So last week, Reid lined up Democratic senators to vote to effectively overturn the decision of the parliamentarian, who serves as the Senate’s official referee. By a simple majority of 51 senators, Democrats established a new precedent in the body. It’s a rarely used maneuver to overturn the parliamentarian — it hasn’t happened in 11 years — and it’s been avoided by both parties for fear of the consequences.

Reid spokesman Adam Jentleson said it’s “disingenuous” for Republicans to suggest that they can make major changes to policy by a simple majority because of last week’s maneuvering, saying nothing has changed that has affected the rights afforded to the minority party.

But Senate Republican aides were quietly discussing what the rules change could mean for signature Obama initiatives — including the health care law. For instance, if a senator offers an amendment to repeal the health care law to a bill that has cleared a filibuster, it may be ruled out of order by the parliamentarian.

But the chamber could then presumably vote by a simple majority to overturn that ruling. And the amendment could stay pending to the bill, which could then be passed by a simple majority vote in the full Senate.

Republicans threatened to do the same thing after Dems fillibustered judicial nomination after judicial nomination. I said at the tine I thought it was a bad idea cause we wouldn't have the majority always and it was a sticky mess to get into. I seem to remember I wasn't the only or most passionate one on here at the time who thought this way. Now this is the second thread we've had on this.

Is it out of desperation that the Democrats are pulling so much out of their asses to pass their agenda?

Is it out of desperation that the Democrats are pulling so much out of their asses to pass their agenda?

From my understanding, this had nothing to do with trying to pass their agenda, but avoiding a referendum on the President and his policies. Reid was in a no-win situation in relation to his personal positions, and had to make the choice between enduring potential criticism for being a hypocrite (which he has largely avoided in the mainstream media) or serving Obama's head on a platter.

"Ill just put in the head baby, if you don't like it ill pull out."

WTF?

Is that Red Meat?

It do not do no such thing.