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It would be nice if all of the DUers who previously labeled Harry Reid, "spineless", "a wimp" ... (Original Post) 11 Bravo Nov 2013 OP
I'll semi-apologize and say better late than never. Good job done Harry! eom Purveyor Nov 2013 #1
i think people who say that about him JI7 Nov 2013 #2
or they might be people who paid attention to how he was acting at that time. paulkienitz Nov 2013 #56
Guilty as charged. I did Pryderi Nov 2013 #3
You are making a truly silly argument cthulu2016 Nov 2013 #4
No apology here. He WAS spineless and wimpy then. He's since EVOLVED, praise the universe. ancianita Nov 2013 #5
Ditto. He should have done it in Obama's first term. CanonRay Nov 2013 #12
I think Harry should apologize for taking so damned long. ancianita Nov 2013 #15
+1 Sheldon Cooper Nov 2013 #40
+1. Better way the fuck late than never..... Paladin Nov 2013 #70
+1 MNBrewer Nov 2013 #14
That about sums it up, ancianita. Egalitarian Thug Nov 2013 #51
Exactly. nt Bonobo Nov 2013 #65
I knew he had it in him! rdharma Nov 2013 #6
I apologize Harry Cali_Democrat Nov 2013 #7
.. Cha Nov 2013 #39
Most of us could spend all day every day apologizing for stuff we said online Fumesucker Nov 2013 #8
you want I should kick your apology-prone ass, Fumesucker? Skittles Nov 2013 #34
It's nice to see ass kicking once in awhile. mother earth Nov 2013 #9
If he wasn't a wimp.... sendero Nov 2013 #10
And half the job done. earthside Nov 2013 #31
when words and behavior disagree, the behavior is the truth. let's see if he has the behavior msongs Nov 2013 #11
Patricia Millet was confirmed to the DC circuit court this afternoon with 55 votes. 11 Bravo Nov 2013 #20
I don't believe I ever called him any of those things G_j Nov 2013 #13
I've re-read my OP several times, and I'll be fucked if I can figure out how "It would be nice" ... 11 Bravo Nov 2013 #21
point taken G_j Nov 2013 #23
I take your point, as well. And I join you in congratulating Leader Reid. 11 Bravo Nov 2013 #25
I thought he did pretty well through the G_j Nov 2013 #33
No apology here NV Whino Nov 2013 #16
I'm sure I've labeled Reid as one of the things you mentioned AndyA Nov 2013 #17
I agree with Harry's decision today but... kentuck Nov 2013 #18
If you ever find your way out to SW Nevada be sure to take the drive through Searchlight, Nevada... Tikki Nov 2013 #19
Better yet, it would be nice if DU could ... frazzled Nov 2013 #22
No apology from me. I will say 'We told you so'. sabrina 1 Nov 2013 #24
FYI, it was YOUR Senators that were holding up Reid from making these changes to the rulez. Major Hogwash Nov 2013 #37
What does that have to do me? I despise and always have, Schumer. I hope and will work to sabrina 1 Nov 2013 #42
I've certainly said it before Spirochete Nov 2013 #26
I have already expressed my delighted astonishment. Warren Stupidity Nov 2013 #27
Well, honestly, he should have found his spine years ago. Arugula Latte Nov 2013 #28
sorry, no Skittles Nov 2013 #29
Not going to apologize, but good for Harry Autumn Nov 2013 #30
It's not in their DNA. But you watch, when we lose control of the Senate, and Gawd forbid, the WH.. Tarheel_Dem Nov 2013 #32
You are torn? Do you honestly think that if the Democrats dont use the nuclear option then rhett o rick Nov 2013 #38
I thought you were among those who supported him NOT doing this long ago? When sabrina 1 Nov 2013 #43
Well, I don't think I should be held to account for ANYTHING "you thought". Tarheel_Dem Nov 2013 #46
Note to Tarheel Dem: We never had control of the Senate . . until today!!! Major Hogwash Nov 2013 #44
I actually don't disagree with you. My concern, however, is that the loudmouth(s) who have been.... Tarheel_Dem Nov 2013 #49
The Democrats have never exercised their power when in the minority, so I don't think Egalitarian Thug Nov 2013 #57
Reid is one of the most powerful people in the country Enrique Nov 2013 #35
He Has Risen a Bit In My Estimation, Sir The Magistrate Nov 2013 #36
Give him a week and he'll do nothing on something important and point at the pile of dry powder Paulie Nov 2013 #50
He Has Risen Indeed. nt Bonobo Nov 2013 #66
I do not think that Harry Reid could have pulled this off earlier Gothmog Nov 2013 #41
The criticism was that Sen Reid did not or could invoke the nuclear option in the last 5 years. rhett o rick Nov 2013 #45
Harry Reid should apologize for waiting so long to do it. smokey nj Nov 2013 #47
He waited until way into Obama's second term...on the other hand, it could be that he didn't have yurbud Nov 2013 #48
HE should apologize to US. PeteSelman Nov 2013 #52
Keep your powder dry Harry sandyshoes17 Nov 2013 #61
+1 Indeed! idwiyo Nov 2013 #69
i apologize to harry reid for wanting him to do his fucking job.. frylock Nov 2013 #53
+1 Warren Stupidity Nov 2013 #59
Sorry but one event won't change my mind 4dsc Nov 2013 #54
Consider this my appology quakerboy Nov 2013 #55
Maybe the accusations prodded him to act. JEFF9K Nov 2013 #58
I apologize. He finally developed one. Let's hope there's no cure for the disease Nanjing to Seoul Nov 2013 #60
Will not apologize. zentrum Nov 2013 #62
I'm very sorry now libodem Nov 2013 #63
Stupid thread that only serves to insult DUers for demanding the leader do his job. last1standing Nov 2013 #64
I never called him spineless, but those who did need not apologize. ScreamingMeemie Nov 2013 #67
I stand by what I said before. No apology from me. idwiyo Nov 2013 #68
I can't remember ever having anything LWolf Nov 2013 #71
It would be nice if all the DUers and elected Democrats who ever spoke against marriage equality Bluenorthwest Nov 2013 #72
Nope, not going to happen. ladyVet Nov 2013 #73

