AndrewPDX's Blog

AndrewPDX Commented on Will Senate Finance Dems Undo Damage Done By Grassley, Enzi? by Brian Beutler

2009-09-18T23:13:55Z

For repeating the myth that 60 votes are necessary, as opposed to the preferred alternative of those who really don't want meaningful health reform in the first place. He knows better, but rather than point out how lame the Democrats are by refusing to call the Republicans' bluff on the filibuster (remember the nuclear option?), he simply repeats the MSM meme that 60, not 50 votes, is what is necessary to pass a bill.

AndrewPDX Commented on Will Senate Finance Dems Undo Damage Done By Grassley, Enzi? by Brian Beutler

2009-09-18T17:27:20Z

Brian: You write:

"If Snowe opposes the bill, Baucus can afford to lose no more than one Democrat."

Shame on you.

AndrewPDX Commented on What Next For Kennedy's Senate Seat: A Long Vacancy -- Or A Law Change And An Appointment? by Eric Kleefeld

2009-08-26T20:27:41Z

And the race to the bottom begins! It is hypocrisy, and we, as Dems, should not support it. All it would do is provide cover to those claiming we need 60 votes to pass health care reform (as 60 would still be possible), and further solidify the belief of some that health care reform is being forced down their throats.

How effin' weak are we as a party that we can't pass meaningful health care reform with large majorities in the House and Senate, and control of the presidency? I mean, c'mon now. Let's not sell our souls for something we ought to be able to acccomplish without stooping to the level of Republicans. If we can't, then a pox on our house . . . we deserve to get our asses kicked in '10.

Get on the phone and pressure your Senator, pressure your congressman or -woman, send an email to the White House; let's get it done and let's use the occassion of Senator Kennedy's death, and the memory of that great man, to get this done right. I understand the impulse but, like it used to be for torture, I want us to be able to speak of things from a position of authority and righteousness.

AndrewPDX Commented on Citing CBO-Director's Statements, Senate Centrists Urge Slower Pace For Health Care Reform by Brian Beutler

2009-07-17T22:10:08Z

Actually, I think it's more accurate to say that Wyden's at least on the right side (i.e., left) of the aisle, not that he's one of the good guys. As one of my senators, and as one with whom I was thoroughly unimpressed during a town hall meeting in my neighborhood years ago, I've been following him pretty carefully over the years. As far back as I can remember, he has never stood up or stuck his neck out for any truly progressive causes, and has always been somewhat of a mealy-mouthed, non-committal wimp. I've pulled my hair out more than once in frustration that as a Democratic senator from Oregon, he has been unwilling to champion anything resembling a liberal or progressive agenda. Most politicos I know in the Democratic party see him as a pure, generally unprincipled opportunist. You may recall that he never even endorsed either candidate during the primaries -- even after they were all over!

Truly ironic, then, that the one time he decides to take a stand, it's on a matter that is intended to slow down progressive reform of the health care industry. Oh, and I should point out that Nate Silver, of 538 site fame, predicted Wyden would be, at best, a fence sitter based on industry contributions.

AndrewPDX Commented on Unions Pressuring Liberal Dem Senator Wyden From The Left On Health Care Plan by Eric Kleefeld

2009-05-19T19:54:47Z

Just a quick note to Kleefeld, et al.: Wyden ain't a liberal Dem, he's known out here in Oregon primarily as a spineless and gutless Dem who goes only where it's safe to go, and no further. He sticks his head out for nothing, and especially not good, solid progressive or liberal ideals. For example, he never endorsed either HRC or Obama during the primaries, and on the recent senate vote on establishing a national usury rate for credit cards, he voted with the rethugs first, then after assuring the votes were not there to pass the bill, he switched his vote to make it look, on the role call, like he was in favor all along. The man needs to be replaced.

AndrewPDX recommended Friendly fire in the class war by A Missouri voter

2008-04-30T16:25:06Z

AndrewPDX recommended Kerry Rips MSNBC When Asked About Wright by Liberal_Elite

2008-04-30T22:19:40Z

AndrewPDX recommended Hillary's Preacher Said What?? by AndrewPDX

2008-04-30T18:19:35Z

AndrewPDX recommended Give Obama His Due! It's Time Supers by coonsey

2008-04-30T02:58:11Z

AndrewPDX recommended Women are jealous because I'm beautiful by Denni

2008-04-25T16:04:57Z

AndrewPDX recommended No Sense of Decency - The Clinton Campaign by AndrewPDX

2008-04-24T19:30:56Z