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I just saw his approval at around 65%...so I can't see how he's sweating these kind of votes, but then he's still being targeted by the Repugnicans and this is the kind of vote that can sneak up on you later on when the political landscape changes.
I imagine both Hawaii Senators also bowed to the heavy military presence in their state as did Landrieu. Many times people here can't understand that a Senator or Representative is under a lot of local pressure to push through legislation that runs counter to a Liberal or Progressive or Democratic party "ideal". On DU that means the automatic DINO label...but in some cases it's important to look a little further.
For example, Joementum gave a solid endorsement AGAINST. Yep...Joe came back to the reservation for the morning...but he saw the same being played here.
I'm not giving a pass to the Democrats who crossed over as this vote could have hinged on those votes. Methinks Reed knew he could lose those votes as he had enough moderate Repugnicans standing firm. With knowing that the closure wouldn't happen, Reed probably gave a wink and a nod to those who wanted to "vote conscious". Had this vote been closer, I suspect Ms. Landrieu and the Hawaii Senators in specific could be "whipped" back into the fold.
This points out how operating from the minority is difficult these days. The rules are re-written in the dead of night, votes are stacked and rules are futzed. For those who get upset at those who "cross-over" or become DINOs, this should be incentive to get Democratic majorities selected in both Houses. This would dramatically change the dynamic...especially with the "DINOs" and moderates who we're going to need to help bring this country back to center.
Merry Holidays...
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