Ill. Senators (Obama, Durbin) to Vote Against Roberts for Court

[carpe diem]

http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_265220941.html

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama says he's not convinced Roberts is the best man for the job and questions the politicking involved in his selection.

"I ultimately have to give more weight to his deeds and the overarching political philosophy that he has appeared to have shared with those in power than to the reassuring words he provided me in our meeting," Obama said.

Obama told the chamber Thursday that he finds Roberts "humble" and "decent." But he says the judge appears to have used his skills on the bench for the strong "in opposition to the weak."

Sen. Dick Durbin says he too will vote against Roberts next week.

[Joyce78]

1. Have either of the ILL senators viewed Lord of The Rings?

Roberts is Gollum (well, yes, the eyeball thing with Roberts is creepy). Gollum was two-personalities ... who would want this atrocity to be the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States? Perhaps only people who believe in the current mis-administration.

[category5]

2. Does it matter what 2 senators will vote when there are 60+ votes

already in the bag for Roberts? The smart thing to do is let Roberts
get approved without much noise, since he is replacing Rhenquist. That
will NOT change the balance on SCOTUS. Now for the next nominee to
replace the moderate justice Sandra Day O'Connor, use our full court
press to oppose any right wing nominee.

[Zodiak]

3. When you have nothing to gain or lose...

...at least stand for what you believe.

What true patriot could argue against that? They make movies about that. It is what our mommas taught us. And it inspires people.

And yes, I agree, full-court press on the next one, but it might be swimmming upstream if Bush follows the Roberts precedent we just established. A RW judge with a nice smile and no judicial record coupled with a refusal to release what little there is could lead to exactly the same result.

That is the danger I see in voting "yes" for Roberts. It can be used to strangle the next vote of an already proven wavering Democrat. If I were Rove, that is the tack I would take.

[category5]

5. In politics practicality takes precedence over principles...sorry but

that is the reality.

As for another Roberts like nominee being voted in, not much of a
chance. Roberts is exceptionally slick and intelligent at the same
time, not to mention likeable. That is an extremely rare combo. Don't
believe Rove/chimpy has another one like that.

[Zodiak]

6. is it reality or status quo?

And the status quo isn't working.

And no, I do not operate on the faith that Rove won't try it again. Picking these sort of nominations is the typical modus operandi for the administration.

See also: Colin Powell, Alberto Gonzales, Elaine Chao

Slick, intelligent, and likeable...that combination is not as rare with cardboard cut-out neocons as one thinks.

[category5]

8. Gonzales & Chao are not particularly likeable, & Colin Powell

is not slick, he seems to be a straight shooter, says what he means.

[msongs]

9. except when speaking in tongues before the UN general assembly nt

[Rowdyboy]

4. At least no one will call Durbin or Obama a DINO for 24 hours or so...

DUers have very short, selective memories (see outrage against Russ Feingold today).

[terrya]

7. Some of them would be ripping Obama apart right now if he voted to confirm

I'm actually pleased about this. There was talk that Obama would vote for confirmation.