Live on CSPAN2 now Liveblog: 10:13 – Reid: Senate will resume at 12 noon tomorrow.  If cloture is not invoked, debate will continue on the Reid amendment. 10:07: Reid – There are negotiations going on right now at the White House. We want to give everyone as much space as possible to reach an agreement, [...]

Second liveblog of House debate on health care reform today.

If there is going to be a serious progressive movement in this country capable of standing up for health care against an industry that spends $1.4 million a day on lobbying, we can’t just look to the members of the Progressive Caucus and say “hey, you, get something done.” They need cover. They need to know that they will be supported. And people like Van Jones who have given their lives to causes we say we value like prison reform and environmentalism need to know that they will be defended, and not handed over to Glen Beck for their willingness to stand up and fight.

Presidential debates aren’t really debates. These faux debates are bad for democracy. Ideally, debates should inform voters about the issues and challenge the candidates to move beyond their talking points and think on their feet. Under the current rules, these events have degenerated into non sequitur public speaking contests.