The Democrats Need Sanders to Get to 60

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In a discussion of Ben Bernanke's prospects for approval in the Senate, the NYT told readers that Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who is an independent, has placed a hold on Bernanke's nomination. It then told readers that: "But unlike so many of the partisan battles that have often paralyzed the Senate, because Democrats hold 60 votes, Mr. Bernanke has enough support to clear that hurdle." Actually, this is not true. Sanders usually votes with the Democrats and is counted in that 60. If he persists in his opposition to Bernanke, then the Democrats will have to pull over the support of at least one Republican to be able to win a vote in the Senate. Thanks to Nicole Woo.

--Dean Baker

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