Reflection on the Nuclear Compromise

[simcha_6]

Does it seem the Democrats gave way to the Republicans (basically giving them two or three judicial nominees) and in return we get assured that they won't change senate rules? We gained nothing as a party. Sure, we defended the Senate's integrity, which counts for something, but in terms of what's good for us politically, we got run over. While they're busy fighting for the Republicans, we're fighting for the Senate, and there's nobody fighting for us. (If it were pure self-interest, we would have voted against the filibuster rule change but not made a big deal about it, use the rule change against Republicans in the next election, then either stomped on them with a majority in the Senate, using their weapon against them, or- my favorite- magnanimously change the rules back to the 60-vote filibuster-buster, which would have been a PR victory capable of carrying us through 1.5 political generations.)

The Republicans will learn an important lesson from this: Do something horribly partisan, even if it flies in the face of decency, get the Democrats upset, and then make a "compromise." They'll still come out ahead. The only way to keep this is from happening is by making such a big deal about how horrible Frist is that he gets labeled as too radical to hold a mainstream political office.

One more thing- I'm sick of senators talking about their grand accomplishment in reaching compromise. This whole debate should never have been started- it was a waste of time and resources- and now they're congratulating themselves for ending it. That's like saying "I made a mess of my house. Now I'm cleaning it up." Instead of congratulating me on cleaning up the mess, a sane person would ask me why I made it in the first place.

[okieinpain]

1. don't you have to have the majority to change the rules, and if

we don't get the senate back in 06,and maybe lose more seats, then what.

[simcha_6]

3. The nuclear option's unpopular

We might be able to use it against them to win the senate. That's what I was counting on, at least.

[Erika]

2. What we won was the moderates of the GOP saying no to

the radical and extremism nominations and agenda of Bush and sending that message to their party. They know 2006 is coming soon. Mr. Bush is about as popular as a fox in a henhouse.

[simcha_6]

4. Valid point

Hopefully this will start a trend.

[BadNews]

5. A different take.

I'm now worried about the power that will be wielded by these 14 senators. It can't be much worse than Frist and gang having power, but....

What is to stop them from "compromising" not only to batter * but to bend the Dem party over a barrel and demanding they "compromise" on social security, environmental issues, Iran, and the list goes on. These fourteen senators can now call the shots in the senate if they can stick together. They can block any legislation, or kill any opposition (filibuster). Is that really power you want in the hands of Lieberman, McCain, and company?

[simcha_6]

7. Maybe good, maybe bad

These guys are moderates. It might not be bad having them in power. It will ensure neither extreme gets too much power, and any proposal any side makes will need broad support, not just their party's. But then, I like Lincoln (the R.I. Republican.)

[Erika]

8. Excuse me. The dems didn't bend, the GOP did

The dems were lined up to back their party 100%. The GOP deserted Frist/Bush/Rove. The dems stood united.

[BadNews]

10. Do you feel comfortable with Lieberman and McCain having.....

so much influence? I'm ambivalent to pessimistic. I foresee that these fourteen will be an obstacle for the president. However, NO legislation will be stopped dead as there will always be a hard right leaning compromise.

[bvar22]

6. I thought in a compromise,

...BOTH sides were supposed to get something?:shrug:

[Erika]

9. Maybe you need to vote republican?

[BadNews]

11. I think he means we got nothing so there was no compromise.

[wildwww2]

13. I did anyway because Sequioa voting machines gave my vote for

Kerry to Bu$h. Contrary to the exit poll which went to John Kerry. And Bu$h Inc.`s lap dog media ignored as they were told. Florida was stolen. And fighting against these thieves should have been our top priority. Not bending over with no vaseline. I will probably vote repuke again. Against my will. If I am still in this country to bother to.
Peace
Wildman
Al Gore is My President

[wildwww2]

12. We are getting something. Radical right wing judges shoved down our

throats. We have lost again. But of course some people here will still put lipstick on this pig. I will not. The Democrats that brought me up were fighters. (my father and grandfather) I am glad they are not alive to see what wimps our party has become.
Peace
Wildman
Al Gore is My President

[ticapnews]

14. I see it as a rain delay...

Rather than vote on the nukular option now, the game has been postponed until the seat(s) on SCOTUS come(s) up later this year.

In the very short term, this is a huge victory for these 14 senators, who now wield political capital AND get to look like saviors of the Republic.

Reid can claim some sort of victory because the potential diaster of the nuke option has been averted (for now) and he didn't fold under pressure from Frist.

Frist and the radical wrong take a huge hit (for now) for the first time since Shrub took office. With any luck the activists who have championed Frist will lose their political will and not be around when Round 2 begins with the SCOTUS nomination. I wouldn't count on it, though.

This could also be a victory in that Shrub MIGHT think twice about nominating a radical judge for SCOTUS, because 1) the threat of a filibuster lingers and 2) he can't count on Frist et al to steward the nominee through the Senate. His confidence in Frist must have taken a hit tonight.

In reality though, Shrub still gets three of his most conservative judges confirmed (and yes, they will be confirmed) bringing that 95% confirmation even closer to 100. And the nuke remains in the GOP holster if the Democrats decide to filibuster down the line. As I heard someone say earlier tonight: We'll let you keep your toy if you promise not to play with it.

I sense this is a slight victory for the Democrats, but I can't really get excited about it. The real test comes in a couple months....

[BadNews]

15. I don't see it as a victory due to the terms that were set.

Dems can only block nominees that are deemed "extreme circumstances." Now you will see Clarance Thomas as the next chief justice. It could be his court for 25 years. Though Thomas is extreme, it will be difficult to convince the public that a sitting justice of the SCOTUS is an extreme circumstance. Likewise, someone like Ashcroft, or Gonzales will be nearly impossible to keep off the bench.