Analysis: Republicans setting filibuster record

[Joanne98]

WASHINGTON — The filibuster — tool of obstruction in the U.S. Senate — is alternately blamed and praised for wilting President Barack Obama's ambitious agenda. Some even say it's made the nation ungovernable.

Maybe, maybe not. Obama's term still has three years to run.

More certain, however: Opposition Republicans are using the delaying tactic at a record-setting pace.

"The numbers are astonishing in this Congress," says Jim Riddlesperger, political science professor at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.

The filibuster, using seemingly endless debate to block legislative action, has become entrenched like a dandelion tap root in the midst of the shrill partisanship gripping Washington.

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[Marr]

1. Say what you like about Republicans, but they understand politics.

They know that consistency means nothing, and people who whine about hypocrisy are suckers. I'm talking about rank and file voters here-- not Democratic politicians. Democratic politicians understand this just as well as the Republicans. They just don't actually want to advance your agenda. It's easy to avoid hypocrisy when you don't actually want to win.

In any fight, political or otherwise, you use all the tools at your disposal to the greatest effect possible, period. Sometimes that will make you a hypocrite, but that is secondary to winning.