The headline at HuffPo says it all: Leahy Buckles, Will Push Back Holder Hearings. Well, he must have a good reason, right? Try this one on for size:
Nonetheless, in order to accommodate the Republicans members, I am rescheduling the hearing on Mr. Holder for twice that long, until more than six weeks after his official designation. It is disappointing to me that they are insisting that we delay at a time when the nation needs its top law enforcement officer and national security team in place and working.”
Really? Well, it's disappointing to me that you're giving into their insistence, Senator. It's good to know who's really calling the shots here, even with the expanded Dem majority. I could almost envision a Senate with 80 Democrats and they'd still bend over to accomodate the wingnut brigade. As far as setting the tone, here's really what's at stake here:
By moving the hearings back to the 15th, Leahy is taking one Republican argument off the table — the idea that this nomination was somehow being considered in haste. Moreover, if all goes to plan, Holder will be confirmed by the time Obama takes office. But the Vermont Democrat is also signaling that GOP protests, even those driven by the most hyper of partisans (see: Rove), will be considered. He is also offering Republican critics of Holder more time to build their case against the nominee.
Basically, he's telling Republicans that as long as they piss and moan, they will always get what they want. Give them nothing. You know what to do, folks.