Byrd makes Frist look like a fool

[quaoar]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/14/AR2005051400752.html

By Dan Balz
Sunday, May 15, 2005; Page A04

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) were having one of their many colloquies about judicial nominations when Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.), a Bible and a copy of the Constitution in hand, suddenly intervened.

For the next hour, Byrd commanded center stage on the Senate floor, with pointed questions, extended ramblings and theatrical flourishes that had both leaders squirming and the galleries mesmerized.

< snip >

Byrd delivered a history on Senate rules, recited a story from Tolstoy and invoked the Book of Esther from the Bible to warn Frist that, like Haman, he and the Republicans could end up being hanged on their own gallows if they pursue the nuclear option. "Don't 'Hamanize' the Senate of the United States."

Frist kept looking for an exit and finally took his leave, prompting Byrd to wail theatrically, "He left me all alone here. What about this? Hey, where is my adversary? Where is my worthy adversary?"

[brainshrub]

1. If it wasn't for BBV, the nuclear option would be a blessing is disguise.

Think of the reforms Democrats would be able to pass when we win big-time in 2006.

Alas, with BBV it doesn't matter... If the Republicans were scared of the the will of the people, they would never push this inane strategy.

[RoyGBiv]

2. Byrd's good at that ...

I watched him in debate the other day. Frist interrupted him, said something idiotic, and Byrd didn't say a damn thing. He just looked at him, his eyes slightly askance, with his held tilted oddly. It spoke volumes.

His next line started, "As I was saying ..."

It was brilliant.

[beam me up scottie]

3. It was a beautiful thing.

Truly. :patriot:

"HEAR ME!"

[Idioteque]

4. It was so funny to see Frist whimper "yes sir"...

...in response to one of Byrd's questions.

[magellan]

14. I saw that too, he lowered his head like a chastized schoolboy

It was a thing of beauty! A well-deserved dressing down of a reckless fool by an elder statesman.

[Hand]

5. Related thread...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1778729

It was high drama and a thing of beauty... Senator Byrd pulled out all the stops and won the day effortlessly! Truly an epic piece of oratory.
:toast: :patriot:

[beam me up scottie]

6. And thank you again for

narrating it for us!

I couldn't call his office from work but I did send an email.

They cut off the last part of his speech on CSPAN, the part where frist left...:cry:

[Hand]

18. You're entirely welcome!

It was too good not to share! :applause:

[Cha]

7. Byrd is so intelligent

and knowledgeable on classic subjects! And able to deliver his thoughts with the passion it deserves.

[paineinthearse]

8. Frist doesn't need Byrd to make himself look like a fool

He is quite capable of doing that himself.

[BeHereNow]

11. Ah, but not only did he reveal him as the fool he is...

He revealed him as the FALSE Christian that he is-
That was the REALLY gratifying moment for some of us.
BHN

[burrowowl]

9. I loved the reading

from Ester.
And Frist is a fool to try and pit himself against Bryd.

[BeHereNow]

10. One word on that...

"Hamanize"

BWHAHAH!
I LOVED IT!
BHN

[Daphne08]

20. "Don't 'Hamanize' the Senate of the United States."

It was a classic moment on the floor of the U.S. Senate! Made me weep.

[Wheezy]

12. Oh my word, I saw this on CSPAN

and loved it so much, I watched again later that evening.

My kids loved it. My 8-yr old said 'Did you tape this?'

'The worm turns, the worm turns.' It was priceless.

[greymattermom]

13. Purim spiel

It's a Purim spiel. Did they hand out noise makers?

[Democrat 4 Ever]

15. Favorite part - when Byrd forced Cat Killer to admit that nowhere

in the Constitution does it call for an up or down vote on anything. Cat Killer finally said (after being questioned several times), "No it is not there." Priceless.

Then Senator Byrd kept hitting on the phrase - advise and consent - not roll over and play dead for a stupid faux president. Byrd is a statesman, Frist a mass murderer of domestic animals, the Constitution, laws, courts and the dignity of the Senate all in the name of Fristianity to please his masters, Cheney, Rove and Chimpy. Oh, lordy how I hate this bunch.

[dandrhesse]

16. It was a sight to behold! The only thing that would have made it even

better was if the good Lord saw fit to strike down Frist on the spot! When he said where do my adversary go? I was laughing out loud. It serves Frist right. I don't care how self-righteous he is, Senator Byrd is the elder stateman of the senate and he deserves respect as well as honest straightforward answers to direct questions.

He challenged Frist to an open debate and Frist responded by interrupting, whining and then stomping out - very mature, very classy Frist. But then that is what we have come to expect from the Republican Party a bunch of spoiled brats throwing temper tantrum, it would be comical were it not for the effects their crass behavior have on the lives of all of us everyday citizens.

[Coexist]

17. the Haman Frist moment on the CNN reel -

priceless.

[zann725]

19. Anybody have a link to Byrd's actual performance? I checked CSPAN,

and could NOT find the footage. Sounds great, but I'd love to see it.