What doesn't kill them makes them stronger
by digby
I wish I could understand liberals' conviction that the Republicans are on the run and it's smooth sailing from here on in. Because it looks to me as if they've still got plenty of juice:
Facing a possible defeat in the Senate, the White House is considering delaying a vote on President Obama’s choice for surgeon general or withdrawing the nomination altogether, an acknowledgment of its fraying relationship with Senate Democrats.
The nominee, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, an internist and political ally of the president’s, has come under criticism from the National Rifle Association, and opposition from the gun-rights group has grown so intense that it has placed Democrats from conservative states, several of whom are up for re-election this year, in a difficult spot.
Senate aides said Friday that as many as 10 Democrats are believed to be considering a vote against Dr. Murthy, who has voiced support for various gun control measures like an assault weapons ban, mandatory safety training and ammunition sales limits.
This is the crap the right has always run (and won) on. It's about fear and dominance --- which they portray as "freedom."
After Newtown you'd think this would be impossible. After Trayvon you'd think they'd be ashamed. But they are anything but. And, not only are they marching around high fiving each other, they're strong-arming the Democrats in red states as usual and the Democrats in red states will feel compelled to do their bidding.
They are flexing their muscle and it's working. Again. Wake me when something changes.
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