Does anyone else get the feeling this is all a big act?

[rucky]

This Senator won't filibuster, that one's not making any decisions yet. Sources say so-and-so isn't on board the filibuster. A good friend told me in a mass email that an intern in Senator Fuzzlenut's office said to call Senator Bigglesworth. Then at the 11th hour, Senator Blankety-Blank launches a final push for a filibuster.

I'd like to think this is all a big "poker game," you know, not letting the opposition (or the constituents) know what they're up to. But come on, the GOP already stated what they'd do with the "nuc-e-lar option." They're prepared, and a surprise filibuster won't shake them.

My gut is leading me to believe that this "are-we or aren't we?" drama is being set up to the keep the party base from up-and revolting when next week comes and the fili doesn't run. Would it be a stretch to guess that the Dems (and Repubs) in the Senate have been talking to each other about this, and have pretty much known what they'd be doing even before the Alito hearing started? If our 44 haven't at least been planning amongst themselves, we have a serious unity problem that will not lead us through the next 3 years of hell. If they are unified, then why the big show?

Meanwhile we're working hard to stop this conformation, and a few key Senators are leading a push in what's sort of a good cop/bad cop act, so in the end, when we lose another battle, they can all throw up our arms and say "we tried, but we just didn't have enough votes." Then we can take our frustrations out on the 2 or 3 "DINOS" whose seats are safe anyway. We've seen this pattern before on key votes in both houses. Another line they like to use is, "the public support of the constituents was just not there." That's a nice and unverifiable way to shift blame.

I still hope the filibuster happens, it just seems like there's something ingenuous about the mixed messages we're getting from our Senators. It tells me this deal - like most other deals - was already settled in the back-room.

Can you blame me for being so cynical about this?

[rwenos]

1. Sure It's An Act

The Semate Dem's are looking rather feeble. No one can articulate a message. No one can do anything but carp.

Where are all the giants?

[Jeffersons Ghost]

41. it's the military industrial complex

filibuster will hurt plans of the Master Puppeteer who pulls ALL the strings in DC with PACs and promises of defense plants built in the home states of top dems and repukes. The top-brass in the Military Industrial Complex is planning a war in Iran after the draft is reinstated and filibuster disrupts the plan.

[converted_democrat]

51. I'm not saying you're wrong, but what makes you think they will

reinstate the draft?

[natrat]

52. yea its a scam- blackmail, bribery, extortion whatever

but it's pathetic that they trot out hillary clinton and select other dems to act like they oppose when all along they got it sewn up tight. Give me a break, they're going to fuck us so at least spare all the theatre.

[mike_c]

2. nope-- can't blame you at all-- those bastards are consummate...

...manipulators-- it's the one skill you can depend on-- and they will play their constituents like a fiddle if they can.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

8. Which ones?

:shrug:

[mike_c]

10. politicians in general, with increasing skill culminating...

...in the U.S. Congress and the Executive Branch. Some are less evil and self-serving than others, but let's face it, the position requires a skill set that generally makes one seem slimy and untrustworthy. Or maybe I'm just too cynical....

[applegrove]

14. Boy the GOP sure wants Dems to be painted with whatever things

the Repukes have done wrong. Now dems never vote to make the world better. I'm one who is not so sure that filibuster - which will result in another loss in the end - is a good idea. Especially when there is so much bad news out there for Repukes.

"They are all the same.. they are all the same... you are getting really sleepy... they are all the same".

Fact is Bush will make an appointment to the Supreme Court. And there is nothing Dems can do to stop it. So do you take the hit now.. or do you drag it out.

[sendero]

23. I expect a shark to bite..

... I expect a kitten to be cuddly.

Comparing the Dems to the Reps is beyond ludicrous, not relevant, and basically insulting to the intelligence of anyone with an IQ over 90.

[applegrove]

24. I agree you cannot compare Dems to cons. That was my point. In

responce to the poster above me.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

43. "Now dems never vote to make the world better."

Powerful.

[applegrove]

48. I was being sarcastic. I was responding to the person in front of me.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

53. I wasn't.

If not Alito, whom?

[cry baby]

3. certainly don't blame you for being cynical -

in the dark recesses of my mind, this has occured to me, too, but I hope it isn't the case.

