Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-Va.) has long been on almost everyone's short list for the Republican vice presidential nomination. But now McDonnell's national security credentials have come into question, thanks to his mishandling of a bill passed by the Virginia General Assembly.

Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) did not employ the nuclear option or go nuclear, as many headlines and stories suggested. He did not use an unprecedented ploy to challenge the filibuster or in any real way change Senate rules by majority vote. What Reid employed was closer to a firecracker than a nuke.

Congress must take action to reform the use of the filibuster, but a recent congressional hearing offered some hope as it was more than partisans just talking past one another.

Three changes would make the filibuster more functional.

The president and the White House, Senate leaders of both parties, the FBI and other agencies involved in the nomination and confirmation process need to get serious about changing its downward spiral.Blocking a highly qualified nominee to the Fed during a very difficult economic time is shameful.

If Republicans unilaterally void a rule they themselves have employed in the past, they will break the back of comity in the Senate.

The president should select two superstars, perhaps one from each political party, and give them recess appointments to the Fed.

John McCain's choice of a running mate may prove to behis most important legacy to his party and his country.