The media narrative

Atrios:

1. The Democrats are a bunch of losers, as are all of their supporters. Bush and his giant codpiece looked magnificent at the state of the union, and Mrs. Alito was very happy and smiling sitting next to Mrs. Bush safe and content now that the magnificent and mighty President Bush made that bad Ted Kennedy go away.

2. The Democrats shocked Washington today by holding together, dropping a mighty turd in the punchbowl of the Bush administration, dealing a deadly blow to his nomination of Alito. The president won't be too happy tonight as he gives the 2006 state of the union speech.

The media narrative is everything. It frames every issue which the media addresses. Bush is already drowning, hovering in the high-30s, low-40s.

Do Dems give Bush an easy victory, or do they throw him an anvil?

The irony? This is probably the most united I've ever seen the Democratic establishment, that is, Democrats without offices in the U.S. Senate. Even the DLC is calling for a filibuster. Center, left, right -- all corners of the party agree.

There is no excuse. Read the posts below to see who needs calling.

And one more pithy Atrios quote:

Why is that some Democrats seem to think losing will make them look tougher than will winning?

•  Throw that anvil!

  by Molee on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:33:48 PM PDT

  •  Strike while the iron is HOT

    

    by RumsfeldResign on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:52:41 PM PDT

    •  Heavy Artillery for the filibuster fight

      On a weekend, you may have difficulty reaching a real live person with whom to talk when you call the various senators' offices, but you can always reach their fax machines!

      Here is a flyer (in PDF form) that should be faxed to senators who are still sitting on the fence. Click on the graphic at left, or go to this diary for more information.

      Keep up the fight! We must not lose this one!
      .

      by Dan Hrkman on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:00:56 PM PDT

    •  Take the cock out of his walk!

      Enuf said.

      by goldberry on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:48:00 PM PDT

  •  I like it.

    Dems need to start acting more like Bugs Bunny. Seriously, Bugs was a bunny of the people. He stood up to the bigger foes and won by using his smarts and knowing his cartoon physics. Plus, it's a perfect strategy to use against Bush's "Elmer Fudd Presidency." I officially join the chorus of calls to throw the anvil.  Or, steal his parachute and pack that with an anvil.

    hink

    by MrHinkyDink on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 10:29:36 PM PDT

•  fight, fight, and fight, si puede, si puede!

  It's time to make Bush look unhappy at the State of the Union!

  by slinkerwink on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:34:19 PM PDT

•  FAX. HOW TO. CLEAR. w. #.S.

  (Yes, this is the fourth diary I have posted this comment to.  No-one has complained.  Let me know is you object.)

  I have two diaries on how to FAX your Senators.

  I faxed all 100 on Thursday. Complete directions on how to fax 1 or 100, including complete phone and fax numbers for all Senators.

  I faxed my Filibuster FAX to the 46 Dems (+Jeffords) yesterday.

  This is EASY, QUICK, EFFECTIVE, and CHEAP.  It also feels really good.

  DO IT!

  
  

  by Yellow Canary on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:35:24 PM PDT

•  Hear Hear!

  

  Or if you prefer 'Finding Nemo':

  "Just keep swimming!  Just keep swimming!..."
  

  by Necons Will Ban Me on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:36:12 PM PDT

  •  hey nice Anvil

    I have a Bush-hating friend with a HUGE anvil collection....maybe it's time to call him

    by RumsfeldResign on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:58:50 PM PDT

•  Any news on how Lieberman is planning to vote?

  Is he going to follow Dodd on this one or is he going to follow Bush?

  by HC Penniwicket on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:37:48 PM PDT

  •  He's a NO...

    not sure about the filibuster though...

    I do think if he was smart he'd support the filibuster...if he doesn't it will only help out his primary challenger...causing him to potentially lose his primary and have to run as an independent...which I don't think he wants to do:)

    by Elise on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:38:52 PM PDT

    •  filibuster or get primaried

      That is the message that blue or purple state senators who refuse a filibuster need to hear. As for those from deep red sates, the least they can do is vote "present" on the cloture vote. Why be coconspirators with this GOP mess.

      by pHunbalanced on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:42:17 PM PDT

      •  I did tell the Senators in an email

        that I was going to

        1. Buy a Democracy Bond in the amount that equals the # of Senators voting for a filibuster.

        2. Give 20 bucks to every Candidate that did filibuster.

        3. Give money to any primary challenger of a Democrat who votes to NOT filibuster. I was specifically focusing that on Lieberman...but there are others.

        by Elise on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:50:43 PM PDT

        •  Yo Yo Quid Quo Pro

          Good idea.

          Filibuster = Mothers Milk

          by Kdoug on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:59:53 PM PDT

          •  Well, I figure Lobbyists

            have been getting away with it...it's our turn!

            by Elise on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:09:03 PM PDT

            •  Great Idea

              I sent $50.01 to Dean when he smacked down Wolfy Blitzer on CNN about the Dems taking money from Abramoff.

              I sent $100.01 to my Congressperson Lois Capps when she Co sponsored Res. 635 'The Impeachment investigation.'

              I sent $50.01 to Paul Hackett when he equated the radical religious right in the party Republican to OBL.

              With each donation I tell them why I am sending it.

              To say thank you.  That I am sending the money because of the specific thing they said or specific stand they took.

              by Kdoug on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:29:22 PM PDT

  •  On Alito - No; On cloture TBA - fax away

    by Molee on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:39:10 PM PDT

  •  He's no on final vote; but the filibuster

    is unclear!!

    by Phil S 33 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:40:07 PM PDT

  •  Both Lieberman and Chafee are having

    fun weekends! I hope this one is close and both Joe and Linc have to choose a side on this one.

    Frankly, there is no way Joe doesn't come out for the filibuster. Planned Parenthood is soooo strong in Connecticut, and he can't afford to antagonize them.

    by DeanFan84 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:41:37 PM PDT

    •  I'd like to see PP, NOW & NARAL

      all state that they will withdraw support for any Senator that votes for cloture.

      Shall we drop a dime on them as well?

