Not with a bang but a whimper

So it's a done deal. Alito was confirmed 58 to 42 (for some historical context see the Senate's chart of past nominations. I don't need to say it right? I don't need to call your attention to the fact that 58 is not enough votes to sustain cloture.

From the AP story on Alito's confirmation:

While many predicted a dramatic showdown--similar to the filibuster battles and all-night talkathons that happened with Bush's lower court appointments--it never happened.

At least I'm not the only one who's angry.