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So, you guys are going to have to be my eyes and ears for now as to what’s going on in the Senate. Awfully hard to host a radio show and watch C-Span at the same time.
What’s going on?
Jane and I were discussing earlier how all the young, energetic Republicans like Susan Collins are the ones most in danger of losing their seats, so we’re thinking they may not want to do too much visible obstruction tonight. Of course, that leaves a bunch of creaky old GOP fossils holding the filibuster bag. And keeping that crowd awake after 10pm, well…you know how old people are about their bedtime. Yeesh.
So, I know they brought in cots. Have they brought in IV’s, respirators, oxygen tents, and portable defibrillators yet? Did they put rubber daisies and hand-rails in to make sure ol’ Ted Stephens doesn’t slip and break a hip? Has anybody pulled a John Boehner and cried big fat fake tears for the cameras? Is Joe Lieberman openly fellating Mitch McConnell yet? Is Lindsay Graham doing his famous re-enactment of Miss Mellie’s death scene from Gone With the Wind?
Come on, you guys, I have to know this stuff so I have something to tell my grandkids.
See you in the comments…
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They shoulda brought some kegs, and let the senators get drunk and debate
Hi TRex
Zed?
Joe lies!!!
Joe lies!
What????
Finally Sherrod Brown!
Bingo!
Sherrod Brown…me likey.
Brown has a poster!
Let Us Vote – great poster
Did any of you kids tell the others downstairs that we’re up here now?
Evening TRex.
HoJo was doing his best Jenna Jameson impression for Bush and his war.
Democrats: Let us vote!
Repuglicans: Whaddya think this is, a democracy?
Former Congressman Sherrod Brown voted against the 2002 war resolution
http://usliberals.about.com/od…..ayVote.htm
Go Sherrod
The Iraq effect:
War has increased Terrorism sevenfold worldwide.
Nequals1 @ 10
Looks like all the Dems will use the same poster…sort of like when the House Dems used the big Rubber Stamp when they were talking about the 108th Congress.
btw, gang, I asked for some clarification on Lieberman — and it looks like he was, indeed, using Republican time for that whiny, droning monstrosity. Just FYI.
Naraka @ 13
*hrrrrk!*, *hrrrrrrrrrrrrk!*
Spew.
EPU’d from old thread:
If you haven’t sent an e-mail yet to your senator telling them to stop the Republican obstructionism – go here to send one:
http://www.democrats.org/page/…..bstruction
Goal is 50,000 and it’s up to 49,477!
downstairs has been told, TRex.
This is what we need. Show the country how the repugs continue to block all efforts to end this war.
Suzanne @ 12
Beautiful dive, Ma’am!
TRex!!! I will now turn on the TV and watch. Finally (finally!) everyone is asleep. I think.
neurophius @ 14
a democracy if we can keep it!
If anybody had told me three years ago that I’d be up watching C-Span at 11:00 at night, I’d have told them they were crazy.
What have you people done to me?!?
What kind of fuckery is this?!?!
Howdy Mr Rex!
litbrit @ 24
Benadryl smoothies, darling. It’s not child abuse. My mom used to do it all the time and see? I’m fine!
well, in my dreams this is a zed.
and about as close as i ever get these days anyway.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 18
On this Christy…just a quick question. I know you did a lot of work with Lamont and did some talking with the people of Connecticut. Have you had any contact with either Lamont or any “average Joe” (yeah, bad wording…how about John Q. Public) in Connecticut about their feelings about this waste of space they have in the Senate?
Just curious…thanks
I think their strategy is emerging. Show and tell without the MSM filter.
Open Letter to Joe “Goebbels” Lieberman via Apu
He is ODIOUS that little toad.
OTOH, I used to smoke pot with his god-daughter, who looked glorious naked.
TRex asks
That’s what Joe just did for forty minitues
jayt @ 26
lol jayt, me too.
Please Sherrod blow through each one of Liarmans repeated claims about Iran, Al Queda in Iraq and the endlessly repeated horseshit about 9/11 and Iraq being connected.
TRex @ 20
yeah, pretty much. Oh, and I wouldn’t tell your grandkids that.
Suzanne! Adie! Hello!
Sherrod Brown shot down everything HoJo said in an instant. He gave terrific stats within the first two minutes of taking the floor. Very impressive.
Most noteable: terrorist attacks have increased SEVEN FOLD since we invaded Iraq.
Staying does not prevent or minimize terrorist attacks. It provokes them.
He’s now showing a drawing that shows how our troops are in danger due to IEDs. He’s showing how the better humvees protect us, but the Pentagon has allowed unprotected humvees out there.
TRex – have fun on the gig.
Will Hill and Obama show up? Biden? I’ve forgotten who the other candidates are.
EvilDrPuma @ 28
WKOFIT…I Love It EDP!
Sherrod is good, but he needs to learn to
“emphasize” better. More drama. Other than that, he rocks.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 17
He might as well use rethug time. He are one.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 18
That makes my blood boil. Why doesn’t he just switch parties and get it over with! Jees.
Rip with the facts Brown. Damn I am proud I worked my ass for this guy!
Christy Hardin Smith @ 18
“Independent Democrat,” my hairy white ass. Joined at the hip to the wingnut warrior wimps is more like it.
I wanna know why the local super ran outta astronaut diapers this afternoon.
The only reason Liarman STFU was because Mitch McConnel ordered him to change David Vitter’s diaper.
CHS @ 18 — Thanks for that clarification. I should HOPE SO after that. Gives real meaning to “ad nauseum” dontcha think?!
And TRex, bless your sweet heart. Miss Mellie’s death scene? I do declare! That Mr. Graham doesn’t deserve your attentions, but you’re so sweet to share a little sugar.
Y’all are teh best.
dakine01 @ 42
I’d rahther he schlurrr on their tab. Thank you very much.
EvilDrPuma @ 27
A fuckery has been invoked;
Are there any objections
(long pause)
An objection has been made by Vitter
dakine01 @ 38
That’s what Joe just did for forty minitues
Was it that long???
