Weekend Open Thread
By AndrewHyman Posted in Open Threads — Comments (3) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Ed Whelan recently spoke at Harvard about the judicial nomination and confirmation process, and you can click here for a news report about it. Following is a brief excerpt, but read the whole news report:
"McCain knows judges shouldn't be legislating," Whelan said. "He understands their proper role. Also, he's a fighter. If the Democrats filibuster, he will keep fighting and make the case for the nominee and inflict political pressure."
If Democrats do take the presidency in the upcoming election, Whelan said that Republicans will be faced with three options. "We can (1) roll over and play dead, (2) fight to the death and filibuster, or (3) make the case why the person is a good or bad nominee, and then vote up or down and move on," Whelan said. "I would advocate for choice three."
I would also advocate for choice three.
Hat Tip:Bobo.
Theoretically, I'd probably go for option 3, but that's a perfect world. I would love to see a few Reps with the rocks to fight like Schumer (option 2), but if history repeats itself, option 1 will be the default approach. The donks have us figured out - we talk a great game, but get our lights punched out almost every time when it comes to a fist fight.
I personally was not as anti-Meirs as many were - not to say I was not happier with Alito, but I think the one positive thing that came from it, was it gave the conservatives some 'backbone' in the Senate, and hopefully they will follow in the future when not just a 'proven conservative' is nominated to the SC, but when a liberal is nominated.
They should reject any nominee which uses his own opinion to make decisions, rather than using only the constitution.

I would also advocate for choice number 3 - but only after a few conditions. For example - (1) putting to death forever choice number 2, (2) the Democratic president nominating at least 2 'defeated by fillibustering' COA nominees such as Estrada and maybe Keisler in a similar way as Bush nominated Roger Gregory, and (3) some type of apology given to those nominees who have been strung along for so long.