FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
With some wind at their backs coming off their health care victory, Democrats may use their "mojo" to target financial reform next.
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It's hard to believe that a year and half after our financial system almost collapsed... we're still operating under the same regulations, or lack thereof.
On second thought, it's not hard to believe at all.
Now, the Senate Banking Committee has sent a massive Wall Street regulation bill to the full chamber - on a strictly party line vote.
Once again, not a single Republican supported it... although some top Republicans sound optimistic that the final bill would get bipartisan support.
The bill would give the government unprecedented powers to split up companies that are considered a threat to the economy - the so-called, "too big to fail."
It would also create a council of regulators to watch for risks along with an independent consumer watchdog.
The American Bankers Association was quick to come out against it - no surprise there. The House already passed a version of the bill last year. But with midterm elections around the corner - unless the Democrats act fast and President Obama gives it everything he's got - passage this year could be a long shot.
Meanwhile a new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll shows 53 percent of Americans favor greater government regulation of financial institutions... 43 percent oppose it.
Support for regulation is highest among upper-income people... probably because they have more to lose.
Democrats are also much more likely than Republicans to support reform.
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Michael in Tampa, Florida writes:
You slay me. The time for reform came and went. The federal government gave banks billions after their collusion to create worthless derivatives based on highly creative mortgages. Timothy Geithner and others should have immediately proposed broad and sweeping changes last year, BEFORE all the bailouts. The financial and banking system is just one area where lobbyists have total control of Congress.
Larry writes:
Two words, Jack: "Ruling Class". It doesn't matter if they're Dems or Neo-cons, red or blue...Green is the color of "Control" and it's a drug very hard to kick.
Richard in Shreveport, Louisiana writes:
If Obama gets behind it like he did in the last days before the health care vote, it will pass.
Mark writes:
About as much as meaningful health care reform, Comrade.
Dave in South Carolina writes:
Only one piece of major legislation per administration, Jack. If you fix everything, you spend the rest of your time repairing your own work. And that's not good politics.
Charlie in New Mexico writes:
Given the amount of influence held by Wall Street over Congress, the Fed and other the regulatory agencies, I have serious doubts that any truly meaningful financial reforms will ever see the light of day.
Jason in Schenectady, New York writes:
After seeing what the Democrats just accomplished, I am now pretty much convinced we can do anything and I have renewed hope once again. I am willing to bet Obama attacks this as feverishly as he attacked health insurance reform.
Geoff in Virginia writes:
Jack, I think Sarah Palin will join Mensa before financial reform is truly enacted.