They must have naked pictures...

What do the Telcos/GOP have on these guys?

I cannot otherwise explain how the Democrats are not only failing to stop Telco immunity, but are actively trying to get it passed - and using strong armed tactics to boot.

Glenn Greenwald kicks it off with a rundown of why Rockefeller is a complete tool

When Rockefeller smugly announces that he "thinks we will prevail," the "we" on whose behalf he is so proudly speaking is Bush and Cheney, lawbreaking telecoms, and all Republican Senators. The only parties whom Rockefeller is so happily "defeating" are civil liberties groups and members of his own party. That is what is making him feel pulsating sensations of excitement and "smugness."

There is some rumbling according to Open Left's Tim Tagaris that might stop this, but it's pretty much up in the air.

If we are able to ward off the cloture vote, there is almost no way in hell a bill gets passed before that deadline. None. Not with all the amendments, debate, and Dodd filibuster pending. Which makes it all the more likely that one of two more things will happen.

a.) There will be an extension of some kind. Maybe a month, maybe two weeks ... we shall see.

b.) We have a real showdown on our hands: No bill has been passed because Dems don't want to eavesdrop on terrorists vs. Republicans think its more important to give telecoms a free ride than to eavesdrop on terrorists.
Even more drama? Ok. Presidential style ...

Everyone is going to be in D.C. for the State of the Union Address, that is a given. Which means, Obama and Clinton will actually have to vote (that's novel!). What's more, they can show some real leadership by convincing their endorsers in the Senate (McCaskill, Nelson, Bayh) who voted to table Judiciary to stop the Republicans on Monday.

And if Republicans do manage to get sixty votes, a filibuster is certain to ensue in the subsequent 30 hours. Which of them will stick around into the next day to support that effort?

I'm not sure how the House's refusal to pass Telco immunity plays into all of this, but hopefully there isn't some (oft used, little mentioned) method to sidestep that with some conference committee shenanigans.
ARRRRgh!


I declare today "National Bitch-slap Your Democratic Senator day"

I'd love to see the Dem Presidential candidates grilled on their view of Telco Immunity. Pity it's too late for Carolina.