Reply #52: I personally think this places Kerry in a tough position. He has, as

[wisteria]

you mentioned, said in his opinion, Bush has broken the law. He also indicated that if Bush felt the rules were too restrictive then he should request changes to these rules. He did say these things when there was all indications that it was going to be investigated- another Specter bulls*t moment. As I understand it now, there is going to be no investigation because a compromise was worked out between the White House and Senate Republicans. Matter taken care of and all indications are that a majority of the public is satisfied with the compromise.
It's an election year, the Republican's are running on national and homeland security and the frame on the wiretapping is now the, Terrorist Surveillance Program.
Senator Kerry may have very little wiggle room here. It doesn't look good if he doesn't support Feingold after saying publicly that Bush broke the law. It can be viewed as supporting illegal activity. However, this also places Kerry in a position of appearing weak on defense and homeland security with a vote of support for Feingold because of the way this has been framed by the Repubs.
IMO, I wouldn't vote with Feingold on this. He brought this up at the wrong time.Kerry, may be able to say the issue has been addressed for right now and we are keeping an eye on the President, if he abuses his power again on this, he will be held further accountable.

Think of this as a card game, you got to know when to hold them and you've got to know when to fold them. Feingold, should of held on to the cards for a while longer.