I’d just as soon see the balanced budget amendment taken out of this bill. The budget is the immediate issue. People understand the argument of “We submitted a budget, where’s his?” I’d put the balanced budget amendment in a separate bill, as it’s a long-term change that should be addressed separately. They can still pass it and give it to the President at the same time, but it separates out the debate and keeps Obama from making the debate all about the amendment.
if it passes the Senate (highly dubious) then Barry will be facing the same kind of moment that Bill Clinton had with Dickie Morris over the welfare reform bill (i.e. “if you want to end your political career right freakin’ now, go ahead with your threat to veto”)
I agree that the BBA is pointless. They will never get 2/3 of the states to approve it. Too many of them are deep in hock and looking towards an eventual Federal bailout, which could never happen if it passed.