      (I  made this suggestion to a loud thud yesterday: http://www.dailykos.com/...)

      by jsmagid on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:45:15 PM PDT

      •  Psst... who do you think is jamming

        the telephone lines?

        Don't worry, they are on this already, BIG TIME!

        by DeanFan84 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:46:48 PM PDT

        •  I don't doubt

          that they are doing their part in the collective push for Senators to do the right thing.

          I do question if they will put all their chips on the table.

          by jsmagid on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:54:37 PM PDT

    •  This is a fun article re Chafee's predicament

      http://www.projo.com/...

      From his own Right:
      "Republican challenger Stephen P. Laffey said, "The sad thing is, Mr. Chafee has made himself irrelevant to the process." Chafee is still on the fence as the nomination moves toward a full Senate vote, so Republicans "have got enough votes to confirm with him, and they've got enough votes to confirm without him," said Laffey, the mayor of Cranston. "What specific information is he waiting for?""

      And from the Left:
      "Democratic challenger Sheldon Whitehouse says he sees "political pressure" at work on Chafee, who said during his 2000 Senate campaign that he would not vote for a nominee who did not pledge to affirm the landmark Supreme Court decision -- Roe v. Wade -- that legalized abortion.

      Chafee is "trying to find a way out, between his promise on the one hand, and the pressure from his leadership on the other," said Whitehouse, a former attorney general, referring to the Senate Republican leaders who have made Chafee's reelection a top priority."
      

      by DeanFan84 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:45:42 PM PDT

  •  Keep in mind, Lieberman

    is a member of the group of 14.

    They made a pledge not to filibuster judges except for "extraordinary circumstances." (thanks Armando for not letting us forget that).

    While I believe that Alito qualifies as an extraordinary circumstance, we need to get that message out (the MSM pretty much burried their heads in the sand).

    This group includes the moderate Republicans and so the message must be Alito is extraordinary

    by NYC Sophia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:02:56 PM PDT

    •  A tweak

      I believe that the state of the nation today is an extraordinary circumstance. If we did not have a President claiming to be above the law, if we did not have an Administration looking for ways to continue torturing people despite Congressional bans, if we did not have a Majority Leader crowing that this nomination is "the worst nightmare of liberal Democrats" -- I think under those circumstances, a filibuster might be unwarranted.

      The Gang of 14 used broad language -- not an exceptionally bad nominee, but exceptional circumstances.

      by Elwood Dowd on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:09:04 PM PDT

      •  Very good point

        Now how do we get that message out.

        I believe that people, including senators, should stick by their commitments. Lieberman made that commitment and based on his speech in the Senate, he strongly opposes Alito.

        Therefore, for this filibuster to succeed, we need to get the group of 14 to realize that this is an extraordinary circumstance

        I believe there are two issues that need to be emphasized:

        • The NSA spying and Alito's support of executive powers.

        • His inability to prove that he supports Roe vs. Wade.

        by NYC Sophia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:30:26 PM PDT

        •  My six...

          extraordinary circumstances.

          by Elwood Dowd on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:35:48 PM PDT

          •  That is a fantastic diary

            If we want to win the filibuster, this is what needs to be repeated over and over.

            by NYC Sophia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 06:20:30 PM PDT

    •  I believe

      Feinstein was part of that group and she has indicated that she will filibuster.

      Lieberman has no wiggle room.

      by Momagainstthedraft on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:20:33 PM PDT

      •  I thought that as well

        However, she is not part of the Gang of 14. Here they are.

        Republicans:

        John McCain of Arizona
        Mike DeWine of Ohio
        John Warner of Virginia
        Susan Collins of Maine
        Olympia Snowe of Maine
        Lindsey Graham of South Carolina
        Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island

        Democrats:
        Robert Byrd of West Virginia
        Ken Salazar of Colorado
        Ben Nelson of Nebraska
        Mark Pryor of Arkansas
        Daniel Inouye of Hawaii
        Mary Landrieu of Louisiana
        Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut.

        If we are to get the filibuster to succeed, we need these people on board. To get them on board, we need to let them know that this is an "extraordinary circumstance"

        Notice, none of these Democrats have committed to the filibuster yet. Now you know why.

        by NYC Sophia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:45:06 PM PDT

•  #2 ALL THE WAY!!

  Only problem now...I can't seem to leave anymore phone messages...their systems are all full:)

  We've done our job!!

  Have to move on to faxing:)

  by Elise on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:37:56 PM PDT

  •  send it FEDEX

    make FEDEX and UPS work overtime

    by RumsfeldResign on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:39:55 PM PDT

    •  Western Union!!!!

      Send them a wire!  It will definitely get there that way.  You can go onto their website write your message and send it in just a few short minutes.  They'll deliver.  They still do it!  Just like the "olden days".

      by inclusiveheart on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:46:29 PM PDT

      •  this is part of the media story

        the flood of messages, faxes, letters, couriers, etc

        by RumsfeldResign on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:59:58 PM PDT

        •  Okay I Googled...

          Of course Western Union still comes up first, but there are several others listed...

          http://www.google.com/...

          Damn how weird.  Not making a thing of it other than the day after they close I think about them for the first time in a while.  

          by inclusiveheart on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:45:33 PM PDT

      •  Western Union stopped Jan 27 !!!!!!!!!

        website says they no longer send messages!

        what's another option?

        by RumsfeldResign on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:19:41 PM PDT

      •  not anymore...

        Western Union:
        

        Effective January 27, 2006, Western Union will discontinue all Telegram and Commercial Messaging services. We regret any inconvenience this may cause you, and we thank you for your loyal patronage.

        --simon

        by sbwoodside on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:33:28 PM PDT

        •  That is totally weird. Timing n/t

          by inclusiveheart on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:42:40 PM PDT

•  THOM HARTMANN HOSTING TURK-A-BUSTER

  http://easylink.playstream.com/...

  by patrioticliberal on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:38:02 PM PDT

•  Those outside the establishment...

  those "with offices" better get on board...the train is leaving the station fast!

