I am happy that the above-referenced senators stood their ground (especially my senators, Clinton and Schumer) . . .

I would suggest that the dems take the next couple of years when they are completely out of power and try to figure out how to win elections again.

There is always a pick-up game of Kick the Democrats going on somewhere. But something about the Alito confirmation--the pathetic and apparently surprising inability of 45 Democratic senators to stop 55 Republicans from approving anyone they want--seems to have made the game suddenly a lot more popular.

Thank you for sharing with me your concerns about the proposed filibuster in the United States Senate regarding the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to serve as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court. As I explained from the Senate floor, I believe the key to American progress has been the ever-expanding circle of freedom and opportunity. If you look at Judge Alito's statements and his record, it is clear that Judge Alito would narrow that circle while endangering our nation's fundamental system of checks and balances.

This is a vote of tremendous significance. History will show that Judge Alito's nomination is the tipping point against constitutionally-based freedoms and protections we cherish as individuals and as a nation. He would roll back decades of progress, and roll over when confronted with an administration too willing to play fast and loose with the rules. Because I do not think Judge Alito would advance the principles Americans hold most dear, I oppose his nomination and support efforts to block his confirmation.

Support for the filibuster among a few Democrats reflected a combination of cynical calculation and disarray. Since Alito has always had the support of over 50 of the Republican senators, a filibuster would have been the only way that the nomination could be halted. As late as last week, the possibility was being dismissed. Late on Thursday, however, Senator John Kerry initiated a filibuster campaign while he was attending an economic summit in Switzerland. The move by Kerry came in response to concern within sections of the party that it was necessary to make a show of a filibuster attempt in order to shore up their liberal credentials and lesson the appearance of abject capitulation to the right-wing nominee. The Democrats have come under attack from within their own supporters, including from various liberal blogs and in town hall meetings, for refusing to put up even the shadow of a fight against the Republicans and Alito. ... From the beginning, however, Kerry's campaign was a complete farce--a flailing attempt to make a gesture that was doomed to impotence. Kerry's initiative only came after it was clear that it would not succeed.

From the beginning, however, Kerry's campaign was a complete farce--a flailing attempt to make a gesture that was doomed to impotence. Kerry's initiative only came after it was clear that it would not succeed.