Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) today decided to grind the gears of government to a halt in a filibuster of a spending bill because he’s had “enough” of not taking guns away from people. He was joined immediately by other Democrats similarly looking to cash in on tragedy and get some spotlight and fundraising dollars. It’s a “talking” filibuster, the kind that they Democrats nearly pulled their hernias making fun of when Ted Cruz did it.

It’s totally different when they do it.

By the way? There were already going to be gun amendments from Democrats offered on the bill. But then whence cometh the drama?

Here’s more, from Politico:
The Senate is debating a spending bill that Democrats hope to offer gun amendments to, but Murphy said that the Senate should “not proceed with debate on amendments to this bill until we have figured out a way to come together on, at the very least, two simple ideas.”

“I’m going to remain on this floor until we get some signal, some sign that we can come together on these two measures, that we can get a path forward on addressing this epidemic in a meaningful, bipartisan way,” Murphy continued on the Senate floor on Wednesday, after he first started his filibuster at about 11:20 a.m.

Most of the Democratic caucus was unaware of Murphy’s plans until he took the floor, two senior aides said, though there had been some talk Tuesday about lining up speeches throughout the night Wednesday.

OH MY GOSH THEY ARE RISKING GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN OVER PETTY POLITI .. oh wait, sorry, I got them mixed up with Evil Ted Cruz™ again.

The specific thing Murphy really wants to take care, of apparently, is guns for people on the terror watch list, which would have had zero impact on the Newtown massacre he invokes for the cameras. But hey, at least he shares his viewpoint with presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. It’s like a one-two punch. Trump attacks the NRA while Democrats attack the Senate. What a great day for Republicans!

You can watch this theater live below, if you’re bored or masochistic.