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I view it as a 70/30 win for the Republicans. As Congressman Billybob notes, they didn't really give up anything.

They're posturing for the upcoming Supreme Court battle royale, and in that sense, they marginally improved their position. The Dems, and their media lackeys, are going to have a tougher sell for obstruction because of that "extraordinary circumstances" tomfoolery. (How can somebody previously confirmed by the Senate suddenly become an "extraordinary circumstance"?)

It's not just a legislative battle. It's a political battle and it's a PR battle.

The shooting still hasn't really started. When it does, it's going to be fun to watch.

I fear you are right.

Maybe the RINOs are thinking "well, if we give the Dems EVERY opportunity and show them how FAIR we are, then when push really comes to shove people will see we went the extra mile." But if this is the case, they are truly more naive than I thought. The Dems will NEVER keep their word, will NEVER flinch from taking a shamelessly partisan position, and will NEVER give Republicans "credit" for bending over, yet again. Can you blame them? They see compromise as weakness. And with an opponent like the Dems, it is. Perverse as it sounds, I'd rather believe the seven are self-serving sellouts rather than being so dumb as to have ANY pretensions about the Democrats caring about "comity" or some other such BS.

Does this deal make confirmation of Bush's choices more likely, or not? (The Dems will scream loudly that they let the "very conservative" judges go through in May, but that Bush's supreme court picks, no matter who they are, are "truly beyond the pale." THEY won't be shy about it. And will the agreement be off? Or will lens lice McCain and Graham be looking for another?)

Does this deal make it more or less likely that the Republicans WILL be in the minority soon? Read these boards and you'll get a quick answer.

And this seals McCain's and Graham's fate as far as a national future (in the Republican Party) is concerned.

The Dems knew they would lose this battle, so they blunted the Republicans' victory as much as possible. Rather than having to accept the judges and losing the filibuster, they just have to accept the three judges. If Frist & co. (and all of us!!!) can't rely on their fellow party members, then something is very wrong.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I want a party with the Republicans' policies and the Democrats' chutzpah.