Will Senate Republicans Rescue House GOP?

The Republicans in the House of Representatives spoke with one voice yesterday, voting in unison against the stimulus bill that Americans are counting on to rescue the US economy. In doing so, they have put their party in an untenable position. They are gambling, not just that the bill will fail, but that the American people will want to hear it from them if it does.

There's a big problem with that, though. Barack Obama has outmaneuvered the GOP revolt, creating an indelible impression that he has acted in good, bipartisan faith by seeking Republican input and compromising on key aspects of the bill. Obama has shown willingness to pay a political price with his base in order to get the bill passed. Such is the magnitude of our problems that even if it fails to miraculously revive the economy, the stimulus bill will not likely be blamed.

Either way, all people will remember is that the GOP tried to stand in the way, while offering, as an alternative, only the same policies that Americans rejected in November.

The bill is going to pass, make no mistake about it. Even if the Senate Republicans decide to send the same message, they will do so in a straight up-or-down vote. There is no way in hell they'll filibuster it and reclaim ownership of the failed economy that Bush just unloaded.

As Obama reminded them last week, he won, precisely because the American people are fed up with partisan "Stop" signs. Nobody wants to hear Rush Limbaugh's noise anymore. The Republicans have too much baggage, yet not a lot of weight to throw around.

So, the Senate Republicans have a choice to make. It should be an easy one. They can either stay on the bus a little longer, or get out and walk now. 4 years is a long walk.

Tommy on: BlogTalkRadio I Digg! I Facebook I Twitter
Order The Audacity of Democracy Starring Tommy Christopher