"Reid said the Senate may try to remove a provision from the bill that shields telephone companies from privacy lawsuits. Holding a separate vote on that issue next week may provide political cover for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. Even though the attempt may fail, Reid said the vote would allow those opposed to the liability protection to "express their views."

"I'm going to try real hard to have a separate vote on immunity," Reid said in an interview to be aired this weekend on Bloomberg Television's "Political Capital with Al Hunt."

"Probably we can't take that out of the bill, but I'm going to try."

"

Let's hope thesea re nto more promises like we got in 06, that nobody cared to dilevir on. I'm not holding my breath. What a shame. They had a chance to grow a spine. they reject the oppurtunity. They are teh majority , for pete's sake. They are acting liek red-headed step children begging for more bread. Unbeleivable.

Down with the dem's. New thrid party take-over in 12'. They say if we pull out of iraq, the iraqi's will be forced to right their own ship. Well, if we get a real thrid party and put them in, both parties will be forced to right their own ships or face irrelvance.

Democratic socialist party 12'.

... let the test then be whether Obama actually succeeds in removing retroactive immunity from the bill. If he succeeds, it may still be acceptable to support him; if not, it will have to be Nader.

Glenn, there is an interesting juxtaposition occurring here. It's beyond weird that Obama is supporting Barrow at the same time ActBlue is targeting him. But, jeeze ... I just flashed a mental image of the faces on that Steny Hoyer ad as I thought about Obama supporting the compromise, er, capitulate, FISA bill. I got enough cognitive dissonance in me to keep an army of shrinks busy for a year. This all feels so freakin' strange!

How am I supposed to take you seriously anymore?

Answer: I'm not.

Hey man... adnoto's yanking your chain.

Between rufus and adnoto it's getting like Swampland around here. I think i need to go drink some lunch...

"It does, however, grant retroactive immunity, and I will work in the Senate to remove this provision so that we can seek full accountability for past offenses. But this compromise guarantees a thorough review by the Inspectors General of our national security agencies to determine what took place in the past, and ensures that there will be accountability going forward. By demanding oversight and accountability, a grassroots movement of Americans has helped yield a bill that is far better than the Protect America Act.

"It is not all that I would want. But given the legitimate threats we face, providing effective intelligence collection tools with appropriate safeguards is too important to delay. So I support the compromise, but do so with a firm pledge that as President, I will carefully monitor the program, review the report by the Inspectors General, and work with the Congress to take any additional steps I deem necessary to protect the lives – and the liberty – of the American people."

"

obama

If you think Obama wasn't on board with this "compromise" prior to it becoming public, then you are a fool.

As if Pelosi, Hoyer and Harman would do shit without Obama's say so. This is a Democratic bill, for God's sake. The GOP can't get anything through the House. You don't think the Democratic Presidential Nominee approved of this "compromise" before hand? The fix was in. Let me repeat it, "the fix was in."

Funny how this Democratic "compromise" comes out right after the primaries are over. That's so Obama can "run to the right" without worring about those of us who actually care about lawbreaking, illegal spying and our Constitutional rights voting against him.

This is a Democratic Party back stab to us all. They were all in on it. Every single one of them.

The smartest guy in the room

One step forward and two steps back wins the prize!

-- adnoto

That Obama statement will easily bring out a little bit of the adnoto in all of us.

One step forward and two steps back wins the prize!

-- adnoto

Vote Perot 2008! Or that other old guy. What's his name? Nader? Instant gratification!

"Obama puts it to bed

Obama supporting it... it's over. Beyond depressing.

John

-- toshiaki "

mAN. What a suprise. he's not even in the tank, on this issue.

Maybe you guys are right. I'm moving to south america. I'm living in the forest with my family swiss family robinson style. I can't take this shit anymore. More of the same

Senator Obama,

The House today passed a laughable "compromise" bill re: FISA, telecom immunity and warrantless wiretapping.

This piece of legislation is an insult to the Constitution and a grotesque threat to the rights of every single American. It sets precedent for the removal of oversight in cases where the administration and the Attorney General deem domestic spying to be "necessary."

This is absurd on its face. The FISA court system was established as a relatively minor nod to checks and balances. To say that giving an Administration carte blanche to spy on Americans without their reasons being examined or ever even made public, is the only way to equip are intelligence agencies, is an insult to the agencies themselves. The FISA system was good, and the fact that Fear (synonymous with "terror") has compelled us to scrap that system is a symbol to every single suicide bomber in the world, that their methods work. If the greatest nation on Earth compromises its principles because they are afraid of what 20 guys with box-cutters are capable of, then all is lost.

You have spoken out frequently against Telecom Immunity. Now is your opportunity to prove that you truly are more than just eloquent speeches. Prove to this voter and countless others that you actually mean what say about change. Stop this bill.

I am going to write to other Senators whom I have reason to believe will fight this thing. I envision a situation where you along with senators Dodd, Feingold and Clinton will stand united in protecting the rights of US citizens and preventing the unchecked expansion of Executive Power.

Show the world that we can be vigilant without being paranoid; that we can be strong without being oppressive; that we can balance Freedom and Security in the face of evil men.

This is a key moment in your campaign. People who want to vote for you in November are watching. People who know how to network, reach out, change minds and mobilize votes want to know if you really mean what you say.

Handle this well, and you will have an army ready to work with you. Cower like your colleagues in the House, and who knows what our indifference will mean in November.

Sincerely,

E.M. Stoveken