Hangin' Tough 30-Hour Marathon Shameful Senate Debate Part #5

[Tatiana]

Lindsey Graham (R - South Carolina) contending Democrats are asking unfair questions of nominees.

Well, gee... sorry for not rubberstamping every single nominee! I guess confirming 98% instead of 100% of Bush's nominees is being 'obstructionist.'

Here's a nice editorial about this whole sorry saga:

Editorial: Senate talkathon/Hot air on judicial nominees

Published November 13, 2003 ED1113A

Most U.S. senators talk too much as it is. The last thing they should want is a chance to reinforce their reputations as windbags. Yet even as you read this, Senate Republicans are staging a 30-hour gabfest to make a silly point. What are they bleating about? The simple fact that, out of the scores of judicial nominees President Bush has submitted for Senate confirmation, Democrats have rejected four.

No question, the point is worth debating -- for an hour or two. But that kind of back-and-forth has already occurred. Anyone who has listened knows that, in the three years since President Bush took office, Senate Democrats have confirmed 168 judicial nominees -- more judges than Ronald Reagan got approved in his first four years. That Democrats have objected to four nominees is hardly worth mentioning when you consider what the Republicans did during the Clinton years: They refused to approve 60 judicial candidates -- often without citing any reason at all.

<snip>

What's so troubling about this small group? Democrats consider each nominee too outlandish on matters of legal theory to qualify for the bench. Take California Supreme Court Justice Janice Rogers Brown, for instance, whom Bush wants to move to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Her appointment has yet to be voted on. She has repeatedly challenged the high court's doctrine of incorporation, which for decades has obliged states -- not just the feds -- to honor the Bill of Rights. Brown recanted that view at her confirmation hearing -- always a worrisome sign -- but hasn't been able to live down earlier comments that court rulings upholding the New Deal marked "the triumph of our socialist revolution." This isn't the sort of dispassionate respect for precedent Americans expect in their judges.

(more on Carolyn Kuhl and Priscilla Owen as well...)

http://www.startribune.com/stories/1519/4209144.html

[Tatiana]

1. Previous threads below:

Thread #4:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=700925

Thread #3:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=700249

Thread #2:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=699771

Thread #1:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=699011

[BuckeFushe]

2. If you are JUST tuning in here, READ the other threads while you watch

This is theater at it's finest.

[BuckeFushe]

5. Boxer pounding the podium,

what a session by her, she is amazing. If the Thugs think she can be defeated in CA, they are sorely wrong.

[Hippo_Tron]

4. When's Orrin Hatch up for re-election?

It's apparent that this sack of shit's leadership on the judiciary committee is the cause for most of this. Let's find a Democrat who can kick this guy's ass out of the Senate.

[aldian159]

15. 2006

Its gonna be tough to get Horrid out, but not impossible.

His co-senator, Bob Bennett (R), is due in 2004...

[Tatiana]

3. Barbara Boxer once again nails the Republicans!

Quotes Republican Bob Smith admitting to two filibusters. Smith said filibuster in the Senate "has a purpose."

Boxer asks unanimous consent to place Smith's statement into the record. It is entered.

[BuckeFushe]

7. This 'debate' has backfired miserably on the Thugs, and all they can do

is "slog forward". LOLOLOLOLOLOL

[soup]

6. Senator Boxer on Kuhl

If I cave in, I don't deserve to be here.

[BuckeFushe]

8. They are talking about 4 people who have jobs, and not about

those that don't. Listing the GOP lack of priorities.

[Tatiana]

9. I admire her passion!

We need to see more of it from our Dems. She's passionate, she's reasoned, logical... she has the facts and the anecdotal evidence to back up her claims. Anyone watching this "debate" would know why these 4 nominees were rejected.

[BuckeFushe]

10. She should be the Vice Presidential candidate, maybe president

she is truly amazing, I have NEVER seen her this good. You want to cry when she admonishes the Thugs for allowing arsneic in playground equipment.

[Jose Diablo]

11. Senator Boxer is a keeper

I am impressed. She has sosu, thats
courage and fight in Finish.

[ShaneGR]

12. Repugs are so pathetic, I actually don't mind hearing them

Just so I can chuckle at how ridiculous their spin is!

[BuckeFushe]

14. dayton is nailing them on their "passions" and how the Thugs have

buried the prescription drug plan in committie, lying about Iraq.

[soup]

23. Senator Dayton ending on a great note-

If what we are doing is illegal, take it to the courts - if against Senate procedure, take it to the parlimentarian.

[Tatiana]

13. Another article on the "marathon."

Talkfest on the Hill

GOP's 30-hour marathon may not get new judges on the bench but will help shore up political base.

By Gail Russell Chaddock | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor



<snip>

"This is what we've been waiting for for three years, ever since the obstruction began," says Kay Daley, president of the Coalition for a Fair Judiciary, representing 75 groups who say they want to make sure that "constitutionalist" nominees are confirmed.

"It could have an impact on the 2004 elections. It did this year in Mississippi," she adds, noting how Republican candidate Haley Barbour used the Democrats' filibuster of Mississippi nominee Charles Pickering in his successful campaign to win that state's gubernatorial race last week.

