“So this is how it is, Harry’s boot on the right of citizens necks.. Pressing and stomping..”
When Republicans controlled the Senate, Democrats were able to force votes on issues of importance to them. Often they did it by rallying around a story and beating the drum on that story until the Republicans capitulated and allowed what was often an embarrassing vote.
Reid and Obama do not want to put Senate Democrats in a position of voting on this issue during an election year. If the matter went to vote, as many as 20 Democrat Senators might vote for the pipeline, giving the vote a very bipartisan flavor. This would be an extremely embarrassing loss for Obama and might force him to approve the pipeline this year when it is almost certain the delay is so he can reject it next year.
If the Republicans wanted to force a vote on the issue they could. McConnell could use every parliamentarian trick permitted by the Senate rules. The GOP leadership could conduct an effective public relations campaign to force the issue to the national stage. For example, McConnell and the leadership could stage a PR event on the steps of the Capitol. Bring out a “vote denied” clock reporting how many days Reid has failed to allow the issue to come to a vote. Then, every single day the Senate is in session the leadership comes out on the steps at the same time and make the point again. While this is going on, run a national advertising campaign using the clock symbol and reporting the number of days the vote has been denied. Get major talk radio hosts to report on the days at the beginning of their broadcasts. Run a petition on the internet for Americans to sign up demanding a vote. Have every Republican Congressman and Senator communicate with constituents and ask them to call and write demanding a vote. Organize a citizens march on Washington. Every time a GOP politician or consultant is speaking to a reporter he or she should demand an up or down vote on the pipeline. The media cannot squash a concerted and sustained effort through multiple traditional and new media channels.
Unfortunately the Republican Party has no concept of hard ball politics or how to mobilize people behind an issue. All of the community organizing skills reside in the Democrat Party. One more reason Republicans today accomplish nothing except further the opposition’s agenda whether they are in or out of power.
“When you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there” should be adopted as the slogan of the national Republican Party.
The Senate GOP leadership couldn’t get it done when they had the edge,, now they show as being even more incompetent than ever. The maturing of the good old boys club,, turning their own PR on those who put them where they are, trusting they weren’t gonna go Hollywood..
Boy we’re we sold a bill of goods.