Ok, I’m dropping in to The Daily Show. Seems he’s on the “Louisiana Po’ Boy” story i.e. Vitter.
Lieberman was so cocky standing there in a republican slot, now wasn’t he?
*smacking my forehead until unconscious*
McCain admitted this is all ABOUT OIL:
He said “we need to look at what we are discussing here……as long as we are dependent on oil in the region our greater, greater national security interests are at stake in the outcome of Iraq. And the possibility of success in Iraq in seeing the world’s third largest oil reserves being modernized and those revenues being used for the American people.”
Something I realized about tonights forced fillibuster..
At first I thought that the MSM was taking this as somewhat of a publicity stunt, or a political circus trick. It certainly isn’t mentioned much, even though this sort of ‘all night debate’ is very rare in the Senate.
Some may say that the Democrats are not ‘framing’ this with the American people. Some aspects of the MSM seem content to mention that Reid knows this will be a failure.
But this isn’t about getting the message to the people any more. Damn, almost everybody is against Bush, the war, and the stagnating corruption that has been cosigned by the GOP.
Only three groups of republicans remain. You know these type: They are in a way, a little insane. Either that, or filthy rich. The last group are the Republican Senators.
The debates going on tonight are not about getting this message to us the people. We’re already on board. The idea is to force the Republican senators who have voted time-and-time against the troops, or for infinite war, or for a bankrupt America in 10 years, to come face-to-face with their actions.
This is not like the past, where a regurgitated speech and quick vote will get you home before brunch. This is to force senators to hear how much they fucked up, and how much their arguments for the war, force them into realizing how big of asses they are.
The idea is to get some republicans to either say ‘okay we get the message, we fucked up’ or to force some sort of compromise statement from one of them. Either way, those that are quiet will hear the droning for hours and hours, and maybe it will get in their heads that they are responsible for the U.S.A.’s biggest fuck ups since the Civil War. Even if they don’t admit it, it will stick with them.
Brown: “The President’s strategy in Iraq is a Maginot line of a strategy”"
OMG it’s still Lieberman!
oh phew! it’s over
West Hollywood, in da house
#80
http://takomaparkibc.wordpress.com/
brendancalling @ 33
Don’t you think Joe “Goebbels” Lieberman is over the top. Does it accomplish something that “fucking dickwad Joe Lieberman” does not?
I gotta say these Dems look astonishingly like they have their act together tonight.
I can’t listen to Susan Collins. She’s got that slooow, lobotomized delivery.
LS @ 40
But he DOES have props! LET US VOTE!
Christy Hardin Smith @ 18
That cheezy fucker!
Mr. Brown needs to slow down a pace. He’s blowing through these points and not letting them sink it. HoJo took about 35 years to drone his way through Rove TP’s, Sherrod can take some time to make his case.
Sparkles the Iguana @ 62
It’s more of a Stepford drone.
Is there hard evidence linking 9/11 with OBL?
http://www.teamliberty.net/id267.html
Hello TRex -
Good news about those cots. Those old fogies really don’t sleep much nights and tend to get up several times anyway but comfy, oh please comfy. No cots. My back! My neck! My leg fell asleep!
Do you think each brought their favorite pillow? Misery, misery, misery ! Sometimes life is just tough ;-/
Rubber daisys from our very own Renee!
http://www.cafepress.com/duckyshower/
Durbin’s “All-Nighter” call list.
(Collins is on it.)
Dodd gave a speech earlier today, so he should be around. I never saw Obama or Hill during the day, but I was actually doing things in/outside the house.
Collins is up (R-ME)
Do I sense spine or empty rhetoric
Lieberman was scary in his embrace of this war.
He’s in deep.
Someone needs to shake him, slap him around, wake him up!
He’s war drunk.
He has clearly lost the ability to be common sensical about what is going on there.
He’s the very worst kind of American: a warmonger.
Tv on mute.
I’m pretty sure by now we’ve figured out that it’s not a “filibuster” bag …
Bluetoe @ 65
This could go on just about as long as Liarman, with her cadence.
kathleen @ 44
Kudos, Ma’am!!! 8-)oddball @ 50
The last two threads I was asking if anybody had seen or heard if he was present!!! He actually had the audacity to show up, eh???
How much time did Liarman use? It seemed like eternity?
kathleen @ 67
Nope.
Naraka @ 64
That’s the difference between being the House and the Senate.
Brown was Great! Susan Collins sounds like she’s going to fall down at any moment. And why are the pubs waving the iraq study group report around? Don’t they know that their fearful leader has rejected its conclusions?
Mute.
Sparkles the Iguana @ 61
She should retire from politics and go work for the Simpsons.
EvilDrPuma @ 27
First class.
noonan @ 79
Brown had so many facts …he does need to slow down. What he had to say was so valuable he needs to feel o.k. about taking up time.
jayt @ 26
Too funny! Me too.
Joe’s wife is up now?
Shorter Collins: Here. We can solve this mess with the plan that the president has already rejected.
Remember that press conf a couple of weeks ago when Chimp was asked if he was implementing Plan B. Chimp said it was more like Plan BH for Baker-Hamilton. No the pea is under this shell. See. Plan BS. And you bought it!
cancer_cures: well said.
For those saying “why doesn’t Lieberman just become a Republican already” – hey, he’s enjoying getting a BJ from both sides of the aisle. At some point, he might vote our way on something (not this war, of course). I’d rather him collaborate with us sometimes than have him 100% on their side. (Better yet: I’d like to see him lose his job to a more appropriate Democratic party representative of his state.)
After listening to HoJo blather on, and Brown get me back up, Jon Stewart is really making me laugh.
oddball @ 71
Is Collins or Snow up for reelection in2008?
noonan @ 79
Good point.
Now if we could just slap the spurs to Jackie Collins, or whoever she is. Giddyup! Was she an extra on Westworld?
cancer_cures @ 55
well said!
beth meacham @ 80
Yeah, I didn’t really understand that. That clown Lamar Alexander basically gave a 15 minute background on each of the 10 ISG members.