Even before Republicans plunge into their "Justice for Judges" marathon Wednesday night, comity in the branch of Congress most known for it was melting down.

Take Sen. Harry Reid's 8.5-hour surprise demonstration of how one senator can hold the floor as long as he wants, even if it means reading aloud from his 1998 book on how a Nevada mining town got its name.

"We can't be treated the way we continue to be treated," said the second-highest ranking Senate Democrat on Monday, before returning to his book, "Searchlight: The Camp that Didn't Fail."

http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/1112/p01s01-uspo.html

[TexasPatriot]

16. maybe i'm showing my age

but i remember when the comedy channel had the feed for the republican convention, George Bush was giving his acceptance speech, and Al Franken was the commentator - interjecting words like 'Prozac' into the pauses...

God - if only we had that tonight... i swear I wouldnt need coffee

[BuckeFushe]

17. NO, we need John Stewart from the Daily Show

and his never ending Moments of Zen

[Tatiana]

18. There will be some good DNC material to come out of this.

Strategy seems to be the introduction of meaningful legislation by Democratic Senators and painting the Republicans as objecting to Veterans Benefits, education, increase in the minimum wage, addressing environmental concerns, prescription drug plan, etc.

(Veterans Appropriations Bill by Byrd, Increase in Minimum Wage... various bills have been introduced by Reid, Durbin, Feinstein, Boxer, Schumer, and now Democratic Senator Mark Dayton from Minnesota -- ALL OF WHICH HAVE BEEN OBJECTED TO BY THE REPUBLICANS!)

[BuckeFushe]

19. The Thugs walked into the trap face first, and eaten shit tonight

With that, I have to nap, will pick it up in a couple of hours. LOOK< Here's Mr. Hand speaking again, Mr. Hand Job himself.

[FrankBooth]

24. Great move

I hope somebody notices.

[jsw_81]

20. Has anyone else noticed the young Asian-American man assisting Sessions?

I can't even begin to imagine why he'd want to work for a right-wing fundy sleazeball like Jeff Sessions. It boggles the mind.

[Jose Diablo]

21. Overall, I would say the repugs plan for the 30 hour marathon

backfired on them.

[Tatiana]

22. This has been a disaster for them.

And that's an understatement.

[Baconfoot]

25. Hands up if you'd rather listen to the Republicans read a newspaper...

into the record then perform the supermajority 30 minute tapdance again?

[Isome]

26. Lindsey Graham is blathering on now...

I read Syd Blumenthal's book and I can't ever hear his name or see him without thinking of what a real wussie he is!!

[Baconfoot]

27. "Payback is hell"...

This guy is so annoying.

[jsw_81]

29. Graham is a dolt

Moments ago he said that the people would be up in arms if a partisan Congress could impeach a president with a simple majority vote. Newsflash to Lindsey Graham: a partisan Congress CAN impeach a president with a simple majority vote. Graham, being a former House "manager" during Clinton's impeachment, should know.

[Tatiana]

28. Senators ready to talk all night

GOP huffs as filibuster kicks off

By BOB DART
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



WASHINGTON -- A dozen TV cameras recorded the drama Wednesday of Republican cots rolling into the Strom Thurmond Room outside the Senate chamber.

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) carried a sign onto the Senate floor proclaiming, "I'll be home watching 'The Bachelor'."

The talkathon was on.

Senators were girded for glibness and ready for the rigors of rhetoric. Gab till they gag. It's speeches all night. News conferences, too. Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) is answering questions on television at 5:30 a.m. Microphones and minicams are everywhere.

http://www.ajc.com/news/content/news/1103/13filibuster.html

[Isome]

30. Oh' for gawd's sake...

Now ol' Lindsey is making a veiled threat to do the same to Democrats when the time comes. He says he hopes he has the courage not to "go down that road", but right before that he says "if the Democrats don't think there'll be payback in kind" they've got another thing coming. *ha ha* As if they didn't start this mess with Clinton's nominees, and as if the overwhelming majority of *'s nominees haven't already been voted on.

Good gawd, they have no shame. I've noticed that unprecedented is the word of the day.

[Tatiana]

31. Is he NOT the dumbest Senator there?

Gosh, he's really... not all that smart is he? No wonder why he's admiring the intelligence of Janice Rogers Brown.

[Baconfoot]

32. Veiled? nt

[Isome]

37. Thinly... but veiled...

until the end, and then he proclaimed the GOP would fight back in kind.

[Jose Diablo]

36. Graham is gonna be real suprised

The people are PO'd. He better pray he can keep his job.

[Maddy McCall]

33. Saxby Chambliss now :puke: nt

[Isome]

34. *wooo hooooo blackcommentator.com*

Their cartoon got another mention! Yeaaaaaa! He's as dumb as a sack of hair! The cartoon showed Janice AS Clarence... the only difference was a wig... not a stereotype. Imbecile!!

Oh' then he had to wind up with a threat to fight back. *shivering* hahahahahahahahaaa

[jsw_81]

35. Now good ole boy "Saxby" Chambliss is up

I am so f-----g sick of these damn southern accents. What is this, the Confederate Congress?

