Dems Force GOP to Take a Stand

Can a new campaign strategy save Democrats from a disappointing November? The party is settling on a new tack, says The Washington Post: inviting Republicans to vote for a series of modest and popular bills or forcing them to explain to their constituents why they oppose such measures. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s pared-down jobs bill is the first example. On its heels, in the coming weeks, Republicans can expect to vote on lifting the antitrust exemption for insurance companies, small-business assistance, an extension of unemployment benefits, and a proposal to slap new fees on Wall Street banks. "If they support the measures, great," said one senior White House official. "But if not, the votes will show their hypocrisy and obstruction, which will demonstrate something in itself."