It's all over but the voting. The die is already cast.

[MineralMan]

There is a minuscule chance that a couple of Republicans will vote not to confirm, but that's doubtful. They will follow the party line, most likely, and vote to confirm. That's what has happened so many times in the past, and what will probably happen again.

We'll probably lose this round, as we've lost so many others. How we react will make the difference in November. Our reaction MUST be to redouble our efforts to get voters to the polls to make a change. If we do that, we can win. If we do not, we will abdicate our government to the Republicans.

Frankly, I don't know what will happen next month. The optimist in me says that people will turn out in droves and sweep many Republicans out of office. The realist in me says that I always think that and am too often disappointed.

The Kavanaugh confirmation has already been decided by today. Those Republicans we're counting on have already decided what they're going to do. As usual, they will probably disappoint us, once again.

[Arkansas Granny]

1. Wonderful. One-third of the male Justices will have been accused of sexual misconduct.

Not to mention, the President, as well. What message does this send?

[Bettie]

3. The message they want to send

that women don't matter. At. All.

[MineralMan]

5. The message it sends is a terrible, depressing one.

Women have been hearing that message forever. They are hearing it again. Our culture has a side that is beyond disgusting, a side that believes that women are a separate type of human being, not equal to men. A side that acts accordingly.

Many powerful men have always held that position and taken advantage of their power to harm women. Too many of the men who do not believe that fail to act to block those powerful men. They take no action, even though they do not, themselves, treat women that way.

Power corrupts. It always has. We must stop being too timid to challenge the powerful. In government, business and even in the largest denomination of Christianity, men hold the power. Worse, the men who are so empowered are also the men who consider women to be an inferior branch of humanity.

It is the oldest story ever told. Blaming women for things dates back to the very beginnings of civilization. We have not corrected that point of view. Men wish to continue to hold power. They see no reason to change that pattern.

I'm very sorry! I encourage everyone to vote for Democrats who are women. That is one way we can alter this. I would love to see a House and Senate with a majority of members who are women. It is time to redress this nation's government and make it actually reflect the people in this country.

[Arkansas Granny]

9. I have been very heartened by the number of women, especially Democratic women, who are running for

office in this election cycle. The only way we will have equal rights for all is when women have equal representation in government.

[MineralMan]

10. Yes. So have I. It's a wonderful trend.

I'm very fortunate to have a House representative and both of my state's senators who are Democratic women. I've supported them in the past and will continue to do so. It's a trend I hope to see grow.

[Arkansas Granny]

12. Meanwhile, I'm represented by Tom (Rotten) Cotton, John Boozman and Steve Womack, all Republicans.

[MineralMan]

13. I'm fortunate to be able to live where I choose.

Before moving to Minnesota, I lived in California, in a district that was also represented by a woman, as were both US Senators. It's something I've always supported.

[Gothmog]

2. I fear that you are right

The FBI investigation was a sham designed to give just enough cover for senators to confirm Kavanaugh. I still think that there is a chance that Murkowski will vote against him due to the Alaskan tribal community opposition but Pence will break the tie

[MineralMan]

6. Yes, i'm afraid so. Flake is, well, a flake, as always.

That is his pattern. Collins? She generally cannot locate her spine when she needs it. She will speak softly and haltingly of her opinion of Kavanaugh, and then vote for his confirmation. That is her pattern.

I still hope some miracle occurs, but I do not put much faith in miracles.

[Arkansas Granny]

11. It was definitely a sham. The only persons interviewed were friends of Kavanaugh.

https://www.vox.com/2018/10/3/17932338/brett-kavanaugh-christine-ford-fbi-investigation

I wonder whose idea that was.

[exboyfil]

4. At the end of the day he will probably get

two Democratic senators as well.

[MineralMan]

7. That's entirely possible. If all of the Republicans vote to confirm,

Manchin, at least, will vote the same way, believing that he must to win in WV. He has no more of a spine than Flake.

[Efilroft Sul]

31. Manchin has ridden the fence on so many votes that the fence's splinters have shredded his balls.

[bdamomma]

8. if those Murkowski and

Collins knew what is good for them they would turn down this POS sex assaulter for SC, because who knows what they have planned for women Senators in the future their own jobs may be eliminated. Since they have such disdain for women. I just hate this.

Let's get Viagra and Cialis NOT be readily available to these guys.

[cwydro]

14. As I said in another thread, sadly, I never doubted this.

Lots of threads last week calling him “toast” etc. Even a few threads scolding those of us who saw this confirmation as inevitable.

