The Art of Compromise

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For those who didn’t see it yesterday, read Josh Marshall’s piece on Democratic strategy vis-à-vis the nuclear option. Even though the vast majority of voters in this country are siding with the Democrats, Harry Reid still floated a compromise, saying that perhaps he might allow a few of the least-egregious judges through in exchange for taking the Republican “nuclear option” off the table. (The Democrats would take this deal because they know the nuclear option isn’t just meant to help confirm the seven judges currently under question; it’s meant to confirm all manner of radicals and nuts yet to be nominated.) Well, read Josh’s post for an analysis of the various ins and outs of this compromise, but needless to say, it seems to have worked.

Today Karl Rove rejected the Reid compromise out of hand. And Bill Frist just followed suit. Indeed, it’s important to see that the Republicans can’t achieve anything less than total victory on the filibuster issue lest they incur hellfire and wrath from the James Dobson crowd from now until Judgment Day. And maybe beyond. So unless Rove and Frist have some master tactic up his sleeve, it looks like he’s finally cornered himself between a wingnut and a hard place.

UPDATE: Also, Jeff Dubner’s take is well worth reading.

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BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

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