Never let the full story get in the way of the propaganda
Senator Bill Frist seems to have some kind of selective memory problem. He sounds so sincere when he calls for a simple "up or down vote" in the Senate for judicial nominees. After all, that's the Senate's job, he says. And, if Democrats won't agree, (because they are in the minority, and know that the innocent-sounding "up or down vote" will mean they will lose) he will work to change the Senate rules and get rid of the filibuster.
He fails to mention that he himself participated in a filibuster to block a Clinton appeals court nominee.
He also fails to point out that Democrats have participated in an "up or down vote" on over 200 Bush judicial nominees. There are only 7 of those that are in question, based on their abysmal judicial records.
The filibuster is there to protect the minority. Republicans have used it often, and to block judicial nominees. They seem to think they will always have the majority, but history has shown that will change. It's nice that they can make the rules now, but even nicer to know that they will have to live with them later.
posted by Carolyn P @ 5/18/2005 10:26:00 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
I wonder how much of Sen. Frist's posturing for the so-called nuclear option has to do with his own presidential ambitions in 2008. This seems to be the issue on which he has staked his reputation. It has certainly raised his profile and endeared him to many Christian conservative groups. While some other Republican senators have been willing to talk compromis (most notably Sen. McCain), Frist has steadfastly steared his ship towards a confrontation with the Democrats.
Vanderbilt University professor Bruce Oppenheimer: "He staked a lot, wisely or unwisely, on this filibuster thing."
From The Washington Post: "A bipartisan deal could undercut Frist's political standing and his remaining months as Senate leader...
Any outcome other than getting his way entirely could lead to the perception of an ineffectual leader" and seriously undermine his standing as a presidential contender in 2008.
Interesting thought... It makes sense. Frist is certainly staking a lot on this issue. And, why? For a couple of judicial nominees in lower courts? I could see if we were talking about a Supreme Court nominee.
If it is personally motivated, I think it will backfire. He has the support of the Christian Conservatives, but he always will. That's not a stretch. He's not gaining support among moderates, though. In fact, most Americans who have an opinion on this matter are opposed to changing Senate rules on the filibuster.
Nice.
Now, Santorum is calling his remarks a "mistake".
I'll say.
You know he just criticized a Democratic senator for referencing Hitler on the same issue. These guys are such big fat hypocrites, that it is nauseating.
Shanan, you have to put the actual HTML tag in your comment. Check out here for an example of how to do that.
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