Hope!

Proof that moments matter, and this country is going to make it:
House Minority John Boehner (R-Ohio) took the floor ahead of Sunday night's vote on health care reform and asked, "Do you really believe that if you like your health insurance, that under this bill you can keep it?"

House Democrats, in unison, immediately shouted, "Yes."

"No you can't!" Boehner yelled. 

It was a perfect setup: The Democratic caucus erupted in a chant of "Yes you can! Yes you can!"

Later, Boehner asked if members could say that the bill was the product of transparency and openness? “Hell, no, you can’t!” he yelled at the top of his lungs.

“Have you read the bill?" he asked, still shouting. "Have you read the reconciliation bill? Have you read the manager’s amendment? Hell, no, you haven’t.”

The gristled, sharp-tongued Democratic Rep. David Obey, who was overseeing the debate, declared dryly: “Both sides would do well to remember the dignity of the House.”

-- ARTHUR DELANEY & NICO PITNEY, 10:25 PM ET


Hold on to your dignity!