By most accounts, Congressional Republicans stepped up to the plate Thursday for a national healthcare summit with Democrats.
They came armed with facts, serious and somber-faced, ready to debate one of the most serious and complex issues facing the nation – healthcare reform. After nearly seven hours of discussion, no agreement was reached between the two parties, but both sides made salient points.
What’s astonishing is that the Republicans' apparent attempt to deal with the issue in a serious and somber fashion – following a year of fierce partisan warfare on health care – far exceeded expectations. Apparently, Republicans have lowered expectations of themselves to such an extent that talking about an issue in an intelligent manner is now cause for celebration.
Little Jimmy paid attention in class today. Hurray!
And no one drove that point home more than the Republicans themselves.
Hilariously, Senate Republicans issued a press release following the event, touting praised heaped on them by the mainstream media. Here’s a few samples of what they actually put in their press release, headlined in part: “Respectful and serious.”
“The
Republicans who Showed up Generally Looked Reasonable and Sincere,” – from Politico.
“Intellectually, The Republicans Had The Best Day They’ve Had In Years. The Best Day They Have Had In Years,” quoted from David Gergen, a CNN analyst and former adviser to both Democratic and Republican presidents.
It
appears Senate Republicans are patting themselves on the back for coming off as
reasonable and sincere. And they’re looking for praise.
As
reasonably and sincerely as I can, I praise you!