JI7

(89,186 posts)
2. i think people who say that about him
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 06:50 PM
Nov 2013

are mostly those whose political "activism" is posting on the internet.

paulkienitz

(1,295 posts)
56. or they might be people who paid attention to how he was acting at that time.
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 09:24 PM
Nov 2013

I think Harry Reid knows which side his bread is lubricated on, which is not the same side it was a decade ago.

cthulu2016

(10,960 posts)
4. You are making a truly silly argument
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 06:51 PM
Nov 2013

I like Harry Reid a lot, but people saying years ago he should go for the nuclear option haven't been shown anything except that they were right and that after a few YEARS of this shit, even Reid would come around to that view.

Paladin

(28,204 posts)
70. +1. Better way the fuck late than never.....
Fri Nov 22, 2013, 09:50 AM
Nov 2013

Apology? I don't think so. I want to see some Democratic follow-through on this.

mother earth

(6,002 posts)
9. It's nice to see ass kicking once in awhile.
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 06:58 PM
Nov 2013

But, can't say I blame anyone for being fed up that it took so damned long. Having said that, I'll take it, better late than never.

Keep it going, Harry, give 'em hell!

sendero

(28,552 posts)
10. If he wasn't a wimp....
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 06:58 PM
Nov 2013

....he would have done this 3/5 years ago. It's not as though this is a new problem.

earthside

(6,960 posts)
31. And half the job done.
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:31 PM
Nov 2013

Now we need to get the filibuster reformed so that good, progressive legislation can pass the Senate.

Sorry, but for the most part and for most of the time Sen. Reid has been wimpy -- why do I apologize to him for doing the right thing he should have done years ago?

