[Balding_Eagle]

No, we didn't lose. I've watched you post that viewpoint all over FR, but I happy to say you're wrong.
If Arlen had been blocked it would have been a pyrrhic victory. Arlen then would have been an angry loose cannon on the committee, causing all sorts of mayhem. As it is, he is a chastised chairman who has promised to allow the up or down votes, which is what we all have wanted.
In anticipation of the charge that Arlen is a liar, I won't dispute it. However, this is a promise he'll keep.
Just watch. The glass is half full not half empty.

[Mark in the Old South]

Too many people are ready to trade land for peace with Palestinians and far too many Republicans are ready to give Arlen the Chairmanship for the promise he made not to obstruct Pro-life nominees for the court. Something tangible for a vague promise is only honorable if you are dealing with honorable people.