At the start of Senator Ted Cruz’ historic filibuster opposing funding to implement ObamaCare, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was quoted by Real Clear Politics as saying
“Filibusters stop people from voting, and we are going to vote tomorrow, under the rules, no one can stop that.”
This is a vastly different Harry Reid than the one who led a (failed) 1987 filibuster against making Nevada’s Yucca Mountain a national nuclear waste repository.
"You would think this country would come up with a long-range energy policy." — @SenatorReid, 1987. #linesthatworkinanyyear
— Jon Ralston (@RalstonReports) September 25, 2013
Two-and-a-half decades ago, Senator Reid was not concerned about an up or down vote but instead used six hours to extol the virtues of his hometown of Searchlight, Howard Hughes, Butch Cassidy, and the beauty of Lake Tahoe.
"Reid spoke for six of the hours, extolling his hometown of Searchlight, Howard Hughes, Butch Cassidy and the beauties of Lake Tahoe."
— Jon Ralston (@RalstonReports) September 25, 2013
By contrast, with the exception of taking some time to read “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss to his daughters, Senator Cruz has used this opportunity to inform the American public about how ObamaCare will destroy the US Health Care system.
In case you missed the cutest political picture of the year. pic.twitter.com/rafKlejxAj
— Kathleen McKinley (@KatMcKinley) September 25, 2013
Though he is still on his feet, speaking even as I write, Cruz was knee-capped by his Republican colleagues before the process even began. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell joined forces with Democrat leader Reid in “fending off procedural roadblocks” to passing a Continuing Resolution to keep the Federal Government funded after September 30th. McConnell, as well as his colleagues like John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina are terrified of possible political fallout should a temporary Government shut down take place as a result of the Cruz strategy. His filibuster is the modern day equivalent of Paul Revere’s midnight ride. Now it is up to Republicans in the House to stand firm and repel this assault on our way of life!