At the top of the list is to try to get Gates confirmed quickly, as well as legislation to permit wiretapping of terrorism suspects, a civilian nuclear deal with India, and Vietnam's entry into the World Trade Organization.

Hmm..  

Gates confirmed? It could happen quickly; it doesn't have to. I think some strong questions need to be asked here, just on principle, to clarify what HE sees his role and responsiblity as, and to re-establish the oversight responsibility of the Senate. Otherwise, he's probably as good a nominee as we're likely to see, but no confirmation should ever be rushed through without time for proper hearings.

Legislation to permit wiretapping? This is intended, like the Military Commissions (and torture) Act, to cover the Administration's vulnerable ass now that the Supreme Court has said the wiretapping at will they were doing (without warrants or oversight) is ILLEGAL.  NO WAY should this be permitted to pass. The Dems can prevent it if they try. Will they? This should be a big issue, let's not let him sneak it through on a lame duck session. If they want to listen to "terrorists" let them get a warrant -- that should be a no-brainer. There is no need for special legislation here -- they just need to FOLLOW THE RULES as they stand right now.

Civilian nuclear deal with India... in violation of the international anti-proliferation treaties, which India has not signed.  This should be a resounding NO. We should be pressuring them to join the club and sign the treaty, THEN we can discuss deals like this.  

Vietnam in the WTO?  I know of no reason why not... not something I know anything about. This isn't entirely up to the US anyway, is it?  (of course, I'm suspicious of anything he wants badly enough to try to get it through  in the next month or so on principle....)  

Keith Olbermann speaks for me.