Vice President Joe Biden trekked down to the Senate to try and convince leery Dems that the plan was essential, but it still wasn't clear if the bill would garner enough support. Perhaps that's why Lieberman saw himself as the voice of reason. Roll Call:
During the meeting with Democrats, aides said, lawmakers were often openly combative with the vice president. “Biden got an unfriendly reception. Lots of hostile questioning and grousing, particularly about the estate tax. Senators were not on their best behavior,” a senior Democratic aide said.Senate Democrats are expected to vote on the measure next week.
Senate Democratic Conference Vice Chairman Charles Schumer (N.Y.) refused to comment after the meeting, repeatedly telling reporters, “I’m not talking.”