Obama Blocks Vote on Von Spakovsky in Senate; Stops Harry Reid's deal

[Robbien]

Source: Brad Blog

Senator and Presidential Candidate Barack Obama (D-IL), had recently (and correctly) called on Bush to send up an "acceptable" nominee to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), instead of the anti-Democracy, anti-voter villain Hans von Spakovsky.

"His record of poor management, divisiveness, and inappropriate partisanship makes him an unacceptable nominee to the FEC," Obama had previously said. "I am particularly concerned with his efforts to undermine voting rights at the Civil Rights Division during his tenure at the Department of Justice."

And for a change, we have a Democrat who has decided to put his money where his mouth is! For now.

Roll Call (subscription req'd) is reporting that Harry Reid (D-NV) and the Democratic Leadership had shamefully "struck a deal" with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KS) to slide four FEC nominations, including the GOP "voter fraud" zealot, von Spakovsky, through the Senate on a voice vote, unless any Senators objected.

Obama did object today and succeeded in blocking the vote.

Read more: http://www.bradblog.com/?p=5132

[hedgehog]

1. but, but ,but

He misses votes!

[tekisui]

21. He is a Senator after all. Maybe he's getting even with Reid.

He kind of blamed Reid for missing one of the votes.

[MH1]

99. It's true that the majority leader has a lot of power over the vote schedule.

In 2004 the Repubs did it to Kerry every chance they got - arranging important votes to happen when they knew he couldn't be there.

It's possible that Reid is playing favorites, but I haven't looked closely enough to accuse him of it. Either way, "missing votes" in our campaign system, seems a pretty weak issue to attack someone on.

[acmavm]

37. Well, he finally showed up for work.

[lojasmo]

79. Obama only missed 1.7% in 109th (Lower than Clinton) EOM

[rpannier]

56. And...and...and

Why is Obama preventing an up-or-down vote?

I mean...why is he afraid of a vote?

I'm channeling insannity and shill o'lielly's talking points for tonight.

on a serious note: Good for Sen Obama

[surfermaw]

95. Again

we need to make sure Republicans aren't feeding one of our candidates money to split the party!

[Mojorabbit]

2. flexing some muscle n/t

[dickbearton]

33. People, there is a lot of work to do...

We got to get rid of the Corrupt Republicans and we got to
toss the blue dogs too. There should be no deals with the
traitors and war criminals that are the Republican party.
Watch the blue dogs closely and get rid of them to, if need
be.

[Richardo]

86. If you 'get rid' of the blue dog Democrats you will get Republicans

Is that really so hard to grasp?

The blue dogs were elected BECAUSE they are more conservative. In 2006, they presented an palatable alternative to the Republicans in their conservative districts/states. If you replace them with a 'purer' Democrat the seat will revert to the GOP.

[Exultant Democracy]

88. In 2006 we moved the national dialog to the left, particularly on the war.

The center isn't static and the biggest mistake that we made from 1994-2004 was trying to capture the center while the Republicans focused on moving the center to the right.

[aquart]

106. And this is where Kucinich is entitled to credit.

And he's still standing, taking the heat in a losing battle, to make sure the message is focused in the right direction.

Which is why his supporters need to work their damnedest to make sure his primary numbers are healthy and challenging.

[stimbox]

93. So it will be the same, since blue dog Democrats are actually Republicans in disguise. n/t

[ooglymoogly]

109. But, but, but we can pretend that it is a democratic congress.

and all the heinous legislation now bears our name and is called bipartisan. If you looked at it cynically you might think it was all planned.

[Exultant Democracy]

111. The Iraq war is bipartisan, and it looks like the Iran war will be too.

We have a bunch of traitors up there on capitol hill and they are up to their elbows in blood.

[Richardo]

115. Yes, but they have a (D) after their name and # of seats counts

Committee chairs, agenda, subpoenas, all flow from the majority party. If you want something done, we need to increase the margin to a filibuster-proof 60.

[Zhade]

117. What good does that do when they block everything not conservative?

I mean, it looks good on paper...

[geek tragedy]

3. That's what leadership looks like, Senator Reid. eom

[WCGreen]

11. Reid had to know that he was going to do that...

It's really good politics to appear that you are giving something to the kooks when you know that it won't pass on the floor...

[geek tragedy]

14. Like he did on Iraq? eom

[WCGreen]

22. It's different...

[Riddler]

38. With Reid though, it's never a simply case of "giving the appearance"....

if Reid had any backbone at all, half the bullshit the repukes pull day in and day out would be force fed back down their throat. But with Reid and Pelosi in charged, all we're reduced to is listening to incessant barking by old, tired dogs with no teeth to bite with. Reid and Pelosi make me sick.

