GOP Filibuster succeeds! Harry Reid fails!

[UCmeNdc]

Senate Republicans blocked Chuck Hagel’s nomination as secretary of defense in a filibuster on Thursday, demanding more time to study their former colleague’s speeches and finances after he left the Senate in 2008.

It is the first time a national security nominee has ever faced a filibuster.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/senate-republicans-have-the-votes-to-filibuster-on-hagel/2013/02/14/91afab0c-76c5-11e2-8f84-3e4b513b1a13_story.html?wpisrc=nl_pmpolitics

[riverbendviewgal]

1. Harry failed

he needs to be replaced.

[gateley]

2. Is this what they had an "agreement" not to do?

I know some people were happy with the "change" to the rules, but at this point, it doesn't seem as though anything has changed.

[graham4anything]

3. I disagree. It's a brilliant chess move by President Obama & Harry Reid.

just look 10 steps ahead.

I continue to be amazed at the stunning foresight of our President.
I marvel it.

[gateley]

4. Not necessarily. Senator McCaskill noted we will have nobody in place -- no SOD! --

for a very important issue that is to be addressed next week, and also shows the world Hagel doesn't have the support of our Congress.

It's sending a message to the world that we're still dysfunctional and at war with each other.

If that's a brilliant move, I am truly not seeing it.

And in all sincerity, please tell me what the 10 steps ahead will result in. I would really really really like to understand.

I've no doubt that Reid and the President are far smarter than I, but I'm having a hard time believing this was a strategic chess move.

[graham4anything]

6. They are tearing down the republican party one domino at a time

and they are furthering the split more and more.
Soon they will be less than 20% each part of their party and soon they will be totally irrelevant.

President Obama is actually doing what Rush Limbaugh warned his following, that is
anhilliating the republicans

It shows the world the republicans don't have what it takes to be a member of any power whatsoever.

And Hagel will be voted in, just take another couple of weeks.

President Obama has them reeling.

4 years ago I predicted 2013 was going to be major. And it shall come to pass
...like a perfectly written script.

imho.

[gateley]

9. I'm sorry but I can't agree on this this time.

I agree they've been masterful at giving them the rope "Please proceed, Governor" but I don't think they do it recklessly, when there are real consequences. This time I think there are real consequences. The world isn't thinking "those whacky Republicans", the world is thinking "what the hell is the matter with the USA?" And ultimately, who cares what the world thinks, it's how the country is faring that's important to us.

I don't think they're willing to play politics when something important is on the line. That would make us no better than the Republicans.

I agree I think 2013 will be seminal, but we're just going to have to disagree that this was part of a plan. (I'm aware they knew they wouldn't get it today and went ahead to add another bullet in the Republican rep, but I'm talking about not making more significant changes to the filibuster "agreement" when we had the chance).

[onenote]

10. I thought Panetta's resignation didn't take effect until his successor is confirmed

Not in any way defending the repub filibuster, but I think the country does still have a Secretary of Defense.

[gateley]

11. He is staying on, but that's not the point. Even Obama was saying "I need my Secretary of Defense!"

But you're right, we're not really SOD-less.

[demwing]

5. Harry Reid is a muppet

and not a clever, endearing Muppet. He's meek little thing , controlled by a strong hand up his ass which flaps his jaw and makes it appear as if he were actually speaking ... but we know better. He's just a bad Muppet and it's time for him to head back to Sesame Street

[NYC Liberal]

7. You mean other Democrats failed to support the real changes to the filibuster

that Reid supported.

[davidpdx]

12. Thank the following senators for the filibuster changes not being made

Feinstein
Boxer
Levin
Baccus
Pryor

...and I know there were two other who were gutless.

Like your senators, both mine voted yes. Too bad we couldn't have gotten the two California senators off the fence.

[Drahthaardogs]

8. What can you say?

We win and then we fail to reap the rewards. It is the Democratic way. President Obama must be sick of Senator Reid. I know I am.

[RBInMaine]

13. Hagel WILL be confirmed and the Pukes just made themselves look even STUPIDER than they are.