While I would have liked to see more than 3 of the blocked judges get through, I can understand why the deal was made and I believe it is more of a win for us than the Dems. First off, it is still unclear whether Frist had the votes to win under the nuclear option. I've read that Specter is saying he would have supported it, but I'm pretty sure McCain, Chaffee, Collins, and Snowe were all against it. Other than DeWine, who said he favors the nuclear option if the Dems break the agreement, I've not seen any inclination one way or the other from the other GOP senators involved in this deal. Given the uncertain outcome of such a vote, they cut the deal so that we wouldn't be left with nothing, which is what very well might have happened if the nuclear vote had failed. In terms of the actual judges that will be allowed to get through, this IS a positive development. The Dems cannot be happy that Brown, Owen, and Pryor will now all be on the bench. Plus, the balance of power will shift in the Sixth Circuit with McKeague, Griffin, and Neilson being guaranteed up-or-down votes. Of course, I'd rather see all the nominees get through, but getting these six is significant and it does make this a win for us. The Dems goal this entire time has been to keep as many of Bush's nominees out of the federal appeals courts as possible and they have failed. Reid couldn't keep their coalition together any better than Frist could and their supposed solidarity is now broken. All in all, it's not what I had hoped for, but at least it's has some benefits for our side. You can't say the same for the Dems.
I hope you are right!
WHY IS THIS SO INCOMPREENSABLE TO MANY HERE?
BTTT