Harry Reid got played.

[deadmessengers]

He has been manipulated into being the 2009 equivalent of George Wallace standing in the schoolhouse door. This news cycle is going to be about a black man standing in the pouring rain barred from the Senate by a white man. Regardless of the differences between the two circumstances, regardless of the questions regarding Blagojevich's appointment, the symbolism, the visual, is what people will remember.

And Harry Reid has no one to blame but himself.

[cali]

1. I don't think it will be seen in quite that light, but

what a fucking stupid mess- and there's plenty of blame to go around.

[WeDidIt]

2. Oh BULL SHIT!

You are compeltely full of shit on this.

[deadmessengers]

3. I eagerly await your explanation as to why. n/t

[WeDidIt]

6. Burris is not a legitmately appointed Senator

Reid didn't deny shit, the Secretary of the Senate did because Jesse White did NOT sign his certificate of appointment.

Without that, it doesn't even get to Reid.

Fuck,. use facts for a change.

[tridim]

11. Is cable news pointing out this fact?

Or are they just using Burris and Reid to trash Democrats in general, as expected?

[WeDidIt]

13. Nope, they're not pointing out this fact

But under the constitution and Illinois law, Burris has not been legally appointed.

Until Jesse White signs off on it, it's not legitimate.

Burris has taken it to court where many expect the ILSC will force White to sign, but I believe White's lawyers willa rgue that under the consittution and the Illinois statute, the Secretary of State has the authority to refuse to certify any choice by any governor. Teh certification by the SOS is a check on the power granted to the governor.

[kevsand]

14. If a nomination could be blocked by the SoS's refusal to sign,

that would mean that the power of appointment actually rests with the SoS (at least in equal measure). That is not the intent of the law, which just about everyone except White agrees describes functions which are "ministerial" in nature; i.e., there is no discretion allowed in their performance.

[democrank]

4. Harry Reid should buy a nice golf cart and

ride on home.

[RepublicanElephant]

7. now there's a silver lining...

...reid giving-up the leadership!

ain't gonna happen tho.

[backscatter712]

5. Doubt it.

Burris is too douchey to be able to play the martyr role well.

I'm no fan of Reid, but it's not about Burris's race.

[Mist]

9. Yes, Burris acts self-righteous and entitled, which ups the drama/silliness quotient. nt

[Blarch]

8. I agree.

Blago has checkmate on Harry.

Harry is and has been a hack.

[Renew Deal]

10. I think this shows how irresponsible people with power can be, and Blago is a real piece of shit.

He created this. I think Reid is doing the right thing.

[zulchzulu]

12. Reid may punt, but there will be big money to slam Burris in 2010 if he wants to run

Burris is not exactly the greatest campaigner there is and you can bet there will be lots of money going to another candidate if Burris tries to run for reelection.

[apnu]

15. Well this comes as no surprise to me. (nt)