Opinion: ‘Twas the night before Christmas, the Senate version
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‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the House
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
Pelosi & Hoyer & Boehner & Cantor had long since left D.C.
The better to tell their constituents to be merry.
But the U.S. Senate was a different story.
There early lights blazed in healthcare debate glory.
Reid who had labored so hard and long
At first voted no, then corrected his wrong.
The vice president sat in the big chair
And gaveled the bill to a 60-39 victory there.
The president was jubilant, a historic win.
Now it’s off to Hawaii, to hold up his chin.
And both sides took advantage to come alive.
With Vicki Kennedy looking on, Democrats rallied their base with brave words of praise.
Eager to galvanize Tea Party anger, Republicans urged a rebellion, a 2010 malaise.
As for St. Nick he marveled at the goodies they had left on the tree.
A Medicaid sweetener for Nelson, which some called bribery.
Democrat Schumer said the Christmas tree would only gain in favor.
Republican Steele called it a $2.5-trillion lump of coal, an Obama face saver.
After the vote, they fled to the airport
To be home for the holiday with voters and hold court.
But they called in unison, as they drove out of sight
‘Happy Christmas to all and to all a goodnight.’
-- Johanna Neuman
Related item:
Lawsuit challenges to the healthcare bill already being drafted
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