Here's the thing. Wargame it out. Wingnut X is nominated for the Supreme Court. All we need is 41 Senators to fillibuster him/her. So the Rethugs cry "this isn't an "extraordinary" case!" But if they make that claim, we have them right where we want them.

"Oh yeah?" We respond: "what about [insert stubstantive causes for outrage]!" The MSM, in reporting the question of whether or not the case is "extraordinary," pretty much HAS to focus on Dem complaints, whether than on process (as in the current media coverage of the nuke option).

Put differently: if the Rethugs try to go nuclear, they won't be able to do so on the rationale of "every nominee deserves an up or down vote"--they've just conceded that principle. It will have to be on the rationale that Wingnut X is not out of the mainstream. And that is a debate we'd love to have. Bring it on.

It must be said though that because of this compromise Scalia is the next chief justice. No way that elevating a major sitting justice can be considered "extraordinary." Then again, since it actually would be extraordinary, the argument may be made ...