Health debate hurt by Kennedy's absence !!!

[Mass]

It seems to be the latest meme among Republicans. If they cannot accept reasonable solutions about healthcare, it is because Senator Kennedy is not in DC leading the debate. His fault, I guess.

I guess this is supposed to show respect for him, but basically, it is insane. It put the weight of the debate on an old sick man and they try to release themselves of their responsibility. Sorry, but as much as I like my senior senator, he cannot be an excuse for the GOP for doing nothing. And this is basically what two GOP senators have said this morning: all would be fine if Kennedy was leading the negotiations/

McCain on ABC
http://www.wbz.com/-Health-debate-hurt-by-Kennedy-s-absence/5061679

Arizona Republican Senator John McCain is noting the absence of Massachusetts Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy in the ongoing health care debate. McCain, on Sunday, said Kennedy is a master negotiator, and not having him in Washington has made a "huge, huge difference" in prospects for getting legislation passed. Kennedy remains sidelined as he continues to battle brain cancer.

And Hatch on NBC

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/08/mccain-defends-palin-also-says-i-dont-think-they-were-quote-death-panels.php

Hatch: Ted Kennedy Would Have Worked With Me On Health Care
Also on Meet The Press, Sen. Orrin Hatch was asked what the impact of Sen. Ted Kennedy's (D-MA) absence has been on the health care negotiations. "Well, Senator Kennedy would--first thing he would have done would, would have been call me and say, 'Let's work this out,'" Hatch responded. "And we would have worked it out so that the best of both worlds would, would work."

They may not be the only ones, but they are the ones I saw.