The Great Scandal of Democratic Leadership

Not to keep harping on the same point, but the Democratic leadership in the Senate has reached completely unacceptable levels. It seems that Dawn Johnsen may not get the necessary votes for confirmation to head the White House Office of Legal Council.

What? She doesn't have the necessary 51 votes? Of course she does. But for Democrats to pass legislation, they need 60 votes. Meanwhile, Bush's nominees for the office, including torture lover Jay Bybee were confirmed with simple voice votes.

Under Harry Reid's Senate, Republicans need 51 votes and Democrats need 60. Either he needs to figure out a way to end this scenario or he needs to go. It's that straightforward. This is undemocratic and deeply unfair. We have good leadership in the White House and in the House of Representatives, but much of the Democratic agenda is being held up by incompetence in the Senate.

Yglesias and Ali Frick have more.