I agree that defunding hands the Republicans a pretty big stick to beat us with.  And there seems to be alot of division, or at least wasted effort, on defunding vs deauthorisation vs mandated withdrawal.

Of all of these, mandated withdrawal seems to me the most pro-active and least vulnerable of the strategies.  Why is there not leadership on rallying behind one of these options and letting the others rest?

Also, having read the front page Perhaps it's Time for The New York Times to Retake Congress 101 here this morning I am wondering if we have mixed signals on what are reasonable expectations of Congressional Democrats.  I must admit I am puzzled and increasingly frustrated by the lack of unity and progress.  It seems to be letting the Republicans off the hook.  But I am only coming to terms with what I don't understand about the de facto legislative process; which is to say plenty.

I have very much appreciated the posts from skeptic06 on these points but wonder if we are uncertain what the electorate must think about all of this?  Seems like we have to keep up the pressure on our representatives and I am wondering what the best vehicle to do this might be.  I have been sending emails to my representative and senators but what should I be advocating beyond do something?