Frist Offers Compromise on Filibuster

The Washington Post reports that Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has offered a compromise on the judicial filibuster stand-off. He will guarantee 100 hours of debate on each nominee if the Democrats will guarantee the nominees will get an up-or-down vote.

Reports are that the Democrats will reject the offer. And that’s no surprise. The Democrats have absolutely no interest in debate—they just want to keep the nominees of the bench. The only possible compromise that seems available is one where some nominees are permitted a vote while others are never brought to the floor at all.

If the Democrats wanted a debate, they’d be using their air time to provide detailed arguments as to why these judges are unqualified. But instead they use their air time to attack the so-called “nuclear option.” Once again, the major parties are distracting the American people with a side show.

But will either side blink? It’s always possible. No party wants to look weak. But neither do they want the American people to accuse them of obstructing the business of the United States. Right now, polls indicate that Democrats are winning the beauty contest. So look for them to reject Frist’s offer and continue the stare down.

This is how our parties are running the country now. Everything is a death match.