Gang of 14

Scott Lemieux's analysis of the Gang of 14 compromise on judicial filibusters (and it's impact on McCain's legacy) is spot on:

Of all the attacks on McCain from the right, criticism for being part of the "Gang of 14" is the most bizarre to me, given that the Democrats gained absolutely nothing from the compromise. The Democrats agreed to let several unacceptable judges on to the federal bench, and in return retained a theoretical ability to filibuster they didn't use against either of Bush's two very reactionary Supreme Court appointments.

What's more, the compromise did quite a bit to put Democrats on record supporting the idea of the filibuster in general. Fast forward to the 110th Congress, and it's pretty obvious that the Republicans took note. Right now, it may be neither here nor there. Bush is still the president, and he may well have vetoed all 60-plus bills the Republicans have done him the favor of blocking. But in 2009, the president might well be a Democrat. And then--just three-and-a-half years after the Gang of 14 stepped in and paved the way for Mr.'s Roberts and Alito--any calls from Senate leaders for changing the rules will ring hollow and opportunistic.