Reply #2: He misunderstands the 'nuclear option,' I believe.

[Igel]

In the case of confirmations, the only reason to debate is to present facts and sway people on the basis of them--and on the basis of rhetoric. There are no amendments that can result, no changes to the motion. The motion stands, unalterable, and debate is merely a prelude to voting on what the motion must be.

In the case of nearly everything else, there are amendments that are possible, amendments that change the meaning of the motion. You can speak and speak, and cause the person after you to offer an amendmnet. There can be many votes before the final 'up and down' vote. You don't like the deadline of 4/1/08 for withdrawing, you offer an amendment to make it earlier or later, etc., etc.

When the repubs were discussing the 'nuclear option', the press was clear that it would only affect nominations and such things. All 'such things' were unamendable.