Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) believes that Democrats have the 60 votes they need to stop a Republican filibuster of the healthcare bill.  Ultimately, several Democrats will vote against the bill, but he thinks cloture will pass.

 

Sanders may be a little early in thinking they can reach 60 votes.  While cloture isn’t an actual vote for the legislation, it can be viewed as such.  If you know a bill will pass because you vote to stop debate, then you’re complicit.  Those voting for cloture can be sure they will face tough questions from their constituents as a result.  Every moderate senator knows this.  A cloture vote won’t pass unless a reasonable compromise is reached.