Thanks Cboldt.
My pleasure. Just to amplify one point, by "It isn't perfectly clear that the vote will happen today," what I mean is that there is no unanimous consent agreement to vote today. At least, there was none entered into yesterday and memorialized in the legislative calendar. Usually, when there is a contentious vote and a time on a future day is announced as to voting, there is a formal UC agreement that cements the deal.
I've more than one occasion where Reid announced a vote to take place, but no UC agreement, and some senator up and objected. There may be a fireworks show sometime after 5 p.m.
Now, my opinion is that these fireworks shows are also scripted. Reid knows full well that some GOP senator is apt to object, and by setting up a time to vote, he gives the GOP an opportunity to "really show some spine." The GOP did similar favors for the DEMS under Frist and McConnell, making public "plans" knowing they would be undercut. Having a public display of friction is necessary in order to keep the public believing that there is, in fact, deep friction. There is deep friction between some members, but easily 70-80 of the senators are on the same general page vis-a-vis making sure the federal government is powerful.