DASCHLE CONFIRMATION HEARINGS.

On CSPAN right now. Kennedy looks good!

Update: Kennedy's questions were the expected lovefest. But Enzi, the ranking Republican, was more interesting in offering a glimpse to both the GOP's quiet fears and likely lines of attack. He first asked for a one word answer on "whether you would pledge to cooperate with all senators on the committee whether Democratic or Republican." Enzi elaborated that this meant sharing information, responding rapidly to requests, conveying new developments as soon as they emerge, and much else. In other words, will you, Senator, pledge that you are not now, nor will you become in the future, Ira Magaziner? Daschle's answer: "Yes."

Enzi then turned to a more complicated concern. "We do follow the legislative process and you're very familiar with that. One part you're very familiar with is the use of budget reconciliation, which can undermine bipartisan support for policy. Will you discourage members from using the budget reconciliation process and even the stimulus package?"

Daschle's answer was, again, "yes." "Our goal, our hope, and our desire is to use the regular order," he said. Daschle has, in the past, been forthright about his belief that reconciliation might be the best way to proceed. This doesn't contradict that. But for But they still have the option. The reconciliation process -- which allows the plan to pass on a straight majority vote, and closes off the filibuster -- is the quiet threat behind the legislative maneuvering. It gives Democrats a Plan B. If Republicans move into a position of flat obstruction, Democrats will move to a parliamentary procedure that freezes them out of the process.

Update the Second: "Wellness has to be cool," says Daschle. "And prevention has to be hot, a hot thing." Sheesh. Why don't you just do it in the Facebook?