Official John Roberts confirmation hearing thread

[Greeby]

http://www.c-span.org/watch/cspan3_rm.asp?Cat=TV&Code=CS3

Doing the preview program now, thought I'd get started early :popcorn:

[oldtime dfl_er]

1. Love the popcorn icon guy

:)

[Norquist Nemesis]

2. Sliding into a front row seat!

:popcorn:

[Norquist Nemesis]

3. They just said Roberts won't be on until about 3 hours

Committee members have to mug for the cameras first. :(

[Greeby]

4. Here we go

:popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

[SeanQuinn]

5. Ready to rock.

Roberts acknowledges his family. Gag.

[magnolia]

21. The only way I'm watching...is...

...if dancing Jack is there!

[hopein08]

23. He was there at the beginning but his mom had a tight grip on him...

now he's gone!

[Greeby]

6. Specter doing the trivia bit

:eyes:

[onecent]

7. He looked like he was gonna CRY! n/t

[Norquist Nemesis]

8. About that extreme partisanship thing...

Camera pans out to show Orrin Hatch fondly reminiscing.

[flpoljunkie]

9. Evan Bayh will be introducing Roberts along with John Warner, R-VA.

[Norquist Nemesis]

10. Hatch talking about "Activist Justices"

He said yesterday on one of the talkshows that the SCOTUS has been an 'activist court'.

[Greeby]

11. Leahy up

nt

[win_in_06]

12. Roberts reminds me of a Puppet like from Team America

especially the eyes and hair

[Norquist Nemesis]

13. Senate Judiciary Committee Membership (FYI)

Just in case anyone is wondering: http://judiciary.senate.gov/members.cfm

By the way, there are two more Republicans than Democrats on this committee when you include the Chair.

[Greeby]

14. Leahy outlining the importance of Court decisions

And the importance of these hearings

[sandnsea]

15. Leahy's Statement

Here's a release of Leahy's Statement,

http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/?view=plink&id=1364

[sandnsea]

48. And Kennedy & Feingold

http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/?view=plink&id=1365

http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/?view=plink&id=1366

[Norquist Nemesis]

16. Ohhh...Mrs. Roberts looks ready for battle!

She's all frowny as Leahy's speaking. And then she realizes the cameras are on her and (whoops!) she smiles. :rofl:

[Greeby]

17. Hmm

Both Specter and Leahy have just spoke out about the Court undermining the authority of Congress. This could be going somewhere

[Norquist Nemesis]

20. Don't worry. Hatch is up now...

start heating up the room for getting nasty! Hatch will inject the perjoratives necessary.

[Greeby]

18. Ugh, Hatch

:puke:

[flpoljunkie]

25. You mean the despicable Orin "Sanctimonious Hatchet Man" Hatch?

[liveoaktx]

19. WtF is with that Earnest, Choirboy, I'm Gonna Cry look?

[Mist]

22. Hatch makes the point that the Founders wanted separate branches

of gov't. Seems like that concept is null after the Supreme Court "appointed" *.

[Greeby]

24. Just flashed up that Kennedy is next

Woot :woohoo:

[cindyw]

26. If hatch is right, then technically a nominee could answer nothing

because technically they could have to rule on just about anything in the future.

[hopein08]

27. Does Coburn ever do work?

The CSPAN camera panned out a few minutes ago and the man was doing a crossword puzzle!!! Every time I've seen him preside over the general Senate, he's had a crossword puzzle in front of him.

What can I say, I notice strange things!

[Norquist Nemesis]

28. Oh, hell! Here we go with the Ginsberg Doctrine!

I'm so SICK of hearing this. Hatch and other Cons rake Ginsberg over the coals as the most Liberal (and in private call her an ACLU bitch), but they'll whip our her comments as supporting evidence that a judge doesn't have to answer any questions.

So, does anyone think that Roberts will be nothing short of an exact opposite of Ginsberg? i.e. The MOST CONSERVATIVE Justice of modern times!

[Mist]

29. Hatch mentions Ginsberg frequently--Ginsberg will be the stick they'll

use to beat the Dems. on the committee.

[Greeby]

30. Ted is up

:popcorn:

[usregimechange]

31. Kennedy up.

[usregimechange]

32. "all created equal"

[Greeby]

33. Ted asking whether Court will preserve progress on rights

Hinting at what we all know: That Roberts wants to roll it all back

[Norquist Nemesis]

34. Who is the guy in the green tie behind Roberts?

Is that Mehlman????

[win_in_06]

38. Yup.

Interesting that he rates a ring side seat.

