[NonValueAdded]

Schumer understood, as did Reid and many other Democrats, that the Alito nomination had already put vulnerable Democratic incumbents and candidates from red states in an awkward position--pulled between pro-Bush voters and the demands of liberal interest groups, activists, and bloggers. Forcing those Democrats to choose sides on yet another vote would only heighten their agony.

Upon reflection, I think this was strategy in a very Kerryesque sort of way. Consider that a RAT in a red state planning to vote no on Alito had very little cover prior to the the yodelled-in filibuster. However, they could comfortably vote for cloture so they could go on record as saying Alito deserved an up-or-down vote but that after careful review they still could not cast a vote for him. And Kerry scored points with the kook fringe. No, it seems now to be as orchestrated as the sit down or stand up applause at the SOTU.

[Once-Ler]

Upon reflection, I think this was strategy in a very Kerryesque sort of way. Consider that a RAT in a red state planning to vote no on Alito had very little cover prior to the the yodelled-in filibuster. However, they could comfortably vote for cloture so they could go on record as saying Alito deserved an up-or-down vote but that after careful review they still could not cast a vote for him. And Kerry scored points with the kook fringe. No, it seems now to be as orchestrated as the sit down or stand up applause at the SOTU.

Excellent observations. I think you are right. The rats were in a no-win situation. If their failibuster had been sucessful the rat base would be energized, but so would the Republican base and moderate voters would be angry at the rats. If they didn't filibuster the Republican base would still be energized by our success, no moderate vote effect, but the rat base would abandon them. This failibuster was designed to split the difference and minimized rat and centrist discontent.

It remains to be seen if it was successful and you can be sure the old/junk media will not provide clear information until several hours after the next elections.

My best sense is that the failibuster was a complete failure. The rat base is pissed, moderate voters have another example of rat obstructionism, and Republicans are elated with Alito and angry that the rats tried to filibuster.