As the Senate went to the brink on the possibility of changing the filibuster, the leading weapon of a minority in the chamber, an agreement was reached to allow a vote on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director, Richard Cordrey, and six other executive branch nominees, through an understanding arranged by Senator John McCain with Senator Chuck Schumer and others, taking away the weapon of holding off votes on these nominees, without changing the outline of the filibuster tactic!
It was an amazing example of ability for cooperation across the aisle, as the Republicans admitted that they should not stand in the way of confirmation of nominees to executive agencies they do not like, as it prevents proper functioning of such government agencies.
It was a defeat for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and a victory for Senator McCain, Senator Lindsey Graham, and Senator Susan Collins, all seen as rational and reasonable, but able, with the adept handling by Senator Schumer, and the willingness of Senator Harry Reid, the Majority Leader, to push through Senate Filibuster reform IF the Republicans would not bend on the nominees.
Whether this surprising agreement at the last moment will bring about more comity and willingness to cooperate long term is yet to be seen, but President Obama succeeded in gaining a successful confirmation of Cordray, and the likelihood of other important confirmations being moved forward, so it was a good day for progressivism.
So McCain realizes his party is spinning into self destructing ?
One must remember, Maggie, that John McCain, with all of his shortcomings, is much more mainstream and rational MOST of the time on MOST issues than fellow Republicans, although we can never forgive him for Sarah Palin! LOL
Hello Professor & Maggie,
Not only in the Senate but also, and more particular in the House, the Republican Tea Party’s mantle is:
“We pledge as the Republican Party, vow to block “Who-zi-was it” which was President Obama’s choice for that thingy office, based on….?!?…well I don’t know right now off the top of my head….cause I donno….. What ever, but we are gonna stand firm on this issue!”
“Plus to continue to stand firm on a jobs creation bill that we campaigned on during the election, provided it won’t make the President look good. In this case we will make sure it will not get out of committee, or at least vow to make sure it never comes up for a vote, much less get approved.
So “God Bless America” and we vow to wear the required American flag pin, made in China, pinned to our suit coat jacket lapel, which will be worn right across from the other lapel where the little angle pin is located…. which oddly enough is also made in China.”
“This all is proof I am a good conservative Republican working to represent the American public….unless the corporations who sponsor me into this office tell me to vote otherwise.”
I love your sarcasm, Engineer!
What Sarcasm?!?? LOL…a lot of truth in jest. 🙂
HAHA! 🙂
Whew huuuu Engineer!!! I love when you get on a roll!
Brilliant! 🙂