i'm well aware, and it's one reason i never vote for incumbents
That is one of the things they can do...have a hearing and a vote.
They also can say, "No...I'm gonna take my ball and go home."
If they do...there is nothing anyone can do about it. They set their own rules.
Do you honestly think that over half the US Senate should be removed from office...or that there is any chance that will happen except by dint of the voting public?
I hope they do take their ball and go home with it.
We'll survive with just 8 Justices on the court until after the election.
And I would hope the American public would punish the Republican majority Senate for doing something like that.
Thank you, that was my whole point. Constitutionally, they HAVE to hold hearings. But they don't have to approve the nominee if they don't want to.
Unfortunately, there are LOTS of people who do vote for incumbents...and who do not care that they have "broken their oaths"...as long as they have broken them in a way that fits the voters agenda.
And those people are the ones who keep their politicians in office gaining greater and greater power with seniority in the congress!
She's always been pretty moderate. I like her a lot. This isn't the first time she's broken ranks and won't be the last. I'm not sure what this proves, though. Yes, Obama should have a chance to appoint someone. It's his job and his Constitutional duty. It was always the President's job, even when Obama and current-VP Biden were Senators beating the drum against Bush doing the same thing. This is politics and you almost always have varying opinions in a party. Just like through the years, it sounds good to say things like the Republicans are saying now. I'm sure it sounded good to the far left when Democrats said it too. Just another day in politics.
Did the democrats refuse to hold hearings, regardless of the fact that bush had not nominated anyone yet?
Looks like the Repubs insist on losing the Senate and Whitehouse in Nov, there is no cure for Stupid.Apparently the republican senate leadership did not get the memo.
Key GOP Senators Emerge From Meeting: No Hearing For Obama SCOTUS Nom
I assume that's a rhetorical question or you can't Google the answer yourself?
I know the answer, and the answer is no, the democrats did not pull the same stunt that the republicans are doing right now.
I know the answer as well. I of course never said that the Democrats refused to hold hearings. I of course also am in this thread arguing that the Republicans are acting foolishly and they should hold hearings on whomever Obama nominates. But just ignore all of that in the hopes that you can drag me into the partisan crap. Right?
Yup they absolutely don't have to appoint any of Obama's picks and they can drag it out forever if they want (at their own peril). The Constitution clearly states that Obama has to nominate someone. Now if the Republicans want to look really stupid, they can turn away, give Obama the finger, and we'll all be no better off. Looks like that's the path they've chosen. VERY disappointing IMO.
I know the answer, and the answer is no, the democrats did not pull the same stunt that the republicans are doing right now.
Biden did propose that, but he was ignored by the rank and file, and Democrats did hold hearings.
This. There is no time limit on "advise an consent" which is the Constitutional wording.
Absolutely NO TIME LIMIT.
Which is why I wonder why they would make such a big thing out of this...rather than simply use the fact that there is no time limit...and the fact that they can simply disapprove of the nominee...
...rather than what they are doing.
It makes no sense to me.
Olympia Snowe is a good lady as well. She was never really appreciated outside of New England because of her moderate views.
Yes she is--love the Lady.
Maine has a long history of moderate Senators on both sides--Muskie, Cohen, and Mitchell come to mind--with A. King right now.
My Air Force Dad was born in Maine in the 1920s and went Navy on his 17th birthday off Saipan.
A very conservative French-Catholic family, yet still DEM in the 1970s.
My wife and I go back every other year or so but most of my Aunts and Uncles are gone now.
Last summer in Bar Harbor, I got talked into Halibut over Haddock and loved it.
As much as we love the ocean, the real magic of Maine is the fresh-water systems, the state parks, and all the outdoor activities.
My wife especially loves Vermont also, but I lean to New Hampshire as the other great NE state to vacation in.
As an Air Force brat through 8th grade, I hope you know how much I appreciate your SERVICE and I wish you well in retirement.
Dad had a most difficult time adjusting to civilian life and I'm struggling with it also, after teaching Chem/Physics.
I'd also like to share my thanks to the VA and Tri-Care-For-Life--it still takes care of Mom .
If that's the way you want to play it, then don't bitch if the Democrats decide to be ruthless too if they flip the Senate this year, invoke the nuclear option, and appoint far left judges.
Politics is a two way street. You reap what you sow. Republicans are playing with fire now.