Now let’s see if the House Dems stick to their guns:
(CNN) – Defying President Obama, House Democrats voted Thursday not to bring up the tax package that he negotiated with Republicans in its current form.
“This message today is very simple: That in the form that it was negotiated, it is not acceptable to the House Democratic caucus. It’s as simple as that,” said Democratic Congressman Chris Van Hollen.
“We will continue to try and work with the White House and our Republican colleagues to try and make sure we do something right for the economy and right for jobs, and a balanced package as we go forward,” he said.
The vote comes a day after Vice President Biden made clear to House Democrats behind closed doors that the deal would unravel if any changes were made.
“Wow did the [White House] mishandle this,” a senior House Democratic Source told CNN. “Breathtaking. Members have major substantive concerns and they should have gently guided people to the finish line.”
Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon said: “They said take it or leave it. We left it.”
He added the caucus resolution is technically not binding, but believes House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “will follow the wishes of her caucus.”
The vote came less than an hour after Obama himself urged Congress to pass the compromise he struck with GOP leaders earlier this week and warned that failing to do it could cost jobs.
Let us remember this is “nonbinding”, so kiss it good bye. Democrats are like abused spouses who keep returning to their abusers.
Pelosi’s office just said she’ll honor the resolution.
Obama is now playing the Republican game of blaming the Democrats. Why did a party leader not consult with his legislators?
Oh, yeah…. All together now: “Because he’s a conservative!”