Can Obama just do the following with the stimulus package?

[Buddyblazon]

Ask the Democrats in the Senate to vote it down...

then reintroduce the original bill and really teach the Republicans a lesson:

"We throw you a bone...and this is how you repay us. Fine, suck on this for awhile. *BAM original bill*"

Could he do this if he wanted to? Does he even want to? Do you think they even considered it?

[Occam Bandage]

1. They wouldn't have to vote it down in the Senate. They could just set it aside.

[Buddyblazon]

2. Would it be a mistake?

I mean...I'm a stage manager...I've learned to be a heavy fisted SOB that can scream at anyone related to work if need be. I know that I would make a horrible politician...and would make Biden look like a mild mannered passive aggressive mother.

Would my approach in the OP be a bad move politically?

[Occam Bandage]

4. There's a case to be made for it, and a case to be made against it.

The case to be made for it is pretty much what you've said. Negotiating is a matter of carrots and sticks, and this would send a very clear message to the Republicans that Obama intends to whip out the sticks if they throw the carrots back in his face.

On the other hand, it might send a bad message. The bill affects everyone, and if he comes off angry or vindictive in the slightest, he might accidentally sow the perception that he was trying to punish America for the sins of the Republican party--and certainly nobody wants anyone to think their policies are punishment. Plus, it might get gummed up in the Senate, and that would end up making him look buffoonish and overreaching.

[Buddyblazon]

5. This is why I could never be a politician...

I am not "slightly" angry of vindictive.

I'm TOTALLY angry and vindictive.

lol

[Raine1967]

3. Can the put the stuff back in it?

And if they do, would it have to go back to the house for a revote?

[MrSlayer]

6. That is exactly what he should do.

He should beef it up even further with what we want, really go whole hog. If the Repubs don't want to be involved, fuck em, they had their shot.

[Buddyblazon]

7. Lemmy....

nice.