[Jim Noble]

In my mediocre understanding of civics, I thought the Republican party could force the Democrats to really filibuster, i.e., they have to talk until the Congressional session ends or have a vote. Why wasn't this enforced by Republicans?

The 49 Democrats in the Senate have 48 members who are entirely united around certain common purposes (minus Miller, D-GA).

The 51 Republicans have at least ten members, perhaps more, who share most of these common purposes with the Democrats.

There is nothing even close to a GOP majority for anything except organizing the Senate, which, while important, is not sufficient to get anything done.

Frist does not have, and never has had, more than 42-45 votes to "force" the Democrats to do anything, which is why he doesn't do it.

He does not lack the backbone-he lacks the votes.

[ought-six]

"Frist does not have, and never has had, more than 42-45 votes to 'force' the Democrats to do anything, which is why he doesn't do it. He does not lack the backbone-he lacks the votes."

I'm afraid you may be right.