Reconciliation a Go

Politico reports Senator Tom Harkin has said that reconciliation is a go after emerging from a meeting with Majority Leader Harry Reid. Senators Baucus, Dodd, Durbin, Shumer, and Murray also attended the meeting.  It seems there are a few big *ifs* attached, however:

The House, he said, will first pass the Senate bill after Senate leaders demonstrate to House leaders that they have the votes to pass reconciliation in the Senate.

Over to you Nancy Pelosi:

"The first step is with Speaker Pelosi and so I will let her decide what it takes in the House," Durbin said.

Reconciliation "has always been an option. But she has to make her own decision on what it takes to enact this in the House," he added.

That still leaves Pelosi with a formidable challenge on her hands, however.  Abortion could be the biggest stumbling block to passing legislation through reconciliation and time is not on their side.  Nevertheless, Barack Obama is expected to give his blessing for the Democrats to proceed with reconciliation.

 Expect Obama to attempt to paint his last ditch effort to pass health care as "bipartisan" as he puts on a show lauding all the terrific new Republican ideas he wants to include.  Republicans think Obama's offer has a substance problem a la Snookie from the Jersey shore.

There is only one solution to this "situation," man your battle stations and respond to the Code Red alert.  Michelle Malkin has more including this little trip down memory lane courtesy of Naked Emperor News:





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