[wisteria]

4. No, not as much as I thing they are afraid to speak up and risk

losing support and DLC money.At least on the Dem side.

[arcane1]

5. isn't it, sadly, ALWAYS a good cop/bad cop act?

:shrug:

[FreedomAngel82]

6. I've been wondering too

Why else is Frist trying to hurry up and get this through the Senate? I think more is going on behind the scenes than we think. Remember what happened when Reid closed the Senate. It came out of nowhere because Frist would have stopped them. So maybe they have a plan in case and are seeing what we're wanting them to do. I hope we don't get this fool on the court. He can't be there.

[karynnj]

7. Read the NYT article or any of the other hit pieces

Kerry is a pretty smart guy who saw the press he got through the election. All Bush's weakness were smoothed over or complimented as virtues, even in Brumiller's NYT's coverage. Everything Kerry said or did was ignored, distorted or mocked.

He knows how unfairly he has been treated since the election. Opting to take this type of stand with Kennedy, he knew the fire storm it would cause and he had to know that he would be slammed pretty hard. He has done this his entire career. Although he is a serious, focused, hard working Senator - he was been called anything from an empty suit to a conspiracy nutcase. Only in the debates and in person have people seen that he is a soft spoken, articulate man who genuinely cares about people and this country.

[blm]

33. Kerry didn't WANT to lead a filibuster here, but no one else would take it

up. Kennedy got smashed by bad press during the hearings, and he needed someone else to do it with him.

Kerry knew damn well he'd get kicked around ruthlessly on this, and he did it ANYWAY.

[rucky]

34. I'm pretty sure Kerry is genuine about wanting to filibuster.

I'm just saying that it's probably a done deal despite Kerry's efforts, which DO function to smooth things over with the base as well.

[Kickin_Donkey]

9. Sure, it's an act ...

the Senate Democrats as a whole are playing the Washington Generals (token opposition vs. Harlem Globetrotters).

As you said, if they were unified, they wouldn't need a big show. In my opinion, they aren't unified, which is exactly why we're seeing this "act."

[chimpymustgo]

11. This is why I'm awake at frigging 2:30 am EST. This has been in my gut

all day long. The back and forth. The in and out. Who's zooming who.

I'll keep calling, and fighting. But if this comes down ugly on Monday, it's over for me.

[SoCalDemGrrl]

15. Hey chimpymustgo - have faith

[incapsulated]

12. No, I don't blame you

You aren't alone in your thinking.

I think they are playing the base like a fiddle.

Go ahead, flame me, I really don't care, and I'm far too tired to fight back.

[SoCalDemGrrl]

13. Maybe the Dems are playing a great poker hand....

with the sons of bitches Repubs, it's wise not to tip your hand too early....
hope we will all be suprised on Monday....... Frist may wish he never called for a cloture vote..

Fingers crossed and KEEP THOSE CALLS AND LETTERS COMING!!!!!

[chimpymustgo]

16. We have to fight now. It ain't over till it's over. But I swear, if

our REPRESENTATIVES don't put up a fight on Monday, what's left? Thanks for the buck-up.

:hi:

[EFerrari]

17. Sure. But while there is any chance of keeping this guy off of the

the SC, I will play. I will call, and cajole and email and fax and do anything a person can do.

That's the job right now. :)

[MatrixEscape]

18. It IS an act ...

In the sense that a majority of the DU'ers here do not see that we have a Constitional crisis on our hands.

Nothing else matters more, IMHO, than the fact that our own President has now, in fact, declared himself above the law and the Constitution that he had to swear to defend when he was installed by SCOTUS.

If we do not agree, and we cannot stand behind this one major, most important issue, then the rest of our issues are nothing more than another distraction to dilute our resolve and interests.

My wish is that this site and its members would wake up to what we face here. We are now asked to allow a self-appointed dictator to convince us that he should have unlimited power -- above and beyond what our beloved, SACRED Constitution allows him.

If that tyrant is allowed to continue with his agenda, then it should be clear that any other issue facing this country, (and there are so many) will not amount to a hill of Gannons.

Yes, I know you are all focused on so many issues that your head's spin. You are trying to fight the good fight. If you don't have ammo though, (the limitations on the Executive Branch that are provided legally) are you not spinning your wheels and fighting for nothing in the end?

