This morning the Levin-Reed Iraq withdrawal amendment failed 47-47. In July, it went down 52-47. Think Progress explains the shifts in votes:

Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Dodd (D-CT), Ben Nelson (D-NE) all voted "yea" in July, but voted "nay" yesterday. Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) all voted "yea" in July, but did not vote yesterday. Sen. Bob Bennett (R-UT), Trent Lott (R-MS), and Pete Domenici (R-NM) also didn't vote yesterday, but voted "nay" in July. Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) yesterday voted "yea."

Why did Dodd, Boxer, Durbin and Sanders, some of the most progressive senators, either vote No or not vote this time? It didn't go far enough.

Senator Dodd explains his reasoning:

"As much as I appreciate the effort of this legislation, I cannot support it," said Dodd. " I believe the only way to achieve real change in Iraq is to insist on a firm and enforceable deadline for redeploying U.S. combat troops that is tied to funding which is the only way we can end this war . Unfortunately, the President is unable to accept the reality of what is happening on the ground and will use any excuse to continue his failed policy. I urge my colleagues to insist on legislation which will offer real and immediate change to this disastrous war."

Dodd's speech on the floor today is really worth a look as well.

We all know that this President doesn't understand subtlety.  He has demonstrated time and time again that he doesn't respect this Congress or even the law.

How many signing statements has this President issued in which he outlines ways to ignore or circumvent the laws written by this Congress?

Too many.

How many innocent Americans have been subject to illegal, warrantless wiretaps authorized by this President?

Too many.

How many falsehoods and deceits have been perpetrated by this President to justify his disastrous war of choice in Iraq?

Too many.

Mr. President, there is only one way to force this President to change course in Iraq and that is to take away the money required for him to conduct that war.  Iraqi officials need to be convinced as well that we truly mean it when we say it is time for them to take responsibility for their country and not count on us indefinitely to fight their fight for them.

If we are truly being honest with the American people when we say we are fighting to end this failed policy we must do everything possible to do so.

That is why while I respect the efforts of my colleagues Senator Levin and Reed, I felt compelled to vote against their amendment.

This is what leadership looks like.

On the other hand, for a look into what drives Susan Collins to vote as she does, this WaPo article is instructive. Remember how Olympia Snowe voted for the Habeas Restoration Act, while Collins voted against it? Turns out Snowe's was a last minute switch once she was informed by the leadership that it would go down anyway and Collins, left out of the loop, was steaming mad that she didn't know that she could have thrown a meaningless save her ass in 08 vote as well.

Christy nails it HERE.