Thursday, February 14, 2008

Political Theater: Contempt Citations & Walkouts


Photo from TPM Muckraker

What a weird day in politics. For a change, however, it's mostly good news for Democrats. The House of Representatives finally did what we're asking them to: respect the Constitution and the rule of law, and go after those who don't.

They thwarted the President's dire threats, and did not knuckle under on the "Dissect Protect America Act," did not extend it, and did not add immunity to it. Then, as they prepared to finally hold Harriet Miers and Joshua Bolten in contempt of Congress for their refusal to respond to Congressional subpoenas, something truly odd happened.

Minority Leader John Boehner lead a "spontaneous" walk-out of the Republicans. Spontaneous is in quotes, because they exited to an area in front of the Capitol, already set up with a podium, microphones and reporters. Boehner gave a speech full of hoo-hah over security and terrorists, but clearly, he was really there to get the Republicans out of the chamber before the contempt vote. Which passed. Handily.

Of course, this could all come to naught. There may be some sort of back-room deal that lead to all of this theater. Or, the Democrats could act like that guy who boldly charges in front of you in traffic, only to lose all his nerve, and drive ten miles under the speed limit. They could cave later. My hope is that they feel a little puffed up, and continue in the vein they're in.

[Excerpt]

House Approves Contempt Citations for Miers, Bolten

The House voted Thursday to issue contempt citations for two presidential confidants on an almost completely party-line vote pushed by Democrats.

The White House said the Justice Department would not ask the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia to pursue the House contempt charges. However, the measure would allow the House to bring its own lawsuit on the matter. [snip]


The House supported the citations 223-32, with nearly all Democrats voting in favor of the resolution, and nearly all Republicans voting against. The vote count was suppressed after Republicans walked off the House floor in protest. . .

Read more (because I'm fair and balanced) at: FOX "News"

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