[WCGreen]

43. But it still gets them nowhere...

Look, Reid is on the razors edge...

He takes a victory where ever he can...

[sendero]

53. Reid....

.. is a useless pantywaist. He should retire in an old folks home.

[Divine Discontent]

87. isn't pantywaist a misogynistic term towards all women?

why not just say he sucks and has no gumption or one of potentially numerous slams that doesn't imply he wears panties? If this is not what the term truly means, please correct my thinking, and I'll listen.

[sendero]

52. Same here..

... I've defended Reid long past his expiration date. No more. He a part and parcel of what is wrong in Congress, he goes along to get along and sells his constituents down the river every damn day.

The abject failure of Democratic leadership in congress is going to cost us all a lot.

[xxqqqzme]

81. It IS costing us a lot.

This country is starving for leadership and we get crumbs in congress.

[hisownpetard]

94. Both Pelosi & Reid have the "disease to please" and seem to be more worried about stepping on

someone's toes than standing up for what's right., votes or no.

[sendero]

51. Even giving the appearance...

.. of doing something right is more than Harry Reid has accomplished in months. Eff Mr. Reid.

[Cha]

59. You mean you think Reid set it up

so Obama would look Presidential?

[WCGreen]

62. Or HRC or Dodd or Biden, who ever pounched on the opprotunity

[Cha]

63. Whomever Pounced!

I like that Obama Pounced~

[ooglymoogly]

118. I am sure this is just a friendly jocular play on a typo

But whomever....Puleeeeze...DU is not Miss Mc Givers finishing school.

[JPZenger]

77. Reid Knew At Least One Senator Would Oppose It

It sounds like Reid didn't strike a bad deal - he put in a "poison pill." He knew at least one Senator would oppose the deal, and therefore kill it. In fact, at least 4 Senators opposed it.

[Cha]

98. Good to know..thanks,

Zenger!

[aquart]

101. If he didn't know in advance, he didn't know nuttin'.

All Obama supporters should be very pleased today. Hell, I'm not a supporter and I'm damn pleased.

[babylonsister]

4. Go, Obama! I'm glad someone blocked him. nt

[Imagevision]

29. What will Bill and Hil say about this?

[emilyg]

31. They'll say WTG

[Sarah Ibarruri]

48. We don't know that. Have they said anything yet? I haven't heard them say anything. nt

[rpannier]

57. Bill and Hil can rot for all I care...

If they support this idiots nomination.

[aquart]

103. Bill Clinton is not in this Congress.

If you want to take issue with Hillary's vote, please feel free.

It's just another snide, sexist denigration of our first viable woman candidate to start talking Hill and Bill at this juncture. Which, I expect, you knew.

[dogfacedboy]

66. Who cares? n/t

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[cascadiance]

6. As a Gore and Edwards supporter, I'll say this is a point scored for Obama!

There's a lot more needed to win me over. But this is a good start!

[robinlynne]

17. yes a huge move. This is what I want to see our dems doing every day. more!

[Hawkowl]

20. Ditto!

Point to Obama--he is improving lately. Taking stands and actions.

[stlsaxman]

24. stlsaxman HI5's calipendence!

yes, i most agree- quite a good start. even IF there was collusion with Harry...

[Rockholm]

34. Bravo.....A Spine.

[LSK]

89. this Edwards supporter would have no problem supporting Obama

If Edwards were to drop out.

[aquart]

104. Damn straight.

[PittPoliSci]

121. i agree completely.

[OregonBlue]

7. EMAIL him (address below) and tell him NOT to relent! Not to back down!! GOBAMA!

http://obama.senate.gov/contact/

[Ian David]

10. Done! K&R! n/t

[robinlynne]

18. done thanked him and said this is what we want from a potential leader.

[formercia]

8. Reid's Roots Revealed.

Like Aspens, they are all connected at the roots.

Yeah, go ahead and complain about bashing Democrats when it's the Reich-wing reactionaries that are the problem.

Get a grip Harry, one of these days it's going to bite you in the ass.

[Ian David]

12. SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR BLUE DOGS! N/T

[caseycoon]

68. YES! YES!! YES!!!

ALL of them!
:rofl:
I am so sick & tired of those bastards!

[aquart]

107. Mean, but surprisingly appealing.

[KaptBunnyPants]

9. Hell yeah, Obama!

Nice to see that someone in the Party isn't stupid enough to appoint a Fox to guard the hen house.

[zanne]

71. You're my man, Obama!

He has yet to disappoint me. Not to badmouth the other candidates, but Obama tells the truth with class.

[rich1107]

13. Obama

would probably do wonders for his poll numbers if he used every opportunity available in the Senate to lambaste these Republicans. There is list a mile long of issues he could be pounding the lecturn over. Spine is all we we are asking for; even if you can't get the votes to win at least go down fighting instead of wimpering.

