The Dems don't have to bluff, the Republicans have already telegraphed their intention to fold. Same song, different bandleader. Folding. I'm sorry you are mistaken.
The old bandleader would have NEVER even gone for a cloture vote. Bush and Frist are standing by Estrada have you missed ALL the news?
The bold thing to do was to force the Dems to stage a REAL filibuster. No weekends, or Presidents Day holidays. A real live Mr. Smith goes to Washington scene. Republicans didn't do it, because;
a. they don't have the courage to play hardball, and;
b. they wanted to have the weekend off as well.
I'll be happy to be wrong here, but history is on my side.