Stupak's on board

By Creature

Maybe one day Americans won't be held captive by another group's religious doctrine, but today is not that day. Either way HCR will now pass. History indeed.

Stupak to get abortion vote

By Creature

I don't think I'm a purist, but there is a line that should not be crossed. Enthusiasm meet gap.

Update: Stupak's scheduled press conference has been canceled. I'm hoping that's a good sign.

Update II: Pelosi says no separate abortion vote. Whew.

Self-defeating Stupak

By Michael J.W. Stickings

If anti-abortion Democrat Bart Stupak thinks his renegade effort to undermine health-care reform, by putting abortion before all else, has been a "living hell," he has no one to blame but himself. And its seems he's having his doubts:

The ideal outcome, Stupak said, might be for the House Democratic leadership to get the votes they need without him and for the bill to pass.

"You know, maybe for me that's the best: I stay true to my principles and beliefs," he said, and "vote no on this bill and then it passes anyways. Maybe for me is the best thing to do."

*****

"It's caused a lot of internal conflict. 'Am I doing the right thing,' you know?" he said. "I believe everyone should have healthcare. In all my correspondence -- I've been saying for years -- it's a right, not a privilege."

Then stop being an obstructionist, Stupak, and get your priorities in order. There's still time. If you want to fight the abortion battle, fine, but leave it for another time. This is too important -- to you, apparently, if we take you at your word, to the president, to your party, to your country.

As Jon Chait puts it, "Stupak sounds like a man who has backed himself into a corner, realizes he's wrong (which he is), but can't quite admit it."

Just admit it, Stupak, if only, for now, to yourself. And help pass this historic legislation.

Goodbye, Bart

By Creature

I've been meaning to contribute to Bart Stupak's primary opponent all week, and I'm thrilled that the House leadership is finally ignoring him, but it wasn't until his ridiculous claim that the Dems want to kill his amendment because it's cheaper to abort babies than provide them health care that I got my credit card in gear. Enough of this man and his lies. Feel free to join me and my wallet here.

For more, here's Rachel, setting the record straight...again.

Your moment of Rachel

By Creature

She's not letting up on Bart and I thank her for it.