The New York Times reports: The [military detention] bill’s ultimate passage was assured on Wednesday when Democrats agreed to forgo a filibuster in return for consideration of the [Specter] amendment [on habeas, which lost by a 48-51 vote]. Any changes in the Senate bill, however, would have made it impossible for Republican leaders to meet their goal of sending the bill to the White House before adjourning on Friday to hit the campaign trail.
Underscoring the political stakes involved, White House spokesman Tony Snow said today that President Bush will emphasize Democratic opposition to the bill in campaign appearances.
“He’ll be citing some of the comments that members of the Democratic leadership have made in recent days about what they think is necessary for winning the war on terror,” Mr. Snow told reporters en route to a fundraiser in Alabama, according to a transcript provided by the White House.
So let me get this straight: The Democrats give up the chance at filibustering one of the worst bills in recent memory because they were afraid that the President would paint them as soft on terrorism.
After the bill passes, the President plans to paint them as soft on terrorism.
What a spineless, worthless lot the Democrats in the Senate are. They deserve every lost Senate and House seat that comes from this.
Posted 3:11 PM by JB [link]
Comments:
When will Democrats understand that the GOP will swiftboat them no matter what they do? The swiftboating will be no worse if they stand up for principle. Indeed, it'll be less effective, because they'll be able to point to strong principles and solid accomplishments.
If the Democrats still want electoral success (about which I have some doubts), they need to realize that the path to it runs through the Valley of Assertiveness, not through the Valley of the Fear of Swiftboating. # posted by Tonal Crow : 3:36 PM