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Gang of Six Budget talks fail - will Bennet finally start to lead?

by: Zappatero

Wed May 04, 2011 at 10:27:07 AM MST


( - promoted by Fong)

Senator Michael Bennet's hope that he wouldn't have to make any tough decisions regarding our nation's budget and deficit (and tax rate) problems/policies has been dashed:
The Gang of Six simply didn't finish the job, and indeed, it was built to not finish the job, with Republicans desirous to drag out talks so Senate Democrats looked like they didn't have a plan. In this sense it was no different than the Max Baucus-led Gang of Six on the health care law.
Bennet has constantly complained that DC is broken, yet time and again he has deferred to the status quo and ensured that those who broke the system are able to keep it broken. The Baucus Health care "product" was horribly weak and Republicans kept nitpicking at it even after the bipartisan gang had an "agreement". The current debate to bring the budget into balance has all the same dynamic, and a Republican Party that continues to deceive even as they pretend to negotiate in good faith with their peers.

Bennet seemingly couldn't resist another shot at bipartisanship despite its repeated failures. It's just as likely he doesn't have the fortitude to take a real stand in the debate. Or maybe he just doesn't want to do anything that could piss anyone off.

Fat chance of that in this day and age.

Bennet shouldn't think his opponents will change a 100% successful strategy of PNK'ing D's and perverting democracy in the budget and deficit discussions. Why would they? Yes, Senator Bennet is green, but he's been in the Senate long enough to see the dominant pattern. He shouldn't trust Republicans on the budget and shouldn't be allowed to pass off his decisions to another round of dysfunctional bipartisanship. Time for Bennet to lead for once and show voters at least some of what they voted for.

Zappatero :: Gang of Six Budget talks fail - will Bennet finally start to lead?
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The problem is
(and I absolutely agree with what you've written) Bennet and other CorporateDems have been able to convince Democratic voters that any effort to work towards bipartisanship is the facet of the process to focus on - instead of the process delivering results, as should be expected.

These political melo-dramas are exactly what Bennet and Udall want to be doing.  They get to appear to be doing something while maintaining their access to power and the spotlight.

To build on what Zappatero has written, the Senate gangs haven't produced tangible results that benefit the majority of their citizens.  They didn't work when Salazar was in office.  They haven't worked with Bennet or anyone else.

The leadership failure came when Senate Democrats decided not to change the rules of the Senate at the beginning of the session, despite promising they would do exactly that.

None of this is terribly surprising, unfortunately.  I knew Bennet wouldn't actually get anything done if elected - he didn't do anything when he was only appointed.  Reid, Schumer and Durbin likewise had a history of dropping the ball on the 1-yard line (usually on purpose).  When people vote to keep the same people, they vote for the status quo.  If we want something different, the status quo can't be defended (which is why I'm glad Zapp has maintained pressure on Bennet and others).


muchas gracias, senor
There are polls that show this ever-elusive bipartisanship is not what Americans want. Like you say: they want results.

How dumb does a politician have to be to go against the popular will, go against the principles of his or her party, and go against the most wise solution with proven efficacy - all at the same time?

Bennet and Udall are doing just that. It's hurting all of us day by day, vote after vote, stupid worthless letter after stupid worthless letter.


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