Would abstaining from this vote do anything?

[Separation]

I'm pretty sure that Kavano will get confirmed today. So are Senators allowed to abstain from voting?

I would think that would have a greater affect then voting no. Thoughts?

[LandOfHopeAndDreams]

1. Slim To None

And Slim has left the building.

Not going to happen. They'll want their vote on the record, meaningless as that is in the scheme of things.

[BumRushDaShow]

2. What "effect" would it have except eschewing one's duty?

[Separation]

5. Sorry for the "typo"

If its known that they dont have the votes to stop his confirmation. I believe that abstaining from this vote in protest of the sham that this whole thing has become, would have a greater effect than a no vote.

It would to me anyways. It would be seen more as a protest than just a no vote.

Of course this opinion and $2 might get you a large coffee somewhere.

[BumRushDaShow]

7. I didn't actually realize you had a typo

I just emphasized "effect" to mean that I don't see where it would "enhance" or have any more "positive outcome" regarding the position of Democrats on this particular nominee.

Usually those who "abstain" get the "bigger bang for their abstention" when they go against the wishes of their own party.

[Separation]

8. Correct.

In a normal situation. I dont believe that this is one of them. Obviously it would have to be a party wide abstention.

It's interesting days we live in.

[OnDoutside]

3. No. You would gut Dem activists that you didn't try to the bitter end. Fight til you can fight

no more.

[PoliticAverse]

4. How will he be confirmed today with the vote currently being scheculed for Friday?

> So are Senators allowed to abstain from voting?

Senators can not vote on anything they don't want to vote on.

[Separation]

6. The votes are known before something like this

If you dont think that the Republicans will have an exact total going into tomorrow's confirmation. Then I'm not sure what to say honestly

[lame54]

9. Proudly vote no

[MiniMe]

10. The "no" votes don't matter as long as they have 50 or more Yes votes

[ananda]

11. How about every Dem just walk out and boycott!

??

[Separation]

12. Thats exactly my point.

Exactly! That would send a message.