This is simply remarkable, but entirely unsurprising. Republicans are likely not going to vote at all for the stimulus in the House, according to Rep. Castle.

Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del., said there could be as many as 10 to 15 Republicans supporting the package, but added, “If I had to bet, I would bet zero.

It’s remarkable that the Republicans are being candid and equally remarkable that Democrats in DC did not expect this outcome.

Tim F. of Balloon Juice is spot on when he writes:

If Republicans plan to deliver exactly zero votes for Obama’s stimulus bill, then why does the bill still have compromises in it? Screw them. Put the family planning stuff back in, take the tax cuts out. If we know for sure that passing a crappy bill still won’t win any votes then just pass a better bill. They won’t scream any louder. The political cost won’t be any greater. Also, and pay attention because this is the important part, a better bill is more likely to succeed.

That any other course of action than what Tim suggests would be possible at this point from the Democratic side is only testament to our party’s tactical ineffectiveness. What goes unsaid from Tim’s post is this – step back while I put on my bipartisan fetishist hat: A hard step to the left in response to Republican obstinance could force moderate Republicans back into the realm of voting for the bill. That is, if it really is more important for the administration and Democrats on the Hill to pass a bill that has bipartisan support than having a bill that works, then responding to Republican partisanship with Democratic partisanship could open the door to that too!

Moreover, if Democrats respond to this by pulling the current compromise-ladden crap fest off the table and putting a good bill built on progressive principles (including birth control funding, supertrains, health care, etc) and the GOP doesn’t respond by begging their way back to the table, then as Tim says – we get a good bill that’s more likely to succeed and help the economy.

I swear to God, watching Democrats function in DC is like watching a group of sky divers who are constantly surprised by the laws of gravity.