I think the emerging belief that Harry Reid delivered a "smackdown" to liberal pressure groups is totally off base.  Yeah, I think a smackdown was delivered. But some people have totally misidentified the smackee.

Sure, a statement like "this isn't helping" might seem a bit docile to consider a stinging rebuke. Not usually something that would send the mighty MoveOn cowering into the wings.  But somehow, it has been seemingly brutal in it's effectiveness.  So what makes this a huge smackdown?  Well...

Bayh basically announced he wanted to bypass leadership and engage Obama directly. A coalition assembled to give him the strength to assert this plan (the MDWG or something? What the hell do ya call 'em?).  Never followed these things really close, but I think that's kind of unusual in the senate. I don't get any impression the challenge is welcome - ceremonial acknowledgment as majority leader not withstanding.

Electorally, Reid doesn't want to lose the majority; he wants the majority to enact Obama's platform.  Liberal pressure groups generally want the same.  These groups backing off looks to me like a coordinated smackdown of Bayh's new troopers - who represent a clear and present danger to achieving shared goals (probably more so than the GOP).  I don't think the plan ever was to hammer away at these senators for months.

Ads this early can't be to influence voters ... it's 60 days into the first session.  This campaign perked up the ears of anyone thinking of mounting a primary challenge.  There are some big-dollar groups involved here. Their support could make a serious difference in the decision by a challenger to run.  I can't believe members of Bayh's little coalition haven't at least pondered this.

Now Reid steps up and politely mentions that the ad campaign wasn't helping and the groups back off? That seems like a pretty big message:"Being helpful is a gooood thing.  Align with Bayh maybe Reid won't stick up for you next time."  A statement the democratic leadership and left wing are in alliance.  And the message gets sent without Reid having to scream or provoke a direct confrontation within the caucus - which also wouldn't be helpful.

Maybe I'm too optimistic, but I sort of detect some strategy.  Will it work?  Dunno.  But it's a pretty strong opening response ... if somewhat un-flamboyant.

extra thought: if the left leaning groups really aren't bluffing and will support challenges - the challenger better get to work now if they expect to translate a successful primary into holding the seat ...