What did they (dems) gain for voting YES on condi?

[AVID]

Please explain.

[Kelvin Mace]

1. The gratitude of the GOP

[LynneSin]

2. What did they lose?

Seriously, if not Condi then some other sleezeball person would have been picked for the position. We made our say now it's time to move on. Rice is small potatoes in our battles for the next 4 years. I'm more worried about Gonzales, Fundie Judges who are 45 years old and could be making new laws for the next 20-40 years and of course, Social Security.

This wasn't even a battle that I gave a rat's ass about and believe me, when it's important I'm right there!

[Al-CIAda]

5. Good points, but they need to know we are watching them

and we do not like what we see.

[CWebster]

8. Why

A demonstration of unified resistance to the bullies may have been just the thing to signify a sea change.

[LynneSin]

20. Absoulutely, but a true tactition knows when the fight the battles

especially when they are the underdogs.

We had our debate on the floor and we had a smattering of democrats make their case against Rice - time to move on. Seriously, this is a small battle for a cabinet secretary that will be gratefully be gone in 4 years (if not sooner). The Bush cabinet is filled with buffoons & yes men/women just like Rice and if she wasn't nominated another like her would fill the position.

We have much more important battles to fight, battles to win then small fries like Condi Rice. I find no sense of dispare knowing my 2 democratic senators didn't object her nomination nor did I waste 1 minute of my time even trying to change their minds. It's a cabinet position. We're already hated by the rest of the world so I highly doubt we could approve upon Rice.

What I care about and where I forsee some great senate battles are issues that can affect all of us long after Bush is out of the White House. Sure, some can say that the decisions that Rice made are making long-term affects on this country (ie - The War) but the war is already happening and a different Secretary of State isn't going to make it go away. Instead we need to fight important battles like Lopsided Judges and socioenvironmental issues that will stay with us long after Bush is gone. Unfortunately when Bush leaves we can't boot out all the judges he appointed and we'll be spending plenty of time trying to overturn many of his horrible policies. Let's focus on the important stuff. Rice is insignificant compared to these issues

[saracat]

11. My respect. What their was left of it, and the respect of the repugs

who are laughing up their sleeves that Dems still believe in "political expediency"

[cestpaspossible]

21. They lost the appearance of good judgement, integrity and conscience.

The fact that the Republicans have enough votes to confirm Rice does not excuse this vote in any way at all.

No negative consequences from voting no -- so the only possible reason to do so would be if they believe she has the integrity and qualifications to be Secretary of State -- and if they believe that, they don't belong in the Senate.

[Betsy Ross]

3. Constituents Ire n/t

[CWebster]

4. The Republicans wouldn't pick on them? nt

[Individualist]

6. Contempt n/t

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

7. A goodly amount of contempt.

Not to mention disgust, scorn, and fortification of my decision to register Green.

[andyhappy]

13. I hear ya

I am a registered green who was behind Kerry 100%

but man, since he tossed in the towel on nov 3rd I am seeing democrats for what they really are. Cowards. Career Politicians.

I am glad that I stayed green and I am not going to 'play politics' with my vote anymore by backing up a party that isn't going to back up me!

[formernaderite]

22. I agree with the career politicians label....

...but I don't think it's based in cowardice. For the most part, the lifers just don't really have any ideology beyond the power and partying in DC.

[mdhunter]

9. A pass the next time a progressive Democratic SOS is on the block

Presidents are rightfully given wide discretion in naming their cabinets. We should support the right of Presidents to choose whomever he or she wants so long as that person is not grossly unqualified.

Condi Rice, for all her faults is not unqualified for this position. And, under the rules of this administration, what we call lying they call the aggressive pursuit of global peace and prosperity. That doesn't excuse her, that merely puts in company with the whole lot of them. So, if can't really say anything (that would result in their being removed) about the rest of them, it's tough to pin that standard on Rice, merely because she's new.

Now, please understand, I lament this situation, and wish it were not so. But think if a progressive Democrat came along and nominated a person to SOS who, in her previous post, aggressively pursued a policy of racial integration (or so other noble cause) which was seen by the right as overstepping her bounds and being deceitful and untrustworthy.

The situation isn't entirely analogous, but there are clearly parallels. Anyway, she's just another tool in the shed. The way this administration plays it, they were even able to get a sensible moderate, Powell, to do their bidding, Rice just cuts out a layer of beauracracy.