Uh?

msongs

(67,199 posts)
11. when words and behavior disagree, the behavior is the truth. let's see if he has the behavior
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:00 PM
Nov 2013

and actually gets a senate vote on a nominee using the "nuclear option". Nobody who criticized Reid on his behavior needs to apologize.

G_j

(40,366 posts)
13. I don't believe I ever called him any of those things
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:03 PM
Nov 2013

but I am personally very wary of apology demands.

11 Bravo

(23,922 posts)
21. I've re-read my OP several times, and I'll be fucked if I can figure out how "It would be nice" ...
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:13 PM
Nov 2013

equates to a "demand". But hey, YMMV.

G_j

(40,366 posts)
23. point taken
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:23 PM
Nov 2013

I'm just having a case of apology overload.
I've heard the term used quite a bit lately, in all sorts of ways. It seems like people are a bit obsessed with the idea. It really doesn't mean much anymore.

I'd rather congratulate Reid for a good move.

G_j

(40,366 posts)
33. I thought he did pretty well through the
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:33 PM
Nov 2013

shut down also. He made some strong statements. I haven't always been that big a fan, but I'm right there with him when he stands up to the bullies.

AndyA

(16,993 posts)
17. I'm sure I've labeled Reid as one of the things you mentioned
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:04 PM
Nov 2013

or worse.

No apologies, however. This should have been done a LONG time ago. This filibustering by the Republicans isn't a recent isolated incident. It's been going on since President Obama took office. Important functions of government have slowed to a trickle or come almost to a standstill for how long now? How long have critical positions been vacant?

This isn't a game, people depend on government to function--if it doesn't, it can be a matter of life or death.

Reid waited too long. I'm glad he finally stopped talking about it and took action. The fact that he eventually got around to it is not grounds for across the board apologies IMO. He's wasted a lot of time that can never be recovered.

kentuck

(110,950 posts)
18. I agree with Harry's decision today but...
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:06 PM
Nov 2013

he should apologize for taking so long and letting the Repubs do so much damage to our government.

Tikki

(14,539 posts)
19. If you ever find your way out to SW Nevada be sure to take the drive through Searchlight, Nevada...
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:09 PM
Nov 2013

It is a very humbling experience to see where Mr. Reid grew up and where he is now.

I respect him.


Tikki

frazzled

(18,402 posts)
22. Better yet, it would be nice if DU could ...
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:15 PM
Nov 2013

eliminate the term "spineless" (or spine, or backbone, or whatever) from the annals of these pages altogether.

It's become the rallying cry of the far right: they're always complaining their legislators have no spine, and they have to primary them and get real spiny guys in there ... you know, the intransigent ones who cling to their ideology like shipwrecked drunken sailors cling to jetsam in a storm.

Whenever I hear the word spineless I just picture the disaster that is the Tea Party. I'd hate to be in the position of seeing who yells "spineless!" loudest.

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
24. No apology from me. I will say 'We told you so'.
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:26 PM
Nov 2013

Reid has constantly tried to negotiate with these morons and no matter how many times it was obvious that you cannot compromise with sociopaths, no matter how many times, for YEARS now people begged him to take some action, any action to let them know who is the boss even when Dems WIN, he ignored us.

Until they became so crazy it was impossible to ignore.

All I can say is, better late than never, but way too late for so many things that could have been avoided.

Major Hogwash

(17,656 posts)
37. FYI, it was YOUR Senators that were holding up Reid from making these changes to the rulez.
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:54 PM
Nov 2013

Reid needed a majority in the Senate, more than 51 votes, to make these changes, and your 2 Senators were among the last holdouts to go along and vote for these changes.

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
42. What does that have to do me? I despise and always have, Schumer. I hope and will work to
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 08:07 PM
Nov 2013

have him replaced by a real Progressive Dem.

And what does it have to do with five years of NOT doing anything until now? So much harm and wasted time could have been avoided if Dems when they win would only ACT like they won.

