Sen. Bob Corker (R., Tenn.) expressed relief Saturday that two non-START-related issues – the DREAM Act and repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ — were swiftly dealt with, leaving Senators with more time to debate the arms reduction treaty with Russia in what remains of the lame-duck session.
He told National Review Online that he’s glad Democrats did not “burn up the entire weekend” on those issues, and also praised Republicans for acting “above the fray” by not dragging out the debates. “Republicans were very accommodating today,” Corker said.
Earlier in the week, Sen. John Kerry (D., Mass.) had called for “reciprocity” from Republicans in regard to START negotiations. Corker thought they’d shown just that, and now wanted to see some from Democrats. “I hope there will be a degree of credit given for the fact that stall tactics could’ve been used today [a]nd were not,” he said.
Corker said that he had voiced his concerns with Vice President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) that ample time be allotted for discussion, but remained coy on how he thought a final vote would play out. The Senate will meet Sunday to debate and vote on several Republican amendments to the treaty.
Thanks Bob for confirming once again that Repubs could care less about us social cons. Pass that pesky DADT repeal as quickly as possible. It was all a show, wasn't it? You were going to pass it all along. Next up cave to gay marriage (then polygamy,etc ....). But, put on a show of force beforehand. Writing is on the wall. I'm done with the Repubs .
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI hope this is not a sign he is caving and will support this highly flawed treaty.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseLet's not get too far from the "fray." It is entirely legitimate, when a bill or treaty is a bad thing for the country, to try to stall things and run out the clock if that's what it takes to kill them. The Democrats spend most of their lives in the "fray" and in pursuit of advancing a mostly dishonorable and damaging agenda. Ramming this treaty through at the last minute and creating a sense of urgency for its passing, when a thoughtful, deliberative debate could have and should have been allowed months ago is hardly the most high-minded and honorable way to have approached the ratification of this dubious treaty. So let's not worry too much about artificial niceties that need to be maintained when the good of the country is at stake here. Delay, Republicans, stall, drag this out if that's what it takes to kill this treaty. Worry about style points later, just do what's right for the country.
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse“Republicans were very accommodating today,” Corker said.
...
Corker thought they’d shown [“reciprocity”], and now wanted to see some from Democrats...
I hope Senator Corker is not holding his breath over this. It is this kind of Republican accommodation that really frustrates me as a conservative.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseReciprocity?
Kerry's Theorem of Reciprocity:
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseR's give
D's take
D's badmouth R's
R's wonder what hit them
QED
Any GOPer who votes for this treaty and thus abandons missile defence should be targeted for a primary challenge. There is no reason to pass this treaty.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseBob Corker, when was the mission of either party to be "accomodating?" good grief.
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse"Any GOPer who votes for this treaty and thus abandons missile defence should be targeted for a primary challenge. There is no reason to pass this treaty."
Missile defense is one tactic among many for achieving our security goals. It has pluses and minuses. It is not an essential tenet of Republican party doctrine.
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