Wishful thinking.

[MineralMan]

15. Well, a couple of times, I thought it was inevitable that Kavanaugh would

withdraw or be withdrawn from consideration. My optimism was unjustified. Now, with regard to the Kavanaugh confirmation, it's completely gone.

[cwydro]

16. I thought the same - that he would at least withdraw for his family's sake.

I think he’s owned by very powerful people.

[Drunken Irishman]

20. Republicans are good at not conceding...

Democrats are not.

I thought there was a point in the 2016 election, twice, actually, where the Republicans would abandon Trump in flocks - the Khan episode and then the Access Hollywood tapes. It was those two moments that I realized you can outlive a news story long enough to not get damaged by it.

I think we underestimate how effective Bill Clinton was at this. Democrats could learn a lot from Bill, I guess. He should have been DOA after the Gennifer Flowers episode. But he persisted. Went on TV. Deflected. Smiled. Cozied up to the cameras, and then Hillary, and eventually the country moved on. The same thing happened with the Lewinsky affair.

Sure, people will still always toss around Clinton's indiscretions, especially in reference to Trump, but so what? He won. A bunch of times.

Republicans know if you wait long enough, the narrative will die down. And then people will accept it. Even if they don't like it.

Democrats can learn a lot from that.

[rtracey]

18. I GOT BANNED FROM A FORUM FOR SAYING HE'S A SHOE IN....

[crazytown]

39. I posted a thread saying he was toast.

Sometimes I wear my heart on my sleve. I can’t stand the thought of that freak on the Supreme Court.

[rtracey]

17. and what?

Now we cry, bitch, moan, complain, or do we call this the new democratic battle cry. Do we sit back and let the old guard run the Senate and House, or do we work to get the old sludge, republican and democrats out. Do we take up our pens and write a surrender letter, or do we take our pens and write a battle plan.... Women....WOMEN..... ARE YOU READING THIS..... ARE YOU GOING TO STAND FOR THIS AND LET THESE ARROGANT SHITWADS JUST WRITE YOU OFF AS A PIECE...JUST A TOY, BOOTY CALL, (BOYS WILL BE BOYS, RIGHT) OR ARE YOU, WE, US GOING TO FIGHT FOR OUR DEMOCRACY...

OK what do we do......

1. Primary ANY democrat who votes for this guy.... Primary any Republican Senator in a Blue state who voted for this guy...

2. GOTV in Nov and retake the house... the Senate will not be easy, but lock arms and lock horns and get people out to vote

3. Senators....beware... if you are a passive, ok type "leader".... think hard...SCHUMER.....GROW SOME SPINE....we may just be thinking about someone else who does have a spine.....

4. 2020 - vote TOGETHER.....NO GREEN PARTY SHIT....ITS A FRONT FOR RUSSIAN INTERFERENCE....ASK JILL STEIN

5. Bernie.....sit this one out or become a democrat.... its that easy... you want me to vote for you, show me you are a democrat. Quit spouting fact without figures.... we need to know what its going to cost this country to get free college, universal healthcare, 15.00 minimum wage, etc..... the voters who dont vote democrat are consistently bringing up....HOW ARE WE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS.... WE NEED TO KNOW HOW.

6. DON'T SIT ON THE FUCKING SIDE OF THE ROAD THIS ELECTION CYCLE..............WE NEED EVERYONE WHO IS NOT REGISTER TO DO IT.

7. COME UP WITH SOME POINTS PEOPLE........LET'S DO THIS

[MineralMan]

19. What You Said!

[namahage]

22. How do you plan to primary Republican senators? nt

[rtracey]

29. hmmmm you're right

if they are blue state republicans, we win by getting a stronger democrat candidate to beat them in the General election.... Primary may be the wrong word, lets just not be passive in electing any old guy.....lets really look hard at our candidates.

[BarbD]

23. With you 100%

[rtracey]

21. SORRY, I MISSED ONE...

And the final thing is this.....

Senate..... when you turn democrat, and you will..... IMPEACH KAVANAUGH. You know you can, get a new investigation going... never stop investigating this.... this guy is a sexual predictor....not deserving of a Supreme court justice

[BarbD]

24. As Obama said, "Yes We Can"!

[Marengo]

25. I wouldn't be so certain. There's quite a bit of anxiety, nail-biting, and pessimism on the...

Other side as we speak. HH’s declaration of no has caused a great deal of uncertainty.