So who is madam president?
Sparkles the Iguana @ 61
I thought HoJo had changed clothes and was continuing on …
George @ 72
Lieberman is truly out of his mind. Dementia is a terrible thing. It’s worse with someone making life and death decisions from their coo coo nest.
snore…where is my cot?
Sparkles the Iguana @ 39
Dodd. That’s it for the Democratic side.
Trex:
Sadly, you may have to explain to your grand kids how we lost the republic and the Constitution. We don’t have a president, we have a king heading up a crime family.
I hope tonight wakes up the Congress as well as the people. If Pelosi won’t discuss impeachment, then we need to dump HER. As has been stated, impeachment is not a constitutional crisis, it is the cure for one, and that is what we certainly need at this point.
Ahgoo @ 91
“She”…enough said!
Eureka Springs @ 82
Cut her a little slack, she’s doing a helluva better job than HoJo!!!
Hi y’all! How’s all my favorite FDL folks?
Evening all. Heat wave continues unabated (even though we were a balmy 95 today). We should break the all time record for days over 100 tomorrow. We have had 17 consecutive days over 90 (we usually only have 22 all year). The powers that be are imposing stage 2 fire restrictions (no fires in the forest) and fuels in the Lolo National Forest are the driest they have ever been.
I’m offering Lieberman for Susan Collins – straight-up trade.
okay, I’ll throw in some late round draft choices and a little cash too…
yellowdogD @ 97
I heard some of them earlier this afternoon, state that they would be back later tonight. I have the impression that this is only round 1.
landofthefree HOWDIE!
I took what, at the time, felt like serious heat at this place for daring to stick up for Sherrod Brown.
I am so-o-o-o glad I did.
I am so proud to have him in the Senate!
Woo Hoo!
LS at 40
He’s plenty experienced, but his delivery has always been like that, as far as I know. Seems to have voice that gets husky and hoarse easily, so I suspect he tends to hold back on volume.
He relies heavily on content and syntax to make his speeches dynamic. Transcripts of his stuff, and interview appearances are very impressive indeed.
Most impressive to me: he follows through and really walks the walk. He’s not just babbling to hear his own head roar, like some I could mention.
Perhaps you noticed, we Ohioans perked up quite a bit when he stepped to the mike. ;->
The authors of the ISG said in December that the ISG would only be a decent plan if implemented almost immediately. (in a few weeks) Hello? That was over seven months ago… before a surge.
TRex, our bathtub has railings and a rubber mat. I don’t think it is nice to make fun of disabled people.
I love the story of Bob Packwood hiding in his office bathroom like a simpering child and being forcibly carried onto the Senate floor in 1988. Republicans are the most immature people in this country, it’s just dumbfounding.
SnarKassandra @ 102
Hey there. I’m alive; I’m not quite ready to commit to more right now.
Ahgoo @ 91
and what’s she president of?
Bluetoe @ 89
collins is up and prol’ly going down to a Blue America candidate
yellowdogD @ 100
It’s still Brown here, I am soo not watching the same broadcast you guys are. Maybe I’ll switch to tunes and just read your take on it.
Anyone know how the MSM is spinning the filibuster?
I admit that when R.s or I.s speak my eyes glaze over and I tune out.
I am listening to Susan
QuaaludeCollins. She is not speaking in defense of our Glorius Leader, King Codpiece.Has any R had the temerity (batzim) to come out and say, “Hey Bush is my guy, and I say support the president”?
For the Yiddish challenged: batzim=balls.
DrDick @ 104
My condolences.
yellowdogD @ 97
is there any reason for demos to speak? Other tahn setting the record straight? Doesn’t it go to a vote once the ‘thugs run out steam? So, sooner is better? (yrs in curiosity …)
Bluetoe @ 89
]
Collins is up next year. Tom Allen, current 1st District Congressman, will be challenging her. She’s scared witless.
Every word of these Repubs. condemns the Administration, yet they are going to vote nay.
Oh, Now Collis is going to wholeheartedly endorse the ISG recommendations and is all for “more democracy” in Iraq.
DrDick @ 104
That is way hotter than we had today.
SnarKassandra @ 102
Hi Kassie. Everyone is fine. Hope you’re planning something on your blog on the events tonight.
Collins is up for re-election in ‘08.
“It’s disappointing to be called on our crap.”
Elliott, what broadcast are you watching it on that it’s so far behind?
Every day more and more like the Court of Versailles…how much more can we all take????
ROFL lmao watching these gerbils
Collins YOU LIE! “Our side hasn’t blocked a vote on the cloture motion.” We want a vote on the cloture motion”
What a disingeneous bunch of cr*p.
puppethead @ 112
it is pretty funny
prostratedragon @ 67
Her mailbox is full. Of sh*t, I guess.
Adie @ 105
The husk and rasp is a great vocal asset. He needs to learn “dynamics” really well, because otherwise it is boring. Other than that…he rocks…I’m sure he rocks anyway, but it would help.
So, hello folks, I know I haven’t been around much for a while, but it must have been a lot longer than I thought if TRex has grandkids now (how did that happen? and when?).
cynic @ 121
I already did one here: http://frecklescassie.wordpress.com/ But it isn’t much. I was busy with other stuff.
BigMitch @ 115
You mean, besides Joe?
Fern @ 112
President pro temp or the Senate.
I think the presiding president is one of the jr. senators of the majority party – not the pro temp senator. But I don’t who this woman is b/c I’m late to this theater.
I seem to recall that the repugs weren’t so hot for bipartisanship when they were in control.
OMG She called for a new gang of fourteen!
Someone needs to wind up Susan Collins.
Bluetoe @ 112
Not well. They’re reprinting the GOP spin that it’s not a filibuster. It’s apparently anything but a filibuster, because only Democrats would use the dirty “f” tactic.
What a sad, sad state of journalism in this country.
LoudounLib @ 127
CSPAN 2, streaming from their site, Real Player stand alone.
Nope, it looks like a wet noodle.
