(CNN) For the duration of his confirmation hearings, Neil Gorsuch will be cross-examined by skeptical or downright contemptuous Democratic senators. They will seek to paint -- or expose, depending on your point of view -- him as a right wing ideologue. Republicans will praise Gorsuch, touting his judicial sobriety and personal decency.

There will be sound bites and fury, but it won't signify much. The real drama here is going to play out behind the scenes.

While the Republicans enjoy a majority, it is the near-powerless Democrats who have some serious decisions to make. Yes, they can threaten a filibuster. Republicans, with 52 votes, do not have the 60 required to overcome it. But they have more than enough, if Majority Leader Mitch McConnell decided on it, to change the rules.

By using the so-called "nuclear option," the GOP can eliminate the filibuster and allow Gorsuch to be confirmed with 51 votes. And while there is some anxiety in the ranks about what would be a permanent overhaul to Senate procedure, the nominee's popularity with Republicans of almost all stripes and factions will make it that much more tempting. President Donald Trump, for one, has publicly encouraged McConnell to "go for it."

JUST WATCHED Trump: 'Go nuclear' if we don't get vote Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Trump: 'Go nuclear' if we don't get vote 00:50

So what is a Democrat to do?

Read More