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).
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