[Norquist Nemesis]

43. Looks like Law and Orders Fred Thompson's there too.

:puke: :puke: :puke:

Star power pukefest for the base.

[MaineDem]

45. Thompson was taking him around the Senate

Introducing Roberts to all his old Senate buddies.

[Norquist Nemesis]

49. True!

I'm not sure the general public is aware (or paying attention) of that. Still, when the cameras flash for the front page newspapers, Thompson, Mehlman, and Mrs. R are bound to catch attention.

[win_in_06]

35. How long will Roberts be able to keep that

listening-intently-sitting-on-the-edge-of-my-chair-contrite look on his face?

[Norquist Nemesis]

40. He's been practicing it! n/t

[Mist]

36. Kennedy makes the point that the Senate is not supposed to

rubber stamp the President's choices for the court. (opposite to what Hatch seemed to be saying--went down memory road to a time when the Senate automatically approved a President's choices).

[berner59]

41. Roberts earnest look is kind of nauseating....

How long did he practice that you think???

[belle]

44. All his life, I expect.

[Greeby]

37. ooo, Ted's going at Roberts now

Mentioned the documents that * won't let them see "I wonder what it is they don't want us to know?"

[Mist]

39. Kennedy makes the excellent point that we need not be limited entirely

by what the Founders intended--Kennedy: "Each generation must contribute to the building of that city on the hill."

[Greeby]

42. Grassley

Wake me when he's done :boring:

[Skidmore]

51. No kidding.

That man only keeps getting re-elected because people snooze through his speeches. No one can remember what he says afterwards.

[Norquist Nemesis]

46. Ah...there's a theme emerging!

Democrats are referring to the importance of questions for a lifetime appointment--it's the only chance the people get.

Republicans are saying it should all be rubber stamped. The Ginsberg Doctrine is now 2 for 2 by Cons remarks.

[Mist]

47. Grassley (Iowa) regrets that hearings have become a "public

spectacle." Why the hell shouldn't they be?? The court's decisions affect the public for decades! Grassley refers to Roberts as the most "recent victim of this type of scrutiny." Plainly, the Rethugs regret the days of no scrutiny and no discussion.

[hopein08]

101. But you had to love the look on his face...

when Feingold called him out on the Sandra Day O'Connor hearings!

It was priceless.

[Greeby]

50. Biden up

Let the fawning begin! :eyes:

[usregimechange]

52. Biden has me going! Impressive stuff.,.

[Greeby]

53. OK, Biden is impressing me

The sky is falling :wow:

[Norquist Nemesis]

55. LOL! Love it when he

is on fire like this. Although, I sometimes see him as pandering and mugging for the cameras...when he pulls off being sincere as he is now, *swoon*

Crap!!! Now, another hate monger. Countdown to Ginsberg Doctrine! 10-9-8-7...

[ncrainbowgrrl]

56. I know- Biden's on a roll today!

Wow! :wow:

[nickshepDEM]

54. This is why I have always considered Biden to be one of the finest

U.S. Senators. When he puts on his game face... He is untouchable.

[political_invader]

58. Amazing huh when you hear the truth that it sounds so sweet wtg Biden nt

[Norquist Nemesis]

57. Ginsberg Doctrine Countdown!

Kyl sure went right at it. Next quote will be Ginsberg's, I bet.

[flpoljunkie]

62. Schumer speech: "The Myth of the Ginsberg Precedent"

http://www.americanconstitutionsociety.org/pdf/Schumer010905.pdf

She spoke about dozens of Supreme Court cases and often gave her unvarnished impressions,suggesting that some were problematic in their reasoning while others were eloquent in their vindication of important Constitutional principles. Furthermore, she answered hypothetical questions about a variety of subjects and gave herpersonal views on a number of issues.

In fact, Senator Hatch - who has joined the chorus of people now invoking the so-called
“Ginsburg Precedent” and who applauded Judge Roberts for doing so in 2003 - while pressing her to be more specific in answering a question about the death penalty, said:
“ou were very specific in talking about abortion, equal rights, and a number of other
issues.”

Senator Hatch’s comment shows that not only did Ginsburg answer questions forthrightly, butthat Senator Hatch - and many others - firmly believed that nominees ought to answer questions with specificity.

<>ABORTION. Judge Ginsburg spoke directly about another case - Struck v. Secretary of
Defense (1972) - which involved a woman’s decision to choose birth rather than abortion while serving in the military. In answering, she gave a clear answer stating where she stood on the issue of personal autonomy:

“The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman’s life, to her wellbeing and dignity. It is a decision she must make for herself. When Government
controls that decision for her, she is being treated as less than a fully adult human
responsible for her own choices.”

