I’ve mentioned that Bill Frist is one of the big losers as a result of the deal struck by the Group of 14, but there’s another name that might challenge the Majority Leader at the top of that list: James Dobson. The man who believes he’s helping guide the Republican domestic agenda made a series of unequivocal demands that weren’t open to negotiation. He came up completely empty handed.
Dobson insisted — in fact, he commanded — Senate Republicans to ensure confirmation votes on every Bush nominee, eliminate judicial filibusters permanently, and sidestep any attempt at compromise. Dobson invested heavily to rally millions of evangelicals to the cause, bombarding the hill with messages, and making this vote the top priority for the religious movement in Congress this year. For his efforts, he was rewarded with absolutely nothing from his wish list.
About two hours after the deal was announced, Dobson sent out an alert to Focus on the Family members, blasting the compromise as a “complete betrayal,” and making veiled political threats against those who undermined his initiative.
“This Senate agreement represents a complete bailout and betrayal by a cabal of Republicans and a great victory for united Democrats,” Dobson said. “Only three of President Bush’s nominees will be given the courtesy of an up-or-down vote, and it’s business as usual for all the rest. The rules that blocked conservative nominees remain in effect, and nothing of significance has changed. […]
“We share the disappointment, outrage and sense of abandonment felt by millions of conservative Americans who helped put Republicans in power last November. I am certain that these voters will remember both Democrats and Republicans who betrayed their trust.”
Indeed, Dobson is but one of the far-right’s pharisaical leaders who were outraged, but because Dobson has led the effort and been the most outspoken about his concerns, his failure is the most dramatic.
It may be something of a trend.
Note, for example, what Trent Lott said recently about the head of the Focus empire.
“Who does [Dobsobn] think he is, questioning my conservative credentials?” Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., said in an interview. Dobson, head of the conservative group Focus on the Family, criticized Lott for his efforts to forge a compromise in the fight over the judges. Lott is still angry. “Some of his language and conduct is quite un-Christian, and I don’t appreciate it,” the senator said.
This takes some chutzpah on Lott’s part. Dobson is under the impression that he can call whatever shots he likes on the Hill. For a leading conservative Republican senator to call Dobson’s conduct “quite un-Christian” may suggest that an important shift is underway.
In fact, the seven Republicans in the Group of 14 knew that Dobson would go after them with everything he has — and yet it didn’t stop them from striking a deal. The message seems clear: “Thanks for your input, Jim, but we have work to do.”
Now, what’s Dobson prepared to do about it? He’s threatened in the past to bolt the GOP and take his evangelicals with him if he believes the Republicans aren’t responsive enough to his demands. Wouldn’t this qualify?
Note to Dobson: The Republicans are playing you for a chump. I say you teach them a lesson and form the radical party you’ve always wanted, one in which no one will question your commands and there will never be any betrayal of your agenda. The GOP had its chance but it took you for granted; it’s time to walk away.