POL - question about debate in the House and Senate

Flasch186 · 06-16-2006, 09:30 AM

I am watching the House of Representatives debate this morning and I get the impression that not a one of them on either side is listening to the other side's points.

I was wondering, from those that watch these things more often than I do, is this often the case that all of the votes or stances have been solidified before they even open up debate? Is there ever cases where from debate something enlightening occurs or is this just "going through the motions" to get their stances on the record for their parties and constituents to see?

stevew · 06-16-2006, 09:33 AM

Yep, that's how it works.

SirFozzie · 06-16-2006, 09:38 AM

They're playing to the constituencies and the Congressional Record

JonInMiddleGA · 06-16-2006, 09:46 AM

What dubb & Fozzie said.

I'd bet the number of votes changed due to something said from the well over the past 50 years could be numbered in the single digits.

flere-imsaho · 06-16-2006, 12:00 PM

Yes. It's actually kind of amusing to see people jockey for good CSPAN time slots during debates that will get some attention.

06-16-2006, 09:38 AM	#3
SirFozzie Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The State of Insanity	They're playing to the constituencies and the Congressional Record __________________ Check out Foz's New Video Game Site, An 8-bit Mind in an 8GB world! http://an8bitmind.com

06-16-2006, 09:46 AM	#4
JonInMiddleGA Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Behind Enemy Lines in Athens, GA	What dubb & Fozzie said. I'd bet the number of votes changed due to something said from the well over the past 50 years could be numbered in the single digits. __________________ "I lit another cigarette. Unless I specifically inform you to the contrary, I am always lighting another cigarette." - from a novel by Martin Amis

06-16-2006, 09:33 AM	#2
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Yep, that's how it works.

06-16-2006, 12:00 PM	#5
flere-imsaho Coordinator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chicagoland	Yes. It's actually kind of amusing to see people jockey for good CSPAN time slots during debates that will get some attention.

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