The word “nuclear” has been bandied about a lot in Washington, D.C., recently, in relation to two distinctly different issues. The first is the agreement between Iran and the United Nations’ “P5 plus 1” contact group, for the Islamic nation to roll back its nuclear ambitions.

The second involves a figurative use of the word nuclear, as Democrats pulled the trigger on the so-called “nuclear option,” requiring the vote of only a majority of U.S. Senators to confirm most judicial and other presidential appointments.

Both nuclear actions have, predictably, resulted in explosive reactions from opponents, as well as praise from supporters.

Opponents of the deal hammered out in Geneva limiting Iran’s nuclear program to peaceful uses are concerned that this agreement has done little more than legitimize the country’s existing uranium-enriching facilities, while, at the same time, easing economic sanctions....