It’s tough being a pragmatist.
OK, I said I had nothing to say.
Looking around the other blogs and seeing the reaction to the “deal” made in the Senate, I’m a little baffled.
Will someone please explain to me why it’s a BAD thing, when the three nominees the Democrats were shrieking about so much will get a vote now?
I know, they said they’ll only filibuster under “extraordinary circumstances.” I know, the Democrats are “The Party of No.” But to me, if they do pull this filibuster nonsense with the remaining judicial nominees, they’ll pay a heavy price politically, and lose the argument anyway. Do you really think the American people will look favorably upon bald-faced partisan shenanigans that break a commitment?
I guess I’m surprised that some seem to be more concerned that the GOP didn’t “get the nuclear option” than the fact that the nominees will now get a vote (and be confirmed–those votes are there). To me, it’s all about getting the nominees confirmed; not about how it’s done.
Why do I always seem to find myself alone in my pragmatism, at least in the blogosphere? Plenty of others are pissed about the deal and are talking about how the moderates and liberals are celebrating. (Check the trackbacks to Michelle Malkin’s post, you’ll see it.) Frankly, I don’t understand why they ARE “celebrating,” after all, the Bush nominees will certainly be confirmed. As far as I’m concerned, they lost their fight to keep the nominees from getting a vote.
Tell me I’m wrong, fine. Just don’t think I’m in any way like the “moderate” RINOs who made the deal, because I do want constructionists in the judiciary.
Update: My dear comrade, The Commissar, agrees.
If Bush nominates anyone more responsible than Judge Roy Bean, the Dems will be hard-pressed to call it an “extraordinary circumstance.” And if they do it once, can they immediately do it again to a replacement nominee?
Nice to know I’m not the only one speaking up. ;-)
Update 2: Others who are on the same page:
Decision ‘08, who also notes:
The Kossacks are pretty ambivalent; the reality of Brown, Owens, and Pryor getting seated is starting to sink in…
EXACTLY!
No word yet on what “extraordinary circumstances” means, but I think this is probably a good outcome. Since I don’t believe that the GOP will control both the White House and the Senate for the rest of time, I’m glad to see the filibuster preserved as an option. There may come a day when conservatives need that tool.
Frankly, I don’t get it. Isn’t getting some of Bush’s appellate court nominees through the gauntlet better than having all of them stalled until the midterms? Or dumping the filibuster entirely?
My thinking is more in line with Steve Bainbridge…
Alexander McClure at Polipundit:
Unfortunately, some of my conservative brethren are screaming that
Republicans caved in, that it is time to stay home on election day, or
perhaps join a new party.If these Republicans would look at settlement rationally, they would
recognize that it is a complete victory.
Here we go again with the “join a new party” crap.
God, I can’t stand hand-wringers, fair-weather friends, idealists…I’m probably–no, almost certainly–more conservative than any of them, and they’re all screaming about the moderates. This kind of counter-productive crap makes me want to quit blogging. I’m tired of all the irrational hyperventilating from all points in the political spectrum; it’s frustrating as hell seeing others be so short-sighted. This ought to at least convince the frothing moonbats that conservative bloggers/pundits are not, in fact, “brainwashed by Karl Rove,” because most are clearly NOT political strategists. I say if you are REALLY for conservative ideals, you should be pleased that the so-called “extremist” judges will almost certainly be confirmed.
Aaron at Pardon My English isn’t happy about the deal, but at least HE has the right idea!
My solution to this shotty deal: Elect more Republican senators. We need 61 Republican senators, and we need real conservative senators. Elect more Republicans in 2006!
THAT, my friends, is the smart way to reach your goals.
UPDATE 3: More from Paul Deignan at Info Theory:
Unlike exercise for the muscles, this prerogative to filibuster weakens the case for a future filibuster with repeated use—it no longer appears to be conducted as an “extraordinary” measure and so the nuclear option gains strength. The minority party must bear the risk of losing their weapon and is forced to err on the safe side, i.e. to allow the majority party to repeatedly raise the bar on their future use of this political tool. Effectively, the minority party is in a situation now where their disadvantage in tempo has gained a position whereby zugzwang may be achieved.
Stephen Bainbridge, again:
Will somebody please get these folks some cheese to go with their whine? I find these reactions not only short-sighted but also surprisingly unconservative. They reflect a willingness to put possible short-term partisan gain (and I emphasize the word possible) over both principle and long-term advantage.
curmudgeon says:
We need to win this one TOTALLY!!!
I think this “deal” should be ignored and the Nuclear option envoked.
The Politburo Diktat says:
Compromise on Filibuster Announced
Live now on all the cable new networks. Live blogging it here. Byrd just finished speaking. Warner on now. Both very self-congratulatory. I assume that both party’s leaderships will go along. “Senators will not filibuster except in extraordinary circ…
Beth says:
Hey curmudgeon,
Why? We don’t need it now, and once it’s used, you can count on it being used on us in the future.
