Alright, who thinks Reid is actually going to compromise?

[Dave Sund]

From what you know about his character, do you think this is the type of guy who would back away from a fight? After telling bloggers today that he doesn't think the Republicans have the votes? After issuing a press release detailing a plan to push their own agenda if the Republicans dare invoke the Nuclear Option? Anyone think Reid would compromise when it's pretty clear he's got the upper hand?

It's simple. They want to give the appearance of compromise without actually doing it. That way, if the GOP tries to paint them with the "obstructionist" brush, they can say, "Well, we tried to compromise. Sen. Nelson put forth a proposal, Sen. Biden put forth a proposal, Sen. Reid put forth a proposal, but none of those were good enough for you."

If they try to say the Democrats have no agenda, Reid puts forth the nine bills and forces them to come down on the wrong side of every issue.

Have faith, everyone. Reid knows exactly what he's doing. He's not about to back down.

[Kerrytravelers]

1. I really hope not. It will embolden them for future acts of "Just Us"

[mikelewis]

2. Sen Boxer said something very interesting today...

This was near the end of her speech today on the floor of the Senate. She spoke a little under an hour and covered roughly 4 or so topics. When she came to the filibuster, she said that if they do invoke the nuclear option, the Democrats were going to start pushing things the Republicans didn't want to get brought up.

There was no doubt this was a veiled threat and I wonder what exactly she means. Boxer isn't one to mince words. She calls it like she sees it and she was serious about this. I have no idea what it is but she seems to think it has juice. Anyone else catch this?

[Dave Sund]

3. Reid's press release...

As a matter of comity, the Minority in the Senate traditionally defers to the Majority in the setting of the agenda. If Bill Frist pulls the nuclear trigger, Democrats will show deference no longer.

Invoking a little-known Senate procedure called Rule XIV, last week Democrats put nine bills on the Senate calendar that seek to help America fulfill its promise.

If Republican's break the rules Democrats will use the rule to bring to the Senate floor an agenda that meets the needs of average Americans, such as lowering gas prices, reducing the cost of health care and helping veterans.

"Across the country, people are worried about things that matter to their families - the health of their loved ones, their child's performance in schools, and those sky high gas prices," said Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid. "But what is the number one priority for Senate Republicans? Doing away with the last check on one-party rule in Washington to allow President Bush, Senator Frist and Tom Delay to stack the courts with radical judges. If Republicans proceed to pull the trigger on the nuclear option, Democrats will respond by employing existing Senate rules to push forward our agenda for America."

Democrats have introduced bills that address America's real challenges. (Details attached)

1. Women's Health Care (S. 844). "The Prevention First Act of 2005" will reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions by increasing funding for family planning and ending health insurance discrimination against women.

2. Veterans' Benefits (S. 845). "The Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2005" will assist disabled veterans who, under current law, must choose to either receive their retirement pay or disability compensation.

3. Fiscal Responsibility (S. 851). Democrats will move to restore fiscal discipline to government spending and extend the pay-as-you-go requirement.

4. Relief at the Pump (S. 847). Democrats plan to halt the diversion of oil from the markets to the strategic petroleum reserve. By releasing oil from the reserve through a swap program, the plan will bring down prices at the pump.

5. Education (S. 848). Democrats have a bill that will: strengthen head start and child care programs, improve elementary and secondary education, provide a roadmap for first generation and low-income college students, provide college tuition relief for students and their families, address the need for math, science and special education teachers, and make college affordable for all students.

6. Jobs (S. 846). Democrats will work in support of
legislation that guarantees overtime pay for workers and sets a fair minimum wage.

7. Energy Markets (S. 870). Democrats work to prevent Enron-style market manipulation of electricity.

8. Corporate Taxation (S. 872). Democrats make sure companies pay their fair share of taxes to the U.S. government instead of keeping profits overseas.

9. Standing with our troops (S. 11). Democrats believe that putting America's security first means standing up for our troops and their families

"Abusing power is not what the American people sent us to Washington to do. We need to address real priorities instead -- fight for relief at the gas pump, stronger schools and lower health care costs for America's families," said Senator Reid.