Once the tyrant has what he wants, we will lose most everything we valued, fought for, or could hope for. Our dear, wise, and prophetic Forefathers were very clear, certain, and aware of the Rubicon W has crossed. What would they tell you to do right now?

One if by land. Two if by sea. Three if by media and corporations.

[MissMarple]

19. Alito is not the cause of the crisis. George&Co and their subsidiaries

They should remain the primary focus.

[buzzard]

45. No, if confirmed he will be another puppet in the neocon arsenal.n/t

[Le Taz Hot]

39. Oh, of coures we see it.

It's why we're here and not playing with our iPods or whatever other shiny object the powers-that-be have to keep us otherwise engaged.

[B Calm]

20. If they are acting without the balls to filibuster, it will cost us in Nov

[Mr.Green93]

21. I feel it is a cynical move by John Kerry

You may be correct. It is all a big act to placate the "base".

[lynne]

27. Must agree . . . IMO this is just a -

- bone being tossed at the "base" to keep everyone happy. Nothing more.

[Inuca]

40. Do not agree

I think it is a politically risky move. Risky & gutsy & done out of conviction (and possibly desperation).

[in_cog_ni_to]

22. I just watched The National Press Club, The Democrat's State of the Union

luncheon from yesterday, Thursday and Dick Durbin said that you have to be able to count. HIS job is to count the Senators who would support a filibuster and he didn't count enough to support it. He said it was still a possibility, but HIGHLY UNLIKELY. They have discussed this for weeks in their Dem caucus and just didn't have the support for it.:grr: As usual, the Democrats wanted to tell US, the base, to FUCK OFF.

SO, in light of Durbin's statement yesterday, I'd have to say we're being PLAYED like a fiddle. I'm willing to wait to see how this plays out, but I suspect I know already what will happen.

On the other hand, this may be a poker play by the Dems and they aren't showing their hand? I just don't know anymore. It's possible they want to blindside the repukes. They may actually have the the support, but don't want the repukes to know? Durbin is a pretty straight forward guy. If he says there's not support, I tend to believe him. Then again, his remarks could be part of the plan.:shrug: I don't know what to believe.:(

[seabeyond]

28. let me ask. if there are a handful that are passionate about a

filibuster. and like durbin says they count vote and find they are short. they go public hoping out there, it will pressure dem to go filibuster. is that an act, or the handful of senators that are passionate about a filibuster doing what they can to convince other senators to support filibuster?

would you prefer for the senators who want filibuster to quietly without publicity count and find they fall short, keep quiet and vote no, but not go after filibuster?

and when it appeared that is what was hapening, is it then fair for the majority on htis board, other dem blogs, and newpaper editorials to say a no vote without filibuster is a yes vote, and gonna walk from dem party with filibuster?

does it really matter what our dems do? wont we crusify them regardless of their actions? find ways to fault and blame them for ALL the woes of this universe?

[in_cog_ni_to]

36. I honestly don't know what they're doing. I think Durbin was sincere

when he said he did a count and the support just isn't there. On the other hand, it could have just been a ploy to make the repukes THINK we don't have the votes. Personally, I prefer they work behind the scenes and rally the troops for the filibuster and either blindside the repukes with a filibuster or call a press conference and tell the TRUTH. They either have the support for it or they don't. What I don't like is BEING USED. I don't like being PLAYED, if that's what's going on...and I don't know if that's what's happening or not. I have a very hard time believing John Kerry has called for a filibuster WITHOUT THE BLESSINGS OF THE PARTY. I don't think John Kerry was told "we don't have enough votes for a filibuster so we aren't going to even try it and THEN Kerry turns around and says, "fuck that. I'm going to call for a filibuster anyway." I HONESTLY don't think that's what's going on here. THAT IS WHY I'm thinking the Dems MAY BE playing the repukes on this. I just can't believe John Kerry would do this for his own political future. THAT would be a very BAD MOVE on his part, IMCPO.

