Why would a democrat vote not to debate HCR?

[LovinLife]

Is this vote Sat really close? They're just voting to talk about it more right?

[Demoiselle]

1. The vote is only "close" because of the nonsensical 60 vote rule.

At this point, (7 PM EST) according to the yammering tv heads, the vote for opening debate looks like 59, with one DINO, Blanche Lincoln, uncommitted yet. (Yes, even Joe Liberman will support an open debate.)
Since a majority in the Senate should really be 51, not 60, I break out in a rash when anybody says this will be a "close" vote. But I know what you mean, and I don't mean to sound snippy.

[Clio the Leo]

3. And why can't Biden vote for cloture?

The 60 vote rule makes sense to me, but preventing the man who is, technically, the President of the Senate, from voting for cloture seems weird. (And I presume that's the case because no one is suggesting that he can.)

[DrToast]

5. Biden can only vote to pass legislation and only when there's a tie. (nt)

[Clio the Leo]

8. Yeah, I realized that halfway through supper.....

... in my head it was that he could vote any time, but only did so when his vote really counted (in case of a tie.)

Well that's just dumb! Jospeh Robinette Biden should be allowed to vote whenever and for whatever he pleases!!! lol

[Sebastian Doyle]

2. A Democrat would never vote for any such thing

But a corporatist DLC douchebag might. Or a Blue Balled Coward might. Or a "I lost the primary so I'll make up my own fictional party" treasonous droopy dog piece of shit might.

But the Democrats will all be voting "Yea" tomorrow.

[notesdev]

4. Hostage-taking

This is how they do business - they bribe each other with our money.

Pay up, sucker.

[Zoeisright]

6. Because they're bought and sold by the insurance companies.

It's really that simple.

[Thrill]

7. Health Industry Dollar Bills

That why.

And of course they want to be the center of attention