  "This is probably the most united I've ever seen the Democratic establishment, that is, Democrats without offices in the U.S. Senate."

  by etherapy on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:38:24 PM PDT

•  A Few Stupid Senators

  It is truly amazing that a few stupid Senators with an irrational fear of a "Nukular Fristing" would scuttle a chance for a major Democratic vicotry that would in the best case scenario stop Alito and in the most liekly scenario, bring on a nukular winter for the wounded GOP making them look desperate and extremist.

  by pHunbalanced on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:38:26 PM PDT

•  What Do We Have To Lose?

  I have yet to see a convincing, plausible answer to that question.

  It seems to me that when you are fucked anyway, the best approach is to go for it.

  Hey, Democrats, how many times to you have to be shown that America is looking for you to show some balls, irregardless of the issue?

  If not now, when?

  by Toes on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:39:00 PM PDT

  •  If not now, there will not be a second chance.

    Let's keep telling those Senators that are waffling.

    Hopefully, the scaredy rabbits will be tooo scared to refuse to filibuster if the public demands that they stand up and take a stand.

    by RAZE on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:43:26 PM PDT

  •  Wlcome Toes.

    Saw your comment at Atrios regarding HBP and Mrs. Toes, laughed so hard and my husband did, too!

    by panicbean on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:57:48 PM PDT

    •  uhhh, welcome

      darn.

      by panicbean on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:58:15 PM PDT

  •  A chance to grow

    I, also, know of no reason not to filibuster.  There is no political downside, no redstater is going to lose their election on this issue.  There is plenty of animosity toward the monarchiacal style in this regime for any redstater to hang his hat on the seperation of powers issue.

    Many people who have not been actively involved in the function of politics have been awakening.  I know of 3 or 4 people who have called their senator for the first time ever on this issue.  Turning tail and slinking away saying that we're beat already won't help keep these people involved.  The right learned to fight years ago.  People trust people who fight for them, not those who explain why they just had to sell you out to keep their positions.  Look over the posts for the last week and see that there were people who were saying there is no use even back then.  How much farther would we be if everyone had started raising hell and flooding the newspapers and congressional offices with letters and phone calls then.  

    We have a pretty impressive movement going, and if we can reach a critical mass and make a strong stand here it will be one of the moments that we look back on and say "here is where we started to fight, here is where we began to win."

    by NearlyNormal on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 06:03:40 PM PDT

    •  This makes sense.

      And I like this from your post:

      here is where we started to fight, here is where we began to win

      by lalo456987 on Sun Jan 29, 2006 at 05:30:10 AM PDT

•  it's ANVIL time!

  you know how you smash a hammer don't you?...with an ANVIL

  strike while the iron is hot

  it's about time we show that BOTH parties can fight

  by RumsfeldResign on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:39:06 PM PDT

•  It's not hard to say, Sorry, too extreme!

  Really, after we let Roberts through even though he was well to the right, how hard should it have been for Democrats to say, "No. Too extreme."

  I mean it wasn't like Bush allowed Dobson, Perkins, Robertson and Co. to choose America's next Supreme Court justice. Given that, how difficult could it be to say we don't want extreme ideologues on America's top court?

  by DeanFan84 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:39:21 PM PDT

•  FIGHT!!!

  I've been an avid reader of this blog for the past 2 years, but this is my first post.  I'm only 17 years old, but I've been getting everyone I know to fax, email, call...anything they possibly can...their senators.  This fight is just too important to lose.  Let's keep it up!

  by ank721 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:40:04 PM PDT

  •  Thank you for your efforts; and welcome

    to the fun of posting!!!

    by Phil S 33 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:41:31 PM PDT

  •  What a grrreat way to start.

    This is perhaps the most important political fight for progressives of the new century. What a great way to start a life of political action. Congratulations and may you have many proud memories of this time.

    by pHunbalanced on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:45:18 PM PDT

  •  WHEN DO YOU TURN 18?

    We need a lot more concerned citizens just like you.  Hope you will be able to vote in '06.  If not, at least you will be able to in "08.

    Keep up the good work.

    by MO Blue on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:03:49 PM PDT

    •  This August

      I turn 18 on August 4th, and will defintely be registering.  I'm from conservative Naperville, Illinois, and I'll be sure to be making a lot of noise come this November.  Thanks for your support!

      by ank721 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:14:32 PM PDT

  •  My name it means nothing, my age it means less

    It is important that we don't let this youngster down.  Like some poster said the other day, "how will I explain this to my grandchildren."

    by NearlyNormal on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 06:15:18 PM PDT

•  WAPO has a story about blogs today

  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/27/AR2006012701505_pf.html

  by aaraujo on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:40:31 PM PDT

  •  Link it

    Clicky

    Go read it everyone, and email it to someone.  The more it gets read and emailed, the more likely WAPO will make a prominent print article about this fight.

    by Scientician on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:46:16 PM PDT

    •  yeah, it really is a piss poor article,

      It tries to push the narrative of far-left bloggers vs. centrist dems, rather than grassroots vs establishment.

      and van deHei seems to be something of a Bush toady.

      but here's the part that really bugs me:

      "The bloggers and online donors represent an important resource for the party, but they are not representative of the majority you need to win elections," said Steve Elmendorf, a Democratic lobbyist who advised Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign. "The trick will be to harness their energy and their money without looking like you are a captive of the activist left."

      So, they want our money and our energy (phone banking, door knocking, etc.) but they dont want to listen to us or been seen as supporting our causes.

      Yeah that'll work.

      Oh, and we should remember Elmendorf, I'm sure his name is going to come up again & again between now and 08'.

      I've noticed an appropriate message for Elmendorf and others like him, posted on other blogs by commenters more pithy than I:

      "If you have the words "Democratic lobbyist who advised Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign" stuck next to your name, what you really need is a steaming hot mug of shut-the-fuck-up."

      by thought on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:25:30 PM PDT

  •  Gawd, the tone of that article

    is hideously condescending.

    by Simplify on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:49:31 PM PDT

    •  Now that's a surprise <snark> n/t

      by jsmagid on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:56:35 PM PDT

    •  sure is - but better to have them talking about

      us than not talking about us.  I think this is one of the stages in that famous Gandhi quote ('then they mock you....??)

      by Molee on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:57:33 PM PDT

    •  And incorrect in many cases

      The blogs-vs.-establishment fight represents the latest version of a familiar Democratic dispute. It boils down to how much national candidates should compromise on what are considered core Democratic values -- such as abortion rights, gun control and opposition to conservative judges -- to win national elections.

