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Home Front: Politix
Sen. Ben Nelson on being the 60th vote, abortion
2009-12-21
Sen. Ben Nelson, (D-Neb.) the crucial 60th vote in the health care reform debate, said Sunday that having so much leverage hasn't been a situation he created and that the intensity of negotiations has been as "harsh..and unforgiving as I've ever seen it in my nine years."

Nelson has been at the center of the abortion language and struck a deal that will prevent federal funds from subsidizing plans that cover abortions. The compromise has angered people on both sides of the abortion debate.

"We tried to pass the Stupak language earlier in the Congress last week....It didn't get enough votes, the choice was do nothing or try to do something. What we were trying to do was find a way to solve the issue," Nelson said on CNN's "State of the Union." "If you think it's fun having both sides on an issue mad at you when you're trying to do something in a good faith, just think if i'd gone home and gotten bit by the family dog...Who enjoys that?"

Nelson said that without the compromise, reconciliation probably would have been more likely.

"I put together what I thought was appropriate and I'm sorry that both sides didn't enjoy it," he said. "That's the way it works. I'm an independent type of person."

Commenting on the fact that most of the major changes don't take effect until 2014, Nelson said, "It's unfortunate that there is that lag...the majority of this doesn't take affect until sometime in the future."

"The criticism is there, it's valid....but you have to move into this incrementally," he said.
Posted by:Fred

#2  You know, Ben, when the winds are swirling and shifting from one direction to another it helps to have a little bit of courage, integrity and faith in your own convictions. That way you know what to do in spite of all the people screaming at you to do otherwise. But I can see how it might be tough if you're nothing but a spineless little weasel.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305   2009-12-21 11:55  

#1  "If you think it's fun having both sides on an issue mad at you when you're trying to do something in a good faith, just think if i'd gone home and gotten bit by the family dog...Who enjoys that?"

That's right Ben, it's all about your... feel good factor and has little to do with the unborn or the will of the American people. That you for this revealing peek into your thought process and inner man.
Posted by: Besoeker   2009-12-21 03:46  

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