Maybe some of us are confused here. I think the Republicans maybe just voted for the bill, and that this rules change was done by Reid alone, or with the other Dims.
There are two actions under discussion; the rules change and the vote on the bill.
But I'm not certain yet just who did what to whom.
What bill?
Republicans expected a normal procedural vote, and Reid used the procedural vote to invoke a parliamentary rule change.
Instead of being angered about the rule change, and expressing that anger by opposing the bill, some Republicans still went on and voted for the bill anyway.
The comments by Demint were to the effect that this was about survival of minority rights in the Senate now, and the Republicans should have all stood together once Reid played his hand.
However, weak Senators like Graham have consistently said that they feel it's their obligation to try to work with the other side, regardless.
-PJ