Senate expected to OK Gonzales

[Pam-Moby]

Senate Democrats are signaling that they expect to confirm Alberto Gonzales as the next attorney general, despite demands from liberal groups that the chief White House counsel be blocked.
"The likelihood is that he will be," Sen. Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, said when asked about whether the Senate will approve the nomination.
Mr. Schumer — an architect of the filibusters against 10 of President Bush's judicial nominees — questioned Mr. Gonzales at his hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee last week and said afterward that he wasn't entirely satisfied with all his answers.


http://washingtontimes.com/national/20050110-095925-5000r.htm

[tx_dem41]

1. I think we as Democrats...

and we forum members dropped the ball on this one. So much energy was concentrated last week on the challenge, that this one went under our radar. All last week I noticed very few threads related to the hearing and/or the issue. Surely, we have the capability to organize two movements at a time!

[zanana]

2. It was the same way with Ashcroft.

During his confirmation hearing, the democrats asked tough questions. He didn't answer any. There was alot of media hype about how outraged democrats were. And then they confirmed him. I never had a doubt that they would confirm Gonzales. Later on, they won't be able to criticize him because they voted for his confirmation.

[DoYouEverWonder]

3. It almost doesn't matter at this point

I'd think I'd rather have Gonzalez because he is probably the worst possible choice for AG. We want the world to see W's real agenda. Why hide it behind a pretty face that doesn't have as much baggage.

If you haven't noticed, all of the news has been bad for the Bush WH lately. The MSM will not be able to ignore the never ending daily scandals. The Bush WH is about to implode and it won't be a pretty sight. Might has well take Gonzalez with them when they go.

[MsConduct]

10. Very good! Now let's just hope it goes that way. n/t

[sonicx]

14. And what could be done exactly?

cuz if I remember correctly, Senate Democrats are in the minority and have no backbone...or maybe I'm in an alternate universe.

[bryant69]

4. They can't block him

That's been clear from the start--they don't have the votes. It's very frusterating. Politicians like to win (I suppose we all like to win), so it's hard to convince them to put up resistance and public, noisy resistance to a cause that seems already lost.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Bridget Burke]

5. Then why don't they just vote NO?

If the Republicans have the votes, let them vote him in. Any Democrat who "goes along" is a fool.

[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Maria Celeste]

13. Alternate Theory

I was told that this heard was being done stop Gonzales from being appointed to the Supreme Court at a later date.

The Senate can not effectively block cabinet members, since the President gets to pick his own team. However, by bringing out all of the damning information now, it would or at least should discourage Bush from moving him to the Supreme Court later.

[Gnaeus]

7. If he weren't confirmed

we would be call racists and have to fight that battle. At least he is slightly better than his predecessor.

[G_j]

8. OMG they might call them names!

better to avoid that and approve Mr. Torture for the highest law enforcement position in the land.

[RuleofLaw]

9. Even if they cannot block him

How about taking a stand?

Anyone who votes to confirm this piece of human garbage is condoning torture in my book.

Why can't the Democrats take a stand on principles. This is beyond disappointing. Why not make it clear that Republicans are Pro-torture and that Dem's are against it. Whats so hard about that.

Like Bartcop says: Pink-tutu democrats!

[adigal]

11. Dems are giving away the moral high ground

and the repubs cannot be called the "Torture Party" if Dems vote to confirm him. At least let him win with all repub votes. God, these senators no backbone and no morals, I swear.

[spanone]

12. The democrats in congress have all been politically neutered.

There's not a single testicle between them.