[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

But Shelby, called it a "bridge loan to nowhere,”

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Related FR Thread:

The Big Three's real union problem - (Let's ruin foreign manufacturers in the South too)

[Brookhaven]

Republicans should do the math.

Republicans have already been blamed by moderates for the recent economic meltdown. Nothing they do will change that. You won’t win any moderate votes by bailing out the automakers.

The Republican base (conservatives) are opposed to bailing out the automakers. You will make your base mad and lose votes if you vote to bail out the automakes (on the other hand, you will endear the base to you and gain their votes if you oppose the auto bailout.)

Vote for the bailout: Gain 0 votes from left and lose votes from right.

Oppose bailout: Gain 0 votes from the left, but GAIN votes from the right.

Republicans have nothing to gain from voting for the auto bailout.

[curiosity]

God, I pray the Republicans and blue dog Dems for once grow a pair and talk this horrid piece of legislation to death.

I can't think of too many things worse for this country long-term than a de facto nationalization of the auto industry shudder.