What they said.

I was sold on the filibuster before Digby and Kevin weighed in, and I share their dismay that so many on the so-called 'left' have chosen to question, or even criticize, Senators Kerry and Kennedy for taking leadership on the Alito filibuster.

On a practical level it's a daunting challenge, relying, apparently, on the appearance of a mythological beast, the "moderate" Republican. On a political level it may do some short term damage, as the Rovian spinmeisters and their media pets tear us up. On a moral level, for anyone who claims to care about choice, civil liberties or the survival of Constitutional government, it's absolutely necessary.

And not another word of criticism, please, from anyone who has ever used the words "Democrats need a spine."

This is what spine looks like.

Filibuster Alito. If not now, when? If not him, who?