The Nuclear Alternative

One of the more prominent examples that has epitomized the Democratic Party's downfall has been their filibustering of lower court judicial nominees. Trying to justify their actions by claiming the nominees were extremists, the Democrats have in fact been going to desperate lengths to prevent these nominees from ever reaching an up or down vote due to the nominees' pro-life positions. This strategy is unprecedented in American history, and the obstruction has not gone without consequence. By turning off socially conservative voters, the Democrats essentially forfeited every southern and plain state to Republicans. In both these regions six Senate seats were up for grabs, Democrats won only one of those contests. Furthermore, the man who crafted this obstruction strategy, former Minority Leader Tom Daschle, lost his seat as well.

With clear proof that the country rejects obstructionist politics you'd think the Democrats would quit. That's not the case however, for new Minority Leader Harry Reid seems just as intent as his predecessor was to ride straight off the cliff. Continued obstruction and filibustering will only lead the Democrats to further losses in '06, with greater GOP majorities as a result. But Republicans aren't willing to wait that long, for the increased judicial activism has brought about the need to bring in strong, conservative judges who will interpret the law, not change it.

So the question now becomes what Republicans can do to bring the filibusters to their deserved end. The most discussed option has become the "nuclear" option, or changing the Senate rules to prohibit filibusters on lower-court judicial nominees. To do this all Republicans would need to do is appeal to the chair, Vice-President Cheney, for a rules change, with only a simple majority of fifty-one votes needed to pass it.

I on the other hand would go a different route. Instead of simply allowing the Democrats to sign a pledge that they will filibuster should it come to the floor, force the Democrats to actually go through with an old style filibuster, bringing out the cots and everything. This would force the Democrats to stand in front of the cameras and try to justify their shutting down of the Senate, and it would bring further scrutiny upon actions that the MSM has tried to hide under the carpet.

Republicans should stop allowing Democrats a pass. If the Democrats are so intent on blocking judges than force them to go to all lengths to achieve that. Put the onus on them, make them responsible for bringing the Senate to a standstill. It's high time that the Democrats' determination be put to the test. Making them stand endlessly on the Senate floor with the whole nation watching would accomplish just that.