Posturing

That latest business, if it is the latest since I haven't looked at the news today, seems to be nothing more than posturing.

When the negotiations get serious, the posturing ends.  Then, instead of one side making sensational headlines, you get responses to the media that sound like "fruitful", and "progress", and "frank discussions".  What Durbin did was to posture for effect.  He needs something because he is probably feeling a bit on the weaker side of the table.

Indeed, he should be.  In actuality, the Democrats have little to work with.

There's a saying that may apply here:  if you have the facts, pound the facts; if you have the law, pound the law; if you have neither the facts nor the law, pound the table.  Durbin is pounding the table.  He is in a position of weakness.  He has nothing on his side except emotionalism.  So, he gets emotional.  He pounds the table.

The Dems will probably try to stretch this out as long as they can.  In the Vietnam Era, the North Vietnamese didn't agree to get down to business until they agreed upon the size and shape of the table.  This went on for quite some time.

If the Dems feel that they are on the weaker side, they may wait until the elections when they may feel a lot stronger.