Warner's bait 'n switch: Warner/McCain tag team Sen. Webb's troop amendment.

[pinto]

It was classic, and shameless old-school Senate theater.

After implying support for Sen. Webb's (D-VA) amendment to mandate that troops get equal time home for equal time deployed, Sen. Warner (R-VA) rose in the Senate and stabbed him in the back. Senatorially, of course.

In tandem with Sen. McCain (R-AZ) on the floor, both praised Webb's active military service in the customary, stilted phrases. Both noted his efforts as a freshman Senator and their respect for their "friend from Virginia". Warner, in a brief soliloquy, described his angst over the amendment, his deliberation and finally his opposition.

Then he layed the cover. Turning to McCain, who had already announced his intent to oppose the amendment, Warner asked rhetorically if didn't they both really respect Webb's intent? Oh, of course, they echoed, senatorially. But no, we can't do this.

The knife was placed, the deed was done.

McCain went on to present a similar "sense of the Senate" - non-binding, and totally ignorable at the White House as it didn't require any action from the President.
As in a veto.

This was clearly meant to provide Republicans with a vote they could point to, if questioned by those who actually saw the ploy played out.

Warner taught his colleague from Virgina a lesson, of sorts. One I hope Senator Webb doesn't forget.

[TwilightGardener]

1. It made me physically sick--I almost couldn't watch that bullshit. Playing

yet more politics with the lives and welfare of our soldiers. I hope they both burn in hell.

[rwheeler31]

2. Warner was such a disappointment.

Why would he want to go out like this? These Republicans all act like they are being blackmailed.

[pinto]

3. I had mixed feelings watching this. Yeah, why go out like this?

I don't think it's a case of blackmail or anything like that, but old school loyalty. As it played out, it seemed a particular favor for McCain. :shrug:

(aside) I think they all know this will be revisited in the next Congress and will pass.

[AlCzervik]

7. it looked like Graham and Warner were stumping for McCain today.

it was a shameful exercise and i felt for Webb, he got punked and the troops got screwed. shame on Warner, i expected more from him and maybe thats my own fault, i was sure he finally decided to put country before party, Graham, well i expected what i heard from him today so no shocker there.

[pinto]

8. Yeah, Graham was no surprise, but Warner's number, after earlier

support for Webb, was so transparent and downright maudlin, if that's the right term, it made me go Ahhh.

[AlCzervik]

9. you could see it on Webb's face you know? Like "I really trusted you"

and then it was defeat. I really do feel for Webb, i think this was one of the ways that really had a chnace of getting thr troops home. I hate to say "Trust no one" but really it's come down to that.

[PsN2Wind]

4. Has less of a problem with the troops dying

than voting against the party.

[Justitia]

5. As I always say (from experience): Never Trust A Republican -eom

[saltpoint]

6. Good point and an eagle's eye to the doings in the Senate this week.

We'll be far better off without John Warner in that chamber.

We have a far better Warner for that seat.