Behind the Scenes of the Capitulation
The AP has a fascinating story that sheds more light on the filibuster capitulation, including who will be thrown under the bus next:
In the privacy of his Capitol office last Monday night, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., asked for commitments from six Democrats fresh from the talks. Would they pledge to support filibusters against Brett Kavanaugh and William Haynes, two nominees not specifically covered by the pact with Republicans?
Some of the Democrats agreed. At least one, Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska, declined.
This occurred just minutes after the deal was finalized. Later in the story, it appears that at least five of the seven Democrats agreed to filibuster Kavanaugh and Haynes:
Reid asked Democrats to support filibusters against both Kavanaugh and Haynes.
Nelson declined. Several participants in the meeting said the others agreed, although Landrieu said Friday through a spokesman that she had not. Reid’s spokesman declined comment.
The story makes it fairly clear that, while many Senators had input into the negotiations, Frist was not driving this, as a recent Fox News story suggested.
It also makes it pretty clear that there will be more filibusters very soon. My only consolation will be that I will be able to drown my sorrows with a bottle of wine bought for me by Paul Deignan.