At 4:30 today, a cloture vote will be held. Every Democrat will have to go on record as to whether they even have enough fight in them to vote no, or even not vote at all. That is all we're asking of these red-state Democrats. Nobody wants you to take the microphone and speak if you don't want too. Just vote to extend debate and let your collegues debate.
It is as simple as that, your party has decided to call for a filibuster. Even the DLC has called for it. There's no denying the fact that the Democratic Party has called for a filibuster.
So as a little "word to the wise" for those who plan to vote yes for cloture, let me just remind you of this...voting yes for cloture today effectively removes you from the party, as far as myself and a whole lot of like minded people are concerned.
Yes, Nelson/Byrd/etc. may continue to show up to work and call themselves Democrats, but if you would spit in the face of your party, you are no Democrat. You don't deserve to be one, quit pretending. Sorry guys, but convictions are not always politically popular. And we see just how well basing all our decisions on poll numbers has worked out the last half decade.
Anyone who votes for cloture with a "D" beside their name mine as well switch to the Republican party immediately thereafter. Get it over with. If you don't, we will get YOU over with. From this day on, anyone who opposes our parties wishes will be a traitor. I will personally support whoever your opponent is in the next primary. While you may be hoping to betray our ideals for political gain, remember this...in the primary you don't speak to your red state, you speak to the blue dots that pick the Democratic nominee. If you vote yes on cloture, that nominee will not be you.
Betray us now, and make it easy on yourself...announce your retirement effective at the end of your term. Hell, if you have a Democrat for a governor, make it easier on us all and just retire now. Because the future has left you behind.