POL - question about debate in the House and Senate
 

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?

Yep, that's how it works.

They're playing to the constituencies and the Congressional Record

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.

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