With the threat of Reps going 'nuclear', shouldn't the Dems pre-empt?

[EVDebs]

If the Repubs decide to use the nuclear option by trying to eliminate the filibuster, wouldn't it make sense to begin fillibustering something near and dear to them, like say the Social Security measure Bush wants.....FIRST ? Give them something you are already holding 'hostage' so to speak ?

Another option is to fillibuster EVERYTHING. Go nuclear back at them.

[Frances]

1. I don't think you understand how the Senate works

Maybe someone on DU could explain

[Journeyman]

2. Before they can filibuster Bush's Social Security measure. . .

Bush will have to introduce a Social Security measure. Quite difficult to block something that isn't moving, hasn't even been created.

[EVDebs]

5. Give them the message. Go nuclear...no SS gets INTRODUCED.

It's like asking them which testicle they'd like removed.

[autorank]

3. EVDebs, I think you're onto something.

Reid is obviously ready for a big fight. The guy has the charisma of a CPA and the heart of a Mexican Welterweight (which is a very high compliment!). He won't go down, in fact he wants to just knock them around. I don't think that there are any parlaimentarians on the Republican side. Frist doesn't qualify, Grassley is a fool, and Hatch is on acid. Who do they have that really knows the ropes. We've gor Byrd and Reid plus some very, very bright Senators.

It is probably time to go ahead and out fox them. I suspect that Reid is playing chess and Frist checkers. This will be awesome.

BTW, when we take the whole thing back, it will be time to remove some of these a'holes on the bench. They take all sorts of graft in the form of paid conferences and that sucks.

[EVDebs]

4. I know that the Repubs are playing for keeps and the Dems need

to stage the equivalent of the George Foreman vs. Ron Lyle fight if they want to be the 'contenders' they CAN be. BTW, that was the best fight I ever saw and each guy let it all go for, what, 5 rounds that seemed like 15

"He (Foreman) boxed Ron Lyle, in a fight hailed by Ring Magazine as The Fight Of The Year (1976). In a brutal fourth round, Lyle knocked down Foreman, only to have Foreman get up from the canvas to knock down Lyle moments later. In the closing seconds of the round, Lyle knocked Foreman down again, with Foreman making it up before the ten count. With both men in a weakened state, but with one having to muster up the fortitude to put the other away, Foreman knocked out Lyle in the fifth round. Then, he knocked out Frazier in a rematch in five, Scott Ledoux in three, and Dino Dennis in four to finish the year." http://www.answers.com/topic/george-foreman

It's time to take these guys on. Bush's "Legacy" is in jeopardy and THEY KNOW IT. This SS stuff isn't going anywhere (Thomas called it a 'dead horse') and so what's left ? Someone should make a motion for Iraq as the 51st state just for laughs...and then see if the Repubs won't filibuster that one !

[autorank]

8. Foreman - Lyle, OMeffingG!!! What a fight.

I remember tuning that in thinking it would be a quick affair and then standing for the whole fight, which is odd when you're in a living room with a bunch of guys watching it on TV. Thanks for the memory. Yeah, Foreman had guts and came back. I like it!

Here's another one, Hagler-Hearns. That's the middle weight sequel to Foreman-Lyle (which is an idea you just gave me).

We want to be just like Foreman and Hagler, just go for broke and know you'll win. I trust our Senate stable and their tainers. They can't fix the ref or judges in the Senate, the rules are all written down and we'll win the paper chase every time.

Rock on!

[Dinger]

6. I Plead Ignorance; Doesn't The Senate Need 60 Votes?

What has changed?

[Pepperbelly]

7. far easier ways to totally stop them ...

End unanimous consent for one. That locks it up.