Sorry Susan, you lose
Fern @ 112
When the VP (President of the Senate) is not presiding and the President Pro Tem (Usually senior member from majority party -Sen Byrd of WVA now) is not presiding, other senators preside. One of the other Dem women at this point.
lee5 @ 118
To make them listen to the consequences of what they have done. And maybe win a couple of them over. At least that’s my take.
Elliott @ 139
Did you pause it? It is better to stop and start.
dakine01 @ 126
I think she’s referring to Levin’s earlier objection to have a vote at 8:30 tonight instead of going all night.
ok, I gotta crash … early morning manana … cy’all later … keep it up!
Adie – you’re in Ohio? I thought you were in NY… or maybe that’s your son that’s in NY? Or maybe I’m just really confused.
Brown did a nice job. I’ll be eager to see what kind of coverage this gets in the media tomorrow morning.
Time for me to get my beauty sleep… see ya’ll at the lake tomorrow!
recoveringlurker @ 123
A “middle ground”? Like the gang of 14 that got the right wingers on the SCOTUS! No thanks.
Subway Serenade @ 101
Domini,Domini, Domini. You’re all catholics now
;)
puppethead @ 138
Journalism? Oh…please.
Bye Lee5
Ahgoo @ 134
Who ever sits up there is the president pro tem. They take turns.
When Collins loses her next election, she should not turn to auctioneering.
this is like the Court of Versailles and these people on cspan gerbils they are gerbils….court jesters
Gots to go eat. Or can I order out for an IV? I’ll come back for another hour. Oh, well. Bin Ladin will be up for the late night. I’m only West Coast.
Bluetoe @ 111
Gasp! Do they know it’s even happening??? Coulda fooled me!!! 8-)
Aunt Betsy added one more snack but she’s doing her stretches. http://picasaweb.google.com/Te…..rLateNight
AirportCat @ 131
Parthenogenesis. All the hep reptiles are doing it.
Heh. “Heptiles”?
you think bush is watching this too…or playing donkey kong on his new xbox that he got for his birthday?
Fern @ 142
I could be wrong, but I think when the Dems speak they ask for a vote – and the Repubs respond by objecting and then the Repubs go back to obstructing/speaking.
I’m from Maine, and I’ve never thought of Olympia Snowe as “young and energetic.” She’s only 60, I just discovered to my surprise when I looked it up, but she seems older. Maybe it’s because she’s been in first the House and then the Senate for what seems like forever — since 1978, actually.
apple pie @ 158
Oh no, he’s long asleep by now!
SnarKassandra @ 146
thanks, I’ll try that
AWWWWWWWWWWWWW.
Senator Collins wants the senators to adopt her amendment.
Wouldn’t that be special?
These Senators are addicted to killing and death.
apple pie @ 158
nah, he passed out long ago
Bush goes to bed at 9:30.
Oh thank GOD !! Collins done.
apple pie @ 158
He’s in bed asleep.
Mystery solved — Madam President is Patty Murray.
SnarKassandra @ 156
Ooh, she went all out tonight. Tell her thanks!
apple pie @ 158
He’s asleep by 10pm every night.
Or he gets very cranky.
apple pie @ 158
He’s running around in a pair of red overalls, whacking real monkeys with a big ol hammer. Harriet is up on the scaffolding, that’s why she didn’t show.
QuakerGirl @ 95
I really believe Senator Joe “Israel first” Liebermann has done more harm to Israel than if he and the other “cakewalk in Iraq” zealots would push for Israel to move back to the 67 border, abide by UN resolutions and sign the NON-Proliferation treaty.
Read the letters from other countries concerned about Israels weapons and the threat to the middle east.
One
Two
Three
Links cleaned up by Mod
Elliott, if it helps — I’m listening to it right from the CSPAN site, but not using the standalone player.
Menendez NJ up now and slapping down Collins BH Commission tripe.
“Here to ask for a vote. Not just any vote, a majority vote for majority rules”
Eureka Springs @ 162
You may be right, or you may be wrong. But for sure, the economy is addicted to killing and death.
Evening Cassie. Yep, the world has turned upside down when western Montana is hotter than central Texas. I blame George Bush and the Republicans.
Nice to see them having to actually publicly own their positions for a change. Hope this is the start of a trend. Every time the Republicans vote against cloture Harry makes them actually fillibuster. I have a feeling support for this stonewalling will drop dramatically. We might actually be able to do the people’s business once again.
I’m still laughing about “Miss Mellie’s death scene…” Too funny. I thought Graham’s dithering neurotic behavior all last week would have him drooling this week. But I haven’t heard a peep. Maybe they slipped him some sedatives.
neurophius @ 163
Screw you, Collins, you enabler. Go join Lincoln Chaffee in the void.
Growing up in the 50’s & 60’s we were always told that the Soviet Union did not have a free press but rather the press was a propaganda arm of the Communist Party. Curious how the worm turns. Somehow the MSM’s impact on the public’s general perceptions need to be neutered.
LoudounLib @ 176
I’ll try that!
cricket @ 159
The rethugs object to a straight up or down vote. They want the 60 vote cloture vote.
QuakerGirl @ 137
a greater kindness would be to let her unwind and then set her on a shelf somewhere, an early retirement, perhaps
Moon @ 175
I can’t take credit for that. It’s all Digby.
How rare are these overnight session?
maybe if we all concentrate…we can invade his dreamspace, and send him images of lieberman shaking hands with osama…oh wait that might backfire
They need to start changing the batteries in the repubs before they send them up there. I kept thinking Collins was going to just sort of shudder to a halt in midsentence and they’d have to wheel her out.
LS 129
i know, i know. agreed. he rushes too, as someone else mentioned; always has, sigh.
not a perfect speaker, but very good!
energetic, dynamic, hard-working.
voting record on environment, needy & middle class issues, health care wonderful.
i’m gonna let landofthefree or some other Ohioan take over. gotta get some sleep.
see you guys tomorrow ;->
I love how the Dems can now throw that “up or down” meme back at the Rethugs!
Lotsa Firepups watching the CSPAN.
