Every non-hard-right congressional Republican will have this episode in mind going forward in the next year -- it will shape votes and positions on key issues.
Win or lose tomorrow the right wing will be embolden and the moderate Republicans will be even more scared. Since they fear a primary (or a third party candidate like happened in NY-23) you can expect normal Republicans to reach for their pitchforks next year.
Grassley was the clear point-man for Republicans on healthcare. What he saw this summer in his town halls in Iowa scared the bejebus out of him. He stopped negotiating in good faith and got as far away as he could.
That's how far the party has gone to the right: Chuck Grassley - once considered one of the most conservative members in the senate - was scared of being considered a socialist-liberal by his party.
Thank goodness!!! At least Republicans can have their spot on the spectrum back and the RINOs (republicans in name only) can go join the blue dogs.
ReplyDeleteAre you sure Grassley quit bargaining in good faith? Or did he just say "If you won't look at tort reform, and admit outright that a viable (not like Medicare) public option will mean rationing,I can't bargain in good faith"
I don't know the answer to that, but I would love it if he bothered to make that point so the Dems would have to address those issues.