      Hello, two of those issues are really the same (abortion rights and conservative judges) and gun control is rarely discussed here.

      No wonder they call us the "far left", they haven't even bothered to look into what we care about. Talk about lazy reporting.
      

      by NYC Sophia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:16:13 PM PDT

      •  Yeah, never mind Democratic values

        like the rule of law under the Constitution.  

        by Simplify on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:33:52 PM PDT

      •  Infuriating

        Could they have framed it more to the right's liking if they had actually asked Rove for the words?

        Gun control, for god's sake?  Abortion and gun control, check that, red states.

        Opposition to conservative judges is our core value?  Conservative?!  After Roberts got a pass, and all those hideous appellate judges, our core value is opposing conservative judges?

        Bastards all of them

        by sharman on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:28:22 PM PDT

        •  Confirming your suspicions

          He's not quite Rove, but apparently the reporter is Republican in a very big way.  Not that there's anything wrong with that if the guy could write an unbiased article, disclose his political affiliation, or get on the editorial page instead (any one of those would be fine!), but he was way out of line, and so was his editor for letting this screed through.

          by Simplify on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 06:17:38 PM PDT

•  The Chimp's Mug

  Think of Bush trying to control that temper of his, hours after he gets his boy spanked in the Senate.

  Bush will be in a rage, and having a very difficult time to control it. He will mangle syntax, misspronounce words, and create several choice new additions to our language. It is shocking that the Washington based democrats don't get that this is not 9/12/01. The emperor is riding around 40 in the polls. Screw him. The public want us to take him on.

  by trifecta on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:40:59 PM PDT

  •  Yes yes

    That would be yummy.  Maybe break out in boils, like during the 2000 recount, or run into a pretzel.  They'll have him medicated to the eyeballs

    by sharman on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:29:55 PM PDT

•  Local phones and faxes

  I apologize for the length of this, but this is an emergency!
  I know you are probably overwhelmed, as I am, with what is happening, but one more time, PLEASE call the Democratic senators Monday toll-free at 1-877-851-6437. Tell them you SUPPORT the filibuster!! Word has it that due to overwhelming response to the Alito situation, many Senators have full voicemails or have turned them off due to all the calls!!! So below, I have listed alternate local offices for the Senators we need to focus on this WEEKEND!! Remember, a lot of people's cell phones have free weekends and most have free long distance, so this weekend would be a great time to call and leave a message, but still call on MONDAY, too!!! Kerry is leading the filibuster, but there are several DEMS who need a kick in the hiney to SUPPORT THE FILIBUSTER!! We need to call them, especially--They are:

  Evan Bayh (IN)
  Indianapolis
  [phone]
  Evansville
  [phone]
  Fort Wayne
  [phone]
  Hammond
  [phone]
  Jeffersonville
  [phone]
  South Bend
  [phone]

  Tim Johnson (SD)
  Aberdeen
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Rapid City
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Sioux Falls
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Barbara Mikulski (MD)
  Salisbury
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Greenbelt
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone] (fax)
  Annapolis
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Hagerstown
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Baltimore
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Joseph Lieberman (CT)
  Hartford
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Mary Landrieu (LA)
  New Orleans
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Baton Rouge
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Shreveport
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Lake Charles
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Robert Byrd (WV) This is REALLY DISAPPOINTING!!
  Charleston
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Ken Salazar (CO)
  Denver
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Colorado Springs
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Fort Collins
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Fort Morgan
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Pueblo
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Durango
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Grand Junction
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Alamosa
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Ben Nelson (NE)
  Omaha
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Lincoln
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Chadron
  Phone [phone]
  Scottsbluff
  Phone [phone]

  Daniel Akaka (HI)
  Honolulu
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Hilo
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Joseph Biden (DE)
  Wilmington
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Milford
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Byron Dorgan (ND)
  Bismarck
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Grand Forks
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Fargo
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Minot
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Kent Conrad (ND)
  Bismarck
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Fargo
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Grand Forks
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Minot
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Mark Pryor (AR)
  Little Rock
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Maria Cantwell (WA)
  Seattle
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Spokane
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Vancouver
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Richland
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Tacoma
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Everett
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Barack Obama (IL)
  Chicago
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Springfield
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Marion
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  In addition, there are two Pro-Choice Republicans who might possibly vote against Alito, tho it is a longshot. STILL TRY!

  Lincoln Chafee (RI) Talk about Alito's narrow view of a woman's right to choose and view of the Commerce Clause and his dissent ruling that Congress did not have the authority to restrict the sale of machine guns.
  Providence
  Phone [phone]
  Newport
  Phone [phone]

  Olympia Snowe (ME) Talk about preserving a woman's privacy and right to choose, without 'permission' from her husband, whether or not to continue a pregnancy.
  Auburn
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Augusta
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Bangor
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Biddeford
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Portland
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Presque Isle
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  And for good measure, Contact Arlen Specter (PA), Chair of the Judiciary, Pro-Choice, and the Republican who immediately called for the congressional hearing into the legality of the President's wiretapping without FISA warrant. If Alito is confirmed, given his view of Unitary Executive Power, these hearings will be moot, because Alito will back President Bush. Refer to this and to a woman's right to choose to carry a pregnancy to term when you call or fax!!
  Allentown
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Erie
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Harrisburg
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Philadelphia
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Pittsburgh
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Scranton
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Wilkes-Barre
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Remember that if there was EVER a time to filibuster, ALITO is it!! This man is a danger to our country, our constitution, our rights and his placement on the SCOTUS will ensure that Bush will continue to trample over our liberties!! Remind the Democrats that their BASE, the grassroots Dems, demand that they listen to us!!!

