OK, I've diaried on framing the filibuster before.
http://www.dailykos.com/... We shouldn't be calling it a filibuster at all, but rather a refusal to "cut-off debate on the nomination" or "vote for cloture on the subject of the nomination." until all of the important questions are answered.
We have to link this to the Administration PATTERN of providing incomplete information, and rushing through proposals, and then when the results are disastrous, pointing out that the Dems voted for it, too.
Most Americans believe that the Administration has hidden information or lied about the reasons for war, and this strategy will resonate with that understanding.
More below.
Dems should stand up and state: "We are unwilling to continue to vote on important questions without full information, and full disclosure."
"This is a life-time appointment to our highest court, at a critical juncture for our nation, and Judge Alito's testimony leaves too many important questions unanswered. I will not vote to cut-off debate on this nomination until these questions are answered satisfactorily, so that the nation and its citizens understand what this appointment will mean for our country's future
"We want what the American People want, a full and complete debate with all of the answers out in the open for the People and their representatives to decide, is this the right person for this critical position in our Government? Will Judge Alito's views take the Supreme Court down a path of curbing liberty and freedom at a critical juncture in our history?"
The Dems may not have the votes to hold up the voting indefinitely-a true filibuster, but perhaps the Dems can agree to hold up the vote until Alito gives straight answers to important questions.
Dems should make clear that "this is Not a filibuster. We are committed at this point to having a vote on the nomination when the questions are satisfactorily answered."
Dems should state that "when straight answers on these questions are given, and the people have the benefit of a full and open debate, we look forward to voting on this nomination. But the Administration has to cooperate in insuring that Judge Alito answers the important questions, and that the Administration stops playing `hide the ball' from the American People."
"We urge the Administration to provide satisfactory answers in an expedited fashion so that we can have the full and honest debate and a quick vote on the nomination. However, we will no longer continue to vote on important questions until we are certain that we have been provided with all of the important information, and that nothing remains hidden from the American People."
Surely, the Dem caucus can get unified behind this proposition. If the Administration provides clear answers and we can't get any moderate republicans to vote "no" to protect the right to choose and the right to be free of arbitrary executive power, then at least we have fought the good fight.
But we should not give up yet. We should not let Alito get away with ducking and weaving. The American People should know what they are getting.