Official Senate Debate – Alito Nomination – Thread 3

[Viva_La_Revolution]

Official Senate Debate – Alito Nomination – Thread 1
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x234580#234966

Official Senate Debate – Alito Nomination – Thread 2
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x235101

[helderheid]

1. K & R AND THANKS VIVA!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

3. Leahy's rockin!

Reminding us that when FDR wanted to stack the courts, Dem congress said no!
:woohoo:

[helderheid]

5. He's going to get a BIG FAT THANK YOU from me!

[AnnInLa]

2. Extended Debate

(( Yesterday, Armando at Kos wrote this about Extended Debate and Byron York:))

Today, Byron York reports that:

Word is that Democrats will stage a talk-a-thon on the Alito nomination when it reaches the Senate floor. The nomination is expected to be approved by the Judiciary Committee this morning, and Majority Leader Bill Frist is expected to move it quickly to the floor. But now it is also expected that Democrats will push for extended debate on the issue, with every Democratic member taking the floor to stretch out debate in what will amount to a non-filibuster filibuster.

This could be encouraging. However, York writes that the Republicans have a counterplan:

But one Republican source says this morning that the GOP plans to "accommodate them without delaying the vote." By that, the source means that Frist will likely keep the Senate open very late to allow Democrats to talk into the night. And then Frist will file for cloture, and unless Democrats choose to filibuster the nomination, which seems highly unlikely, there will be a vote. "Judge Alito will be Justice Alito" before the president's State of the Union address next Tuesday, the source says.

An interesting situation could arise -- the Democrats could take this great opportunity to explain the monumental issues at stake to the American People and the country could have the national discussion that should have commenced in earnest about the extremist Justices that Bush promised to place on the Court. Judges like Scalia, Thomas and Bork. Is that what America deserves and desires? Let's debate it. In the Senate. Exercising its constitutional duty of advice and consent.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/1/24/162329/893

[Coexist]

8. Frist already said this morning at opening that this would be

going on late into the night.

[debbierlus]

9. If the dems truly believe what they say, they will filibuster

They KNOW that Alito is a disaster. If they truly believe what they say - they will FILIBUSTER.

[bush_is_wacko]

70. Unfortunately, C-Span is the only one running this. If Faux news and the

rest of our "media" would get on the ball and expose the sheeple it might be a meaningful debate but I predict they will run 30 second sound bites of Dem's carefully chosen to make them look like whiners and loads of Republicans calling them whiners. That's the way this stuff usually plays out. So, once again, the sheeple can rest secure in the knowledge that their "moral majority" party is still watching their backs.

A filibuster isn't really going to accomplish much but I'd at least like to see them do it so that Alito can't be confirmed before the SOTU address!

[Coexist]

4. "this is the man whose going to be a check and balance on our rights?"

Woot!

[helderheid]

6. Damn he is making me SO proud to be a Dem!

[in_cog_ni_to]

7. WOOHOO! Kennedy!

Give 'em hell, Ted!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

10. "would be a shameful abrogation of our responsibilities"

go Ted!

[in_cog_ni_to]

11. I am SO looking forward to what Senator Byrd has to say about ScAlito.

I haven't heard him say anything about him. The last I saw Byrd address the ScAlito issue was when he read Frist the riot act on the floor one day when Frist, AGAIN, threatened the use of the "nuclear option." THAT pissed Byrd off because no one had stated the Dems were going to filibuster. Byrd set him straight!:hug: I can't WAIT to hear him today!

[Sydnie]

15. Me too - any idea when that might be?

I would chew off my own foot to make sure I can't leave for work and miss that! :rofl:

[Marnieworld]

12. I love you Ted Kennedy

With all my heart. :headbang:

[Wordie]

13. Just to let everyone know...these threads are now on the DU Home Page!

[helderheid]

14. Excellent!

[Coexist]

17. Well, shut my mouth, aren't we special.

Kennedy is my favorite liberal - and I love how the neocons eyes roll back in their heads, and the veins stand out in their necks whenever his name is mentioned.

Ahhh... the little things that make life worth living.

[Dinger]

16. I Will Donate $10 to Every Senator Who Supports A Fillibuster? Who's With

me? Yes, I know that's $1,000 (in a perfect world), but that's tough $hit!

[Coexist]

19. I will

[Sydnie]

21. I could match you dime for dollar

and right now, that is a fortune for me.

