financial interests.
so what about me. I'm freelance. I have a different employer every month. I get no benefits. why shouldn't I and the millions of others who work like dogs be able to get a fair shake on our health coverage? What about all the roofers, and floor layers and truck drivers who are freelance or self employed? why cant we band together and say 'right, there's 25 million of us, we want a decent price and no dropping us because we actually make a claim'.
I'm a white, male, blue collar worker and I want a fair deal.
__________________ A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it an appearance of being right-Thomas Paine
Last edited by petrol; 11-22-2009 at 02:02 PM.
Reason: typo's
I don't want anything for free. from the government or otherwise. I don't even like asking co-workers for a ciggie if I run out or left them in the car. But I do expect government to ensure the insurance companies provide the service to take my money for. If that means they have to set up in competition so be it. but this is not the problem, the cause of the problem goes way back to when corporations decided they no longer had to show any responsibility to their workers. to increase profits is now the goal. not to produce the best product. ship the jobs oversea. the jobs that cant be shipped can be made part time - no benefits.
I don't blame the insurance companies for not wanting to cover a 55 year old with Diabetes, or someone with Hepatitis, or a schizophrenic. It's not in their financial interests.
so what about me. I'm freelance. I have a different employer every month. I get no benefits. why shouldn't I and the millions of others who work like dogs be able to get a fair shake on our health coverage? What about all the roofers, and floor layers and truck drivers who are freelance or self employed? why cant we band together and say 'right, there's 25 million of us, we want a decent price and no dropping us because we actually make a claim'.
I'm a white, male, blue collar worker and I want a fair deal.
You still live in America.
Which means unless this Health SCARE bill passes.
YOU, have the CHOICE of YOUR OWN health care!
You give them enough money.
They set up the health care package you want.
You don't pay, you get squat.
It has been this way for over 200 years.
The Republican version had this amendment in it.
Yet the Libs. never even let it be reviewed.
They want everyone to have the same plan.(5- 45 y/o)
Except the unborn child, And older people.
Now if POLITICIANS, all agreed to having the same plan.
Folks might think different!
I am in the same boat as you Petrol.
And there are more, then 25 million of us common folks.
But the health Scare bill being presented.
Mandates that, YOU will purchase a plan.
That THEY have picked for you!
REMEMBER THIS FOLKS!
Don't let ANY PoLIEtician tell YOU.
What is written in OUR Constitution.
Regardless of party affiliation.
It is YOUR job to learn/live it, and elect them, to serve us.
We don't need a new Government run health care system!
We need to cut the cost's, of the existing system. (repeat testings)
And rules for insurance policies to cross state lines!
Also the 10,000 folks who use the Emergency rooms daily.
For babies with diaper rash, sniveling kids & adults, Illegals, with slivers, colds etc..
Emergency room are for EMERGENCIES!
Not general medicine.
__________________
"If we ever forget we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." Ronald Reagan
A Man WITH a gun is a CITIZEN, a Man WITHOUT a gun is a SUBJECT
And for way longer than 200 years kings and aristocrats had power of life and death over common people. It doesn't make it right. I just read the constitution and I can't find a single word about insurance companies being able to make life or death decisions about their customers. The government and more importantly the constitution is there to protect individual liberty and the right to life. not the profits of a few corporations.
Gritsky, the way you explain it, if I give a mugger enough money they let me live. I call BS on that method description of 'freedom'. Fascism is survival of the fittest. I don't believe in that. and If that's the AMERICAN way, we have strayed far from the righteous path.
__________________ A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it an appearance of being right-Thomas Paine
Windwalker and all she will not be re-elected !!! And she knows it and that maybe why she turned turn coat.
No one likes her here and there are already people that are running against her when the time comes.
She's another Liberal sell out that should be hanged.
AMEN A.H.!!! She was already in danger of losing the next election....now she has no chance in he**!!!!!!!!!!!!
And for way longer than 200 years kings and aristocrats had power of life and death over common people. It doesn't make it right. I just read the constitution and I can't find a single word about insurance companies being able to make life or death decisions about their customers. The government and more importantly the constitution is there to protect individual liberty and the right to life. not the profits of a few corporations.
Gritsky, the way you explain it, if I give a mugger enough money they let me live. I call BS on that method description of 'freedom'. Fascism is survival of the fittest. I don't believe in that. and If that's the AMERICAN way, we have strayed far from the righteous path.
If I understand you correctly, you only ask that you be given a chance to buy health insurance at a fair price. Is that correct? I believe that, that is all any of us wants. The problem is that there is no way that the government can do that for us. Any time they have ever gotten involved in trying to control costs of private business, they have made it worse. The ONLY things they can do to help is GET OUT OF THE WAY, GET RID OF THE REGULATIONS, REDUCE TAXES & let the industry fix it.
no doubt government is over fed and bloated. on top of that it is in the pockets of international / multinational corporations. self regulation doesn't work. unless there is some form of punishment. can you expect a 6 year old to regulate himself around a cookie jar? no. unless he knows he'll be punished for taking too many. well that's what's been happening with the insurance companies for years now. combined with a lowering of standards that lets people think it's ok to be on welfare, and a removal of wealth from hard working AMERICANS TO A VERY FEW (sorry) corporate entities, that know no national pride or responsibility.
so yes, I want to buy my own insurance at a fair price. good quality insurance at a fair price. do I think the government is the perfect answer. NO. do I think they are the only entity that has the power to force the industry to do the right thing. yes, but they are in their pockets. so instead we will get a half assed over priced overhaul. but the excuses I hear dont wash, a politician between me and my Dr. or an accountant between me and my Dr is the same as a choice between pepsi and coke. I want Orange juice.
__________________ A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it an appearance of being right-Thomas Paine
and our Men and Women In Uniform. RIP Arkansas Hunter e 
