Saw just the final parts of this program, mostly Susan Collins and concluding remarks by Beschloss. Think I was right to nominate her ( along with Warner, D Va ) as Radical Centrists of the Year for 2009. This is NOT to say that I agree with her anything like 100% of the time. On some issues, like homosexuals in the military, I am adamant in opposition to her views. But even about this she made a point that her colleagues who opposed her deserved to have their views openly debated in the Senate. You can listen to her speech at the link below. Very well said. She avowedly is someone who prefers to work across party lines. But she made a telling point, Republican options were totally shut down from Day # 1 of the admin in 2009. NO Republican amendments to ANY legislation were allowed by the Democratic majority. Result, within a few weeks the Republicans stopped trying ( a few exceptions only ) and went into High Opposition Mode. She was convincing, what other choices did they have ? Again, what made a real difference is how well Collins communicated. Her 30 minute speech made things clear that many hours even at Fox simply never did. VERY smart , thoughtful woman. A pleasure to listen to her speak. Years ago, when she first ran for Senate, I heard one of her debates, and was very impressed. But gotta tell you, forgotten her name, but Collins' Democratic opponent that year was also very smart and articulate. Another sharp-as-hell woman politician. Beschloss' comments were also very good, BTW, and the idea for the gathering was A+ in my humble opinion Billy ==================================================== _Governing Across Party Lines - C-SPAN Video Library_ (http://www.c-spanarchives.org/program/id/234471) Governing Across Party Lines. Oct 5, 2010. National Cathedral ... Also participating were Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Barry C. Black and Michael Beschloss ... _www.c-spanarchives.org/program/id/234471_ (http://www.c-spanarchives.org/program/id/234471)
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