Spirochete

(5,264 posts)
26. I've certainly said it before
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:29 PM
Nov 2013

and I'm very happy to see him finally getting more hard-nosed with the jerkoff Repubs in the Senate.
No apologies, but a heartfelt "attaboy"

 

Warren Stupidity

(48,181 posts)
27. I have already expressed my delighted astonishment.
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:29 PM
Nov 2013

As have many other du'ers here. I continue to expect future spinelessness. I would be delighted to be wrong again.

Tarheel_Dem

(31,211 posts)
32. It's not in their DNA. But you watch, when we lose control of the Senate, and Gawd forbid, the WH..
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:32 PM
Nov 2013

they'll blame Reid for not being able to stop the draconian bullshit of the Republican dominated Senate. I'll admit, I'm torn about this decision, because we may live to regret silencing the minority, even this one.

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
38. You are torn? Do you honestly think that if the Democrats dont use the nuclear option then
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:54 PM
Nov 2013

that would guarantee that the Repubican wouldnt use it in the future?

The filibuster was intended to keep the majority from running roughshod over the minority. The republicans have grossly abused this rule and are using it to run roughshod over the majority. It isnt working as intended. Fix it or dump it.

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
43. I thought you were among those who supported him NOT doing this long ago? When
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 08:09 PM
Nov 2013

did you change your mind?

It's five years too late, but better late than never.

Major Hogwash

(17,656 posts)
44. Note to Tarheel Dem: We never had control of the Senate . . until today!!!
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 08:23 PM
Nov 2013

The minority of Rethuglicans were controlling the Senate, not the Democratic majority!!

The Rethuglicans thwarted every single thing we tried to do in the Senate.
They didn't think the Democrats would ever get tired of being doormats.

Well, surprise, surprise, after 5 years of being stepped on, the Democrats said "Enough is enough" and changed the freakin' rulez.

We will lose control of the Senate someday. We will cross that river when we come to it. For now, people's lives hang in the balance, and we can not afford to let the Rethuglicans just "play it out" until the next election.

Tarheel_Dem

(31,211 posts)
49. I actually don't disagree with you. My concern, however, is that the loudmouth(s) who have been....
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 08:51 PM
Nov 2013

calling Harry Reid every name in the book, won't work to keep the current Senate majority in place. They are seemingly very passionate & active on the internet, but I can't help but wonder if they're just a bunch of malcontent keyboard commandoes, or if they are equally passionate when it comes to electing Dems.

We know the Dem leadership will be attacked relentlessly for this move, I just hope the "casual" Dems who infest the leftosphere will be as loud & obnoxious at election time, as they are between elections.

 

Egalitarian Thug

(12,448 posts)
57. The Democrats have never exercised their power when in the minority, so I don't think
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 09:26 PM
Nov 2013

this will matter at all in the future. It removes a tool that the Democrats have never known how to use anyway, so in the end it is better for us all.

Enrique

(27,461 posts)
35. Reid is one of the most powerful people in the country
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 07:39 PM
Nov 2013

none of us should be apologizing to him.

If we expressed ourselves obnoxiously about it, then maybe we should be apologizing to each other. But not to him.

Paulie

(8,462 posts)
50. Give him a week and he'll do nothing on something important and point at the pile of dry powder
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 08:55 PM
Nov 2013

It's seems to be his MO: one step forward 8 steps of concessions to the crazies.

Gothmog

(144,005 posts)
41. I do not think that Harry Reid could have pulled this off earlier
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 08:05 PM
Nov 2013

Harry Reid barely had the needed votes to use the nuclear option and he only got those votes after the GOP forced him to exercise the option. Reid may have wanted to use the nuclear option earlier but I think that he did not have the votes. The GOP conduct over the last couple of months gave Reid the votes he needed and even then it was a closer than I would like

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
45. The criticism was that Sen Reid did not or could invoke the nuclear option in the last 5 years.
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 08:37 PM
Nov 2013

I stand by that criticism. During that time, at least twice he explained that the reason he didnt invoke the nuclear option was that he made a handshake deal with McConnell (a lying Republican). At least once during that time Sen Reid claimed to have the needed votes but chose to make the deal with McConnell. I would be interested in learning why the DINO hold outs changed their minds.

yurbud

(39,405 posts)
48. He waited until way into Obama's second term...on the other hand, it could be that he didn't have
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 08:49 PM
Nov 2013

the votes to do it earlier.

