Those who have read this blog know that I don’t think much of Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader. For too long, the Senate has been the place where America’s hopes and dreams go to die. Sure, much of the problem with the Senate goes down to its roots (that it exists at all is a problem), but, especially with the strong majorities the Democrats have since 2008, there is no great excuse. Their majority is large enough that even the conservative Democrats are not numerous enough to really stop matters.
Well, Harry Reid’s chance to prove he is not completely useless as a leader is now. Successful health reform is vital to both the country and the Democrats’ political future. That means that a good leader would go to great lengths to make sure it happens, including negating Senators’ seniority or abolishing the filibuster. Reid can have health care pass with 50 votes even without reconciliation (which is not an ideal venue to actually pass meaningful health reform). Because good reform might only get 50 votes while bad health reform (bad policy always being more popular in the U.S. Congress) might get 60, Reid will have his chance to show strength in at the very least, demanding that all 60 Democrats vote for cloture and that the reform seek only at least 50 votes.
If he cannot ask himself, “what would Pelosi do?” and get good health care passed, he needs to be replaced as Majority Leader, and fast. Too much is at stake in the country right now for a passive Senate leader to hold up that which the House and the President wish to accomplish.
