No, really...they can't help themselves

Every time you think that Democrats reach a point where they'll assume the advantage over oft-politically inept Republicans in the WH and Congress, they find a way to become their own worst enemy.

Today's example, courtesy of Senator Feingold (D-WI). From the RCP Blog:

Feingold, of course, has his own agenda and this works nicely to cement his place in the ’08 Democratic field as the one guy who is willing to fight the “fascists” in the Bush administration. And as far as pissing off the Democratic hierarchy or the elite power-brokers in the party, he couldn't care less. If he hopes to seriously get in the mix in the 2008 field, he is going to have to be a pure insurgent candidate (the ’08 Howard Dean) and this move only helps in that regard.

Republicans, on the other hand, should use the opportunity that Feingold has provided them and hammer Democrats mercilessly on this issue. If played right, this could be like the Jack Murtha episode where Democrats will have to turn off their non-stop Bush bashing and vote against Feingold or risk appearing to be on the Michael Moore fringe of the debate.

Or as Hugh Hewitt said (I paraphrase), "Bill Frist should run to the Senate floor to schedule a vote!":

The Majority Leader will score a huge win if he can get the Feingold resolution to the floor for an extended debate followed by an up or down vote.

And the country would be exceedingly well served by a very accurate scorecard on who in the Senate can be trusted to be serious about the war we are in and from which we cannot withdraw, and who will join Feingold in the fever swamp with others suffering from Moore's Disease, as well as any conservatives giving in to long dormant isolationism.

...

Russ Feingold has given Bill Frist the perfect opportunity to organize this debate. The Majority Leader should be relentless in demanding it commence immediately and conclude only after every senator has spoken or chosen to hide.

At least one of Feingold's colleagues "gets it."