  Filibuster Supporters-No need to call for support, but maybe call and THANK them for having a spine!

  Barbara Boxer (D- CA) , 202-224-3553
  Dianne Feinstein (D- CA) , 202-224-3841 (1,)
  Christopher J. Dodd (D- CT), 202-224-2823 (1,)
  Richard J. Durbin (D- IL) , 202-224-2152
  John F. Kerry (D- MA) , 202-224-2742
  Edward M. Kennedy (D- MA) , 202-224-4543
  Paul S. Sarbanes (D- MD), 202-224-4524
  Debbie A. Stabenow (D- MI) , 202-224-4822
  Harry Reid (D- NV) , 202-224-3542
  Hillary Rodham Clinton (D- NY) , 202-224-4451
  Charles Schumer (D- NY) , 202-224-6542
  Ron Wyden (D- OR) , 202-224-5244
  Russell D. Feingold (D- WI) , 202-224-5323

  Evil can only prevail when good people do nothing.

  "Civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the State becomes lawless and
  corrupt." Mahatma Gandhi

  by Kiteinthewind on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:41:23 PM PDT

  •  Can anyone tell me about Kohl (WI)?

    You'd think I'd know, but my local paper is totally mum about the filibuster.

    by Naranjadia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:47:33 PM PDT

    •  I heard he will be having

      a barbecue or something in Wisconsin on Monday, so he won't be voting.

      by Tirge Caps on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:58:31 PM PDT

      •  Boy, does that sound like Kohl, or what?

        Hope it's an indoor barbeque -- the weather's turning cold again.

        by Naranjadia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:01:24 PM PDT

    •  I think I saw on one of these blogs

      that he is spending Monday in WI.  This is good.  An abstention is just fine and amounts to stopping Alito.

      by Molee on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:01:28 PM PDT

      •  Yes, he's going to be in Milwaukee

        on Monday, meeting with seniors concerning Medicare part D at the Wilson Park recreation center. Oh well, I guess half a loaf is better than none at all.

        by historys mysteries on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:42:19 PM PDT

  •  Thank You for this info

    I had to call Barbara Milkulski's Salibury office because all her other voicemail boxes were full and I am over a 100 miles from Salisbury.  I stressed the importance of her backing the filibuster and let her know I was surprised she wasn't already on board with this.  If she doesnt' back this, I want a full and conserted effort to get her any other democrat who didn't sign on to be ousted from office.  I mean it!!!

    by pmob5977 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:55:25 PM PDT

  •  I read one list that said Obama

    is on to vote no on cloture. Might want to check on that.

    by martyc35 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:58:24 PM PDT

  •  UPDATE: Fax #'s for Evan Bayh

    Indianapolis:
    317-554-0760

    Evansville:
    812-465-6503

    Fort Wayne:
    260-426-0060

    Hammond:
    219-852-2787

    Jeffersonville:
    812-218-2370

    South Bend:
    574-236-8319

    by oslo on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 07:33:08 PM PDT

•  Big question

  If not now, when?

  What could be more crucial than deciding who should interpret the CONSTITUTION for the next 40 years?

  by delphine on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:41:55 PM PDT

•  yeah OK

  And what will be the media narrative when Kerry and Kennedy (the future of the party for sure!) lead a filibuster in wich 12 Democrats vote for cloture? Hmmm let me think about that, maybe something like this:

  The Democrats are a bunch of losers, as are all of their supporters, they couldn't even hold their own caucus by a margin of 12 in the futil attempt to filibuster, as the party withered in disarray. Bush and his giant codpiece looked magnificent at the state of the union, and Mrs. Alito was very happy and smiling sitting next to Mrs. Bush safe and content now that the magnificent and mighty President Bush made that bad Ted Kennedy go away.

  Disarray. That will be the narrative once the filibuster is defeated thanks to the weak spine of "red state" senators.

  I'm all for it a successful filibuster, or even one where 2 senators from our side (tops) decide to vote for cloture, but not when so many have already come out against a filibuster. It was a strategic blunder, and doing it now for some mythical show of spine is not the right way to go about it. The fight was lost long ago because of ineptitude, trying to filibuster when everyone knows will be unsuccessful and in which so many Democrats will bolt....will only show weakness and disarray, and that will be the narrative, not how courageous 30 Democratic senators our of 45 stood up to Bush

  by michael1104 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:42:04 PM PDT

  •  You are wrong

    Let it go on the record. History will one day look back and remeber who stood strong against the whittling away of America.

    by Brian Nowhere on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:46:57 PM PDT

  •  If you put your energy into negative posts

    like this one rather than phoning and faxing and getting everyone you to know to call and fax, then yes all you will have is 12 no votes for cloture.

    by conchita on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:47:32 PM PDT

    •  conchita,

      about menendez. you said he was for SURE a no on cloture?

      I'm getting some conflicting info on him.

      Thanks!

      by georgia10 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:54:31 PM PDT

  •  I suspect you will be right in the edn

    In fact, I've been saying pretty much the exact same thing for a while now.
    Still, at this point, it's too late to turn back.  Our only option is to go for broke and try to convince those Senators who have expressed opposition to the filibuster that the tide is turning against Alito and that they need to get on the bandwagon before it's too late.

    by MattBellamy on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:48:54 PM PDT

    •  yep

      Kerry's public push made it impossible to turn back without losing face.

      I'm pleased to note, however, that both Reid and Feingold are on board with the filibuster.  I'd love to know the behind-the-scenes politics that put Kerry out front on this, because I think he's a suboptimal choice. Was this a leadership decision that I don't quite understand?  Or Kerry went wildcatting and forced a decision Reid wasn't ready to make? Or did Kerry jump the gun on an existing leadership decision?

      by Leggy Starlitz on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:18:03 PM PDT

      •  He's in a safe state

        And in a bizarre way, he's immune to their attacks now.  They already took him down as a presidential nominee, so anything they throw at him now is old news.  