Enlightenment Reactionary says:
I must admit I’m a little disappointed on this one. I can understand if this is part of a strategy to keep a “weapon” in reserve. Eventually the electorate will forget what things are like when the other party is in power and decide to experiment with them again. But, I’m still a little worried that we might have thrown the other nominees to the wolves. I hope I am very, very wrong.
ER
Dadahead says:
Silly right-wingers … it’s about the SC.
The Dems can now still filibuster whatever lunatic Bush nominates to replace Rehnquist or whoever else retires/dies.
This was never about the three currently up for confirmation.
jody says:
When Bob Dole warned about changing the rules I really thought about this issue. I have always respected him a lot, he is sarcastic and smart, two quality combinations that I admire. He is also right, a lot. Republicans won’t always be in the majority…what did I hear a gasp? It’s truth. And honestly when used right, the filibuster is a reasonable approach to politics (although personally I hate them using it for judicial nominees). And to keep the majority for a while, we can at least pretend to compromise and allow the minority party a voice. I agree with whoever said that filibustering just makes the party doing it look stupid.
Good post Beth. :)
The Commissar says:
All,
Read the Kos comments. They WILL cheer you up. :)
Dadahead,
I agree it’s about the SC. I dont think the Dems can declare the next SC opening an “extraordinary circumstance” … just because they want to.
Decision '08 says:
Some Final Thoughts (For Now) On Fili-Deal
I must say, I’m a little disappointed in some of my brethren on the right. If we don’t want to be painted as extremists, then let’s not act that way. I’m not saying you just give up your principals, but bipartisanship can sometimes be a good thing….
Housewife says:
Well, I reckon I’m with you too Beth. When I first heard the news I was elated that they were getting the job done. Thanks for posting your commentary, keep up the great work.
I hadn’t heard all the bashing until I came here. :wink:
But that’s why I come here all the time; to find out all this stuff. So thanks! :grin:
Housewife says:
Also, I don’t know if you know this or not, but when I click on your BlogAds I get a different ad then I clicked on. For example, I clicked on the ad for Basil and I got a purse site. LOL Is that your sense of humor coming out? Or is it a real mess up? :razz:
TheAnchoress says:
Tried several times to trackback to you, Beth, but it’s not working for me. Just wanted you to know I feel your wrath and have linked to you! :cool:
The Anchoress » Frist/Reid Compromise a Rope-a-Dope? I dunno says:
[...] f this has actually been a striking “strategery.” On the female side, Beth at MVRWC is not happy with lots of us, also: This kind of counter-produc [...]
jademonkey says:
having gotten over my initial outrage, i’m cautiously optimistic. still not completely happy about the deal - i think it is sacrificing the principle and the high ground by tacitly saying the filibuster is acceptable, if the 7 democrats act in bad faith (which i’d lay money on). i think you’re right; we have to see this as (at least a partial) victory. i’m willing to give it a chance, and hope dewine and graham are willing to slap the dems down if they misbehave by siding with the other 48.
Eric says:
If you need me, I’ll be wringing my hands and starting a new political party. Hmmm. “Vote for Joe of the Conquer or Die Party”
Now THAT has a nice ring to it.
Oh, and I vehemently resent your insinuation that conservative bloggers/pundits are NOT brainwashed by Karl Rove. On a personal note, my brain was washed with Herbal Essence.
Hey look! I got my smartass back!
:mrgreen:
Beth says:
Thank God you got the smartass back; I needed a little smartass humor after all this! :mrgreen:
Eric says:
HA! You think you have it bad, I’m still wallowing in Michael Crookville!
:shock:
Doug says:
This maybe wishful thinking but here is what I hope the outcome of this will be:
1) Thomas becomes the new Chief Justice replacing Rehnquist
2) Janice Rogers Brown elevated to the Supreme court
This could well accomplish two things:
First and most importantly establish respect for the Constitution in the most powerful legal body in the US for the forseeable future.
Second it could break the hold the democrat party has with black voters.
I write the second as a result of having the privilege of having several opportunities to talk with Justice Thomas in the past and from what I know he has the potential to become one of the most influential and important Chief Justices in our history. As for Janice Rogers Brown, from everything I read, she seems to be cut in the same mold.
Ogre says:
The “deal” is nothing but the Democrats caving. This is a victory for the Republicans. The “deal” was nothing but Sen John “I need news coverage” McCain getting his spotlight.
The Jade Monkey says:
Myopic Zeal says:
Bloggers React to Filibuster ‘Compromise’
Last night, “maverick” John McCain and 13 other Senators announced a compromise on the judicial nominees, which will prevent a show down on the “nuclear option” - at least for now. The reactions from both leading and long tail…
MikeF says:
I for one am not going to immediately trust anyone that Bush would nominate. If they are anything like Bush, then we can expect a judiciary that will just rubber stamp any proposal to get more police powers for the FBI and less accountability for their actions. You wanted to know why this was stupid? The Republicans have a majority in the Senate. If they wanted to, they could kill anything the Democrats want passed in the Senate if they don’t get their votes. The f$%^ing majority party, and they’re a majority party by 5 seats in a house of 100, is capable of getting its way. If they lack enough party discipline, then they’re just not worth supporting. I know that VA’s two Republican senators aren’t worth a damn for pretty much anything.
