MoveOn. Org: Thank Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer for voting no.

[Ladyhawk]

OK, I'm glad they voted against confirming Roberts, but I'm asking if perhaps they should have carried it one step further. Considering the fact that the Republican Party seems to be imploding, would it have been a good idea to take advantage of their weakness and filibuster Roberts?

Or would this have led to voters looking at the Dems in an "unfavorable" light?

Personally, I'm tired of our party playing "politics." Pussyfooting around the issues doesn't seem to win any battles, so I wonder why they continue to do so. I guess I expect them to be an opposition party--to oppose the Republicans on every important issue, especially the confirmation of a Supreme Court justice.

So, why should I congratulate Feinstein and Boxer for voting correctly when they could have gone the extra mile and filibustered, perhaps forcing the pubbies to resort to the nuclear option? Who would look unfavorable to voters in that particular scenario?

(If parts of this don't make sense, forgive me. I am experiencing pain. After I take my pain meds, I'll be zonked out on those and won't make any sense then, either, so WTF. :D )

On edit: fixed a spot that, to my addled brain, seemed to need fixin'.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

1. I have a work situation

that is kind of like being a Dem in a RW Congress. And I know that my colleagues and I are careful about picking our fights. We always ask each other whether "this is a hill we want to die on." I think it has to do with the reality of knowing you can't win them all and if you try with equal fervor TO win them all that you dilute your effectiveness.

I'm thinking they are ready to 'die' on the next hill.

[Ladyhawk]

7. Interesting points. I'd like to explore them with you a bit.

Let me use your analogy.

The Republicans treat each fight as if it's a hill worth dying on. Do you think that the Democrats should do less simply because they are the minority? What is it about being in the minority that should make them fight less hard? The opinions of the people? I think the people need to hear the position of the Democrats. I also wonder if it is perhaps time to press the advantage since the Republicans may be weakening.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

10. Last point first...

yes, I tink it is time to press advantage.

Now, I think maybe we need to define "fight." To me a fight is not making your position known or presenting an alternative. That is just doing business.

A fight for me at work would be going over a boss's head, refusing a task, writing a letter to the editor, etc. (I am a teacher.) I could get away with some of that some of the time but if I did it all the time I'd lose my job.

I think that if the Dems fight (as in filibuster or similar techniques) every single issue that a number of backlashes could ocur. One, it gives the other side ammunition of obstructionism. Two, it can be tiring to the public and we could lose good will and votes..kind of like crying wolf. And if it is hopeless (as in Roberts) then why have the losses when there is no chance of winning the issue? But if they save it as they have and then go after the throat with the new nomination, they have a better chance of winning and little chance of the collateral loss. Also, as Roberts was taking the place of Rehnquist, the stakes were not as high. Now they are.

I'm enjoying the debate. What are you thoughts?

[political_invader]

2. I sent a slightly rude note to Diane Feinstein this morning

Thanks for not trying hard enough. Your NO vote was an easy way out. I won't forget it.
Peace.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

3. No you shouldn't congratulate them. One thing that I don't understand

is Russ Feingold <sp> voting for the confirmation.

[liberalnurse]

4. I believe he voted Yea.

It was a shocker for me.......:scared:

[political_invader]

5. His yea vote was a stake in my heart

I once had lot of respect for him. This vote makes me think twice.:grr:

[Crazy Guggenheim]

6. Does anyone know why he did? I don't know *that* much him, however

from what I've heard it would be as if Boxer voted for him.

[Doomsayer13]

8. Feingold usually votes for nominees no matter the prez

unless he considers it extreme circumstances - IE Gonzalez for AttyG - he believes that the president should be able to choose who he wants. He also voted for Ashcroft and most of Bush's cabinet both times.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

11. That's the problem. We need the Democrats to stand up and fight.

[Doomsayer13]

12. Feingold has fought hard on everything else

he's one of the best people in the Senate. I forgive him for this flaw.

[political_invader]

9. Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold At the Nomination Hearing

http://feingold.senate.gov/~feingold/statement/05/09/2005912601.html

[journalist3072]

13. I was disappointed with Barbara Boxer....

I was hoping she would use those parlimentary tools that she discussed in that email she had sent out that time.

I was hoping to see her put a hold on the nomination.

I'm glad she voted no...but I wanted to see her put a hold on it.