Snow and the politics of healthcare

When Harry Reid unveils his latest healthcare compromise bill tomorrow morning, he'll do so in the midst of DC's worst snowstorm this year.

Meteorologists predict the nation's capital could see up to 20 inches of snow this weekend.

Don't be surprised if Republicans seize on those exceptional circumstances to bolster their case that Democrats are rushing the legislation through the upper chamber.

For example here's John McCain at a press conference today:

"Tomorrow, there's going to be a snowstorm, and we'll be coming in in RVs and everything will be paralyzed as our nation's capital always is when there's a snowstorm....

"We have no cost estimate from the CBO and, apparently, it's all going to be sprung on us tomorrow morning in the middle of a snowstorm....

And the Weekly Standard's Bill Kristol argued today that the snow poses a safety hazard for the staffers who'll have to trek to their offices tomorrow morning.

"It would be unsafe to ask all the staffers and Hill employees who'd be needed at the Capitol if Congress stays open all hours this weekend, as Harry Reid intends, to drive to and from work--especially since many will have to do so at night, and they won't be well-rested," Kristol wrote.

(Not everyone was convinced of the sincerity of Kristol's concern.)