A Slumber Party With a Purpose

It’s been a long time since I pulled an all-nighter. Probably not since graduate school.

But the U.S. Senate pulled one Tuesday night — and it was a great idea. Because it demonstrated just who is blocking progress on Iraq and every other major issue.

Ever since they lost control of the Senate in January, Republicans have played the part of pure obstructionists. Even though Democrats have a majority, Republicans have insisted on a supermajority — 60 votes — on every issue. Which means they can block, and have blocked, anything. 

They killed an amendment to give troops more time off between tours of duty in Iraq. They killed an amendment to follow the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group. And they killed a bill to bring our troops home by April 2008.

Even after spending the night on cots, of course, Republicans still refused to allow an up-or-down vote on Iraq. Which means they need more time. One overnight’s not enough. Harry Reid should keep them in every night — he should keep them in session the entire month of August, in fact — until they’re willing to do what the American people want and bring our troops home.

But for now the whole world knows: If there’s no change of direction in Iraq, don’t blame Democrats. Blame Republicans.