Republicans Governor Schwarzenegger and Mayor Bloomberg have come out of the G.O.P. closet in support of President Obama’s healthcare reform proposal.

“Our principal goals, slowing the growth in costs, enhancing the quality of care delivered, improving the lives of individuals, and helping to ensure a strong economic recovery, are the same goals that the president is trying to achieve,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement. Bloomberg said, “The health reform proposal that Congress will shortly consider is shaping up to merit broad, bipartisan support, incorporating Republican ideas and earning deserved support from Republican leaders such as former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.”

On one hand it’s nice to see Republicans giving up the game that everything Democrats touch turns to poison (although I thoroughly understand the concern), and be willing to help out. On the other, these guys aren’t in the House or Senate, leaving them without a vote in the matter.

I’m still under the impression that while most Republicans generally disagree with Obama, some actually support him, but are afraid to come out in support of a Democrat. The reason being that it’s hard to campaign as a Republican when your primary opponent can point to you getting nice and comfy with the evil Democrats. Sad that in today’s politics it counts against a candidate when they show willingness to work across the aisle, the aisle which seems to be more of a river filled with fire-breathing crocodiles with a taste for human flesh than an actual aisle these days. Instead of taking the risk of being seen in the same light as a Democrats, it seems many Republicans are opting to keep their mouths shut, putting hopes of re-election over country.

It truly is odd that in some instances, candidates have a better chance of retaining their office by not doing their job, which in this case is working with their hated, Congressional brethren. There’s no other job in America where if you don’t do your job, you’ll be more likely to keep it.

“Braylon Edwards, you’ve been a major disappointment and now you’re causing problems with LeBron James’ crew. Let’s renegotiate your contract so you can get an extra million or two!”

“Janitor Smith, I was really impressed with your inability to clean up that pile of puke in the gymnasium. You’re getting a raise!”

“Doctor Killjoy, you’ve rendered a majority of your patients paralyzed from the waist down. I’m recommending you as the new Chief of Medicine!”

Hopefully some Republicans whose votes actually count can pick up the ball the Democrats, with majority rule and all, keep dropping. The Democrats have already made it clear that they don’t have the stones to enact any kind of real change on their own, so how about you Republicans get out there and finish the job the Democrats started? I promise I won’t vote against you for doing what you’re supposed to be doing!

[via The Daily Beast]