DEM leaders and torture strategy? An ace up their sleeves.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

Were the Dems aware that the torture bill would be nothing but posturing followed by capitulation? Did they sit back and give the Republicans enough rope to hang themselves? Did they prove that the Republican moral leaders - McCain, Warner and Graham just rolled over? Was this Republican tag team just a stunt to make the American public feel like - sure we debated it, and we worked out a great compromise that is ethical and keeps us "safe" at the same time.(Their spin)The biggest losers in this are McCain, Warner and Graham. It will be hard for them to present exactly what they "won".

If so, the Dems have been BRILLIANT by holding back and not muddying up the procedure at this point. Did they just get a glimpse of Republican white eyeballs? Are they marshalling their forces and their arguments to totally slay this dragon on the floor in full debate? Are they ready, finally to FILIBUSTER. Will they emerge from the shadows in full body armour to lead us out of these dank shadows and restore to America her moral clarity, vision and leadership in the world? I guess we will find out shortly.

[ShortnFiery]

1. IMO it was fortuitous ... No, based on past performance ...

our beloved Democrats are often less than brilliant. But they're the best we have now until we vote in their next Democratic Primary. In the interim, I'm taking detailed notes. ;)

[leveymg]

2. There's no going along to get along on this. They'll fillibuster.

As I pointed out, to not oppose the House version of the Bill would have been complicity in war crimes and torture, after the fact.

Unless the "compromise" Senate Bill is radically different from what we were shown before -- it has to be fully consistent with international standards (no cold rooms, water boarding, stress positions, sleep or sensory deprivation, etc) -- it's just rubber stamping torture, which makes Congress an accessory after the fact. Passage of such a bill is also likely to trigger international war crimes tribunals. McCain and Warner understand that.

This isn't all just Rovian Kabuki Theatre. There are some real stakes for those who continue to get it wrong.