11 February 2009

Senate compromise is a necessary evil

Yesterday, the Senate passed a trimmed-up version of President Obama's economic stimulus plan. It would not have passed if not for the fact that a small handful of Republican moderates sat down with the Dems and worked out a few compromises.

As a result, some important provisions were cut, and I'm not happy about that.

But the fact is this: The Dems do not have the needed 60-seat filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. So, until we get there, we need the support of any moderate Republicans who might be willing to talk to us. And, to bring them over to our side for any significant vote, we will need to compromise.

It's a shame. My impression is that the cuts they made to the stimulus bill may have watered it down too much.

But I'm afraid it's the best we can hope for right now. Better half a loaf of bread than no loaf at all, as it were.

Right now, my biggest fear is this: If the watered-down plan lacks the teeth to really work as well as it needs to, the media, the Republicans, and perhaps the American people, might ultimately blame Obama for the failure.

Hopefully the American people are still awake enough to see the truth.

Stay tuned.

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