Democratic Primaries
In reply to the discussion: This message was self-deleted by its author [View all]still_one
(92,325 posts)political reality. This is not directed specifically toward you, but for those who seem either to not understand what it takes to pass legislation, or ignore it.
In 2008 and 2009 we didn't have the votes to pass a public option or Medicare for All
There was Blanche Lincoln, Lieberman, Nelson in Florida, Nelson in Nebraska, Evan Bayh in Indiana, and I believe Mark Pryor.
Contrary to what some like to project, we didn't have the votes, and there was NOT ONE republican who was willing to vote for any healthcare package with the Democrats, let alone one with a public option or Medicare for all
Here are the facts:
"Here is how much control we had in 2008-2009:
"Obama had control of the House from 2009-2011, but guess what, legislation does NOT become law without the Senate
The Senate operates with the 60-vote-requirement filibuster rule. Total control of the Senate requires 60 votes.
In January 2009, Democrats had 57 seats, with Sanders and Liberman caucusing with the Democrats for 59 votes.
That 59 included both Kennedy and Franken. Franken was not officially seated until July 2009, and Kennedy had a seizure in January 2009, and never returned to the Senate to vote, so the actual number was 55 plus two independents which makes 57.
It was during that time that President Obama was able to pass a stimulus package, but only because 3 republicans, Collins, Snowe, and Specter voted to break a filibuster guaranteeing its passage
In April 2009, Specter became a Democrat, Kennedy was still at home too ill, and Franken was still not seated in April. In May 2009, Byrd got sick, and didn't return to the Senate until July 2, 2009, and Democrats still had only 59 votes Kennedy's seat was temporarily filled by Kirk, but not until Sept, 2009
It was then that Democrats had at least potentially 60 votes in the Senate, and it lasted all of 4 months, from Sept 24, 2009 through Feb. 4, 2010, at which point Scott Brown, a republican was sworn in to replace Kennedy
The only thing the Democrats had control of for two years was the House, and for only 4 months did we have total control of congress, and it was during that small time frame that the ACA was passed"
vhttps://www.ohio.com/article/20120909/NEWS/309099447
Within that four month time frame could President Obama have included a public option in the ACA, or Medicare for ALL?
Not likely. People seem to conveniently forget that there were blue dog Democrats
who made it very clear they would not vote for a public option or Medicare for All. They were Blanche Lincoln, Lieberman, Nelson in Florida, Nelson in Nebraska, and I believe Mark Pryor. Contrary to what some like to project, we didn't have the votes, and there was NOT ONE republican who was willing to vote for any healthcare package with the Democrats, let alone one with a public option or Medicare for all
For those who think trashing the ACA, which was landmark legislation on healthcare, is good "political strategy", should perhaps put things in perspective, and instead tell us what you would do when you don't have the majority.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden