This is not over, but... I am amazed

[nadinbrzezinski]

that indeed... Harry Reid seems to be pulling an LBJ. And if I am wrong and there is a STRONGER PO than I expected, that is good.

But just because we got the news we got today, this is not over... so keep making those calls.

[elleng]

1. LBJ, HOW?

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. The stinker that came out of finance

LBJ was famous for getting his chairmen to bring out bills that were fully unacceptable to ahem rile the base.

He was also famous for putting, ahem, pressure on his more recalcitrant members.

If you can, read Master of the Senate by Caro.

When the Finance bill came out I actually said this was possible...

[R. P. McMurphy]

4. Master of the Senate was an awesome book.

I also read the second of the series (Means of Ascent?) but didn't get to read the first. Caro really seemed to understand LBJ.

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. Yes, great books

and the last few weeks seem somehow familiar.

It could be pure coincidence as well... and a temporary spine transfer. Only time will tell.

[elleng]

10. Good idea for a book to read! Hope to remember! Thanks.

[nadinbrzezinski]

14. More and more I am convinced that we need a group

for recommended books. I know there are several... but just a place to put book recommendations, and just book recommendations.

[dmr]

18. I wholeheartedly agree.

I have to write these two books down, or I'll forget what it was I wanted to read.

If I take the time, I'll go over to Amazon and put a recommended book on my wish list. Then when I'm ready to go to the library (or book store), I meander over to Amazon and see what's on the list.

[BrklynLiberal]

3. I hope that you are right....

[msongs]

5. harry reid is gonna break some fingers shaking his own hand so hard lol nt

[dixiegrrrrl]

7. If onoy he could achieve a state of consciousness whenhe talks.

I watched him this evening, talking about ...god knows what, I fall asleep after about 6 seconds of listening to him.
Maybe that is his secret. " Vote my way or I will make you listen to me".

LBJ was tall, loud, profane and literally leaned into people.
Ole Harry acts like a basset hound on tranquilizers.

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. We do not know what literally is going on behind closed doors

but that stinker out of finance told me... something unusual is going on...

As I said, it could also be pure coincidence... I will take a stronger bill than I expected to see either way.

[Kind of Blue]

9. Finally, something that makes some sense.

I barely remember LBJ. Came into awareness of presidents only as a kid during Nixon. I thought there was something too unusual about Baucus and Snow running the bizarre show. Just thought that Reid would eventually buckle under strong pressure and being up for re-election for good measure. I'm going to have to read up on Johnson. Thanks.

[nadinbrzezinski]

11. read the books by Caro, Master of the Senate

is a good read... and it reads like a novel, not a history book.

[Kind of Blue]

12. This is why I love DU. Thanks, Nadinbrzezinski. n/t

[nadinbrzezinski]

13. public library or used book store

if you are limited on funds by the way

[Kind of Blue]

19. Thanks so much. Even when not limited, used books

stores are my haunts :)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. Greatest Page!

[Confusious]

16. He's not pulling an LBJ

He's just trying to keep his nuts from getting cooked on an open fire.

No bravery or "This is right", just calculation and a desire not to lose his warm, comfy seat.

[saracat]

17. Absolutely.It is an insult to LBJ to compare them.

LBJ would have had to offer the Civil Rights Act in only a few states for a few people and to exclude the South in order to be like Reid.

[nadinbrzezinski]

22. And that is why Medicare SUCKED big time in the beginning right?

And it was built upon over the decades.

[saracat]

23. Different folks in a different time. There actually "was" bipartisanship then.

Today it doesn't exist. and forcing it isn't going to make it real. Compromising the heath care reform to support this illusion is ridiculous.This bill already only insures availability to those without it and will do so only in some states. It also taxes the benefits of those who have good insurance as a benefits package.It has mandates for everyone yet not everyone will be able to choose it.Sorry but unless major changes are made in conference, this bill is likely to be crap.

[nadinbrzezinski]

24. Here is a hint for you

this country is one step away from a hot civil war. I recommend those who think otherwise go stand at a teabager event.

So once that happens, our issues will be a little more complex than that.

But if you think they had to the votes for single payer... no... I wish it was so, but no.

We have pretty conservadem idiots that are standing in the way of ANY REFORM... IT IS JUST NOT FUCKING Republicans... m'kay?

Oh and the primaries ARE OVER. I did not like either Clinton or Obama... TO DAMN CONSERVATIVE for me... but the PRIMARIES ARE OVER. Time to stop fighting that war. That said. no reform, I am done with the Democratic Party as well, ok.

[nadinbrzezinski]

21. And this is different from LBJ and any other politico in US history HOW?

But I suspect the machinations behind closed doors will make for a wonderful PhD thesis in the coming years.

[KharmaTrain]

20. Amen...

I know there are those who aren't getting their pony and are showing sour grapes, but they also appear not to understand we live in a representative democracy where the legislative, as a representatives of the people, are the ones who write the bills...and ultimately are held responsible at the ballot box. We just endured a regime that ruled by fiat and viewed the legislative with disdain.

Many never thought we'd get to this point and as you say, there's a lot more to go. There are ammendments that will be proposed and Reid's game right now is to get the votes to invoke cloture that will lower the voting threshold in the Senate to 51...allowing the conservodems cover in a final vote and also putting them out on a limb.

While not ideal to many, this is better than the status quo and a platform to build from. A successful passage means millions who aren't covered will be and start the process of a government alternative that can be the platform for more changes and reforms as the system is implemented.

Cheers...