[goldstategop]

The Democrats caved. They knew they would have lost a constitutional option vote and so they needed a way to save face. They could resume the filibuster in the future but for all practical matters, their threat's an empty one. Three of President Bush's nominees get voted on they'll be confirmed. Chalk it up any way you like, bottom line, if the Democrats thought they had the votes to defeat the constitutional option, there would have been NO deal. It doesn't make me happy but in life you can't get everything you want. The fact seven Democrats didn't agree with Dingy Harry is virtually as illuminating as the fact McCain wouldn't have voted with us. Its over for the obstructionist, do nothing party.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[gobucks]

Such optimism. I really hope you are correct. I really do. My own sense is this: there is no way this is a face saving move. If it were, ALL the judges being nominated would be up for an up or down vote.

But nooooooo. Just 3. The GOP is not trustworthy if they sink any of the other four via filibuster

[shhrubbery!]

The Democrats caved. They knew they would have lost a constitutional option vote and so they needed a way to save face. They could resume the filibuster in the future but for all practical matters, their threat's an empty one.

I agree with you.

That was my initial reaction, and I still haven't heard or read anything that makes me think differently...yet.

But I'm still open to getting all down-in-the-dumps and pessimistic if anybody can persuade me to be.

[Redleg Duke]

Thank God someone gets it! The RATS caved!

[T.L.Sink]

It's not over for the "obstructionist, do nothing" party.
The filibuster is ready and waiting for what counts most
and what could affect the culture of this nation for
generations -- Supreme Court nominees. Call a spade a
spade - Republicans folded. A "gang of 12" has kept the
filibuster alive for the time it's needed by the Dems.
What this is really illustrates is that the guys in the
"Senate Club" are more concerned with their archaic and
anachronistic prerogatives than with confirming qualified
nominees. What did the GOP get? Three confirmations
along with a promise that only under "extraordinary"
situations will the Dems filibuster. Considering they
smear conservative nominees and deem them all to be
"extraordinary" -- NOTHING in return. If they wonder
why the base stays home in disgust rather than vote
for "tweedle-dee" or "tweedle-dum" -- look no further.

[perfect stranger]

I disagree Denny.

Every candidate deserves an "up or down" vote. Get rid of filibusters because they are pointless.