The DC designed, media promoted “fiscal cliff” drama continues. No doubt the drama will intensify as the clock ticks down. Two recent “cliff” moments, one on the Senate floor, and one on the airwaves.
From HuffPo: (emphasis added)
Debt Ceiling Bluff Called By Harry Reid, Leaving Mitch McConnell To Filibuster Himself
A move to embarrass Democrats backfired on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Thursday as the Kentucky Republican proposed a vote on raising the nation’s debt ceiling – then filibustered it when the Democrats tried to take him up on the offer.
On Thursday morning McConnell had made a motion for the vote on legislation that would let the president extend the country’s borrowing limit on his own. Congress would then have the option to disapprove such hikes … .
The minority leader apparently did not think Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) would take him up on his offer, which would have allowed McConnell to portray President Barack Obama’s desire for such authority as something even Democrats opposed.
Reid objected at first, but told McConnell he thought it might be a good idea. After Senate staff reviewed the proposal, Reid came back to the floor and proposed a straight up-or-down vote on the idea.
McConnell was forced to say no.
Political posturing and game-playing – it’s how USA! USA! gets corporate=government business done.
From The Hill: (emphasis added)
Unions target McCaskill, Warner in new round of ‘cliff’ ads
A coalition of unions is launching a new round of television ads on Friday pressuring centrist lawmakers to oppose entitlement cuts in a ‘fiscal cliff’ deal.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the National Education Association (NEA) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are sponsoring television ads that ask lawmakers not to cut Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
The television ads are a six-figure buy and will run for about a week starting Friday.They will target Sens. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Reps. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) and Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio). Warner is up for reelection in 2014. …
Along with the ads, labor is planning hundreds of events for a day of action on Dec. 10. Unions also flew their members into Washington last week to personally lobby lawmakers.
Even knowing the ‘fiscal cliff’ crisis is contrived doesn’t mean we can ignore the way Electeds are using it, and the potential consequences in the daily lives of millions.
(Sen. Mitch McConnell via McConnel.senate)
Its time for McConnell to get back in the little clown car and ride off into the sunset.
Just when you thought congressional Republicans couldn’t sink any lower they find a way to do just that. Filibustering your own ideas? Makes one appreciate what this President has been able to accomplish in the fact of this kind of insanity!
Honest to GAWD you just can NOT make this shit up!!!