[Skidmore]

18. I want the names of the Senators on the R side of the aisle

wh foudn Alito's answers wanting. Kennedy distinctly said that.

[Nimrod2005]

22. What was that?

[Skidmore]

32. Kennedy said something about the fact that Senators

on both sides of the aisle were not happy about Alito's unresponsiveness to questions during the hearing.

[Roland99]

20. What is that vote tally for?

[Coexist]

23. Senators who have already announced their vote. n/t

[IndyOp]

24. Remember - They *can* change their votes up until last minute! (nt)

:kick:

[helderheid]

26. good reminder!

[Roland99]

35. Ah, thanks.

[Coexist]

25. Kennedy is rockin' the Boxer-esque signage!

Go, baby.

[Wordie]

28. Eloquent and powerful...go Kennedy! eom

[Wordie]

29. Dupe

[Wordie]

30. Computer probs this AM. Dupe...sorry.

[Coexist]

33. Awww... I was flattered you felt so strongly about my post!

;-)

[Wordie]

34. Well, there was that too. A little over-excited here, I think. :)

[Coexist]

27. ripping on the signing statement,

he called it a "bizarre" view. Hee hee.

[Sydnie]

31. "Complete reversal" for all the agreements made about the

torturing and other laws. We need a completel reversal of the last 5 years!

[Coexist]

36. "the government insisted on an all-white jury, and he found

no problem with that.. eventually that case was overturned, as it should have been."

Alito made some scary-ass decisions.

[gkhouston]

38. LOL, now there's a way to sell "No to Alito!" to Joe America

"We don't want Alito because he's made some scary-ass decisions".

[Coexist]

40. Its something we can all understand.

:evilgrin:

[Wordie]

37. Kennedy: Alito was lone dissenter in important discrimination case...

Making case that Alito doesn't care about the little guy very well. Citing case after case.

[Coexist]

39. You know what pisses me off? The Republicans, so far, have a party line

vote - why are there no attacks on them for that?

What's up with that?

[Viva_La_Revolution]

41. preliminary vote totals are now

35 Yea
18 No

[orleans]

56. is everybody sure these are only "preliminary" vote totals?

if a filibuster is going to happen--when does that start? apparently they can change their "no" vote to filibuster??

how is this going to work?

[Sydnie]

97. they have to move for cloture before a filibuster can happen

right now, they are in scheduled debate. No cloture has been called for yet.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

42. Durbin up now.

:popcorn:

[Wordie]

43. Durbin up now...he's a great speaker, too. eom

[Sydnie]

44. I am really developing a deep love of this mild mannered man n/t

[Wordie]

45. He's pointing out in how many SC cases O'Connor was the deciding

vote. So many important national issues. Describing the changes in her postition over the years. Crucial 5th vote on human rights, civil rights, minority rights.

[VelmaD]

46. I'm so sad listening to Durbin...

talk about all those 5-4 votes that protected and expanded our civil rights...all the while knowing that the rethugs want to change the court for the express purpose of rolling back all that progress. *sigh*

[ticapnews]

47. As he rattles off the list

The Theocons are rubbing their hands in glee over all the 5-4 votes that will now go the other way...

[Wordie]

48. Durbin pointed out that the extreme RW forced the withdrawal of

Meirs, because they didn't trust that she would vote the way they wanted on abortion. But when Alito was nominated, they didn't say anything critical, but supported him.

That ought to tell us something.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

49. now going over his 1985 job application

:scared:

This guy has some f'ed up positions

[Wordie]

50. Finally, a rebuttal to the Bar Association argument

The Bar Assoc. only looks at 3 things: technical ability, honesty, judicial temperament.

They don't look to values, philosophy, or how he will rule for the American people.

I'm so glad someone finally addressed this!

[VelmaD]

52. I find the ABA determination on his honesty as a person...

somewhat dubious. If he was fundamentally honest he wouldn't have spent so much of his hearings dodging questions and not giving real answers.

[Sydnie]

51. Again I ask, how did the ABA rate Meirs - wasn't it the highest too?

So, how is that a criteria for Alito if it wasn't for Meirs?

[quiet.american]

80. Miers withdrew her nomination before her rating was completed.

http://www.abanet.org/scfedjud/SCpage.html

[yellowdogmi]

53. Damn Nelson!

I think we should flood his email with reproach. Any bets on who else will defect? I'd be willing to put out Landrieau at 2 to 1. Any takers?

[insane_cratic_gal]

60. Nope I agree Landrieu might very well vote for

along with Nelson.