We are really nerds.
I’m still waiting for a reading from the phonebook….Wait for it.
LindaR @ 168
Thanks LindaR
And thanks to Big Mitch – I’m learning lots of new workds and phrases from you. *g*
apple pie @ 159
This is soo far beyond the Chimp’s bedtime!
cancer_cures @ 185
This is the first since the GOP opposed de-segregation in, I think, 1967.
Must be meant for an all nighter. ;~)
LoudounLib @ 176
Now I feel synchy
Kevster @ 190
I bet the senators have their staffers writing speeches like mad.
BigMitch @ 178
When will any of the Senators who voted for the 2002 war resolution take any responsibility for their very serious mistake? When?
cancer_cures @ 185
From Digby:
TRex @ 184
It was great to see Digby in Salon’s War Room today.
What is up with Graham? He has been decompensating for awhile now. Maybe all that energy it takes to keep the closet door nailed shut has turned him into a dribbling fool.
To Kathleen @172
Thanks for the links.
Someone should make the point that this “debate” is over the validity of the future “death sentence” of more troops as a means to a so-called end.
Menendez is getting some nice quotable quotes in there ; )
“Let Us Vote” – they should use that on electon day too.
Go get ‘em, Democrats!
Attention: All Toronto Firepups …
Juslin is in town and we’re meeting for drinks and perhaps a bite Wednesday evening. If you’d like to join us, please contact me via Facebook.
P.
SnarKassandra @ 130
OT. Snarkassandra has an extremely interesting piece up on “Army orders Reservists to Health Muster. Everyone should read. Same url as quoted above. Something is afoot….and the msm sure ain’t gonna talk too much about it.
cancer_cures @ 185
The last real filibuster was against the Civil Rights Act, IIRC.
Late night sessions…post-9/11 to get all our rights taken away with bills no one read?
Just poppin in…did Sheldon Whitehouse speak yet?
Allison Stewart was in for Olbermann tonight:
The Republicans blocked a vote and the Democrats responded…
someone at MSNBC has it right… but I get the feeling they are in a minority yet.
puppethead @ 138
DrDick @ 104
Boo. Do you have AC?
Hey TRex:
Are you going to be on Goldy’s show again?
I want to see Tim Johnson come in a wheelchair-wouldn’t that be great-a courageous act by a patriot.
Menendez quoting Robert F. Kennedy.
Good for him.
bonkers @ 207
No
can the Dem’s even win an up-or-down vote?
JoeLiarman’s voting R – we’ve got one senator on the disabled list, and I haven’t heard a Republican yet that sounds like they’re gonna break a straight party-line vote.
Is my math right?
We need to get the D.C. Madame on the line to expose one or two more philandering Republican senators – stat!
Is Graham there? Or is he having the fantods on his fainting couch?
So I wonder, when I get up for work tomorrow at 4:30 AM, will this still be going on?
Jane (nyc) @ 190
I replied to you in the last thread @ 464.
Menendez quoting RFK about Vietnam…
Robert Kennedy said in 1968, “past error is no excuse for its own perpetuation.” Mindless determination and foolish consistency don’t make a better outcome likely.
Hey thanks Lizardmen
So if the last overnight session was like, 40 years ago, it should give insight on how important this one is.
Also, if the senate held an overnight session on the eve of the Iraq War, maybe we wouldn’t be in this mess at all IN the first place. Instead we got to hear Byrd say ‘why are these chambers silent?’
Loo Hoo. @ 209
Nope and can’t get it (wrong kind of windows). Generally we don’t need it. Normal high temps for July and August are mid-8os and it drops into the 50s and 60s at night.
Mitch:
“Batzim,” huh. Brings a smile. My father (may he rest in peace) ripped me a new one for using that some 40 years ago. But he was also horrified when I said Reagan was a Putz, and I wasn’t a teenager at that point.
cancer_cures @ 218
Byrd was great earlier this evening. He’s an old-school orator.
Let’s vote. Like Menendez’s points: Appeal to conscience. Past error is no excuse for its own perpetuation. Yes, the only sin is pride. There must be a date certain.
Two front page articles in the NYT, looks like she might be shading blue.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07…..el.html?hp
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07…..ss.html?hp
So how does this work, do they draw straws and the short straws have to speak at 3 a.m.? Is Obama reclining on his divan?
I am really sick of this 19th century bullshit….”I have so much, so much respect for my friend from Connecticut….soooooo……much……”
cancer_cures @ 187
IRCC, Reid in the minority did an 8 hour stint for some judicial nominees in ‘02!!! Otherwise, Byrd, in the sixties pulled an all-niter against the ‘Civil Rights’ bill!!!
LoudounLib @ 221
and always with the Constitution in his pocket.
I’d like to hear Liarman again at at about 1:00 A.M.
I hadn’t been all that much impressed by Menendez until tonight, but he’s doing a good job.
jayt @ 211
I would think most of the seven repubs who voted for cloture on Webb’s amendment would go for this as well. I mean it has a bunch of loopholes to drive through.
njr @ 208
That was all part of the plan.
LoudounLib @ 221
I was hoping to see him to see if he had his A-game on tonight. I wonder if he’ll be on the tubes somewhere?
DrDick @ 219
I got one of those portable ones – overpriced, but may work in your windows – there is a hose to vent the hot air outside
LS @ 227
maybe you should see a doctor about that.
America vs. Homeland
Uh…huh…
I would have Reid keep these all nighters going at least once a week.
Lets wear down the bastards, give them heart papipations,
disturbed sleep patterns and inflammations. Perhaps out of this
brutal attrition could come some new Senators appointed by
Democratic Governors. And if a few Democratics should not hold
up they too can replaced. Whose Dinosaurs are the fittest in this
marathon? Does not the balance in the Senate need to be changed
to vote for removal of office? I sound like Malthus tonight.
Apologize for the dark humor. Chewed on a bone tonight.
Caveman energy. Impeach Bush!
Sparkles the Iguana @ 224
We have yet to fully restore Habeas Corpus.. So I am still pulling for a post Magna Carta 12th century mentality myself.