[Frances]

15. I think that Obama made the right decision

I understand why Reid was going to let this slide--he wanted to get the good Democrats on the committee.

But I think that Democratic voters want their leaders to take a stand on some of these terrible nominees. Therefore, I support Obama's decision.

I haven't made up my mind who I'll vote for in the primary, but Obama's decision on this issue is a big plus in his favor.

[robinlynne]

16. yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[defendandprotect]

19. Go Obama -- !!!! And like the voting rights comments -- !!!!

[ProudDad]

23. At this point I wouldn't approve any bush nominee for Janitor

let alone any other post...

I have too much respect for Janitors...

[madrchsod]

25. that`s my senator!

not bad for a senator with "no experience" or what ever bill clinton said of obama...

[Cha]

60. One thing to counter the "no experience"

is to go in and do the right thing..not what is politically expedient. Then you get the good kind of experience. If you're intelligent, courageous, and diplomatic people will forget you haven't been inside the beltwaytized.

[Yukari Yakumo]

26. As much as I try to defend Harry around here...

Harry, what the fuck were you thinking?!?

I'd like to hear Harry's rationale on this too.

[illinoisprogressive]

27. I wrote to his office to thank him. Reid is striking some awful deals and needs to be replaced.

And it did not help with him doing that underhanded trick to see that Obama missed voting on the Iran resolution.
I don't know about Reid and what he is thinking these days. But, he is not leading the party in a good direction and he is not representing our interests

[cascadiance]

39. I KNEW there was a reason for Russ Feingold not to run!

How soon can we have Russ there? How soon?!!!

[Imagevision]

28. Fuckin A!!! - way to go Obama, Harry Reid needs to get the fuck lost...!

[judaspriestess]

30. still no word on what Reid was thinking?

jerk

[Blue Fire]

97. Mr. Reid has other duties to attend to.

Right now he's busy stroking the elephant.

[HeraldSquare212]

32. Thanks God someone's willing to exercise power

The Admin just keeps doing extreme things, and most of the Dems just keep worrying about appearing extreme.

[xchrom]

35. THAT'S how you compromise with the republick party!

:kick: :kick: :kick:

[kansasblue]

36. This undecided voter is impressed. nt

[obiwan]

40. That's why I am voting for Barack.

Two words:

Balls
Judgment

[lonestarnot]

41. Woot Obama! and

Fuck you very much Harry Reid and your damn dumbass deal making!

[Bitwit1234]

42. Good for him, this is the type of things people should post.

the good stuff the Democrats do.

[Gman]

44. "unless any Senators objected"

I seriously doubt Reid was blindsided on this one. Reid can sit back and say he negotiated in good faith but can't control what other members decide to do.

Obama did not blindside Reid. I think Reid even negotiated this knowing it would be objected to.

Too bad, McConnell.

[clayton72]

45. Lookin for a leader

The dems are being weak and spinless and letting the repubs walk all over them. If one of the dem pres candidates start taking principled stands against the madness and the jellyfish in their own party they'll benefit in the primaries. This little blip from Obama could be a good start, but I ain't holding my breathe.

[gtar100]

61. Maybe. But this makes Reid look very bad.

I kinda doubt he would sacrifice himself in this way. But you never know without knowing his thoughts.

[Nevernose]

64. What sacrifice?

It's not like he'll lose the next Nevada election (assuming he'll even run again). The guy can look as bad as he wants -- it makes no difference, and to the people in power, it's a brilliant political ploy that actually makes him look good.

[cynthia]

112. exactly

they know how the game works. It's risky for Reid because he comes across as willing to let this nominee go by and a lot of people aren't thinking it was part of his strategy all along. He knew someone would object. It's all a game. It helps to know the unwritten rules.

[MaineDem]

114. My thought exactly! n/t

[liberal N proud]

46. About time someone stood up for "the People"

[EV_Ares]

47. How in the hell did we ever get stuck with Reid & Pelosi. There had

to be better leadership in the senate and house besides them.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

49. We got stuck with them because they pretend to be Democrats when they're running for office. nt

[Peregrine Took]

50. As a Gore devotee, I must say I'm impressed! Harry Reid is repulsive.

[karynnj]

54. Nice job

[rox63]

55. That scored a few good points for Obama in my book

I'm still uncommitted. But if Obama keeps doing things like this, I may start leaning his way.

[Cha]

58. THis sounds like Reid doesn't

think in the future..Look At The Big Picture!

Obama looks Presidential because he's capable of CRITICAL THINKING..High Concept!

[goclark]

65. Right! GObama!

Finally a spine somewhere! :bounce:

[JNelson6563]

67. Way to go Senator!!

That's leadership! :toast:

Julie

[Vidar]

69. Good fo Obama. He's far from my favorite candidate, but I give credit

where it's due.