I hope not, since she leans left on domestic/social issues

She voted to confirm Owens.. I'm sure she'll go support Alito she votes with the repukes 76 percent of the time anyway

NPR note: Landrieu and Byrd were the only Democrats to vote to confirm the previously filibustered Priscilla Owen to the U.S. Court of Appeals.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5080836

[Viva_La_Revolution]

54. Bringing up the assault case now

How anyone could rule against this guy because of his lawyer...

Obviously has no heart

[VelmaD]

55. SMACK DOWN!

Brought up Alito comparing discrimination based on race to being left-handed. Ouch.

[helderheid]

57. Looked for a caring heart case after case and could not find one in Alito

[Viva_La_Revolution]

58. 1 hour to the repugs now Cornyn up

[VelmaD]

59. NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

It's John "Box-turtle love" Cornyn. Eeeeeeeeeeep.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

68. Damn! I thought I had that little icon stored somewhere... but no.

It would be so appropriate right now!

[Wordie]

61. Cornyn just mentioned "...the next vacancy that * fills on the SC..."!!!

Oh gawd! I can't even think about it...

[me b zola]

66. That thought scares the crap out of me

...but it has crossed my mind that they will push another justice into retirement so that they can further stack the courts.

[Wordie]

114. Jeez. :shudder: eom

[Sydnie]

72. that is why having a waterloo right here and now is so damn important

I hope that the remainder of the court are stronger than that and can out last this moran and his minions!

[TexasLady]

62. this twit doesnt represent me

im going to the store. ptttttttttt.

[Greylyn58]

63. Cornyn is a total jack-ass

before he even gets rolling on his chat he basically says that Alito is a done deal and will be confirmed!!!

AAAAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!! God I hate these people!!!!

[VelmaD]

65. So basically, if you oppose the Voting Rights Act...

that's not "judicial activism" that runs counter to what the Congress has passed as law? Only in Bizarro Box-Turtle World.

[helderheid]

67. WHY is he up? I thought it was the Dems turn?

[Viva_La_Revolution]

1 hour each, back and forth

Now would be the time to grab a snack or get something done. LOL

I think they will also be breaking for lunch at 12:30 IIRC

[Sydnie]

78. Fast hour wasn't it? n/t

[yellowdogmi]

64. Go whip the party Dick. IL thanks you. eom

[Wordie]

69. Talking about unitary executive...calling it an academic theory.

Saying it *supports* the idea of the balance of powers.

Saying that detractors say that it was Scalia's idea. Has anyone heard anybody say that? I haven't. This is a red herring, methinks.

[MadisonProgressive]

71. Can someone please explain

the yes/no votes on the left side of the screen?

[bear425]

74. these are just the declared votes so far. Not official yet n/t

edit: official vote not scheduled yet

LOL Cornyn just called him ScAlito!

[benny05]

115. and I call him Borklito...eom

[Sydnie]

76. Those are the "votes" already announced

or the way they intend to vote and have said so publicly.

[kiteinthewind]

98. Can still wake up, tho!! Call Sen. Ben Nelson (NE) 1-202-224-6551

Did I mention, PLEASE call Nelson and let him know he's DONE? :mad:

[kiteinthewind]

73. Call Ben Nelson (NE) 1-202-224-6551

Let him know we are watching, and that he is DONE if he votes for this EXTREMIST!
:mad:

[MadJohnShaft]

Called - She'll pass that along for me. 'Can you do it now?'

[kiteinthewind]

91. I keep getting the same response, have been calling for two days, but I am

FURIOUS, and I told her to let him know that he's done as a DEM! Probably not very diplomatic, but I am SOOOOO tired of the nice-nice game!
:puke: BTW, Cornyn makes me sick-I am waiting for him to refer to poor Mrs. Alito and her crocodile tears!

[Wordie]

84. Toll free numbers to call through the switchboard:

Toll free numbers to call your Senators
888 818-6641, 888 355-3588 or 800 426-8073

When the operator answers, just tell them who you want to speak with, and they will connect you.

[Wordie]

113. Here is additional contact info for Senator Ben Nelson:

Phone: [phone] (Washington D.C.)

http://www.senate.gov/~bennelson/contact/email.cfm

FAX: [phone]

He is the only Dem Senator who has said he will vote for Alito.

Contact him to urge him to reconsider!

[LiberalAndProud]

107. I think that's considered treason on DU.

P.S. I already did.