I like the senator who is talking now.
neurophius @ 228
Heard that Dick Morris was on the DC Madame’s list. Whose surprised?
CTuttle @ 225
I think that might have been strom thurmond. It was because Thurmond spoke for more than 24 hours staright to filibuster the Civil rights bill, that this “procedural filibuster” was instituted
cricket @ 20
Just checked, it’s at 51,278. And the link is here.
Jeez Louise.
223 comments in 47 minutes.
Y’all are en fuego.
kathleen @ 172
Okay Kathleen, I took your advice and followed the links.
Document one: says that Israel has nuclear arms. Everyone knows that, although Israel has never threatened anyone with nuclear weapons, and has not even admitted (nor denied) having them. According to the document, Israel is not in violation of any treaty which it is a party to. Arab nations would like a nuclear free mid-East. Or so they said back then. When they get nuclear capablities they will change their mind. In the mean time this is a plea for a country that is outnumbered 100:1 to disarm. Fuck that.
Document two: from 1994 says a new period of Arab-Israeli cooperation is dawning. That was when I stopped reading since the Arab boycott of Israel has continued for another 13 years since that optimistic dawn.
Document three: From the Egyptian ambassador. Am I out of line to point out that anti-Israel rhetoric in Egypt is the only thing that the Egyptian government offers the man in the street, other than a brutal repressive regime. Sorry if Israel prefers not to be preached to by the Egyptian government.
The Arab idea of Mid-east peace expressed in these documents is wipe Israel off the map and we will all live in peace. Israeli nuclear defensive capabilities are an obstacle to this plan.
Sparkles the Iguana @ 224
“My distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Connecticut, is a lying delusional shitbag…a cur, if you will, my fellow senators. And the less said about my esteemed colleague with the vapors, the vile little homunculus from South Carolina, the better…”
If and when the A*P*C Rosen espionage trial takes place and the “alleged” passing of classified intelligence about Iran from Franklin to A*P*C officials to Israeli officials is exposed to the American public, Liebermann will not be able to continue to trump up the unsubstantiated claims about Iran.
Well maybe that is just too much to expect.
Until then the radical “cakewalk” zealots will keep screaming “attack Iran”.
noonan @ 230
Bound to be, although I haven’t looked — if his bit shows up somewhere I’m gonna save it.
Menendez is pounding them on the benchmarks. He’s doing really well.
burnspbesq @ 241
We are jazzed to see our senators have acquired some spines.
SnarKassandra @ 239
Menendez (D) from N.J.
burnspbesq @ 241
tell me about it (whew)
cleter @ 243
I like all the formal stuff. I’d hate for them to sound like HS kids.
Menendez is a tool….but I give him a B- for showing up.
Ooh! Ooh! Me! I can run a mile!
Sam @ 235
I like it.
Sparkles the Iguana @ 224
I thank my colleague the braindead skinhead for his witless comments. The drooling was particularly effective, but I must respectfully disagree with that stunning display of verbal manure.
btw LS, I enjoyed you going off about Townsend and the homeland earlier today ;-)
TRex @ 252
I can drive a mile!
SnarKassandra @ 250
For some of the Republicans, that would be a step up.
TRex @ 252
Showoff.
(so nice to see you, T)
Ooh! Ooh! Me! I can run a mile!
Of course you can, honey. Now sit down and finish your smoothie.
cynic @ 220
Batzim a better definition would have been “huevos” since the metaphor is the same. Did I get the spelling correct?
TRex @ 252
In how many steps, fifteen, twenty?
From Suzanne 248:
“tell me about it (whew)”
And a round of applause to our Lady of the Lake, who keeps us going and going and going!
cleter @ 243
They’re not supposed to say bad things about each other, but I thought LIARman, without putting it in obviously personal terms, nevertheless pretty much said the Democrats are with Al Qaeda.
So much for senatorial “courtesy”…
I’ve been out cruising around the MSM sites and am having trouble finding coverage of what’s happening in the Senate. Maybe we should alert them.
Menendez is taking to the Bushbots.
Say again, Bob….from where is Al Qaeda operating?
Hi, zennurse!!!
Ohioan @ 264
Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton were reported to be mud wrestling this evening so the MSM is occuppied.
I had to step out for a bit have there been any fist fights yet (verbal or other wise)?
DrDick @ 257
If they said what they really thought of the Repubs – the MSM would be using it as a sound bite and it would distract the message.
Go Menendez! Speaking up for Democrats.
Bluetoe @ 268
Got an email from Michael Moore tonight saying Paris and her sister went to see Sicko. He’s giving her some props.
Ohioan @ 264
Wow…Nightline is actually reporting on it right now. I’m stunned.
Menendez: “For those repeating the old line that Democrats are weak on defense, that dog won’t hunt!”
BigMitch @ 243
That is hogwash. There is absolutely nothing about wiping Israel off the map in any of those documents. This repeated claim by the radicals is just not working any longer. Read the documents at the Iaea website from other nations in regard to the threat that Israels unclaimed and uninspected weapons have created.
If you live in Iran and you know that the U.S. was part of getting rid of a democratically elected leader who nationalized their oil. If you have witnessed what the U.S. and the U.K just did in Iraq based on false claims. If you witness the U.S.’s lopsided support of Israel no matter what they do.
I would feel nervous and threatened
Menendez lets it slip:
There was an anti-war rally of iraq vets outside the capital tonight.
SHHHH.
Don’t want MSM to find out.
argosfalcon @ 269
Would that we returned to the 19th century style of Senatorial rhetoric, which included actual fisticuffs, canings, and outright scurrilous slanders. Ahhh. The good old days.
Sparkles the Iguana @ 272
Thanks for the heads up.
BigMitch @ 276
I bet they were not listening anyways.
DNC really should’ve put out a bingo board like they do for the R’s debates and Bush’s speeches.
Menendez; best speaker for our side tonight.
Point by point on failed objectives that Chimp was bragging about last week.
slipping out, gotta work tomorrow…enjoy the all-nighter, everyone!
