CT Blue

Some time ago I suggested that the Democrats call the Republicans bluff and make them stand and deliver on their filibuster threats. It looks like Harry Reid has taken exactly that step.

Forcing his Republican colleagues to put up or shut up on the notion of an up-or-down vote, Senate Majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV) just moments ago announced that he will immediately file a cloture motion on the Reed-Levin troop redeployment bill and, if Republicans follow through with a filibuster, will place the Senate in a prolonged all-night session Tuesday to force a true continuation of debate.

This is a great first step. Just as important is that the Democrats speak with one voice on this issue.

Reid has chosen to draw the line on the Reid-Levin troop redeployment measure. Personally, I think Reid should have made them filibuster the Webb amendment, which would have required mandatory troop down time of two years for every year in combat. It’s something that would have been easier to frame, and it’s something many of them would have felt it necessary to vote for if they were forced to vote.

No matter. It’s good that the Democrats are trying to break the cycle whereby filibusters have been effective tools for the Republicans, who have used them without consequence, while the Democrats have retreated at the first mention of “obstructionism” or the argument that something “deserves an up or down vote”. The Democrats have failed to play tit for tat and have paid for it.

Now, they have to stick to this and make the Republicans talk for as long as it takes to get them to back down. If this is merely a symbolic gesture, it will only encourage further misbehavior.