The Last Word... O'Donnell covering what Reid

[LiberalFighter]

did with nominations with the help of McConnell. Yesterday I think without much fanfare.

[napi21]

1. Absolutely no fanfare! If O'Donnell hadn't covered this

noone would have known it happened! I'd also like to hear a bit more about the tax bill he got passed. Something to do with flu shots and not being liked by the pharma co's. Hang in there Harry! There are many times I get upset with Harry for being too laid back and quiet, but apparently he knows the Senate rules very well.

[Tx4obama]

5. Senate passes huge lists of things by unanimous consent a few times every year. See comment #4

[BlueStreak]

2. O'Donnell tried to make it sound like this happens all the time. BS

This is not normal. There was such a long list of appointments precisely BECAUSE the GOP has opposed every one.

It is clear that McConnell is re-figuring his political calculus. It seems he has decided:

1) Boehner is toxic and he wants as much distance as possible from Boehner

2) The obstruction strategy failed badly

3) He has to put up with Obama for 4 more years

4) He may be a little concerned about his own re-election chances in 2014. He may have decided that the political climate is shifting to where he needs to be seen as a player rather than a blocker.

It is clear that McConnell gave Reid the green light to clear out a whole bunch of stuck nominations that had no business being held up. I assume that doesn't include the more controversial positions, such as head of the ATF.

I don't believe this is business as usual. This is a big change.

[Tx4obama]

4. There is always a huge long list of things that The Senate approves by unanimous consent...

... right before a long break and/or at the end of a congressional session.

This is really nothing out of the ordinary,
the only thing new is that someone mentioned it on the TV box.

The one thing what was 'missing' was that there are no Circuit Court or District Court judges included in the lists,
normally they let a few judges be confirmed by unanimous consent before The Senate adjourns.

---
TWO LISTS on the links below of all the things O'donnell is talking about that Senator Reid did yesterday & today

Here: http://democrats.senate.gov/2013/01/01/senate-floor-wrap-up-for-tuesday-january-1-2013/
and
Here: http://democrats.senate.gov/2013/01/02/senate-floor-wrap-up-for-wednesday-january-2-2013/

[high density]

3. context

http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/01/02/what-harry-reid-and-mitch-mcconnell-did-while-you-werent-looking/

[Tx4obama]

6. And more info on the link below

Here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022121372