Hear what our listeners had to say on Saturday’s Show >>>
Nebraska’s own Benator (Sen. Ben Nelson, D-NE) was the “National Figure of the Weekend,” tearing away the title from Tiger Woods (not the first thing Tiger has had taken away from him this week–ho! *rimshot*).
In fact, Ben Nelson’s rather surprising decision to become Vote #60 for the government’s “Universal” Health Care plan has made some major waves on the national scene:
–Mike Huckabee held a rally here in Omaha at the Omaha Music Hall, hoping to change The Benator’s mind.
–Abortion opponents stunned by Ben Nelson’s change of heart.
–Senator Mike Johanns–also a former Governor of Nebraska–has some incredibly strong words for his colleague Ben Nelson.
(Ed. Note: Regardless of where you sit on the health care debate–or what part of the political prism you reside in–you’ve got to admit it is somewhat refreshing to hear (er, read) such raw and emotional quotes from a politician. You can tell ol’ Sen. Johanns is not reading from talking points from these quotes.)
–Did The Good Life get a $45 million Medicaid windfall because of Nelson’s vote? Either way, Governor Dave Heineman is not happy.
All in all, it is interesting to see Nebraska yet again be a major player in national politics for the second time in the past 13 months. This time, however, the impact was direct and the outcome undeniable. Sen. Ben Nelson just opened the floodgates for the largest piece of legislation in the history of the United States. Which side of history will his vote (and Nebraska’s influence) fall on?
Obviously, it remains to be seen. According to the massive amount of phone calls we got while broadcasting the program Saturday morning, Sen. Nelson will end up on the wrong side of history.
It will be interesting what comes of this massive bill. It was also interesting to consider that The Weekly Grind was the first media outlet in Omaha to report on and take reaction to the biggest vote–maybe–in the history of Nebraska politics on the national scene. We appreciate all the calls. Give us some more feedback in the comments.
And to Ben Nelson: so much for your vote not being for sale, huh?
