Provoking the Nuclear Option and killing the filibuster till 2006
Events are the prime mover in politics. The party out of power must seize every opportunity to use these events to their advantage. A while back I thought the timing for a codified "contract" from the Dem leadership was perfect. The timing was right due to Katrina. Katrina was a collective experience that left an imprint upon Americans, this imprint is what I call event markers. Event markers are imprints formed with large events (i.e. JFK, Vietnam, Iranian Hostages, 9/11, Katrina) that are collective to Americans. These events are rare. These events usually cause cognitive dissonance (mental distress from conflict of cognition and one's actions) in those who have supported the power structure. These events are perfect for political re-alignment. Had the leadership come out with a codified platform within two weeks of Katrina, event markers would have been imprinted, Katrina=Bush Democrats=serious change. Well, in my opinion, they blew it.
I believe that the combination of the Abramoff scandal and the illegal wiretapping are event markers(1). Now suppose there is a filibuster of Alito, and the GOP uses the Nuclear Option, I believe it would be seen as un-American. Most Americans would see such a move for what it is, consolidation of too much power(2). This Of course, this would entail an all out coordinated attack by the Dems. They would have to hammer all three into one event (which it already is), GOP power corruption. The filibuster's justification has to be narrow, limited to no more than three talking points. The argument could be presidential power abuse, right to privacy, and overall lack of trust for the corrupt GOP.
1. CBS News Poll. Jan. 5-8, 2006. N=1,151 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3 (for all adults)."... is it a good idea or a bad idea for the president to have the authority to make changes in the rights usually guaranteed by the Constitution?" Bad Idea 57% Good Idea 36%,
CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Jan. 6-8, 2006. N=1,003 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3 (for all adults). "Do you think the Republicans in Congress or the Democrats in Congress would do a better job of dealing with the issue of corruption in government?" Democrats 44%, Republicans 32%
2. CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. April 29-May 1, 2005. N=1,006 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3. "Just your best guess, do you think the Republicans are or are not trying to abuse their majority power?" Are 53%, Are Not 42%
Newsweek Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. March 17-18, 2005. N=1,010 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3 (for all adults). "Would you approve or disapprove of changing Senate rules to take away the filibuster and allow all of George W. Bush's judicial nominees to get voted on by the Senate?" Disapprove 57%, Approve 32%