Bluetoe @ 238
Not me. Once a toe sucker….
*blowing whistle*
let’s not hijack this thread debating israel – and concentrate on the senate debate going on now
thank you
This is the best Senate floor speech I’ve heard in a…
long
time
Hugh @ 254
LoudounLib @ 282
Night LL. Sleep well, 4:30 comes awful early.
Mel just called Little Boots a liar — wrt those 16 words. Hmmm.
LoudounLib @ 256
Thanks! I want to read her transcript….! Especially to quote her reference to Zarqawi in the present….verrrry..interresting!!!
Sparkles the Iguana @ 251
Eggs-actly! Let’s not get fooled by some long overdue speeches. Landrieu, Menendez, etc vote the wrong way on virtually every big important vote that comes down the pike.
We Liberals are always hopeful and giving people the benefit of the doubt, and these two-faced Corporate whores take advantage of that over and over. It’s great to be like that, but after we have YEARS of consistently getting stabbed in the back by the same people, the statute of limitations eventually runs out on forgiveness.
These people need to go the way of J. Low LieberME and get kicked to the curb. And don’t let the door hit you in the Hadassah on the way out!
I like what Menendez has been saying, but I’m starting to wish one of the Repugs would speak so I could go grab a snack.
SnarKassandra @ 278
The MSM usually goes to bed at the same time Chimpy does…so this won’t be covered at all.
Menendex is incredible…
Menendez is on fire and saying what has needed to be said on the floor of the Senate for a long time.
argosfalcon @ 269
Webb couldn’t help himself and wasted Miss Graham (Lindsey) with a Glock. It was heartbreaking. She was quickly covered with a shawl as the life seeped out of her.
“Most have forgotten that when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, roosevelt didn’t run off and attack China. But when Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan attacked us, Bush invaded Iraq.”
yellowdogD @ 282
THE BEST
Has anyone mentioned the failure of capturing OBL at Tora Bora? How the Republicans privatized that task to the warlords?
Nightline, ABC’s program tonight, is on Senate activity. Pretty decent coverage so far given its MSM.
neurophius @ 267
Hey, neuro!! How are you? Good to be here for this little barnburner, not sure how much longer I’ll last..
new snacks. OK. The pizzas have cheese and some have meat, but all the pasta dishes are vegan.
“Thousands of miles from Iraq…thousands of miles from Iraq.” -Sen. Menendez
“And miles to go before I sleep…and miles to go before I sleep.” -R. Frost
I finally tuned into the stream, been following the liveblogging all day.
Sparkles the Iguana @ 295
Lieberman wept like a little girl and rent his garments. It was sad.
Sparkles the Iguana @ 295
707!
LS @ 289
Does anyone else feel sorta strange saying “homeland” or is just me? It brings back so much to me that I don’t want my country associated with now or ever.
Kevster @ 190
Actually I’m kind of hoping this goes on long enough that someone can start reading from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
SnarKassandra @ 301
Thanks Betsy!
(is that pecan pie…mmmmmmm!)
Thanks, cassie, for the new snacks. the mod squad back stage thanks you too.
one of the things I dislike about cspan is they never do any wide angle long shots. I assume the senate chanmber is full, or do you think most senators are outside in the lobby, and the senator is just speaking to a camera and empty chairs?
Me @ 288. I defamed Menendez by calling him Mel. Many apologies. Joe LIE fried my remaining brain cells.
If only this breath of fresh air might get some attention…
Curious in Central Texas @ 299
Where in Central Texas? (he asks from San Antonio)
Friend from Afghanistan who is studying here on a Fulbright has shared that his very large family in Afghanistan says the Taliban regaining control. Three of his cousins killed in the last 6 months for working with Americans..
Not enough money being spent on their infrastructure.
They are afraid for him to come home, afraid that he will be targeted.
zennurse @ 300
Normally this wouldn’t be late for me, but I have to drive 600 miles tomorrow. I should be sleeping.
Menendez’s sound bytes need to hit the MSM — love the one about the Prez’s fantasy.
Twain @ 306
It’s an echo of the “Fatherland”.
kathleen @ 275
Begging your pardon, it is true that none of those documents explicitly call for the destruction of Israel, but it is equally true that the countries that requested the opinion of document one refuse to recognize the right of Israel to exist (with some exceptions.)
What is your point? Do Arab nations want to live in peace with Israel? if so, let them recognize her right to exist and let’s get going on it. Until the official position of these countries acknowledges Israel, why should Israel unilaterally disarm? And I repeat: Is Israel in violation of any of its treaty commitments? NO! Has Israel ever theatened its neighbors with nuclear weapons? NO!
And if they are fearful of the U.S. why should Israel pay the price? Why not call for the U.S. to disarm, or destroy its nuclear weapons. Good luck with that. If the U.S. can have nukes, tell me why can’t Israel?
Bravo, Menendez!
Well done!
apple pie @ 310
Menendez just keeps hitting it, every note is right there on the rethug points. Nice.
“American people have awoken (sic) before the senate and they want the nightmare to end”
Menendez the blogosphere is clapping. What is the sound of one blog clapping?
While we were waiting for the main event, there was ample Republican fuckery on the undercard.
Senate Finance was marking up the SCHIP re-authorization bill earlier today. This is a bill that Bush has promised to veto. That’s a veto that could very easily be overridden, as no Republican wants to face the voters next year having voted to take health insurance away from millions of kids.
Baucus and Grassley had decided that the chairman’s mark would pay for this by increasing federal excise taxes on tobacco. I don’t doubt that that would suck for smokers, but on balance it’s a relatively painless way to do something that needs to be done in a way that’s revenue-neutral.
But the Rethuglican smear-and-obfuscate machine can’t stand for any good piece of legislation to get through Congress. So they go for the poison pill. Kyl offers an amendment. Kyl’s amendment would … wait for it … repeal AMT. Immediately. With no offsets. Repeal of AMT has previously been scored as a revenue loser, to the tune of $1.3 trillion over ten years. Yes, I said “trillion.” As in one thousand billion. That’s right folks, an additional one thousand billion that would have to be borrowed from the Chinese to pay for the continuation of Boosh madness. Or, alternatively, the end of the Federal government as we’ve come to know it.
