The spirit of compromise
Sep 13, 2013, 6:30 AM | Updated: 10:52 am
Congress is exercising appropriate etiquette on the House floor, but it doesn't seem to be leading to a compromise that would prevent a government shutdown yet. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
Now down to 17 days before the federal government shuts down because Congress can’t pass a budget, and I thought we’d tune into CSPAN see how it’s going.
We have Democrat Steny Hoyer and Republican Eric Cantor both observing appropriate Congressional etiquette designed to create the spirit of cooperation.
“I stand ready to work with your side on a compromise,” said Hoyer.
Democrats willing to compromise. And Republicans?
“And our side is committed to discussing how we go forward,” said Cantor.
That sounds promising. But Cantor continued, “Which is first and foremost the delay of Obamacare.”
Hmmm well, I’m sure the Democrats would be happy to…
But Hoyer shoots back. “There was a poll taken, in November 2012. The President of the United States won that poll. But your myopic focus on that one issue threatens to shut down government and put at risk the credit-worthiness of the United States of America.”
OK so that went well, but like I say, we still have 17 days.
Maybe we should switch over to the White House briefing. I believe someone is asking Jay Carney a question.
“The congressional picnic – can you say why that was canceled? Does it say anything about the state of relations between the White House?”
“It does not,” interrupts Carney. “What we are doing is offering a change in the way that the holiday parties are constructed so that members of Congress can bring their families to those parties.”
Yes, I’m sure everyone is looking forward to that picnic. Pin the tail on Obamacare … and teensy, weensy little sequester burgers.
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