No hard count, but optimism, in Senate

Posted: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 4:41 PM by Carrie Dann
Filed Under: Congress, Economy

From NBC's Ken Strickland
The bipartisan Senate leadership predicted victory today, just hours before the chamber votes on the economic rescue package. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he was "confident" the measure will pass. Republican Leader Mitch McConnell read from the same hymnal, predicting "broad bipartisan support."

While not overtly suggesting the House will pass the bill when it's taken up on Friday, McConnell said, "I think a good vote coming out of the Senate will certainly be helpful over on the House side."

With 60 votes required for passage, reporters pressed for hard numbers for a "good vote" would mean. (Or, how many votes over 60 can the leadership muster?)

"I'm not going to describe what a good vote is, but we're going to have broad bipartisan support tonight for this package," McConnell said.

"We're confident that the way we've got this package will work in the Senate, and we're optimistic it will work in the House," McConnell said, referring to the "sweetener" provisions added to the original bill to attract more support.

At his own news conference later, Reid also refused to play the numbers game. "I am confident it will be a good vote," Reid said just outside the Senate doors. "And a good vote in the Senate is anything that passes."

Reid added, "I would not have moved forward on this if I didn't think the chance in the House was good." But, he quickly reminded reporters, "I don't run the House."

The Majority Leader also pushed back on claims that by attempting to pass the bill before the House does -- an irregular Congressional procedure -- that he was force-feeding his House colleagues. "I hope that no one thinks I'm trying to jam anyone," Reid said. "This is an effort to solve what, I think, is the greatest financial crisis we've had since the Great Depression," he said.

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Comments

Good luck guys -- based on what I've seen this week from both Democrats and Republicans, you are going to need it.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 5:13 PM)

Weren't our leaders confident last time?

We need real leadership here and not partisan attacks that blame eachother for the failures of the government. People are really struggling, and all these senators can do is point fingers.

http:/lastofourkind.blogspot.com

LoOK (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 5:14 PM)

House Republicans need a swift kick.

JAB (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 5:19 PM)

Hopefully the senators will deem this pkg worthy of passage. I have to count on my elected official to understand the business of legislation and act on my behalf. Today I was flabberghasted to see a clip (don't recall which network) of a Congressman (I think from TN) say that his constituents didn't want him to pass the bill so he voted against it because he doesn't want them to think he thinks he is smarter than they are, or words to that effect. Blew me away. Do we not hire doctors and lawyers and CPAs to act in our best interest because they are more educated in the matter for which we need them? Why on earth don't people feel the same way about their elected officials? Why don't people want brilliant, educated, thoughtful representation in Congress?

Donna M, Redding CT (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 5:21 PM)

Obama gave a lot of positives for the taxpayer in this bill today during a stump speech. Why in the world won't the rest of the politicians explain to their voters who, what, and why about this bill like Obama tried to relay to the nation. Taxpayers are not stupid but the word "bailout" does really turn them on. If the representatives would go to their districts with a message other than "this is not good but we have to do something" approach the nation could come together and move on like Americans. Politicians of both parties prove once again they live in the land of "no necks'.

Elmer, Seattle (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 5:28 PM)

Sounds like the same vote counting skills as the House leadership had when the House voted on the bailout.

Doug (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 5:29 PM)

Will not pass in the house. Two many people against the bill still, and too, they are up for election.

Angellight (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 5:30 PM)

I am so angry that the republicans have added
earmarks to the bill.
This is a critical time for our country and, yet,
all they can do is play politics as usual.
You would think they would be rushing to help
clean up the diasters they have created these
last eight years.
How anyone can support ANY republican is beyond
me.

katiec Pekin, IL (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 5:44 PM)

Woulldn't you know that the repukes attached tax cuts for corporations to get this bill done. I want the elections to come quicker so we can vote this corrupt and incompetant party out of office, the whole country is sick of them, all they have to talk about is tax cuts, give us a break.

justthinkinoutloud (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 6:01 PM)

mmmmm, didn't McCain say he would not accept any earmarks on this bill?

Brenna1975 (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 6:13 PM)

This isn't what we need. What we need is for the house and senate to put a bill in effect that will make all the banks lower their interest rates while americans get back on they're feet.

If this was an average American saying that they were having financial trouble the bank says so what? But now that the bank is in trouble they don't want to have to renegotiate or come up with a plan to help average Americans they just want to get bailed out so they can take avantage of Americans again!!!!!

THIS WHOLE MESS IRITATES ME TO NO END!!!!!!

acs chicago, il (Sent Wednesday, October 01, 2008 6:14 PM)

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