Surrender Dems ..

[merkins]

this really got my blood boiling..dear f'ng god we are a mess...


Senator Leahy's announcement that he will vote yes signals a Democtratic surrender on the issue of Supreme Court nominations. Not just on Roberts. But also on the next nominee.
Why do I say this? Because they have just indicated that any nominee Bush sends up need not answer any questions, the White House can withhold critical documents and generally that the Democrats have no stomach for a fight on this. Is the threat of a Democratic filibuster in any way credible now? Remember, Bush has the votes, 55 of them for any nominee he chooses, including Janice Rogers Brown, Priscilla Owen, Michael Luttig or any one he cares to choose.

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Let me be clear. I had no illusions that John Roberts would not be confirmed. The fight NOW was for the NEXT fight. Dems needed to show spine now so that Bush would fear what they might do on the next one. Who in their right mind would have any fear of the Democratic Senators now? No one. Even an idiot like Bush can see that.

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Believe it or not, Dems are left really with one argument - they approved of Roberts because he was Rehnquist's replacement and therefore did not need more information and would give the President more latititude on Roberts. On the O'Connor replacement, the Dems might argue, they need to be sure the nominee is in the O'Connor mold to retain the balance of the Court. And with that argument, they MIGHT muster 40 No votes, maybe. But threaten a filibuster? After this surrender on Roberts? Please.

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Bush now has a free hand to nominate whatever wingnut he pleases. What are the Dems gonna do? Fight? Don't make me laugh. So, so long the right to choose. So long Congress' Commerce power. So long checks on Presidential power. So long civil rights laws. Hello 1937. And by the way, so long to the Politics of Contrast and Fighting Dems on social issues. The DLC has won by default. We are all "values" voters now.


http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/9/21/122112/035