[FreedomAngel82]

7. Oh wow

I wish I saw that. What was that on? Is it on the CSPAN site? Interesting. I wonder what she's talking about?

[zann725]

9. I saw that speech. She was great! Especially her visual aides...

She always brings in those blown-up fact-based quotes from the Repugs, showing their contradictory statements/facts.

[rpannier]

4. I don't doubt for two seconds

that Sen Reid will stand firm.

[democracyindanger]

5. No way, especially since Reid has 'em right where he wants 'em

They either kill the filibuster, and piss off most of America and half of their own party, or give up on the nominees and piss off the American Taliban. Let them choose the method of their own destruction.

[FreedomAngel82]

6. I hope you're right

I can only wait and see. I just hope Reid doesn't let them through.

[Blue Topaz]

8. I like your analysis

I think Reid will do right by us. I was dubious about him in the beginning (in large part because of the badmouthing he received on this and other sites) but I have been very impressed so far.

[sandnsea]

10. That's an old compromise anyway

That's all Levin & Stabenow wanted a long time ago, that not all the new judges on the 6th circut would be conservative. They wanted at least one more liberal judge. Getting that deal AND eliminating the other really bad ones AND embarrassing Frist, it would be a feat. Humongous win!

[xchrom]

11. i can't see how reid would figure dems win

if he did compromise.

[radfringe]

12. according to this article -- it looks like it

Frist, Reid Work on Judge-Approval Deal
By JESSE J. HOLLAND, Associated Press Writer
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=4&u=/ap/20050426/ap_on_go_co/filibuster_fight&sid=84439559

WASHINGTON - Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid is quietly talking to the Senate's chief Republican about confirming at least two of President Bush's blocked judicial nominees but only as part of a compromise that would require the GOP to end its threat to eliminate judicial filibusters, officials say.

At the same time, these officials say Reid remains opposed to four conservative candidates for other appellate circuits, Priscilla Owen, Janice Rogers Brown, William G. Myers III and William H. Pryor Jr.

Senators would not confirm details Monday, but Reid said that he has had had numerous conversations with senators in both parties in hopes of avoiding a showdown. "As part of any resolution, the nuclear option must be off the table," Reid said in a statement referring to the GOP threat to change filibuster rules.

[Dave Sund]

14. Okay, why do you think I posted this thread?

I read that article. It's called political maneuvering. Appear to be compromising while you're ready to come out and fight.

[radfringe]

20. hope you are right

we'll have to wait and see

too many times it has looked like the Dems are ready to fight - only to have them cave-in when push comes to shove

[radfringe]

21. hope you are right

we'll have to wait and see

too many times it has looked like the Dems are ready to fight - only to have them cave-in when push comes to shove

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

13. Yeah, I just posted on this too.

I agree with everything you say. I hope DU doesn't flip out.

[kentuck]

15. Why would any of the judges now be "acceptable" ?

When they were not acceptable the first time around? It doesn't look good.

[robcon]

16. I hope he will compromise.,

The precedent will be in for the SC nominees to come.

If the Pukes 'nuke' the process, we're dead as long as the Pukes have the majority in the Senate.

If anyone thinks we'll 'win' if we stop business of the Senate, I've got two words for you: Newt Gingrich.

[kentuck]

19. If they do, they will look like wimps...

Because if they were not acceptable before, why should they be now??

[northernsoul]

17. Reid knows how to fight... literally

I guess he was one helluva middleweight boxer back in the day. This is just part of the fancy footwork we need to do in order to go all fifteen rounds.

[SaveElmer]

18. Any compromise is a Republican win

They float this outrageous proposal that even the Right Wing disinformation machine can't sell to the public, and they get some of their right wingers on the bench. We are winning the war on this one and should not back down!

[markus]

22. Yes. He's got a decent deal (from a senator's view) on the table

If he can reinstate the state's senator's sign-off on appointments form their state, and force Bush to back down on none or all, and keep the fillibuster on the table for the Supreme Court, he should take it.

We must not repeat the Gingrich error of brining the government to a stop if it can be avoided.

Not, it's not what we want but keep in mind that we just "lost" the last election.