To Filibuster or Not to Filibuster?

Today is the day when a filibuster will either happen or not. And I still have major reservations about it. It’s most likely going to be ineffective - Alito will still be confirmed - and will probably result in a lot of ugliness in Congress. And it will be used as a campaign tactic in November and in 2008.

But then there’s the real need for progressives to stand up for what we believe. For too long, we’ve allowed conservatives to frame the debate - “values voters,” “tax relief,” and “up or down vote,” are all good examples. If progressives are going to filibuster Alito - we need to give the American people a good reason, one that will stick in an election. We can’t just go tilting at windmills if we don’t have a good political framework in place to explain to the American people why we’re doing so.

And that’s ultimately why I think that a filibuster is ill-advised. Because we don’t have the framework in place to explain it to the people, and the other side does. So our actions will be explained in their terms, and it will make the ensuing “nuclear option” look like our fault. It will also make John Kerry look like the ill-informed pompous ass that he is and that’s bad if he somehow gets the nomination once again in 2008.

I still say we should admit defeat and refocus. But I’ll support my Senators if their consciences dictate that a filibuster is necessary.

UPDATE 2:16pm PST - Ill-advised or not, it looks like Alito has enough support to override a filibuster if one should take place. I’m not happy about this nominee to be sure, but I hope that these numbers will at least convince the Democrats still in the filibuster camp that it’s not worth the political sacrifice.

UPDATE 4:01pm PST The fight is over. Alito will be confirmed tomorrow. Here is a list of Senators and how they voted. From Washington, Senator Cantwell voted to end debate while Senator Murray supported the filibuster. Hmm….

UPDATE 4:05pm PST Incidentally, I have called both of my Senators to encourage them to oppose Judge Alito’s confirmation to the high court. I encourage all of you to do the same. You can find your Senator’s contact information here.