Explain
People who observe a process, but don't understand the process, can be unnecessarily unnerved by what is going on. They sometimes become impatient at inappropriate times. E.g., go to the doctor with a gut pain, and object because you haven't been cut open yet (when you assume you have cancer or appendecitis, but really have the flu).
In the case of confirming judicial nominees, there is much to be gained by breaking the tactic of stomewalling nominees on a Senate-erected supermajority rule. The payoff accrues to the people, as the government more closely adheres to the Constitution.
I think Frist and the GOP are approaching the breaking of the DEM tactic in a thoughtful and wise way.
I wish Frist and the GOP had broken the DEM tactic before now. I'm as impatient as anybody. But I can't always get what I want, so I live with it.
" I wish Frist and the GOP had broken the DEM tactic before now."
Curious to know if you think it should have been tried before the election of 2004? Before passing the transportation Bill?
How long do you think it will be before we find out what happens in this little compromise meeting that is going on?
Do you think there will be a final decision re: the Byrd Option by the weekend?
Absolutely. They, so far, seem to be playing it in such a way that they will achieve not only the immediate goal but are also setting the Dems up to once again pay at the ballot box.
There is one other important benefit from the methodical delay in procedure here - the public is susceptible to DemoncRAT fed media spin & hyperbole and would ordinarily be fearful from the rhetoric of the DemoncRATs. But they have gone so over the top here & their threats of shutting down the Senate don't sit well + draws attention. The timing allowed for public sentiment to shift in the Pubbies' favor and leaves the DemoncRATs once again looking pathetic, desparate & extremist. Once they lose they only get worse so it becomes a win-win-win proposition for the Pubbies and Bush is once again rewarded for taking principled stands and taking his agenda to the people. Those of us who are partisan activists would love for the Pubbies to get their act together more often & hate putting up with the absurd posturing of the RINOs. But these kinds of battles - and victories - only continue to stiffen their resolve and further lay out the premise for additional gains to be garnered for Senate races in 2006.