Is this the jump the shark moment?
Fascinating debate tonight in the Senate. Sen. Bunning blocked the temporary 30-day extension of unemployment insurance and COBRA on the grounds it wasn't paid for. He has had no problem in the past voting for tax cuts for the wealthy, Medicare Part D and repeal of the estate tax which weren't paid for. BUT tonight he decides to block this extension because -- wait for it -- it's not paid for.
If this stands, thousands and thousands will lose their unemployment insurance and COBRA coverage starting Sunday. Based upon the debate I've heard, it's customary to grant these 30-day extensions for unemployment insurance. It's always been done in the past.
Is this the example that will finally get the American public to fully grasp how the Repubs obstructionism affects "their" lives? Will this be a turning point?
My hope is the Democrats will use this moment to hammer home in real terms the impact of the Repubs obstructionism on real people. Rest assured if the roles were reversed, the Repubs would be all over Fox news and talk radio lambasting the Dems on how they cut unemployment benefits and denied COBRA coverage.
I think this was a "gift" to the Dems. Now, what will they do with it?