A "dry run," where the GOP threatens the nuclear option but doesn't deliver it (because the DEMs approve cloture) will work in DEM favor. How? Some GOP will take the failure to execute the nuclear option as a GOP failure. They've been conditioned to think that Frist has the trigger! Also, the build up of debate for days, with no release except the vote on the nominee, will wear the Senators down.
Pull this a couple times, and the entire public will tire of what it sees as "a charade." All of that leads,potentially, to "more care" in choosing SCOTUS nominees.
I GOT IT! I GOT A CONSERVATIVE SOLUTION TO THIS SELLOUT!
HAVE A SINGLE GOP CONSERVATIVE FILIBUSTER BROWN!
Make the RINOS go on record as against or for filibustering the folks we KNOW will play in Peoria and embarrass them at home. DeWine and other iffy RINOS will cave--McQueeq won't, but the Gang of Fourteen is NOT solid on this when faced with a minority nominee.
C'mon, Frist, grow a pair! Fight this! The RINOS want to make the filibuster about a white nominee for P.R. purposes. F `em right over!
I think your analysis of this is exactly right.
This is a dark day for the Republic, and the beginning of the end of the Bush administration.