Democrats Can't Deliver

President ∅'s minions say the Democrats can't deliver on their health care bill without the help of Republicans. And the Republicans are not helping.

President Barack Obama's push to overhaul health care needs Republican votes, lawmakers from both parties say.

Democratic and GOP officials acknowledged Sunday that Obama's ambitious plan would not pass without the aid of a doubtful GOP, whose members are almost united against the White House effort.

"Look, there are not the votes for Democrats to do this just on our side of the aisle," said Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., the chairman of the budget committee.

Rep. Jim Cooper, a Tennessee Democrat and a member of the fiscally conservative "Blue Dogs," said he doubts the Democratic-controlled House could pass a proposal as it's drafted now.

"We have a long way to go," Cooper said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, however, insisted she has the votes to move forward with the plan despite concerns among fiscally conservative fellow Democrats.

"When I take this bill to the floor, it will win. We will move forward, it will happen," said Pelosi, D-Calif.

There are 257 Democrats in the House and 218 are needed to pass a Bill. That means that if the Republicans hold firm the Democrats are a minimum of 40 votes short. That is a defection rate of a little more than 15%.

I think Pelosi needs to be floored before the American people get kicked to the floor. There is only one way to make sure this turkey gets the ax. Keep the pressure on. So keep those e-mails, faxes, and phone calls coming.

House of Representatives
The Senate

Cross Posted at Classical Values