Legal Commentary

More Madman Political Bargaining

By Big Tent Democrat

I thought I was done with the subject but it is getting discussion in the Beltway. Ed Kilgore, who I respect, writes:

[Ezra] Klein goes on to address the frustration of party progressives about the unfairness of this disequalibrium of power within the party . . . I'd put it in a slightly different way: if, say, the Progressive Caucus in the House wants a final, definitive test of strength against the Blue Dogs, it might make sense to choose one in which the failure to act is entirely acceptable according to their own principles and priorities. At the same time, Blue Dogs need to be frequently reminded that they will be the very first Democrats to suffer electoral disaster if the President's legislative agenda comes to grief.

(Emphasis supplied.) Ed actually gets it right but does not understand that THIS, the public option and health care reform, is that issue. This is the "final definitive test." And the downside is simply not there for the Progressive Block for holding the line. President Olympia Snowe's health care bill is not worth compromising for in this fight. The Progressive Block will gain political strength in this battle, whether they get concessions from President Snowe or not. No bill at all would be a political win for the Progressive Block IF they hold the line. A bill with a public option is a win for them as well, since it will have happened because they held the line. This is the right fight, the right line, at the right time, for the Progressive Block. At this point, capitulation by the Progressive Block would be the end of them. They really can not back down now. Time for Beltway Dems like Kilgore and people like President Snowe to get that.

Speaking for me only

Full post as published by TalkLeft on September 03, 2009 (boomark / email).