[honest.abe]

26. You are probably correct... however, I still have hope if a major case regarding Trump...

comes to SCOTUS, I do believe Roberts would now be the swing vote. He has voted against his party regarding the ACA and I am sure he and Trump and not "in love". Trump trashed Roberts for that vote.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

27. We must work to take control of the state legislatures.

If (when?) Roe v. Wade is overturned, the SCOTUS will say it's a decision for the states to make. Given the number of anti-abortion laws Republican-controlled legislatures have already passed (more than 1,000 in the first months after the 2010 election -- remember, the one where the GOP ran on "Jobs, jobs, jobs!" and never produced any jobs laws? ), we can expect a complete elimination of any abortion rights in any state where the Repugs are in control.

Only one more state is required to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment for it to become part of the Constitution. As of May of this year there are 13 which are still on the fence, so we should focus on flipping the legislature in one of those and getting the Amendment passed.

[saidsimplesimon]

28. At times like this, I say

it's not about winning, it's about standing up for your values. Of course, some Americans are fixated on "winning at all cost", along with their sicko leader.

Yes, I will be disappointed if our team in Washington caves with a whimper and "please, sir or madame, give me more defeat".

[Adrahil]

30. I agree, sadly.

I fucking HATE the Republican party with a burning passion.

[MarcA]

32. It's always an uphill battle. The US was not designed as a democratic nation.

SCOTUS life-time appointments, Electoral College, 2 Senators for each State.

[Voices Of Reason]

33. The Fatt Lady has not sung yet...

This confirmation has all the twists and turns of a Steven King Horror novel. I would not be surprised if Elvis showed up and accused the guy of Stealing one of his capes in College. It aint over, till its over. I say...

[left-of-center2012]

34. Susan Collins (R-ME)

She always acts like she'll be with us,
but always votes her GOP party line.

[elocs]

35. Too often the Left has abdicated its duty to get out and vote

and Republicans are perfectly happy with that.
Back in 2010 here in Wisconsin, the state was entirely controlled by the Democrats.
After the midterm election the state flipped to total Republican control with Scott Walker getting about 90% of the vote that went to McCain while his opponent, Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett, received about 65% of the vote that went to Obama. Plus, Russ Feingold lost his Senate seat.
Since 2010 was a census year, Republicans got to redistrict and gerrymander the state in order to ensure their power while also coming up with their voter ID scheme to suppress the vote.

If we could only grasp the concept that the winner of virtually every election other than local ones is going to be either the Democratic or Republican candidate. In 2016 there were Republicans who didn't like Trump but still voted for him because the Supreme Court was important to them and they didn't want Clinton to be making the nominations. Now it looks like from their point of view their choice worked out like gangbusters for them. If only the Left were as smart.

Plus, there is no Blue Wave until it happens and it ain't happened yet in spite of all the talk about how the Democrats might impeach Kavanaugh, might impeach Trump or get his tax returns released. Well if Democrats don't retake at least the House they will have major egg on their faces and we'll have to put up with the Republicans mocking us and laughing at us for not making it happen.
So talk is cheap and it's the votes that matter.

[George II]

36. A glimmer of hope - one of the republicans can't make the vote - that makes it 50-49. One flip....

....and he's cooked.

[C Moon]

37. Nothing has been done to protect our voting system. I have little hope for a huge win in November.

I watched closely that horrible night in 2016; I'm by no means a professional, but there was something going on with our voting system that night, and it has not been fixed.
I'm not saying don't go out and vote...I will be, but I am saying we need to get to the bottom of what the hell is going on, and I don't understand why this isn't in the forefront of conversations about our country.

[Kilgore]

38. Consider this poll, was our strategy the correct one to pursue?

This makes me wonder.

++++++++++++++

https://www.investors.com/politics/trump-approval-rating-ibd-tip-poll/

The Democrats' all-out attack on Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh, which culminated in a blisteringly partisan hearing last Thursday, may have backfired on the party just before the November elections.

The latest IBD/TIPP poll finds that President Donald Trump's approval ratings made a strong rebound this month, with a four-point gain to 40%, reversing almost the entire loss he suffered the month before. His disapproval rating went from 56% last month to 54% now.

What's more, the Democrats' advantage on the generic ballot question plunged from 11 points last month to just 2 points this month.

[LBM20]

40. ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES! PERIOD! Take the rage to the voting booth!

[Tipperary]

41. Be careful now. Posters are instructing us not to seem "defeatist."

I would like to think he will not be confirmed, but I agree with you.