        The filibuster had to be led by a blue state senator.  Now Reid and others can take up the call.

        by Scientician on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:12:15 PM PDT

  •  Mythical spine

    It's not a show of anything. It's blocking a truly evil man from going on the Court. How can I say "truly evil" when he is soft-spoken and can rationalize each of his decisions?

    Have you ever met The Devil? It's nice when evil is ugly and incoherent (okay, not fair to the ugly and incoherent people who aren't really evil); but it's most dangerous when evil speaks softly and makes ever so much sense, when it has a certain attraction, when it lulls us.

    by wytcld on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:49:56 PM PDT

    •  I agree with you!

      But the reality is he will not be blocked! The argument people use here in favor of the filibuster isn't about blocking him from the court anymore, it's about "showing spine" and "standing on principle" even when we know he'll get confirmed regardless! And I think it's a waste of time to filibuster "on principle" when the filibuster will go down in flames thanks to support from many many Dem senators! It does not show strength, just the opposite, it shows extreme weakness, when so many members of your caucus vote against the party line!

      by michael1104 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:52:58 PM PDT

      •  So you're FOR it, but only if it SUCCEEDS.

        Excellent.  I'd like a stockbroker that only recommends stocks that go up too.

        by ColoDemo on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:54:59 PM PDT

        •  I'm for it

          not if it succedes, though that would be the preferable option, I'd be for it if so many senators weren't already saying they would oppose it. Getting 39 or 40 votes against cloture is one thing, getting 30 is wholly different, and that shows weakness, not strength, or principle. That will never be the media narrative.

          by michael1104 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:57:16 PM PDT

          •  Feinstein changed her mind

            and so can others.  We cannot succeed if we do not try.  Either get on board or not.  This train has left the station.

            by dmac on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:04:26 PM PDT

            •  the Dam has burst

              time for all the evils of Pando..uh...I mean Bush's box to be shoved right back in there

              by RumsfeldResign on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:06:49 PM PDT

          •  You can't live your life just

            for what (you think) the media narrative will be.  You just have to stand up for what you think is right, and let the media deal with own problems.  

            Not only that, but those Senators that disagree?  Well, maybe they're wrong too.  Remember what the DLC was saying about Howard Dean?  Now he's head of the DNC.  

            That's not because he took some kind of pulse or poll before deciding what he thought was right, or thought too hard about how the media would interpret him, it's because he said what he though and sure enough, enough people agreed with him that those on the other side were pushed aside, finally.

            This is not to say that playing the media isn't important, just that it's secondary to doing what you believe.

            My 2 cents.

            by ColoDemo on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:05:39 PM PDT

            •  Amen my friend.....

              Liberation from the media narrative! Try it, you'll like it. The air smells fresher and sweeter. Your blood pressure goes down. And the world suddenly makes sense again.

              by MariaSquared on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:23:22 PM PDT

            •  ignore the narrative at your peril

              Ignoring the media narrative and thinking righteousness alone will work is what got the Democrats where they are today. :(  

              I'm in favor of a filibuster because it's the right narrative.  I give it less than 5% chance of long-term success (i.e. Alito is withdrawn). Either the filibuster will fail on its own (cloture succeeds), or Frist goes nuclear.  The ONLY alternative is if Frist goes nuclear and that fails, which would be about 800 pounds of Democratic success and a tremendous embarassment for Bush (not to mention Frist's doom as majority leader).

              But as others have pointed out, a filibuster that can't muster more than 30 votes against cloture can be easily spun against us.  That's a risk.

              Here's what I can see happening... Reid calls up Frist and tells him the filibuster will end AFTER the SOTU speech.  We count coup on Bush, and Democrats are freed to vote for cloture after that (ending the filibuster).  That avoids a nuclear confrontation, and keeps us from going through another round of this, where the odds are good we'd get someone even worse than Alito, with less firepower to stop him/her.

              by Leggy Starlitz on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:24:42 PM PDT

              •  I've gotta question your police work there...

                in regard to how the Dems got to where they are today.  Long story, but I don't think it was for being overly "righteous".  Overly sold-out to corporate interests and $$$, maybe.

                Also, what's the big risk in attempting to rally a filibuster, even if it fails?  If it fails, sure it'll be spun as a losing effort.  But if we don't even try, then the Dems will still be spun as a bunch of losers, just losers with no principles.  

                In any event, it's too late.  The effort's underway.  

                As for your last point, are you saying Harry's ready to sell out the princinples of the filibister just to keep BushCo from having the pleasure of one single news-cycle photo-op of Alita at the SOTU?  That seems kind of farther fetched than the filibuster succeeding even.

                Think positive!

                by ColoDemo on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:33:03 PM PDT

                •  depends

                  Depends on how close the filibuster is.  If it's like 38-39 votes, it will be spun both ways.  But if it's more like 29 votes, it'll be spun as a loss.  Why?  Because it'll BE a loss.

                  It's not just about the news cycle.  It's about building a habit of unity in the Democratic caucus in the Senate.  Now, we're not going to get perfect unity here, but we can get close.

                  And historically, filibusters are temporary.  Either the nominee/legislation is withdrawn, or the filibuster gets voted down later, if not earlier. Even if they don't get cloture on the first round, they'll get it after a few days, if Frist doesn't go nuclear first.  Of course, if Frist goes nuclear, he gives Democrats no reason to let go.

                  And like I said, there's no reason to believe the next nominee would be more palatable than Alito, and a good chance s/he'll be worse.  And it'll be a lot harder to filibuster a SECOND nominee.

                  by Leggy Starlitz on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 05:02:25 PM PDT

                  •  Wow, I Didn't See That...

                    So all the Dems should sit on their hands and let Bush do and have whatever he wants--and with this event, essentially seal that "unitary" power through the judiciary. Thereby we show the media that this party is unified. And we can claim a moral victory.

                    Brilliant.

                    by downandout on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 06:13:24 PM PDT

                    •  I'm not saying that

                      Geez, why does everyone assume that thoughtful arguments mean you're opposed to a filibuster?

                      Funny, that.

