1996 and 2005

Considering the recent inside-the-beltway whinings of various "deans" of the press corps, a little history lesson might be in order: When Republicans lead by Newt Gingrich forced a government shutdown in 1996, they SHUT DOWN all non-emergency government services - national parks, the capitol, etc. Clinton could have his tryst with Monica precisely because no one was around and nothing was going on.

Now, if Republicans go for the 'nuclear option' and Harry Reid effectively shuts down the Senate the government will simply go on like normal, minus more crackpot legislation. (In fact, one reason Republicans are nervous about a Senate shutdown is that they won't be able to get their various sops to industry and evangelical Christians through before election season starts again next year.)

At this point, Democrats should do the opposite of all advice from the Broders, Kleins and Halperins - oppose the president on ending the judicial filibuster. It's the right thing to do and all the polls show the public supports the Democrats' position, so why not? Furthermore, isn't it time we start asking what the real agenda of the Washington 'big thinkers' really is?