Put me in the camp of those who think we have some strategery going on right now ...
There is a part of me that wants to see a fist-flying brawl on the floor of the Senate -- but when I calm down a bit I remember that my objective is to win the battle and win the war.
There are some good combat analogies in this process. Frontal assaults are often very costly and often fail. (Trench warfare in World War I is a good example. For years millions died and the front line seldom moved more than a mile or two.)
Shifting strategies and flank attacks often produce the desired results, and that's what the Republicans are doing now. We have just spent a week getting the Democrats entrenched -- making them think they needed to get ready for a 24/7 filibuster and numerous quorum calls. And then there's an abrupt shift that leaves them wondering what's happened. The Democrats think they know what they need to do to deflect the assault, and then everything changes.
I wouldn't even be surprised if the reports (that the Republicans are starting to get tired of the battle) aren't part of the strategy. Let the Democrats think the center of the line is crumbling while you muster the forces on the flank for a crushing assault.
This is not the time to give up. The President and the Senators are still fighting, and they're using some innovative techniques.
I am looking forward to seeing just who does and who does not submit their questions. And I would love to see the press conference where the President reads off the list of names of those who did not respond!