Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Overwhelming Majority

On Monday, Bob stated that the Democrats had an "overwhelming majority in both the House and Senate."

In reality, the Democrats maintain the tiniest of majorities in the U.S. Senate. In the current 110th Congress, prior to to the resignation of Barack Obama, the Democrats had 49 members, the Republicans had 49 members and there were two independents (Bernie Sanders and Joe Lieberman). The two independents caucus with the Democrats to give them a 51% voting share, just enough to make Harry Reid the majority leader, instead of the minority leader.

Now, 51% doesn't sound like an "overwhelming majority" to me. But I, unlike Bob, have had training in math past the high school level.

Also, keep in mind that because of the Senate's rules regarding debate, you often need a minimum of 60 votes to pass contentious legislation. This rule has made it possible for the Senate Republicans to block numerous pieces of legislation over the last two years, most recently the auto company loan package.

So Bob, please get your facts straight. Otherwise, you sound like a liar.

3 comments:

The Mule said...

Hasn't the "Loyal Opposition" that make up this congress managed to set some sort of record of filibusters or threat of filibuster? Nothing like throwing a monkey wrench in the machinery and then blaming the other side for a lack of progress. One has to admire the Republicans for their cohesion, Democrats constantly cross party lines to try to get things done, but in RepulicanWorld, nothing is more important than the party. These are the people who will let the umemployed starve, break unions, the middle class and keep wages down all at the bidding of their multinational corporate paymasters. Most of these people should be arrested.

Lumberjack said...

Sweeping categorical statements and exaggerations are the hallmark of a person who stretches the truth.

DJ said...

Bob probably doesn't realize that the new Congress doesn't come together until January.

That's common knowledge, which says a lot about Bob.