Bill Cassidy (R-LA) has been having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week.
He thought he was being a good player by co-signing on Lindsay Graham's latest attempt to take health care away from millions of Americans for the sake of Republican donor's tax cuts.
But then, he got the full force of the "Kimmel Effect" as late night host Jimmy Kimmel specifically namechecked him for putting signing on a bill that would ensure that babies not born to privileged families like the Kimmel would die.
The calls to his office have been fast and furious.
Despite the fact that the bill is the most draconian yet introduced by the GOP (no one yet has explained why repealing ACA necessitates the drastic cutting of funds to the poor and disabled Medicaid recipients), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wanted a vote during before the October 1 reconciliation deadline, so that they only needed 50 Republicans eager to let their constituents die.
But then Rand Paul said he wasn't going to vote for it (because he doesn't think it is cruel enough)
And John McCain said he wouldn't vote for it (because it doesn't go along regular Senate order, not that that's ever bothered the GOP before).
And Susan Collins said she was leaning against it (pending a CBO score that the abbreviated time period doesn't allow for).
And Ted Cruz (speaking on behalf of himself and Mike Lee) said he was leaning against it, for unspecified reasons.
So, I think even Bill Cassidy, ever eager to redeem himself from this blunder, can count that they don't have 50 votes.
So what's a guy who doesn't want the Mercer and Koch families to stop their donations to do?
Promise a NEW bill, naturally.
On the same September 30 deadline. (thanks, Mitch McConnell)
With no time for the CBO to score (sorry, Susan Collins)
With no time for hearings or amendments (oh well, John McCain)
With precious few details on how it will work (suck it, Ted Cruz and Mike Lee, though Rand Paul might find it even better depending on how evil it is).
Seriously, what is wrong with the GOP? What the hell are they even thinking? This is pathological.
But your job isn't done. Get on the phone tomorrow. Use e-fax. (Don't send emails, they ignore them). Let your senators know that you do not support this kind of sneaky end run around to steal healthcare from Americans.
And Louisianans, remember this cowardly, cruel moment when Cassidy runs for re-election in 2020.
UPDATE: Watch the weasels come out to play:
MAKE THOSE CALLS. DON'T LET UP. FLOOD THEIR OFFICES WITH CALLS AND FAXES.
