Why the Hagel filibuster is a serious mistake for Republicans

[Zorro]

Good job, GOP. You just handed Obama a public-relations gift.

The filibuster is a tool of great power. And with great power comes great responsibility.

On Thursday, in deploying what amounts to a filibuster of Chuck Hagel, GOP senators abused that power. In doing so, they've made a serious political mistake.

As a conservative, I'm fearful about the negative political consequences that will follow this action. Don't get me wrong, I'm opposed to Chuck Hagel's appointment as secretary of defense. I believe his judgments on Afghanistan and Iraq have been seriously problematic. I have real concerns over his commitment to preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon. And I fear he's being used by President Obama to put a GOP face on future defense cuts.

http://news.yahoo.com/why-hagel-filibuster-serious-mistake-republicans-081700532.html

Interesting commentary from an admitted conservative. Even he thinks the Republicans have doubled down on stupid.

[brewens]

1. It's occured to me that a couple more years of obstruction, may work in our favor.

It sure hasn't helped the Republicans the last couple of years. Their approval numbers are lower than whale shit! It may show up at the polls in 2014.

[truebluegreen]

2. Yes. If only we had a couple of years to spare. nt

[Ash_F]

6. A couple years of obstruction is what allowed them to take back the house.

I have to differ here. They think this will help them because it did back then. And it can.

[brewens]

7. I think it turned on them last November though. Their bagger candidates didn't do well. n/t

[Thinkingabout]

3. It is hopeful the GOP got their jollies by being destructive but dont think they have learned

Anything yet. They have allowed the TP to rid them of any sanity. You know the TP bunch is bad when even Dick Armey left.

[elfin]

4. Stupid. Plus, he will have to make budget cuts

Wonder if he will look at the areas represented by the worst of them first?

[Zorro]

5. I would

I'd look at consolidating/shutting down military installations in Republican districts, since their representatives have expressed so much contempt for such government "largesse".

Then hear them squawk.

[daybranch]

8. Nope. Not soldiers or civilian employees.

cutting DOD should start and end with contracts. This is the big waste. It hauls in inordinate profits for Lockheed Martin etc. and furnishes very limited employment.