"For Once, I Agree With Them
Powerline
An excerpt from the statement on last night's "compromise" by Ralph Neas, head of the far-left People for the American Way:
The explicit language of the agreement reached tonight by a group of senators rejects the nuclear option, preserves the filibuster and ensures that both political parties will have a say in who is appointed to our highest courts. The agreement embodies the very principle of consultation and consensus that the filibuster encourages. This is good news for the American people. Saving the Senate’s constitutional advice and consent role, and the checks and balances that protect judicial independence, is especially important with multiple vacancies expected on the Supreme Court.
Except for the part about it being good for the American people, I think he is exactly right.
Harry Reid says: "The integrity of the Supreme Court has been protected from the undue influence of the vocal, radical right wing." Under what circumstances does that statement make sense? Only if the Dems have every intention of filibustering President Bush's Supreme Court nominees, if they don't like them. Which will certainly be the case, unless Bush nominates an empty Souter.
The headline in the Washington Times gets it right: "7 Republicans Abandon GOP on Filibuster".
We will revisit this issue, and soon. But, having recognized the legitimacy of the filibuster as applied to appellate judges, and having once forsworn the constitutional option, the Republicans will be in a weaker position than they were before last night."
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