"Shock": Lieberman to Filibuster Healthcare
Yep, definitely the biggest, most egotistical and self-centered joke in the world:
Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) informed Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) in a face-to-face meeting on Sunday that he will vote against a health care bill that includes a public option or a provision that would expand Medicare, a Democratic Senate aide tells the Huffington Post.
The Connecticut independent discussed with Reid some of his concerns about the legislation, elaborating on issues he had raised during the show. According to the source, who was briefed on the exchange, Lieberman punctuated the discussion by telling the majority leader directly that he will vote against the bill if the Medicare buy-in and public option provisions remain in it. Roll Call reports that Lieberman said he would also support a Republican filibuster of legislation that included these provisions.
“Leadership was definitely a bit surprised with the lines being drawn in the sand the way they were,” said the source. “We expected that he would say critical things about [the bill]. But he is not even giving us a chance to get it scored.”
This source calls them surprised, Talking Points Memo says they were “shocked.” That’s almost MORE annoying than Lieberman’s constant ego stroking obstruction. How is it possible that Senate Dems didn’t EXPECT this two-bit insurance industry, Republican towel boy hack to do everything in his far-too-considerable power to ruin everything they’ve worked for and screw over the entire country?
This is a guy who ignored the will of Democratic voters in his own state in 2006 and literally campaigned for the Republican nominee for President last year. He has insurance money shoved down his throat, and his wife works as an industry lobbyist. How could his compliance be part and parcel to your game plan? How could you not plan for contingencies?
They’ve spent far too long appeasing this jerk and his merry group of “centrist” cake eaters. Getting 59 votes is the same as 55, and it’s time the Senate leadership woke the up and realized that it’s better to pass the strongest bill possible with reconciliation, so it, you know, actually works and helps as many people as possible. People who vote, mind you.
