Gonzales no-confidence measure fails in Senate
As predicted, the no confidence vote on Gonzale didn't make cloture, with a vote of 53-38, with one voting "present." Also as expected, the skunk at everyone's picnic Lieberman voted no.
But look at which Republican Senators voted aye: Coleman, Collins, Hagel, Smith, Specter, Snowe, Sununu. Ok, so five of them are clearly looking ahead to saving their political skins in November of '08, nonetheless, they should be applauded for putting their votes where their mouths have been in recent months.
However, this vote should be considered just the beginning, more than just a procedural vote to put some Republicans on the spot. It should be considered a critical step forward in building the case to remove Gonzales from office. Senators Schumer, Whitehouse and Reid laid out a clear and empassioned case for Gonzales's removal. It can't end here. We can't have another colossal Dem cave-in to match the Iraq supplemental.
If they are serious in having no confidence in Gonzales (and who couldn't be, outside of Bush?) then it's time to begin the process for the next step: impeachment.
Comments
Bringing down the Bush administration is like blowing up a dam. All you have to do create a crack, or a weak point. Let the weight of the water do the rest.