Frist did not fold. 7 RINO senators took it out of his control.
Anyone who thinks Frist letting this drag on and on probably believes the following scenario:
Bush nominates a conservative judge; the Democrats come out to filibuster the nomination.
In response, the Republicans, lips trembling, get before the microphones and cameras and say "The Democrats have broken their word!"
The TV and newspapers then side with the Republicans, instead of, say, mocking them as they did Newt Gingrich when he complained about his treatment on Air Force One. The media then shame the democrats into abiding by their agreement.
Yeah. That'll happen.
That Republicans are falling for this as anything but a huge defeat for Frist's "leadership" doesn't speak well of us. McCain and company took their opportunity to put a more "moderate" face on the Republican party--i.e. trying to make the democrats like us. Frist looks completely clueless, and that we are making excuses for his foolishness is mystifying. If he had the cojones to slam the dems with the nuclear option when it was first floated--HOW many days ago?--we wouldn't be talking about this, because it would be over. You know, the way the majority is SUPPOSED to act.
So when the Demmies stop laughing behind their hands and pull their "extraordinary" move, I will be watching while the Republicans look like fools (for agreeing to such a stupid deal) and morons (for patting Frist on the head when he's provising zero leadership).