Now, let’s be clear: having paid it six out of the last eight years, I am no fan of AMT. But increasing the deficit by $1.3 trillion over a ten-year period? You cannot be fucking serious. Which is the point of the exercise if you’re a Republican. Do anything to gum up the works, even (even? especially!) the most irresponsible thing anyone could ever imagine.
OK, Arizonans. You elected this guy, not once, but twice.
Y’all got some splainin’ to do.
Complex fuckery is still fuckery.
Suzanne @ 287
Big Mitch and Kathleen, this whistle is for you.
How come they call the ladies Mrs. instead of Ms.?
Twain @ 305
Absolutely!! The use of “Homeland” instead of America or the United States, is a direct spit in your face by our occupiers! How dare they rename our country! This is not okay!!!
apple pie @ 310
I’m assuming the chamber is nearly empty, but I really have no idea.
bonkers @ 290
But years ago, we were nowhere near as organized, focused and informed as we are today. There will be some serious “come to Jesus” moments for quite a few incumbents if they think there going to get away with the political head-fakes of times gone by.
What’s up with the roll call? Is Reid doing this to keep the Repubs honest? (If that is not an oxymoron).
Suzanne @ 309
And I thank the mod squad. Well timed whistle.
Atikar @ 307
Thar’s butter in that pee-can pie!
TRex has a fresh thread ready. Grab some snacks and head upstairs.
Twain @ 306
it’s creepy
apple pie @ 310
This is a rule of the Senate to prevent the pictures of some guy bloviating to an empty gallery.
go up
cynic @ 205
Cassie, this is great work. Your blog is just fantastic. Keep up the good work.
Chris
Anyone know if Lindsay Graham will be wearing PJ’s with feet or a negligee this evening?
Sparkles the Iguana @ 295
Lawdy, Miss Graham went home and cried in her cornbread later that night, and ruined the whole batch!
PBS Newshour felt so bad fer her, they done give ‘er 10 minutes to talk tonight all byes herself, with nary a peep of opposition. S’more liberal media fer ya!
New thread.
SnarKassandra @ 324
That 19th century thing.
Excellent, Reid just called for the Sargeant at Arms to do what needs to be done to get the Republicans back in their seats!
Is this great theatre, or what!
Almost the entire Republican side of the chamber is empty. WOW!
Twain @ 305
I do. The Constitution says, “We the people” not “For the Fatherland.”
Will the Sergeant at Arms be instructed to corall wayward Senators?
Christine Edmonson @ 335
Thank you.
Suzanne @ 323
After being assaulted by HoJo et al this evening, I love the voice of this guy calling roll!
(Cassie, I’d speculate the female Senators pick their own title — I’m hearing some Missuses & Mses. Certainly a political consideration.)
new thread upstairs
Sergeant at Arms is going to round up a possee. Yeeehaw!!!
Sparkles the Iguana @ 326
Fixed camera setting is part of the rules the senate set up when they first allowed cspan television access.
cancer_cures @ 185
The last filibuster was in the sixties and had to do with desegretation, I think.
Suzanne @ 323
Dang, I step away to saute shrimp in butter with onion and garlic, and look what I come back to!!!
“Is Joe Lieberman openly fellating Mitch McConnell yet? Is Lindsay Graham doing his famous re-enactment of Miss Mellie’s death scene from Gone With the Wind?”
Sorry, but ….
ROFLMAO! I can hardly type. I am laughing so hard.
Is Joe Lieberman openly fellating Mitch McConnell yet? Is Lindsay Graham doing his famous re-enactment of Miss Mellie’s death scene from Gone With the Wind?
Anyone notice that the “Let Us Vote” sign spells LUV? cool
I’m surprised I am the only one commenting right now. Anyhow for anyone who uses the net for their tv like me http://www.cspan.com is streaming this session live. I will try to give some updates here for the next couple hours about every 5 minutes….
Senator Thune appears to me as being a popous ass
JamShack @ 353
Dude, you’re 2 threads behind. Come on up to where the action is.
Beat up on Ted’s politics all you want. Hitting his age is a low blow and should be beneath you, I hope.
Thanks.
They go hand in hand, though. For example, would you have a physician who was 95? Now ask yourself if you think it is great when someone reaches age 95.
Ted can do whatever he likes — take warm baths, sleep 15 hours a day … hell, even play golf. But be a senator? Nope. (And no, I don’t hold a double standard. I think Byrd is too old, too. Although he seems to have gotten somewhat better with age.)
T says:
So, I know they brought in cots. Have they brought in IV’s, respirators, oxygen tents, and portable defibrillators yet? Did they put rubber daisies and hand-rails in…..
Hey T, no pissing on us old folks. I know we do it to the young but you don’t have to return the favor.
Old Joel
hey T, a question since you brought up Lindsay Graham; Is this man gay? to a straight person, he has all the appearances of effeminate behavior. Being a goper, that seems like something he would hide and might try to do more to pretend?
just curious. I don’t follow how much hatred he has for others, as I try to avoid having to listen to sploo whenever possible.
have all the gay congress people been outed, and do you think this is fair game to the ones that have a bit of diversity of their own?
inquiring minds are mildly curious.
hey trex,
tell ya what is more fun than verbally abusing the elderly. borrow yo parents suv (the one wit tha handicap sticker) then park in the last open spot at the mall. hide and watch the fun,bet u would have a ball.
—-Off Subject——
Read this Anon Post on CREW:
“Commutation is a Power for Governors Not Presidents
Submitted by Anonymous on 2 July 2007 – 7:43pm.”
http://72.14.253.104/search?q=…..node/29245 libby commutation fitzgerald precedent walton&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=10&gl=us&client=firefox-a
Would appreciate it if somebody could verify the validity of this argument——
Thanks—–
ticktock @ 361
Bad link, ticktock.