[EV_Ares]

70. Obama just moved up on the scale for me. I am totally fed up with

people like Reid and Pelosi caving into the republicans, making deals, etc. So far this leadership has been totally worthless. Do the republicans have something on them or what. We all realize the closeness of the votes in the house and senate, just like the republicans had. They had the advantage with Bush as well. But there has been no excuse on how these leaders have handled their situation.

We certainly need new leaders.

Thank you Obama.

[Deep13]

72. Good for him.

Ultimately, good for us.

[proud2BlibKansan]

73. Mitch McConnell isn't from KS

[JPZenger]

80. Ask McConnell Why He Was Kicked Out of the Army After 10 Days

I still would like someone to ask McConnell why he was kicked out of the Army after 10 days. Did it have something to do with a men's room stall?

[aquart]

108. Ooooh. Tell me more.

[BlueJac]

74. Oh looky............

Someone finally says enough. The roll over Democrats must be mad now. Harry Reid talks tough then makes private deals in a democracy, he needs to go to!!


Why does it seem the Dems would give up everything for nothing in exchange!

[orleans]

75. GOOD! n/t

[Supersedeas]

76. major props to Obama -- but an absolutely damning indictment of Harry Reid...damn!!

[april]

78. we should all email or call REIDS office

this makes me sick I am so done

Hey Nancy drain the swamp ..w u and Harry are in it up to your necks !

[jackster]

82. hurray!

Give em Hell Harry meet Balls to the Wall Barack!

[madmom]

83. could it possibly be Reid knew this was coming so in order to look

cooperative he made the deal? These people know what each other are thinking and planning!

[Dawgs]

84. As someone said earlier, "balls and judgement"

Is there any better way to describe the kind of candidate we need right now?

GObama!!!

[Peggy Day]

85. I just called Obama's office to thank him and Reids office to

tell him if he was wondering why the approval rating in the senate is at 11%, look no further!

[april]

92. ditto I just sent a email

[AzDar]

90. Just look at how thrilled we are that someone we've elected, is ACTUALLY doing the job

we've elected them to do! I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Either way, good on Obama!!

[april]

91. I just sent Harry a email ..here it is

http://reid.senate.gov/

Let him know that we are watching ...let him know he is in the swamp!!!

just send a email http://reid.senate.gov/

[cyberpj]

96. Harry Reid (D-NV) and the Democratic Leadership struck a deal - again and again and again. FBC TLG!!

FBC - Familiarity Breed Corruption
TLG - Term Limits for Government

[truebrit71]

100. Note to Reid and Pelosi: This is what a spine looks like.

Please have one inserted post haste...

[DemKR]

102. he's finally my senator again! k&r

[ooglymoogly]

105. Obama just went up 10 points on my political

measure.

[progressoid]

110. Well, hot damn!

[apex nerd]

113. The anger at Reid on these forums is astonishing

The sentiment that appears time and again online, and by no means just on DU, is that Senator Reid is this feckless tone-deaf politician who has no business being in a national leadership position.

I don't feel this way.

I live in Nevada and I have voted for him every time he has appeared on a ballot since I came of voting age. He has never given me reason to regret those votes, and this includes his performance as Majority Leader.

His history in Nevada, where he is known best, is as a guy who was willing and able to take on organized crime at a time when it reigned supreme in the state. Well, when the dust finally settled on that conflict, organized crime was a marginalized group and Reid was a Senator.

Reid didn't win that conflict in less than a year. And there were setbacks. And he was criticized. And threatened. Not just from his political opponents, but from his allies as well.

A lobbyist offered Reid a bribe once. He punched the guy.

And now, if he doesn't hit a home run every time he steps up to bat, he is dismissed as an ineffective politician who should resign as Majority Leader.

Meanwhile, President Bush can screw up like its free for seven years, and he is treated like some unstoppable elemental force of political nature.

Well, if you can see past your anger (and I know it really hard to do so these days) you will see that President Bush and the Republican controlled congress spent six years making an enormous mess of things. And if you can still see past your anger, you might see that even the ablest Democrat might need more time than Reid has had to clean it up.

And those of you who respond to this post, please remember that I am not your enemy. I am your friend.

[Zhade]

116. And yet, the Dems will not hold the most criminal administration in our history accountable...

...as their oaths DEMAND.

Good for Obama, but a move like this won't restore the rule of law the way impeaching/indicting/imprisoning the murderers in the White House would.

[ooglymoogly]

119. Reid is either clever like a fox

or a complete fool or completely complicit.
The letting anything on the floor even if it means the death of the constitution is what gives pause.

[Myrina]

120. Thank you, Senator Obama.

n/t