                      I'm in favor of the filibuster.  I think it's the right thing to do politically, at least in Alito's case.  I didn't think that for Roberts.
                      

                      by Leggy Starlitz on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 08:49:34 PM PDT

          •  Agreeing in part

            Harry needs to hold poker classes for these guys. They are the minority. It should be really important that they do some conferring with each other before going publically on the record. When you are the minority it is more important that you present a unified front. I mean haven't they heard of the statements No comment or I'm still weighing my decision.

            by cwaltz on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:09:52 PM PDT

            •  yep

              Kos says we're more unified now than ever before, but I've seen no evidence of that.  I still see the same old collection of individuals all looking out for themselves.

              by MattBellamy on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:13:01 PM PDT

              •  yes

                In addition to political opportunism on the part of Kerry, the narrative will be DEMOCRATIC DISARRAY, not DEMOCRATIC STRENGTH. The party may be unified, but the Senators are not, and they are the ones making the vote. And they are utterly divided and the leadership of both the caucus and the Judiciary committe were utterly incompetent in the handling of the nomination.

                by michael1104 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:18:13 PM PDT

                •  You seem to keep returning to this idea

                  that the Dems all half to walk in lock-step, the way the Pubs do.  I don't see that as a strength, to tell you the truth.  It's a discipline, maybe, but, you know, people have different opinions.  I don't expect all Dems to think the same way on everything, I just expect them not to be a bunch of criminals.

                  by ColoDemo on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:35:31 PM PDT

                  •  half - ha ha - oops

                    I HAVE to do better at spell-checking...

                    by ColoDemo on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:36:14 PM PDT

                  •  Well

                    I happen to think that if on such an important and critical matter, such as a SCOTUS nomination can't make the Dems unified, then that is anything but strength to me. It was a very important occasion to show unity, to show spine, and strength; however, the leadership and the senators themselves fucked up BIG time. Unity does equal strength. If the Dems had been 70% in line in opposing Bush social security destruction plan then we would have looked weak and rightly so, but that wasn't the case. As a party, we offered a near 100% united front in opposing Bush's scheme, and it worked. We were STRONG. There are things of such importance which require lock step unity, and Alito was one of those.

                    by michael1104 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:40:07 PM PDT

                    •  OK, I'm with you on that...

                      But for the senators who "stepped out of line" on this, what should you do?  Walk away from the principle?  Or try to convince them?  And if you fail to convince them, does that make your principle wrong?  

                      If they don't give good reasons as to why you couldn't convince them, then perhaps you work for their defeat in their next primary...

                      by ColoDemo on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:44:30 PM PDT

                      •  I don't know

                        what I would do with them, all I know is that when a politician comes out for something and a week later completely back tracks to the opposite position....well you know what happens...something about flip-flopping...I think right now, Dem senators who have come out either for Alito or agaaisnt a filibuster, are more worried about appearing to be flip flopping than anything else at this point with calls to change their position. It is their fault, because they tied their hands by coming out in favor of Alito or against the filibuster, and they ruined it for everyone. That is why I criticize the leadership and this late coming filibuster, because it will not accomplish anything, or show anything to the American people except weakness--I was all for keeping Alito off the court, but it will not happen, and I am angry at Dem senators, it is their fuck up, and a futile filibuster with weak Democratic support can only hurt even more.

                        by michael1104 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:09:43 PM PDT

      •  if not now, when? n/t

        by clammyc on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:10:22 PM PDT

        •  when

          the party gets its act together and comes up with a unified stategy...for starters. How about a better show on the hearings, and keep your caucus from underminding your efforts by coming out either in support of Alito or already against a filibuster. The Alito nomination was handled deprlorably, it was a mess, and it is lost. He will get in the court, that is not even at issue, people here in support of a filibuster talk about doing it to stand on principle and show spine, not to stop him from getting to the court, which is far more important than putting up a PR stunt by filibustering (and that is all it would be) hoping that the media narrative will be positive and that Americans will somehow see Dems as good and strong and whatever. Yeah, all well and good, except the fight is futil when so many Dem senators are going against the party! It is disarray, NOT strength.

          by michael1104 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:15:32 PM PDT

          •  We're not waiting for them.

            If they won't goddammed lead the charge to protect the Constitutional principle of separation of powers, WE WILL.

            And we won't stop if we get a setback with Alito, either.

            This fight is too important not to be fought with every available resource.

            by boadicea on Sun Jan 29, 2006 at 03:54:37 PM PDT

  •  OR

    By the narrowest of margins, Senate Democrats failed to prevent cloture today.  In a 60-38 (with 2 abstaining) vote, Democrats showed surprising unity in opposing the appointment of Samuel Alito.  Left wing blogs are largely credited for the shift, as several Democrats switched positions over the weekend to oppose cloture.  Republicans breathed a sigh of relief, but the fight does not bode well for any future controversial nominees by President Bush.

    I'd rather see Alito not confirmed, but if he is, I want him confirmed over a narrow cloture motion and less than 60 votes for him.

    by Scientician on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:50:02 PM PDT

    •  let's be realistic though

      given what we've seen from the media in the past, do you really think that's the narrative they'll go with or do you think they'll seize upon another chance to beat up on Kerry and the Democrats?

      by MattBellamy on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:52:43 PM PDT

      •  Considering CNN was laughing at Kerry Thursday

        They'd look pretty stupid if they turned around and said that.

        by Fro on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:55:15 PM PDT

        •  Wolf BLISTER is so stupid he wouldn't know

          the difference.

          by Molee on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:02:47 PM PDT

        •  Protecting the Constitution is the issue NOT

          the media's utter short comings.  The only upside to Bush winning the battle for the heart of this country is that the media will ultimately go away, but even that give me no satisfaction.  I care about America - I could give a damn about the media.  

          by inclusiveheart on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:03:03 PM PDT

          •  yeah but

            some Senators care less about the Constitution than us, so they need to be assured that they will look good in the media before they decide to commit to an action like this.

            by MattBellamy on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:14:28 PM PDT

            •  Sure and whatever...

              If the media and their appearances are more important than this democracy they are all losers to me too.

