In an article about the DADT vote, The NYT's Jennifer Steinhauer includes this key paragraph:
But hurdles remain for the bill. Although Mr. Reid will try to avoid it, Republicans could call for amendments, which would delay a vote. Further, White House officials and Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, an independent from Connecticut, have suggested that some Republicans are threatening to block the New Start treaty if the military repeal goes forward. Such a maneuver “takes us way back to an earlier day when people used to do things like that to stop civil rights laws from passing,” Mr. Lieberman said.Keep an eye out for noises coming from any of the potential repeal supporters that they need amendments or more time for debate. The GOP leader, Mitch McConnell, doesn't want to give Obama any victories and he wields enormous control over his caucus. Last night, Harry Reid upended the schedule. Today, we'll find out how Republicans are reacting to the upcoming vote. This thing has been a roller coaster and the ride isn't over.
There's a lot of activity at the Capitol. Servicemembers United is storming the Hill with gay vets and allies again for Day 3 of "Operation Renewed Engagement."
And, from Politico's Morning Defense:
TROOPS WILL SIT IN THE SENATE GALLERY UNTIL THE CHAMBER VOTES ON DADT, advocates will announce today. Lieberman has said he’ll join the service members today at 12:15 p.m. when they make their vow to stay in the Senate, Morning Defense has learned; other senators could appear as well. Then a group of active-duty service members in civilian attire will sit down in the Senate and rotate in and out for as long as it takes. There will likely be a minimum of at least two troops at any time, and that could swell up to a dozen depending on schedules and Senate action.(Also, note to NYT's Ms. Steinhauer: Your story would have a lot more credibility if you actually talked to the groups representing gay servicembers, Servicemembers United and SLDN. They actually represent the men and women impacted by the legislation. For them, it's real, not a fundraising opportunity.)
Cross-posted at AMERICAblog Gay.
