So Very Clever

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) thought they could sabotage the Democrats' healthcare bill by sponsoring an amendment that would require every member of Congress to participate in the public option. Their logic was that if it was such a great idea, they would make it mandatory for the people who foisted it on America... (although I think they missed the point of the term "option") and they were sure -- hehehe -- that no Democrat would actually go for it.

Well, they were wrong.

Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown says that's a fine idea. And this morning, he forced his way onto a Republican amendment saying as much, becoming a co-sponsor of a Republican protest measure that would require Congress to go on the public option if it passes.

[...]

Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma didn't seem to be in a hurry to bring on Brown as a co-sponsor. Coburn had Republican co-sponsors, but Brown's office says the Ohio Democrat never could get a commitment to be added, despite nine calls from his staff to Coburn's staff over the last week...

But in an open, televised proceeding, who's going to oppose a senator's genuine desire? So fellow senators granted Brown's wish.

And Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) chimed in, too.



HT to Digby and the FC.