One of the key elements of the realignment of American politics towards the Democratic party is the move of moderate Republicans away from the Republican Party.

Quite simply, if Bush sees his tax package cut in half or halted altogether, then you can kiss off the rest of his domestic agenda as well, now that ANWR is dead. Does the man really want to run on his Medicare drug benefit, when just days after whatever positive benefit he was hoping to get from his proposal he also announced the gutting of patient independent due process rights?

Bush doesn't think he needs a domestic agenda. He may very well be right. Never underestimate the potent appeal of right-wing leadership in times of a perceived threat.

Mary L is voting for it because she is from Louisiana, which has a huge oil industry.

Matt Davis,

I think that this is a difference with semantics rather than an actual disagreement. What I suspect you mean by 'domestic agenda' is a plan to improve the lives of citizens in the US. In that sense, you are right, Bush doesn't need such a plan to get reelected. Fear might be enough.

What Soto means by 'domestic agenda' is the ability to do things like get your judges approved, cut taxes, appoint regulators, move the machinery of government in favor of his friends and conservative constituents. This is what Bush wants to do and if he's unable to do it, great.

Great job on ANWR!!! Way to grow a spine!

I just heard Jonathon Karl on CNN say that this vote was a blow to a (gasp) "POPULAR WAR TIME PRESIDENT!" Apparently, the media refuse to read the polls, or they define popularity very liberally.

I'm sick of democrats like Daschle being attacked by the patriot police for mentioning the elephant in the room, but republicans in congress are wasting time with petty partisan things like trying to push Estrada, ANWR & tax cuts through under the guise of patriotism. Stop with the partisan agenda at a time like this. Tax cuts aren't going to pay for this nightmare; Estrada isn't going to save any lives; & all the cronies are going to make out like bandits with their Iraqi oil, how greedy to seize Alaska on top if it.

They should be debating this avoidable debacle or adjourn as Chris Dodd suggested. Parliament has spent more time meaningfully debating this action than Congress.

Too bad the media is too busy cheerleading the popular war time president to focus on what's happening in Congress.

I think the GOP is doing a marvelous job. They re-named the french fries didn't they?