Sen. McConnell Twists Himself "Into A Pretzel" Attempting To Block Debate On Health Care

Tonight, the Senate is expected to vote to bring health care reform to the floor for debate.  As Senate Republicans fight to stop the debate before it even begins, their argument relies on one dubious contention: a vote to proceed, they say, is actually a vote for passage of the final bill.

At a press conference today, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) accused Democrats who reject the GOP's premise of "twisting themselves into a pretzel," adding, "That's not what the American people think.  They think that beginning this debate is a vote for the bill."

But moments later, McConnell refuted his own argument.  Asked what kind of debate he expects if the bill comes to the floor, McConnell said he's "confident" that there will be "a free-wheeling, wide open amendment process." Watch it:

The fact is, McConnell and the rest of his party are trying to prevent any debate at all -- and "twisting themselves into a pretzel" to do it.