[Norquist Nemesis]

65. Shh! Don't tell the RW whackos!

Yes, what I've been calling the Ginsberg Doctrine/Standard/Precedent is another page of revisionist history by the Cons. As usual, they've cherry-picked the record and the followers are eating it up!

No need to check facts on the record and learn about it; since the Republicans said it, it must be 'right'! Because we all know Liberal lie! :sarcasm: (Alliteration for illiterates)

[Norquist Nemesis]

59. Jon Kyl: "Judge, don't say or answer ANYTHING and

I will defend you all the way!"

[Greeby]

60. Kohl up

Must confess I know sod all about him :shrug:

[Greeby]

61. Schedule just flashed up

Dewine, Feinstein, Sessions........

Think I may go to bed soon, I'm tired, doesn't seem much to stick around for

[flpoljunkie]

63. Am waiting to hear from Russ Feingold and Chuck Schumer.

Am also interested in what Diane Feinstein has to say. She has indicated she will focus her questioning on Roe v. Wade. That will probably be in the questioning period, but hope she makes it plain she will be doing so in her opening statement.

[Greeby]

64. Dewine: "Judges are not elected, they are not the same as Presidents"

Actually I thought that IS what made them the same as Presidents :crazy:

[Bluesplayer]

68. dewine

has dull little pig eyes

[cindyw]

66. Ok Diane don't give up that Roberts will be CJ before he answers a single

question. She said he WOULD be taking over the job.

[ncrainbowgrrl]

69. yeah, I almost lost my lunch there.

:eyes:

[ncrainbowgrrl]

67. DiFi finally starts into the real stuff- 'bout time.

:eyes:

[flpoljunkie]

81. Difi was very effective talking about why Roe v. Wade must remain the law

of the land. Her story was very moving of college girls collecting money to send a friend down the Tijuana to get a back alley abortion and how dangerous this was. She also talked about having to sentence women to prison who had performed abortions.

Feinstein was keen to say that the hard won rights women have obtained in the courts must not be rolled back.

[Norquist Nemesis]

70. Shit! I might have to mute for the next 10 mins...Sessions up.

:puke:

[texpatriot2004]

71. My God, I think my Government is acting like a Government.

Can that be right?

:crazy:

[Norquist Nemesis]

72. Well, I see half of them acting that way.

The OTHER half is simply spouting rhetoric and perjoratives.

[texpatriot2004]

76. yes I saw them too n/t

[Bluesplayer]

74. sessions

is the smartest man in Alabama

[Stinky The Clown]

73. Sessions' Comments in two words:

PRAISE JAYZUS

Does this fucking loon think he speaks for America?

[flpoljunkie]

82. Sessions speak for the ignorant ane bigoted of our nation. What's with

the goofy smile, Session?

[Norquist Nemesis]

75. Feingold up next!

Can't wait. Sessions sounds like he's just come from the nearest bar with every word he tries to utter.

[Norquist Nemesis]

77. Feingold: This is a confirmation, not a coronation.

:thumbsup:

[Bluesplayer]

78. Feingold

just used Grassley's own garbled words against him.

[Guaranteed]

79. HA HA!! Feingold using Grassley's own words against him

from another confirmation.

Seems that Grassley thought, back then, that it was important to explore a nominee's "judicial philosophy."

[Norquist Nemesis]

80. Potty Break! Back in 15 (Mike's still on!!!)

Probably need a new thread for part II. :)

First up, Lindsay Graham. :eyes:

Someone bitching about the break. Took it in consideration of the press. Lady says, "Hey Condoleeza Rice made it...She made it through 7 hours!" :eyes:

Other comments: "feel the burn" :rofl:

[FrenchieCat]

84. Which means we should take an extra long time for this one.....

cause Condie and her shoes don't impress me as something we should be proud occurred in 7 hours.

[Mist]

83. I want to hear more from Feingold--will he continue after the break?

I think I know why Roberts has that tearful/constipated look: The Repubs. have mentioned his "humility" several times, so Roberts is doing his humble/ernest look.

[texpatriot2004]

85. I think Lindsey Graham's career might suffer for what he is saying

right now.

[FrenchieCat]

86. He playing to "the base".......for his political aspirations.....

and has forgotten to take into consideration Bush's falling poll numbers. His "bad"!

[texpatriot2004]

87. I think I might throw up. Plus, there is nothing "Conservative"

about these bastards. One more thing, I got a gut feeling (I get alot of those lately) Graham may want to lay off the "election" talk.

I'm listen to Kanye's new song drowning out evil Lindsey Graham.

George Bush don't like black people.

