Reply #35: Hello? Huge win for Democrats!!

[The Witch]

The arguments on the floor were "Extend the damn thing so we can discuss it and pass a permanent bill that protects civil liberties."

Republicans said "No, all or nothing, and by the way, you're being obstructionist."

Democrats get what they want and make Republicans look like they were forced into a deal (which they were). Sure it's six instead of three months, but that a) gives us even more time to work it out, and believe it or not this thing does involve real work not just political posturing; and b) makes us look like the party that's willing to compromise, where the Republicans look like the party that said "Yeahokfineyouwin pooh."

Compare quotes from AP story. Look at how they characterise the Republicans!

Republican leaders and Bush wanted to make most of the law permanent, but were stymied by a filibuster in the Senate and had to resort to a six-month extension.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., said he had no choice but to accept a six-month extension in the face of a successful filibuster and the Patriot Act's Dec. 31 expiration date. "I'm not going to let the Patriot Act die," Frist said.

"We'll be right back where we are right now," said a clearly frustrated Sen. Orrin Hatch.

Dems look reasonable. Rs look impotent at best, obstructionist at worst. Hurray.