Merkley On Hagel: I Told You We Should Have Reformed Filibuster

[DonViejo]

IGOR BOBIC 3:35 PM EST, THURSDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2013

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), a leading champion of filibuster reform, issued a statement Thursday lamenting Republican efforts to perform an unprecedented filibuster against a cabinet-level nominee, Chuck Hagel.

“Merely weeks after the Senate came together in a good-faith effort to fix the Senate’s problems, Senate Republicans are now engaging in the first-ever filibuster of a Secretary of Defense nominee," said Merkley said in a statement. "It is deeply disappointing that even when President Obama nominates a former conservative colleague of the GOP caucus, the minority is abusing the rules and the spirit of ‘advise and consent.’ If our step we took last month is to be successful, extraordinary stunts like today’s filibuster can’t happen.”

-30-

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/merkley-on-hagel-i-told-you-we-should

[Fantastic Anarchist]

1. I knew this shit would happen.

Didn't Reid and McConnell have some sort of agreement on this?

I was going to say "gentlemen's" agreement, but McConnell is no gentleman.

[ReRe]

9. I knew too...

... by his body language on Inauguration Day (walking to the balcony and at the luncheon.) He was hunched over, looking at the floor, no trace of a smile. I thought he was going to collapse. It wouldn't surprise me that he and Mitch got together that very day and that's what was wrong with Harry. Don't know it for sure, of course, but a strong hunch. Harry's a big baby and Mitch bullies him. Mitch is one mean MFer. Why karma has not caught up with him, I don't know. I guess, what with all the pure-tee assholes running around on this earth, that karma can't keep up.

[Cosmocat]

16. And, this highlights the folly

of those who worry about changing the filibuster out of fear of what would happen if the Rs got a small majority.

Friggen McConnell would have the senate in session at 12:01 am the morning of the first day he would change the rules to blow up the filibuster.

Not even bat an eye.

[Third Doctor]

2. Reid's weakness

is on display for all to see. I have problems with justifying his actions and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

[4dsc]

3. this will never get old

The lack of leadership will shine on with Reid in charge

[rhett o rick]

4. It's very short sighted to blame only Sen Reid. He is acting on behalf of a majority of the

Democratic Senators. And the Democratic Senators could not all agree on the need to reform.

Here's how I see it went down. Picture Reid and McConnell tossing down shots and Reid saying, " LOL, I think I will tell the stupid liberals that I am going to reform the filibuster." McConnell responds, "LOL, Harry. That's a good one." Harry again, "Then at the last minute, I will say I dont have the votes. Hah, hah, hah." McConnell snorts and blurbs something unintelligible.

In the most part our elected representatives are beholden to the ruling elite, especially those in the Senate. To think they are going to help the masses is naive.

[avebury]

11. Reid can either lead or get out of the way

and let someone else take charge.

[rhett o rick]

13. The majority of Dem Senators are happy with his performance. nm

[avebury]

14. As I have said all too often, the

Democrats have always been and will continue to be their own worst enemies.

[UCmeNdc]

5. Merkley was completely correct and Reid was completely made a fool.

Reid is too busy being nice to the GOP as the GOP just mopped the floor with Reid's niceties.

[SHRED]

6. I think its deliberate

Reid never wanted real reform. He had the votes.

[BlueManFan]

7. I'm shocked...Shocked I Say

that anyone who is smart enough to pour water out a fucking boot didn's see this coming. Christ I wish the Democrats would stand up to these repugnant bastards.

[SCVDem]

8. Reid, a Mormon, throwing down shots?

May as well! (Big shot)

[Jakes Progress]

10. But, but who would know that republicans couldn't be trusted?

It was just so unforeseen.

[leftyohiolib]

12. man am i tired of the weakness in the dems. always wanting to be fair to a bunch of lying

childish ... oh what's the fking point. potus should just give up, thank harry for fucking him over and give up. some people have to learn the hard way

[davidpdx]

15. Fuck Yeah!

Give'em hell Jeff!

[blackspade]

17. This totally belongs to Reid.

The fact that he believed a word coming out of McConnell's mouth underscores how gullible or complicit he is.