The Bill Sleeps with the Fishes

From Hugh Hewitt:

As surely as Sonny Corleone was left for dead at that toll plaza, McCain-Kennedy will not become law in anything like its current form. Even the author of the grand compromise, John Kyl, voted against cloture. As far as John Kyl is concerned, I think we have enough good stuff in the bank to get through this little episode. The fact that he voted the right way tonight means he can remain our favorite Senator. He’s certainly in no danger of having Trent Lott steal his place in our hearts.

And what is the media reward to the Republican Party for this insanely misguided misadventure? MSNCB.com now leads with the headline, “Bush-backed immigration bill stalls in Senate.” Thank you Senator McCain for so courageously once again reaching across the aisle and getting your party yet another stick in the eye.

As far as the putative Republican crack-up is concerned, allow me to offer a dissenting theory. I have never seen the Republican Party more united than in its hatred for this bill. On one side you have George Bush, Lindsey Graham, Trent Lott and John McCain. On the other side, you have virtually every other Republican in America save the Wall Street Journal editorial board. 30 million people united against roughly 13 individuals - when you think about it, that’s pretty good unity.