KERRY and EDWARDS (and Daschle) May Face Flag-Burning Vote

[liberalpragmatist]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A16779-2004Sep12.html

As senators, Kerry (Mass.), Edwards (N.C.) and Daschle (S.D.) have voted against the amendment and are described by colleagues as still opposed to it. But Kerry and Edwards, who rarely leave the campaign trail for Senate votes, are not expected to show up for the flag debate unless it appears their votes would be decisive.

As it appears now, the vote could be close enough to focus attention on Kerry and Edwards if they do not suspend campaigning to return for the roll call or if they do return and their votes turn out to be critical in defeating the amendment. Similarly, if Daschle turns out to cast the make-or-break vote, Republicans will almost certainly use it against him in his close race for reelection in South Dakota.

<snip>

When it was considered in 2000 (another presidential election year), the amendment got 63 votes, four short of the 67 needed when all 100 senators are present. Based on statements and previous votes, both sides count 64 senators in support of the amendment this year.

Without Kerry and Edwards, the number required for approval would drop to 66, or even lower if other senators also were absent. The reason is that two-thirds of the senators present and voting are required to amend the Constitution, rather than two-thirds of the full membership of 100. Kerry and Edwards could come under heavy pressure to return if it appears that the amendment might pass in their absence.

The House has already approved the amendment. If the Senate follows suit, the proposal will go to the 50 states for ratification. Approval by three-fourths of the states, usually by legislative action, is required to amend the Constitution.

[zulchzulu]

1. First Amendment vs. Political Pandering

That's an easy one.

I hope the Repugs take the bait.

[incapsulated]

2. Oy vey...

Not this shit again. :eyes:

No doubt if they don't show up for the vote, they will be pressured by the rethugs and the media to state their position on it anyway, so they might as well vote. They will get hammered either way.

[Joylaughter]

3. Dude, where is my freedom of expression?

This should not be an election year issue. This is more proof that * and his Fascist gang are dividers not uniters. The right thing to do is to vote against it but how many votes will that pull from flag waving sheeple and their moral indignation? Nationalism now unmasked as Nazism? This should not be brought up for a vote at all but especially not until after November 2. But if it is then John and John must face this test of character. They are damned if they do and damned if they don't. They vote against the amendment and they are going to be called pinkos by some and defenders of freedom by others. Okay. Because this is a dirty rotten trick by the Right Wing controlled legislature I will forgive Kerry even if he votes to remove this freedom of expression. He won't lose me no matter how he votes on this. John Kerry is a true patriot and I am voting for him no matter what * trys to pull. By the way someone congratulate me on my 200th post...please. Thanks to DU. I love it here!