Demagogue

Sen. John Kyl on why the Democrats and Republicans have been unable to reach a compromise on the filibuster

Well, they've tried very hard. I think both leaders have tried to come to an accommodation, but there's a matter of principle involved. I think both sides look at it that way. From Leader Frist's side, all of these judges deserve an up-or-down vote. And the other side wanted us to pick and choose and let some of them be voted on, but not others. And that's kind of a matter of principle. And so it's tough to compromise on that.

Considering that the Republican "principle" that all nominees deserve an up-or-down vote obviously wasn't in play during the Clinton administration, the only principle preventing compromise is Bill Frist.