Striving For Average says:
The Nuclear Filibuster
The first rule of politics is everyone isn’t going to agree with you and you’ll have to find a way to work with them. Mostly I think that is what happened here. For those people claiming that Republicans caved, well…
Ogre's Politics and Views says:
Senate Compromise
Many other Bloggers smarter than I are weighing in on the issue of the Senate Compromise regarding the filibuster of judges. I’ve seen various opinions from a total Democrat victory to a major Republican defeat. A few have mentioned that it just migh…
The Liberal Avenger says:
I had been hoping for a comprimise. All the angst on the far right is disturbing. Whatever happened to the Republicans’ big tent?
The reaction from the far right is an indication of the agenda by some on the far right…
William Teach says:
What annoyed me is that a bunch of the moderate GOP Senators, like McCain, caved in to the Dems, forgetting that the GOP is, in fact, the majority party. Yes, we will certainly get those three judges through. And there may be a few that the Dems will not be able to use their “extraordinary” thing on. However, this is the party of Dean, Kennedy, Kerry, Boxer, etc. You know they will start pulling something in the near future. And what happens if W is able to nominate someone for the Supreme Court? The Demaloons will filibuster even the best judge in America just because W nominates them.
Compromise can be a good thing. We are getting some of what we want. But this leaves the Dems with the idea that they are equal, when they are not.
Sigmund, Carl and Alfred says:
One of the best posts on the matter. As I said on Anchoress, “The firestorm was no more than a tempest in a teapot.
In point of fact, the deal was about self presevation. The dems needed to take the long view- after all, there is still no credible dem candidate for president. The republicans stand a good chance of making this a threepeat.
The GOP, in current cultural climate cannot afford to become a political ‘Israel’ -that is to say, the little guy perceived to be the bully. If the GOP is perceived as not being willing to deal, well, the ‘night of the long knives’ (retribution) will be an inevitable reality down the road.
Everybody got what they wanted. Nobody needed (or wanted) the rules changed.
The Sundries Shack says:
A Good Agreement? In What World?
Okay, folks. The deal is done. The filibuster lives.
Some folks are thinking that’s a good thing.
I just don’t see it.
I’ve read the agreement a few times and here’s the way it looks to me.
1) The Democrats still retain the ability to …
Radical-Conservative.org says:
The DemocRATS will Filibuster everything now :twisted:
Conservative Friends says:
I Think We Got Screwed
LifeNews.com reports this morning that the Senate has come to an agreement on the judicial nominees that will allow them to not be filibustered. In other words, the GOP folded AGAIN rather than showing that they know how to handle being the majority pa…
Vince Aut Morire says:
My Thoughts On The Filibuster Deal
My connection to Karl Rove is broken, and Rush doesn’t come on for 15 minutes. Therefore, no one has told me what to think about it yet. I’ll defer judgment until I get my marching orders. Update:
MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy » Blog Archive » Nuclear hysteria says:
[...] es? I won’t even bother with the obvious contradiction in such thought. I’ve laid out my arguments why this is not worthy of hysteria. And honestl [...]
TMH’s Bacon Bits » Blog Archive » Some Views from Around the Web on “The Deal of the Century to End the End of Judicial Filibusters” says:
[...] rought this deal home, playing the role of “elder statesman”. The prize for Longest, Concise Collection of “The Deal” Bloggery goes to [...]
TMH’s Bacon Bits » Blog Archive » Some Views from Around the Web on “The Deal of the Century to End the End of Judicial Filibusters” says:
[...] rought this deal home, playing the role of “elder statesman”. The prize for Longest, Concise Collection of “The Deal” Bloggery goes to [...]
No Oil for Pacifists says:
Bad Deal
Beth says it’s a win, and links to the like-minded. History will compare this deal to President Ford’s gaffe debating Jimmy Carter. Ford validated Yalta’s “Iron Curtain,” dooming Eastern Europe to 15 more years of Russian rule. Frist and the seven…
Tom says:
We don’t need to elect more Republican Senators. What we need to do is “send a message” to Rick Santorum! Yeah, that’ll do it. Because you know, Rick, he’s no better than Ted Kennedy or Barbara Boxer.:roll:
The Republican national pastime isn’t baseball, it’s knifing their own in the back. In that vein, I’m going to get some of my own back.
Ha ha Toomey-bots. Your boy got pwned by Arlen Specter. Nice campaign!
I feel better now.
Paul Deignan says:
Beth,
I’m baffled as well by the right leaning blogger
response, so I decided to test if this was all
just a bunch of hot air (and to have some fun).
So I am offering the Wine for Winners challenge.
Conservative Cat says:
05/26/05: Courage
It does not take all that much courage to set yourself up to be a media hero….
M. Simon says:
Your site design sucks.
Lots of interesting reading made very difficult by having to use the left/right scroll bar to read a sentence.
I use Netscape 7.2