              Strategy and tactics blah, blah, blah are a way to pass the time when you are trying to pass OSHA regulations.  Balls to the wall is the only thing to do when you have strategized your way into a deep hole that may bury you and the democracy forever.  

              What is this?  One of those how many Democrats does it take to screw in a light bulb jokes?  Would the answer be approximately 140 million - 35% to say it can never be done - 35% to look in the mirror to check their blow dry - 20% to strategize the insertion and 10% trying to get through the throngs of self involved and nay sayers to the ladder to just climb up and screw the damn thing in.

              America isn't even watching this battle.  Is that the problem?  They don't have a big enough audience.  That there is even a question that they should protect the Constitution is not only absurd, but also quite chilling.

              by inclusiveheart on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:33:15 PM PDT

              •  If America isn't watching

                because the media isn't reporting this, then it just goes to show that the media is becoming more and more irrelevant.  So be it.  It won't stop me.  In fact I won't even hesitate because of it.

                by joanneleon on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:59:28 PM PDT

          •  DO WE WANT TO ABANDON THE FIGHT

            for our country because we are afraid of what the MSM will say?

            I think it is past time to accept that certain segments of the MSM are going to slam us no matter what actions we take.

            Maybe some Americans are willing for the executive branch to decide which laws it wants ignore.  I am not one of them.

            I clearly remember the abuses of secret wiretaps during the Hoover and Nixon eras.  I do not trust this or any other president with the power of domestic spying without judicial oversight.

            Destroying the separation of powers is not a liberal issue.  It is not a Democratic issue.  It is an issue of maintaining or abdicating our Constitutional rights.  
            

            by MO Blue on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:34:11 PM PDT

      •  Right now I'm listening to the

        "Beltway Boys"

        They are saying this will fail, Kerry is only doing this to get ahead of Hillary and Russ Feingold.

        Fred Barns says that Kerry is running it from Davos so it can't succeed.

        Given that Kerry spoke in the Senate yesterday, Barns is either a liar or incompetent (it seems that for Republicans lying and incompetence are SOP)

        Oh yeah, the spin is on big time.

        by NYC Sophia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:31:58 PM PDT

        •  Kerry was at an economic conference in Davos

          when he called for the filibuster.  You probably knew that NYC Sophia, but just wanted to make that clear.  

          Scott McClellan was a complete liar when he said that Kerry called for the filibuster from a ski slope.

          by inclusiveheart on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:35:44 PM PDT

          •  Thank you

            I did know that but they made it sound like he was still there leading the filibuster effort.

            Scotty's comment was pathetic at best typical Republican tactic: attack the messenger not the message.

            I think that Kerry smartly sneaked in under the media's radar here. Yesterday, in flipping between CNN and Fox, one of them reported that he had returned to the US but was working out of his Boston office making phone calls. An hour later, he was in the senate speaking.

            I think he caught the WH spin machine a little off balance.

            by NYC Sophia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:50:38 PM PDT

        •  Barnes is incompetent

          I just saw him on Tim Russert. He really is an idiot....promoted from the McLaughlin group into prominence by idiot media.

          by coigue on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 09:47:46 PM PDT

  •  Seriously....

    enough with the negativity...PLEASE!!

    Just call, email and fax...

    the more you do those things...the MORE likely we are to come close to winning...and even if we don't win...close is GOOD.

    by Elise on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:53:50 PM PDT

  •  And when/if Alito trashes the Bill

    of Rights, they can hold their head high & proud!

    ...instead of admitting they were afraid to take a stand.

    by mattes on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:54:20 PM PDT

    •  Good point

      We're never going to get a break in the media, and certainly not in this immediate battle

      But when Alito kills Roe, upholds outrageous reaches by the executive, votes in favor of a signing statement over the bill that Congress actually passed.  And when it starts affecting real lives.

      Then we can told the country we fought with everything we had.  That this is what we were trying to make you understand.  Do you get it now?

      by sharman on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:44:03 PM PDT

  •  Who the hell cares at this point...

    The quote from Kos' post is what the media says every night anyway.  You don't seem to understand that we don't need to do anything for that narrative to be put forth.  

    In fact, quote could have been taken almost verbatim from what Chris Matthews (along with and biased panel <snark> including Rita Cosby, Tucker Carlson, and Joe Scarborough) was saying about the Democrats folding on Alito on Friday night.

    So while I believe and understand that the media narrative is important, I do not believe that the actions of the Democrats affect the narrative either way.  

    The media have their talking points and basically it starts and ends with the word loser anyway.  

    Up until now they have successfully frightened the party into total atrophe with this narrative.  It has come to be absurd really. The President is caught lying and they say that the Democrats are losers.  I mean really it is pretty twisted and we aren't going to be able to fix them, but we might be able to fix the country in spite of them...

    So let's use the perception that we are weak to our advantage (for once) and surprize the hell out of the media, the White House and America.  That is how you get on TV.  When you surprize them they can't ignore you.  Their "good television" instincts override their political leanings.  

    by inclusiveheart on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:00:52 PM PDT

    •  well

      I think that people here give WAY too much credit to the American people in that they would somehow figure out that this is a show of principle and spine, even when you go down in flames, with a quarter of your caucus going against you. The media narrative is very important, whether we like it or not. Most people don't get their info on Daily Kos, they get it on TV or newspapers (if they are even paying attention) and having a media narrative that portrays Dems as being losers and in disarray because their filibuster was defeated thanks to the very same Democratic senators, will NOT show the American people that Democrats stand on principle. Let's get back to reality here.

      by michael1104 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:07:20 PM PDT

      •  Let's do get back to reality and remeber

        that all of those Senators took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution and the oath didn't include any qualifiers regarding how the American people feel about it or "if polling data indicates action".  

        If Americans feel good as  a result that is a bonus, but it is hardly the point if one is serious about preserving this democracy.

        The REAL issue is their oath to this democratic process as dictated by the Constitution - their JOB is to protect and defend the Constitution whether or not the American people care, understand or even want them to.  It is pretty simple really and I find it laughable when I am not crying about it that people don't get that.

        The reality is that these people have been hired to do a job a