Today, it only applies to judicial nominations. Virtually all pundits and credible analysts, those far more intelligent than me, believe the nuclear option will creep to Supreme Court nominees and legislation. Laws are already abused and ignored by Zero, this merely gives him pseudo cover. Yes, the fines are taxes and the House can repeal the ACA “tax”, but the Senate still must pass it with 51 votes.
Yes, Reid made his move and paid no price for it. If there is another Supreme Court vacancy while Reid is Majority Leader, Obama will pick the most left-wing lawyer he can expect the Democrats to vote for (probably a nonwhite female). If the nominee’s views are too radical to get 60 votes, Reid will change the number needed to 51.