Vote counting is at the heart of the matter.

[chieftain]

Are there 60 votes in the Senate to limit debate and then is there a bill which includes a public option which can get 50 votes? I think that the mixed signals coming from the WH and Reid are attributable to concern that the votes are not there for one or the other or both. I believe we have a center left President and House of Representatives and a center to cowardly Senate. We can criticize the President for this but I think he is working hard to find a winning combination in the hand he has been dealt.

[andym]

1. It would be useful to get the Dem caucus to agree to block Republican filibusters on principle..

Would independent Lieberman agree? Is Senator Kennedy well enough to show up? Would conservative Dems agree?

[chieftain]

2. Democrats have no party discipline.

The Republicans marched in lock step over many a cliff for Hapless George. Certain key Democrats in the Senate are more interested in their contribution base than their party. None of them should have key chairmanships going forward.