In which I disagree with Matt Yglesias somewhat...

Matt Yglesias at TAPPED:

As of yesterday morning all the Democrats, joined by a handful of Republicans, held the view that the nuclear option was wrong and that all of the remaining judges would be blocked. That was, as of yesterday, the moderate position in that it had some bipartisan support, while the nuclear option was a partisan, extremist move. Even if the Democrats lost the nuclear vote, that framing element would still be in place. Now that old, moderate, bipartisan stance has been redefined as an extremist liberal position, just as partisan and nutty as the Bill Frist Calvinball option.

Well, all Democrats still hold the view that the nuclear option is wrong, and seven Republican Senators have joined them, willing to sell four of the seven nominees down the river to keep it from happening.

Look, if this is all about spin at this point, then by all means spin away. But find the positive, not the backhanded style. Democrats held their position. They got Republican Senators to cross the aisle and agree with them in principle. If rumors are true that one of the three judges that makes it to the floor will be voted down, then the Dems gave up two judges for the right to filibuster in the future. While left extremes wanted all seven blocked, five is a pretty strong number, especially when the alternative was none.

And now Frist has come out complaining about the deal. Good for him. Shove it down his throat. Without research, I imagine the public would rather see Congress do some work rather than no work at all. And if Democrats continue to praise the pact because it allows them to do the work of the people once again while Frist stammers and whines in the corner, who comes out on the good side?

The filibuster won. Which means the Democrats won. Which means that seven GOP moderate Senators came to the Democrats side to maintain what Democrats fought for. That's the spinning that should be done. Democrats defeated four, possible five extremist judges. For 44 votes, that's a damn good average.