The polls show two thirds to as many as four fifths of the people in this country want an up or down vote for these nominees. The Dems can't filibuster that for long. The up or down vote will come. The best course of action is to hold tough and get the vote. The polls also show that half to two thirds of the people in this country think that changing the Senate rules in the middle of this is a bad idea. That's not something we should be advocating. It's not good for the Republicans politically to change the rules. Superfluous
Most of the people in this country are simply interested in watching American Idol or sports programming.
Republicans must show they can fight the obstructionists Democrats and win. People respect strength and winners.
Senators, Pull the Trigger and Vote !
Scenario #1 - Republicans try to explain that the Constitution does not require a super majority for advice and consent, etc, etc. and the Republicans "pull the trigger" on the nuclear option, the up or down votes take place, and the press castigates the Republicans for "changing the traditions of the sacred Senate rules." Republicans are viewed as majority bullies.
Scenario #2 - Dems start a filibuster; it goes on for days and the only thing the press can show are videos of "Sheets" Byrd talking about his choice of kitty feed. Republicans hammer the Constitutional requirement for advice and consent (not super majority, filibuster never been used like this before, etc, etc.) The filibuster ends because the Dems finally see the reality of their obstructionist position and the up-down vote takes place.
Which of these is better for us in the long run?