[Howlin]

Can't they simply get enough votes to end the fillibuster?

I guess we need to brush up on the delaying tactics that can be used in the Senate, huh? Evidently they are going to use them all.

If he fillibusters, doesn't he have to TALK to whole time??

[ken5050]

I believe that there is no more actual filabuster in the Senate..i.e. non-stop talking and control of the floor....you merely "announce" that you're going to filabuster..then they have to round up the 60 votes to invoke cloture and gag you.....this move by Chuckie, IMHO, is stupid...it'll force several Senators...like Lincoln out into the open early.....how can they announce they they support Pickering, but vote NOT to invoke cloture...

[ACAC]

The question is why are they wasting all of this political capital on a nominee who is over 60 years old. He will not serve more than 10 years anyway. I think the other nominees, who are much younger, are more important than Pickering. I actually would not mind if the reject Pickering. Then Bush could nominate someone just as conservative but 20 years younger.

[lepton]

If he fillibusters, doesn't he have to TALK to whole time??

The problem is the "Gentleman's Filibuster" where they just shelve the motion instead of making the person talk.

[MJemison]

doesn't he have to talk all the time?..

Right you are, and that's the whole point. Schumer will do ANYTHING for camera time.

[pgkdan]

Can't they simply get enough votes to end the fillibuster?

You need 60 votes for cloture...to end debate and force a vote. We don't have enough to prevent a filibuster, but we will have enough to end on after a day or two.

[ohioWfan]

It's my understanding that a filibuster is not a Mr-Smith-Goes-to-Washington-talk-endlessly thing like it used to be.

Can anyone fill me in on how it really works now?

[Torie]

Having to actually talk to maintain a filibuster 24 hours a day is passe. It isn't done that way anymore. I would be surprised if Pickering can get 60 votes. We shall see.