[byablue]

I think they're trying to convince themselves and their followers they're on top. Whatever. The 14 will have to be watched to make sure the concept of "extraordinary circumstances" is not abused. Also, if what was said about Dobson is true, he needs to just cool out and take things one step at a time. No need to burn the house down to get rid of the ants.

[45Auto]

The first Supreme Court vacancy that comes up and we will be right back at the place we were before this phony "deal" was strcuk. There is no honor in the Senate - just power-mongering. Those swine are trying to pull the wool over the eys of the citzens once again.

[TADSLOS]

"Hell's comin' to breakfast"

[TheDon]

I think they're trying to convince themselves and their followers they're on top.

The Demorats put on a good show, and the MSM is providing great cover, but in the end, when all the President's nominees get an up or down vote on the floor, everyone will know the "deal" was a sham.

[Uncle Miltie]

Crock-o-Sheise Alert!

This is just a pure unadulterated buggering of conservatives by McCain and his Democrat allies.

[Enterprise]

I realize there might be a bit of "semantics" in all the words being thrown about, but:

Point number one: NOTHING at all has changed regarding the Constitutional Authority of the President regarding who he sends up to Congress. The only way that "authority" can be changed is for a Constitutional Amendment to be passed, and that has not happened.

Point number 2: As you all know, what Senator Frist was talking about all along was changing the Senate rule to prevent a filibuster on judicial appointments. The rule change would simply have been to require 51 votes for confirmation. The Democrats went ballistic didn't they?

Point number 3: What just happened? 7 Democrats and 7 Republicans, have banded together to do what? Yes you got it! They instituted a RULE CHANGE!

Point number 4: President Bush, Senator Frist, and the other 48 Republicans in the Senate are not bound by this side agreement.

Point number 5: The only way this side deal can be enforced is that the 7 Republicans would have to have pledged to support the Democrats whenever they object to a future nominee, and would have to have agreed IN ADVANCE, not knowing who the nominee might be, to support the Democrats! That, basically, is the only way this agreement, IMO, can be effective. Otherwise, it is not worth a cup of warm spit.

President Bush and Senator Frist need to do business as usual, and let the 7 Republicans put themselves under pressure, and put THEIR OWN CAREERS on the line. Let THEM face the continuing wrath of THEIR OWN CONSTITUENTS!

And oh, BTW - when you think of these 7 dwarfs, think of the term "cunning stunts."