In the last minutes before the Alito vote democrats were scrambling to gather support for a filibuster. In the back-room one can imagine the political wrangling by moderate Democrats..here is a hypothetical discussion between moderate Democrat and a Republican senator.
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"Kennedy is going to push for a filibuster. I am not that keen on that prospect as I feel there are more important issues facing us today. My constituents and Left leaning colleagues are most concerned about the NSA wiretapping. We need to address this issue. You know keep the voters interested."
"Oh yes it is important to address the NSA wiretapping. That leak was very troubling. But we understand that it is a sensitive issue, my constituents too are very concerned. Very important issue for the voters, but one that must be handled to protect national security."
"Agreed. We should be able to make some sort of arrangement. That is equitable for both sides and satisfies our home states. Make some lemonade from these lemons."
"Yes We should. It seems reasonable. Tell you what if you can help bring a vote to the floor of Judge Alito I will do everything I can do to help bring to light the details of the NSA wiretapping situation. You know many do not want a investigation. But I can at least convince them it is important to make the appearance of doing so. We are all in this together."
"Yes. That is all I can ask of you my good friend. It is important to hold this country together. Everything is working so well now. Feingold and others will be glad to push for a NSA investigation. I will let them know that door is open and that we have support from some of our friends across the isle. We need to keep the wheels off our loose cannons."
"Yes it is. A filibuster of Alito would only cause problems. Problems that are simply to big for us to handle. We certainly don't want to open the door for inexperienced newcomers to join the club."
"Yes it is a sticky situation indeed. And we must maintain our decorum. We can't have non-senatorial people here making waves. Too much important work to do. I am glad we have had this talk."
"I am too."
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So now the NSA investigation has been killed, Hackett crushed. Progressive Senators look like they fought the good fight. And those Moderate senators are not surprised as they spent the political capital wisely again. Had they not there would not even been talk of a investigation.
Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside doesn't it.
Let freedom reign.