Kerry's Floor Statement on Opposition to Roberts’ Nomination

[kerrygoddess]

Remarks by Senator John Kerry on His Opposition to Judge Roberts’ Nomination for Chief Justice
September 21st, 2005

Earlier I posted that John Kerry will vote NO on John Roberts nomination for Supreme Court Chief Justice. Below are Senator John Kerry’s full, prepared remarks on the floor of the Senate today on the upcoming vote on Judge John Roberts to be Chief Justice of the United States:

Mr. President, we all know that there are few things the Senate does which are as important as confirming a Supreme Court Justice, let alone the Chief Justice of the United States. We know that making the decision to support or oppose a nominee is serious and complicated. We don’t need to belabor those points. What we do need to talk about is what kind of process must occur before a Senator can vote for or against a judicial nominee. What kind of information must be provided. What kind of discourse we must engage in.

I met with Judge Roberts last week. I really enjoyed our conversation. He is earnest, friendly, and incredibly intelligent. On a personal level, I liked him. He has dedicated his life to the law, has given back to the legal community, and is certainly a superb lawyer. It may turn out that he will be an outstanding Chief Justice, but I cannot say with confidence that I know how he will approach constitutional questions of fundamental importance.

I have read memos he wrote during the Reagan Administration. I have reviewed the limited materials available from his time in the Solicitor General’s office, where he worked under Ken Starr, and in private practice at Hogan and Hartson. I have read the cases that he has participated in on the D.C. Circuit. I have listened to the judiciary committee hearings, and I reviewed the transcripts.

MORE - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=629

[gulfcoastliberal]

1. Then maybe Kerry should filibuster Roberts.

Press releases are great, bu they don't really stop the * admin from doing as they please. How about some action, senator?

[MH1]

2. ?? One Senator does not a filibuster make.

He spoke on the Senate floor today about why he isn't voting for Roberts. He's trying to influence others not to vote for Roberts.

Since Roberts was nominated he's made numerous statements expressing his concerns.

What "actions" do you want, that are within Kerry's power?

[emulatorloo]

4. Kerry should strip naked and start screaming the F word

Then he should jump through some flaming hoops.

That would do for starters.

But then I would have to raise the bar again if he were to do that.

(Too lazy to put in the sarcasm smilie. . .)

[second edition]

5. Exactly! He is doing all he is able to do. n/t

[politicasista]

6. He should just strangle Bush and members of Congress one by one

and say either you vote against this racist, sexist man, or I'll knock each of you out one by one. :sarcasm:

[genius]

9. One Senator can lead the filibuster

[WildEyedLiberal]

14. And it'll get shot down without a 60 vote majority

Which, given the statements of Leahy and other Dems to vote for Roberts, we don't have.

But I guess some would rather whine about John Kerry's lack of superpowers instead of applaud him as he tries to build a meaningful resistance to Roberts.

[Vincardog]

10. One Senator can start a filibuster

[blm]

13. Kerry delivered this in a Senate floor speech against Roberts.

You may not have the patience for Senate floor speeches, so Kerry sends out his remarks for folks like you and folks who unfortunately missed the Cspan coverage of the Senate floor.

[second edition]

3. I am so happy we have John kerry working for us. He throughly

examined the available records and took into account what he knows and what was s missing and what Roberts didn't say, then makes an informed concerned decision. Should all of the senators behave this way? Why is it that so many- especially repubs- don't take their elected positions seriously enough.

[Arkansas Granny]

11. Most of the repubs thinks their job is to be a rubber stamp to

anything Bush wants.

[Dr Fate]

7. Kerry is voting like a real Democrat. Nominated.

Probably because he is one.

One more notch on his holster as far as I'm concerned.

I hope some of the wishy-washy DEMs will follow Kerry's example and support the DEM Base instead of the Pat Robertson Right.

[ginnyinWI]

12. exactly

He is the Real Deal--is not afraid to go on record for what he believes.

[Dr Fate]

8. Self delete- accidental dupe

n/t

[Lifelong Protester]

15. I was glad to hear that Kennedy, Reid, and Kerry have all

publicly stated they will not be voting for Roberts. I think that is a start as I am sick of dems thinking they have to just vote along with what they think is 'inevitable' . Off to see if Kohl and Feingold have made any statements on their websites.

[mikelewis]

16. Why is he even voting?

"Judge Roberts’ judiciary committee hearings continue an increasingly sterile confirmation process. No genuine legal engagement between the questioners and the questioned. No real exchange of information and little substantive discussion. The confirmation exercise has become little more than an empty shell."

Why even vote then? He should withhold his vote for or against until the nominee answers the questions. Of course it would have no legal effect but it would give this opposition some exposure. The American people don't give a shit if he votes no. They'll remember this only if the Dems start showing thier ass a little bit. It's absurd to assume you'd get a job without answering legitmate questions. Honoring this Empty Shell with any vote is only increasing the illusion of an actual confirmation process. I say, don't vote.

[MH1]

17. They don't care if he doesn't vote, either.

In fact a "not voting" tends to imply he couldn't vote for some reason, or chose to abstain.

A 'no' vote is a stronger statement.

Although, you are right, he should not be voting at all because the nomination shouldn't even come out of committee. But Kerry is not on the Judiciary committee, and he made the point in his remarks about the emptiness of the confirmation process, which seems to be what you are saying, too. So I think you and he agree on this one!

[bvar22]

18. Yes he should proudly vote NO!

I want Kerry and ALL the Dems ON THE RECORD!!!

Elections are coming up, and some so called Democrats have some splaining to do.