A stupid deal

Like a lot of compromises, the one on judicial nominees seems to have been made purposely ambiguous. It allows Republican Senators to pull the trigger if they determine that a Democrat filibuster is not justified by "extraordinary circumstances." Of course, what constitutes "extraordinary circumstances" will differ with one's own re-election prospects.

What have they gained except more recriminations, vituperation, lies and accusations? They've given the Democrats more time to work with the media to misrepresent the issue, mislead the public and try to radicalize the independent democrats who will vote to approve Bush's nominees.

According to Katherine Lopez at NRO, the public doesn't care about this. I hope that's not true.