At the Washington Court Hotel yesterday? In the past, Democrats were hurt by appearing to be obstructionists, but they did succeed in keeping some good nominees off the bench. Once the Republicans make a rules change and confirm these stalled nominees by majority vote, the Democrats will stamp their feet and obstruct (some) Senate business. They will again be on the wrong side of public opinion by being obstructionists, but to no end. George Bush will be shaping the bench. Seems they’ve learned the wrong lessons from the Republican ascendency a decade ago. Friendly advice: when you get together don’t tell Robert Byrd where the meeting is taking place.