This is a fucking deal?

NYT reports:

The judicial showdown that has preoccupied the Senate for weeks in bitter dispute was to many a foreshadowing of what might occur later this year, if there is a Supreme Court vacancy. There were varying interpretations of how Monday night's agreement might restrict lawmakers during what is anticipated to be a drawn-out battle. On the one hand, Democrats view the pact as containing an understanding that would forbid the Republicans from trying to vanquish the filibuster in such an instance, while Republicans asserted last night that they could still move to change the rules if Democrats violated the agreement.

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the No. 2 Republican, said, "The way I read it, all options are still available with the timing to be determined."

So:
* They get the three worst nominees through,
* Frist and McCain get to take credit for being moderate,
* And they explicitly reserve the right to go nuclear on a Supreme Court nominee?

Clearly euphoric and relieved, Mr. Reid said a message had been sent that "abuse of power will not be tolerated, and attempts to trample the Constitution and grab absolute control are over."

Uh, no, Harry, those attempts aren't over. Did you listen to what kitty-killer Frist said?

"The moment draws closer when all 100 senators must decide a basic question of principle whether to restore the precedent of a fair up-or-down vote for judicial nominees on this floor or to enshrine a new tyranny of the minority into the Senate rules forever," said Dr. Frist.

ADDENDUM:

There is word circulating this morning that Reid never had the votes. If that's true, then perhaps this crappy deal is the best we could have gotten. In which case, anger should be directed not at Democratic Senate leadership, but at spineless R moderates, and maybe also the American electorate.