Bottom line is this: The Dems either have the support for a filibuster or they don't. If they don't, they could be trying to rally the troops in public AND behind the scenes. If they do have the support, they are having Kerry call for a filibuster to make the repukes THINK we don't have the support and are going to blindside the repukes...catch them off guard. Since Kerry's call for a filibuster, we've had numerous Dems say they do not support it. Is that part of the game? Or not? I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

Also, there's just no way in hell the Democrats should NOT HAVE BEEN UNITED ON THIS ISSUE. What was the "deal" with the gang of 14 actually for? What did the Dems get out of that deal? They saved the filibuster? FOR WHAT? Legislation? If the Nuclear Option is used on the ScAlito issue, THAT'S WHAT THEY END UP WITH ANYWAY! SO? What did the Dems get out of that HORRENDOUS gang of 14 deal?

[Wordie]

46. The strategy may be that since they didn't appear to have the votes,

getting Kerry out there might be what was necessary to get some other people on board. It's gonna be harder now for the others to vote for cloture, imho, after Kerry's courageous stand. At least I hope that's what's happening. I really don't know for sure either.

Kerry seemed very sincere in that speech, and he laid out the case against Alito that would be hard for any Dem to ignore. It seemed to me his call for a filibuster may have been the best chance to change the equation.

And I should add that I'm not one of the declared KerryIn2008 people on this board. But when this is all over, whether it succeeds or not, I'm going to be giving it some serious consideration.

[dusty64]

25. Thats EXACTLY

what I've been thinking and I was gonna post about it later. We are being played badly.

[mmonk]

26. It's not "next 3 years of hell" if Alito

and other radicals control the judiciary. You left off a zero.

[Ovett]

31. there is always the possibility that Alito

will not be as radical once he gets on the bench. you never know. it has been said that judges take on a different perspective when given that awesome responsibility. it happened with one of Reagan's nominees (Briar?)... i doubt it but you never know.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

29. Naaah. Politicians are known for their honesty and ethics.

And, steadfast devotion to principles. Not to mention their willingness to risk their seats in defense of same.

Did you see that pig flying by?

[insane_cratic_gal]

30. Let them use Nuclear option

they won't always be the majority and they will regret that abuse of power. Like when we put a Judge on the bench again.

[Efilroft Sul]

35. The nuclear option by the Republicans will show four things.

1) The Republicans put party before nation and rule of law.
2) They support a dictatorship by endorsing Alito and his Unitary Executive tripe.
3) They are the lapdogs of the Bush White House.
4) They, not the Democrats, broke the Senate and destroyed the separation of powers.

Do not negotiate with terrorists nor appease these tyrannical Republicans.

The nuclear option risks horrible retribution upon those who use it. The Republicans know not what they are about to do.

[insane_cratic_gal]

37. Pirates fan I see!

From pa myself..

I agree, but I believe they are bluffing, and we have to call their bluff.

If you look at the Bush Posse, Their numbers are down, they lost on Miers (though I believe she was a set up so they could show they "tried to put a woman in"), The lost on the PA they got temporary powers not permanent powers. There isn't anything good about these guys. Congress has become a rubber stamp, I've written to Specter and hopefully shamed him by pointing that out.

It's time for congress to start thinking independently from the Bush Regime

[newportdadde]

32. Yes it feels like an act I think your summary is spot on.

I especially like your good cop/bad cop analogy. Lets be real here, they know if they have the votes for filibuster or not and I think they are stalling as long as possible before the shit hits the fan and we find out they didn't have it.

[Le Taz Hot]

38. As a confirmed curmudgeon

and one who has made pessimism my life, I'm trying NOT to think this but I keep getting the same nagging feeling -- it's all a show to keep the base from walking. I think it will work on some but not on most. I think they underestimate how sick of their bullshit we really are.

[Marie26]

42. I think you're right. nt

[leftofthedial]

44. as Frank Zappa said

"Government is the Entertainment Division of the military-industrial complex."

[earth mom]

47. I've been wondering the same thing...

and trying not to get my hopes up too much.

And considering how much we've all lost the past 5 years, it's really not surprising that many of us are feeling the same way.

[Wordie]

49. Why presume idealistic motives & political ones are mutually exclusive?

Both may be in play here. One cannot expect politicians to not be political. That they are probably aware that the base will be energized by this doesn't necessarily say anything about the sincerity or value of the filibuster effort.

[sampsonblk]

50. Great points - well thought and well written

I am with you. For some reason, this doesn't feel like a sincere effort to stop an unacceptable nominee.