[Norquist Nemesis]

88. *cough* Graham: We were mean to Democrats

We should be forgiven and move forward. :rofl:

[Mist]

89. Graham just stumbled: "The Pres. picked a strict conserv---strict

CONSTRUCTIONIST for his court."

[Norquist Nemesis]

90. Ooops!!! Freaudian Slip???

"He (Bush) picked a Strict Conservative...errr...Constructionist"

:wow:

[texpatriot2004]

93. That will cost him/them n/t

[Beaverhausen]

91. oh my god. This guy is fucking nuts

ginsburg, ginsburg, etc.

[Norquist Nemesis]

92. Listen well! It's exactly what you'll be hearing 24/7 for the next

two weeks or so.

[Norquist Nemesis]

94. Schumer up now!!! n/t

[Beaverhausen]

95. whoa. he is great!

[0007]

96. Listen to him closely. I love this guy.

[Mist]

97. Schumer: "We've only seen 10% of your views. Like an iceberg,

90% is below the surface, and we all know the hidden part of an iceberg is what sinks ships."

[Connie_Corleone]

98. Are the speeches almost over??

I hope so.

[Beaverhausen]

99. I'm loving Schumer's speech

he is laying it down!

[0007]

100. Cornyn is dumber than dumb and in the same league as Jeff Sessions

[texpatriot2004]

104. He's my "Representative" not that he has ever represented me

he doesn't represent me
my Senator's don't represent me

they all choose to represent big business, corporate greed and religious extremists instead.

I was surprised when I looked up and saw it was him though. He doesn't seem to be walking the strict line here. Of course, I wrote him and called him this week...said something like this,

"GOP Party loyalty is loyal even unto death, not their own deaths mind you, but the deaths of innocent Americans."

Is it me, or does he seem to be upset? Shaking, emotional...

[0007]

109. He's mine also. And I also get much trash from him and

Kay Bailey Hutchison.

[Norquist Nemesis]

113. You should do send him a note telling him to save the taxpayers

money and take you off his mailing list. ;)

I did that for my state rep and haven't received anything since!

[texpatriot2004]

115. good idea n/t

[Greeby]

102. Just got back. John "Judge Killer" Cornyn?

Ho boy :crazy:

[gkhouston]

103. yes, he is a "ho" boy. ;-) n/t

[Greeby]

105. Durbin on

nt

[Greeby]

106. ooooo

Just savaged the Terri Schiavo case and the Patriot Act in five seconds, :yourock:

[FrenchieCat]

107. Schumer's speech was just wonderful......

Brought in the "Ginsberg" Myth...timely...right after Graham's Myth spreading.

Cornyn has the lowest approval numbers of anyone in the senate. I see why.

[Norquist Nemesis]

108. That's MY SENATOR!!! Addressing Executive Power! n/t

[Norquist Nemesis]

110. Bringing up Lefko!

[Norquist Nemesis]

111. Going to have to mute for the next 25 minutes, now.

Please keep me informed though.

(Absolutely cannot stand Brownback and the next guy)

[Guaranteed]

112. Welp, Brownback just broke the abortion issue.

He's calling fetuses children.

Why does it feel as if all hell is about to break loose?

[Norquist Nemesis]

114. What did he say?

(can't stand him)

[Guaranteed]

116. Just inflammatory abortion stuff.

Coburn's talking crazy stuff, now.

[ncrainbowgrrl]

118. Oh gosh- not Coburn.

:scared:

[Norquist Nemesis]

122. I still have only one question I want him to answer.

Judge Roberts, who, not what, but WHO will be your boss should you be confirmed.

Coburn probably mugging for Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson.

[converted_democrat]

119. That there would be 40 million more smiling faces in America,if not for

abortion.

[gkhouston]

124. and how many more floating bodies in New Orleans? n/t

[ClayZ]

120. It did!

The dominionists have spoken!

[Guaranteed]

121. Coburn is CRYING, now? nt

[Guaranteed]

117. Crazy man talking, now. nt

[converted_democrat]

123. He is a fucking crazy nut..............n/t

[FrenchieCat]

125. He's a good actor though.....

Gotta give the crazy his dues!

He's crying for less partisanship. Now, ain't that special!

Beacon of hope, freedom, yada, yada, yada......

We should be governed by a "creator"? This guy should be in the ministry!

[Norquist Nemesis]

126. UGH! Can't wait till he's done so I can un-mute. n/t

[0007]

127. Yes!

[Norquist Nemesis]

128. I'm not convinced Specter's 100% on board with the fundies

of the committee. :shrug:

[ncrainbowgrrl]

129. Locking- this thread's getting really long...On to thread #2

here's thread #2
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2084642