The Senate just failed to stop a Republican filibuster of the Financial Reform Bill. The Democrats forced the vote even though they knew the Republicans would stand together because they want “Republicans Block Financial Reform” headlines tomorrow…and also “My Opponent Backed the Bankers” ads in the fall. Republicans filibustered because they think that anything Democrats propose can be twisted into an unpopular “big government” program…and also because the GOP just can’t quit blocking things.
So both sides are very clever. I’m sure these shenanigans will do wonders for the Senate’s approval ratings, which are subterranean. You’d think it would be in everyone’s best interests to get this Wall Street Reform passed quickly, elegantly, overwhelmingly and without games, since it’s something that the American people favor by huge margins. But this Congress is one sick culture.