Frankly, if I were him, I would have publicly shamed the Democrats who didn't vote to change the rules if he wanted to do it earlier.

PeteSelman

(1,508 posts)
52. HE should apologize to US.
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 08:59 PM
Nov 2013

For wasting nearly five years. He should have gone full on nuclear in 2010 at the latest. If we only could have passed half of the house legislation this country would be in a major upturn instead of still wallowing in the muck.

I won't apologize.

sandyshoes17

(657 posts)
61. Keep your powder dry Harry
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 09:50 PM
Nov 2013

I'm with you, he either takes a long time to do something or keeps his powder dry for the next fight. With the environment we're in right now we need someone that fights back everytime. They are moving us so far to the right, he needed to fight for every inch. I won't apologize either.

frylock

(34,825 posts)
53. i apologize to harry reid for wanting him to do his fucking job..
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 09:00 PM
Nov 2013

i'm sorry for doubting him, lo these many years.

 

4dsc

(5,787 posts)
54. Sorry but one event won't change my mind
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 09:05 PM
Nov 2013

Until I see a complete change in Mr Reid I'll withhold any apology.

quakerboy

(13,901 posts)
55. Consider this my appology
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 09:17 PM
Nov 2013

For what its worth, I was wrong.

I'm Fighting my natural urge to add a "but". Reid did good.

 

Nanjing to Seoul

(2,088 posts)
60. I apologize. He finally developed one. Let's hope there's no cure for the disease
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 09:50 PM
Nov 2013

of Majority Leader backbone!

zentrum

(9,865 posts)
62. Will not apologize.
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 09:51 PM
Nov 2013

He's said he would do this for years and every time he did that he emboldened the Reps so that we were more able to have the rogue minority we have.

He taught the right wing to not be afraid of Dems. Reid has been part of the endless appeasement travesty...

It's about damn time he acted like a pre-Reagan Democrat.

I did call his office in Reno today (not my state) and thank him.

last1standing

(11,709 posts)
64. Stupid thread that only serves to insult DUers for demanding the leader do his job.
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 10:55 PM
Nov 2013

Maybe it's you who needs to apologize but like you, I'm not holding my breath.

Some will never learn common decency.

ScreamingMeemie

(68,918 posts)
67. I never called him spineless, but those who did need not apologize.
Thu Nov 21, 2013, 11:11 PM
Nov 2013

We lost a lot by not pushing back sooner.

I'm glad Senator Reid did this, and I hope he continues to act in such a responsible manner.

LWolf

(46,179 posts)
71. I can't remember ever having anything
Fri Nov 22, 2013, 09:54 AM
Nov 2013

to say about Harry Reid one way or the other. If I had, though, I wouldn't feel any obligation to apologize to you, lol.

 

Bluenorthwest

(45,319 posts)
72. It would be nice if all the DUers and elected Democrats who ever spoke against marriage equality
Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:22 AM
Nov 2013

or voted for DOMA or who advocated 'civil unions are pragmatic goodness' would apologize. It would be nice if certain politicians who hired raging bigots as surrogates and clerics would apologize for endorsing folks who called for war on gay people. Not only would it be nice but to do so it the only correct and righteous course of action. Those who raved about 'Sanctity' and 'God in the mix' as if they spoke for God when trash talking their neighbors really should apologize, make strong amends and do penance.
But I am not holding my breath.

ladyVet

(1,587 posts)
73. Nope, not going to happen.
Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:07 PM
Nov 2013

Reid finally did what he's been saying he would do. Yay.

Let's see how long it lasts, or what secret handshake deal he made before we get all hot and bothered.

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