Was there actually a chance that we wouldn't get the 60 we needed today?

[gateley]

I know I was sitting here holding my breath...

Didn't know if the Reps were giving their lie-filled statements just to be on record (make their donors happy) or if they truly believed they had a chance to keep it from moving forward.

Thanks all you smart people! :hi:

[AllentownJake]

1. No

Harry Reid would not hold a vote until he knew for sure that it would move onto debate. The bill in it's present form was what was acceptable to all 60 to vote for debate and probably cloture. Barring an amendment fight, the bill will pass and move into conference committee.

The only fear I have is Joe Lieberaman will do something to embarrass the caucus. I may not be a fan of this approach on reform, but I'm less of a fan of Joe Lieberman derailing a party initiative and embarrassing the party.

Conference committee is the next hurdle.

[gateley]

3. Thanks -- man, it just squeaked in then.

Embarrassing the party is nothing new for Lieberman - it's disconcerting.

[AllentownJake]

6. He is a catch 22

Hopefully the will pick up at least one senate seat in 2010 and they can 86 the asshole.

You can't do anything without him, and you can barely do anything with him. Too bad Maine doesn't have an election in 2010. Olympia Snowe or Collins could join Arlen.

[annabanana]

2. naw... He wouldn't have

brought it up for a vote unless he was pretty damn sure.

[gateley]

5. Thanks -- I've heard them say that about Pelosi several times, don't know

why I didn't figure out in my tiny little brain it would be the same for Harry. :hi:

[bread_and_roses]

4. No. It was all theatre. So they could pretend they were doing something for

"the people" - har har har.

[BlooInBloo]

7. Until the vote is cast, there's always a chance...

It was only a small one, though.