If this is true, there is a small chance of getting back a few of us who have bolted the party.
However, be aware: There are many Republicans who don't follow it as closely as us. They will have seen this travesty last night, and decided to drop out and tune out of the party.
They won't be coming back.
This is a true turning point. Expect Democrat wins in 2006 and 2008, and probably for a long time after that.
They'll be back, but I agree that will depend entirely on the actual outcome of this fiasco.
I'd like to see each and every one of these snakes punished immediately and later at the polls. But meantime, we have work to do, and like it or not, we need these SOBs.
You said: This is a true turning point. Expect Democrat wins in 2006 and 2008, and probably for a long time after that.
I have to disagree. The public was largely disengaged on this issue. Those of us who follow FR are in vast minority. Most people have a vague, if any, idea of what a filibuster is, and frankly, what a federal judge is. The niceties of filibuster over legislation vs. nominations goes right over most heads. This won't be an issue in 2006 or 2008, because it is too hard for the "masses" to get interested in. Try talking about this to your mail man or your grocery clerk, and watch their eyes glaze over 15 seconds into the conversation. Now, if we can these judges seated and making decisions, perhaps one of the cases will cause a stir, and THAT might create an election issue. But the nuclear/constitutional option? It just don't resonate with the public.
I have a good friend whose favorite saying is "Average is pretty stupid." Sadly, I agree.
I will tell you the number, 0.1%.