[saracat]

12. Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

[Overseas]

25. Unfortunately, as we can see w/ Supreme Court nominations,

That type of courtesy no longer applies. Judiciary Committee lets most nominees through and opposes merely the worst few of Bush's radical selections and yet they are scathingly criticized by the Republicans. Even though those same Republicans opposed many more of Clinton's appointments. The Republicans use the carrot of bipartisanship and then stab you in the back.

And Dr. Rice was a dismal failure in protecting our national security so she should not have been rewarded with an appointment to higher office.

[noamnety]

10. They can be secure in the knowledge

that they will bear partially responsibility for whatever lives are lost as a result of her incompetence, dishonesty and general toadiness.

[smurfygirl]

14. feinstein earned some more money from defense contracts

payable to her husband.

[InhaleToTheChief]

15. Still more of us get fed up...

...and never vote for this spineless, worthless party again. You know why the Repubs will be the winners for the foreseeable future? Because there is no opposition party.

Democrats are worthless at this point. The Rethugs must laugh their asses off...you think they would have confirmed a Dem...any Dem...this easily? No way. All of the Democratic Senators who voted for Condy have my contempt. It'll be a cold day in hell when I vote for Hillary or Obama for President.

[Cocoa]

16. maybe they gained, maybe they lost

they probably gained, because Condi is popular with the public.

Also, it's possible that some believed the "Yes" vote was the right vote, regardless of cost or gain.

[Skidmore]

17. I think some wheeling and dealing

has been going on in the back room. The Rs were surprisingly low key in their objections. No ranting and raving or frothing at the mouth. I think the Rs are also worried about Gonzalez. Hopefully, there is a tradeoff here, Condi for Gonzalez. I'm hopeful.

[AVID]

18. hopeful / wishful thinking

That would be a nice rebound for some.

[McCamy Taylor]

19. A chance to date Condi? She IS sort of cute. I've sene guys cut her slack

because they find her attractive. Women are much less likely to do so.

[googly]

24. and...she has loads of money and a big career ahead as a

lobbyist in Washington. She has good figure and a PhD. What more can a
guy want?

[googly]

23. They are acting like the lion in wizard of oz who had lost all his

courage. The senators need to find the wizard, and real soon.

[andyhappy]

26. the wizard is rove

man behind the curtain and such

who are the dems? I dunno...

dorothy - wants home
tin man - wants heart
scare crow - wants brains
lion - wants courage

I want an opposition party...I must be livin in munchkin land

[seabeyond]

27. a voice for when bush raises the war with iran n/t

[AVID]

28. how does voting yes give them a voice?

[seabeyond]

29. as a whole they are getting louder

and stronger. media is getting use to them standing up. wont be as fighting or tough for them to stand up from here on out. courage my man. and the voice of the people

[AVID]

30. by voting to allow Condi, they get stronger?

I still don't get it.

[annabanana]

31. I don't get it either..

What makes anyone think that we would get "A pass the next time a progressive Democratic SOS is on the block"?

When have you EVER seen this crowd give anyone a "pass"? Dems won't get any brownie points for rolling over for these people, just scorn. It's not seen as accomodation by them, it's seen as weakness.

A Yes vote gains them nothing and loses them respect from their base. It's a lose/lose proposition guys.

[Disturbed]

32. Yes voting Dems gained..

more money from the Corps that fill up their coffers.

[annabanana]

33. Would they be the same corporations that sent twice as much

to the republicans? It's still lose/lose.

[seabeyond]

34. of course you dont get it, lol lol, i was answering what they gained

for voting no. against condi. lol. sorry, read that question wrong, or went into head wrong. the yes votes are insignificant for me, in my experiencing this right now. it is those that stood up that are holding my attention. we create from what holds our attention you know

[AVID]

35. thanks, sea, i was wondering if you had it mixed

It makes perfect sense now

[Vinca]

36. An invitation to the White House?

I'm outraged, to say the least. Condi and her cohorts are responsible for tens of thousands of unnecessary deaths and what happens? Either they're promoted or get medals. This picture is so wrong. As far as I'm concerned, any Democratic Senator who is a Republican hiney kisser should be voted out next time around. I'm disgusted.