A nuanced, intelligent moment occured late last evening on the Senate floor, and it was a shocker. The posturing back and forth set speeches on Iraq was stopped dead in its tracks when John Kerry was challenged on the floor to a colloquy by Armed Services Chairman John Warner. Kerry eagerly picked up the gauntlet, and Warner was in over his head.
What transpired was a throwback to the days of Daniel Webster, John C. Calhoun and Henry Clay, as an actual debate spontaneously erupted between the principal proponents of opposite positions regarding the essential issue facing this country.
Neither party was seen wearing a transmitter under his suit, but Warner could have used one. His every talking point was parried expertly by Kerry. Back and forth it went for nearly an hour.
When it was over, with Kerry claiming the last word at least three times over Warner's weak retorts, the Senate reverted to the usual.
Unanimous consent. Sessions of Alabama for 20 minutes, followed by Harkins of Iowa for 20, then Talent from Missouri to counter for 20. All smartly concocted monologues, with nobody listening.
But for a moment, sparks flew. Debating points were being awarded, and the dialogue was kinetic. Too bad regular order changes nothing.
Resolved: The World's Greatest Deliberative Body Live Up To Its Name.