I think I can understand the rabidity with which many bloggers have pursued the “blitz” to get Obama and Clinton onboard with the Chris Dodd threat to filibuster the upcoming FISA bill should it contain the retroactive immunity for telecommunication companies, but I had to balk a little bit.
Below the fold was the comment that Obama’s campaign released last night.
I thought that was pretty clear, anyway. Well, apparently it wasn’t forcing Obama to release a second statement:
And while in both statements, the Obama campaign made it pretty clear he would support a filibuster, I find it kinda funny that the a-listers would except it until I guess they’ve had their chance to chomp at the bit a little while (following dangerously close to my prediction linked to above).
Chris Bowers from Open Left:
Jane Hamsher of Firedoglake:
And John Amato of C&L
Good to see everyone is now on board with Obama being on board.
Okay, good natured ribbing aside, with Dodd and Obama definitely onboard, it is first interesting to take a second look at the Democratic frontrunner’s language:
This is a little weasely, I’ll admit, for my tastes, and leaves too much open to the idea that she could be left to support the retroactive immunity, if only given the right incentive to. So I do want to hear more and better from her, though I’m somewhat doubtful that we’ll get it.
After all, if the narrative of the recent months should give any lessons, it is that Hillary is of the mind that she has progressed beyond caring about, pandering to, whatever language you want to use to get to the point across that she doesn’t necessarily think she needs the netroots on her side.
I’m not going to rule out a clarification, but if one comes, I’ll be surprised.
The other observation I want to make is that this is the fight. Relying on Democrats as a caucus has thus far proven only disappointing, thus, the only hope of actually putting the brakes on this administration exist here, in the revolt of a few willing to stand up for what is right against the leadership who do only that which is easy.
Check out Obama in this YOUTUBE video
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1s-mEfhVELM