I'm not campaigning, I'm just saying I will not vote for Ben Nelson in November.

The Nebraska Democratic Party will know it.

I will WITHDRAW my monthly donation from the state Democrats and contribute directly to candidates who really do represent me.

[kiteinthewind]

112. Good for you, and thanks, LiberalAndProud!!

:dem:

[Wordie]

75. LOL...he just slipped and called Alito, "Scalito" LOL

[orleans]

81. omg! i just heard that! i was gonna post it!

hey repukes! that's what WE call the guy--i guess they call him that too, huh?

[UCLA02]

89. He did that at the hearings, too. (Link to vid here)

http://www.canofun.com/blog/videos/2006/CornynScalito.asx

[VelmaD]

77. Heeeee...Cornyn called him "Scalito"

*snort*

[Sydnie]

82. I snorted at that too! That was damn funny! n/t

[yellowdogmi]

90. For Real?

I thought that was just a glitch in the video stream.

[Sydnie]

93. for real - they have adopted the nickname as a badge of honor n/t

[Ovett]

79. True that Scalia dissented against O'Connor on Hamdy?

Confirming Bush's right to keep US Citizens detained indefinitely who are suspected of terrorism? That is Scalia said he could not, but O'Connor said he could, according to Cornyn. Scalia the originator of unitary executive theory.

[UCLA02]

111. In all fairness...

Scalia would require a habeas hearing for a citizen designated an enemy combatant, O'Connor would not. Also, this decision was a plurality, meaning no single point of view got a majority. Check out the strange alliances:

O'Connor/Rehnquist/Kennedy/Breyer--plurality opinion
Souter/Ginsburg--concurring and dissenting in part
Scalia/Stevens--dissenting
Thomas--dissenting

Check it out at 542 US 507

"If civil rights are to be curtailed during wartime, it must be done openly and democratically, as the Constitution requires, rather than by silent erosion through an opinion of this Court." --Scalia's dissent

[Dr.Phool]

83. A ringing endorsement from Cornyn

"Judge Alito doesn't believe in an all powered presidency than Justice Scalia does"!

He just calmed all my fears.:sarcasm:

[VelmaD]

85. Someone explain to Cornyn...

that the 20 percent of the time O'Connor disagreed with Rehnquist were really fucking important cases.

[izzybeans]

86. I thought the little guy was fictional Cornyn.

[Sydnie]

87. Not fictional - unborn as yet - that's what they said yesterday anyway nt

[izzybeans]

96. So he's really confused now.

Which is it Cornyn...when does one count as a little guy? At conception? below the Poverty Line?

[Sydnie]

101. Only until they draw their first breath, then they don't count anymore nt

[izzybeans]

103. It seems the dems are prepared for the "so called little guy"

thesis.

http://democrats.senate.gov/judiciarycommitteesupremecourt/correcting-11.cfm

[LiberalAndProud]

88. mythical

The little guy is mythical

like unicorns, you know.

[Sydnie]

92. a jury can't do that if there is no jury Cornyn!

:puke: If he thinks sympathy is never in play in a court room, he is sadly mistaken.

[Skidmore]

94. Cornyn was a judge, eh?

[VelmaD]

95. Oh...save me from the scary liberals...

they'll let criminals run free, take your money, kick your dog, and make you eat unbaptised babies. :eyes:

[LiberalAndProud]

100. my utopia - looting of the treasury? So THIS is heaven.

[VelmaD]

105. didn't you know...

looting the treasury is just fine as long as you give the money to oil companies and defense contractors and not the poor.

[Sydnie]

99. Dittohead Allen now! n/t

[Viva_La_Revolution]

102. Thread 4 is up!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x236172

[Skidmore]

104. It's Howdy Doody Time. It's Howdy Doody Time.

Nuh nuh nuh nuhnuhnuh....

[Sydnie]

110. He's not howdy doody - the little shit from Florida is

Looks just like him and they only break him out when they need someone to wear a bullseye and won't bleed when hit in critical mass.

[VelmaD]

106. Rank hypocracy from George Allen

Yeah, let's talk about all the Clinton nominees who never got an up or down vote.

And the Dems don't have to "reserve the right to fillibuster". That have that right you putz.

[LoKnLoD]

108. George Allen

Filibuster - "bring it on", he is such a peckerhead. Who cares about checks and balances.

[bear425]

109. Allen threatening nuclear option. Says "make my day"

[Vinca]

116. That remark made me think there must be something

brewing under the surface.