[Baconfoot]

38. "98% E.Coli free" is actually pretty good. n/t

[soup]

45. and if My car started 98% of the time,

I'd be ecstatic.

Geesh, what an argument.

[Jose Diablo]

41. Saxby is my senator as is Zell

Dang, I dislike those guys.

[Catch22Dem]

42. WTF did he just say about voting machines???????

"I would not be happy if voting machines had 98% accuracy...no I take that back..."

Did anyone else catch that?

[lysergik]

44. Ok, i wasn't the only one!

Wasn't Mr. Chambliss a victor even though he was polling very low and in a state where they use Diebold machines, which have come of question..

HMMMMMMMM!

[Jose Diablo]

50. Yes indeed

Saxby was behind by what, 8 points? Something like that. It was a miracle he won. Either that or it was fixed.

Of course, we will never know. Because there is no paper trail.

And yes, Saxby is an idiot. Let us hope Saxby's comment on the voting machines gets recorded into the registar. Are they recording whats being said?

[Isome]

63. He also ran the ads smearing Max Cleland...

He juxtaposed Saddam's face with Max's. You know Max... the triple amputee? As Al Franken said, Max was so patriotic, he left three of his limbs behind in Vietnam. So, Saxby decided it would be okay to equate him with Saddam and call them both terrorists. Class act that one!

[Isome]

39. They've glomed onto the 98%!

98% accuracy in the voting machines... hell we DON'T get that!

[TexasPatriot]

40. grrrr

I just saw Lindsey Graham talking about how, if the precedent is set that filibusters will stop judicial nominees then there will be payback. "Payback is hell" is what he said.

I'm going to suggest Tom Delay read your speech and consider what the Republicans did in Texas redistricting this year.

See - the non-white population is growing fast in Texas. In 10 years, I can see some pretty serious changes. Tarrant and Travis were both obliterated in terms of their ability to field a representative that has their interests at heart. In 10, I want to see Collin county divided into 17 congressional districts. And wait till we get finished with Sugarland - the Valley will crush you Tom.

No... Lindsey. Payback is not Hell. Payback is a bitch... and she votes for democrats.

[lysergik]

43. What did Chambliss just say about voting machines?

Refresh my memory please.. make sure it was what I thought I heard.

[aldian159]

46. it was

see above post

[Isome]

48. 98% accuracy... he said he wouldn't like it

Then he said well, it might not be too bad in some situations (something to that effect).

Blanche just grabbed the "payback" line and hit them square in the eyes with it!

[Tatiana]

47. Email Democratic Senators on the Judiciary Committee!

Tell them you appreciate them standing firm!

Senator Leahy:
[e-mail]

Senator Kennedy:
[e-mail]

Senator Biden:
[e-mail]

Senator Feingold:
[e-mail]

Senator Schumer:
http://schumer.senate.gov/webform.html (under topic of message, select "judicial nominations")

Senator Durbin:
[e-mail]

[L.A.dweller]

49. What hour are they in now?

I'm just tuning in now. How long has the session been going on for?

[Tatiana]

52. Since 6 pm CST, I believe N/T

[soup]

53. 7 1/2 hours now. n/t

[L.A.dweller]

59. Senators have to be prepared

for the next 30 hrs? I assume that they have Senators doing night shifts or something like that. Excuse my naivete.

[Tatiana]

60. Daschle has stated there will be at least 2 Dem senators in the room

at all times. Otherwise the Republicans will try to sneak in a vote. There is a schedule and all the Dems will each pull a shift.

[mvd]

51. Thanks for the updates

My Comcast cable refuses to give me any C-SPAN 2 at all. Forcefully telling the truth is a big antidote to the extremist Repukes who think they deserve to get their way all the time.

[Tatiana]

54. You can watch online.

http://www.c-span.org/watch/cspan2_rm.asp?Cat=TV&Code=CS2

[mvd]

56. Thanks

I'll watch a little before bed.

[Tatiana]

55. Blanche Lincoln (D - Arkansas)

I like her Southern Charm :)

She's doing a good job speaking up for the very poor, those working full-time and making $10,500 per year. Shameful. This is a shameful exercise.

[jsw_81]

57. The freepers are so mean

One of them just said that Sen. Lincoln looks like a "post-op trannie."

[Tatiana]

58. She's making some good points.

Saying there is a 5% vacancy rate, one of the lowest in years. That number is lower than the unemployment rate and lower than the poverty rate.

She makes sense. That's probably why Freepers don't like her.

[Jose Diablo]

61. She is making excellent points

All this can become a platform that will sweep the neocons out.

[Isome]

62. She's cool beans!

But I want someone to scream about Clinton's percentage. What is it? I asked in another thread but I'm trying to surf, watch the video, and do things offline, all at the same time.

What's percentage of nominees were approved or voted on under Clinton? It's got to be lower than 98% if there were 68 of them not approved.

[elperromagico]

85. I'll take Blanche Lincoln over Condi Rice any day

Freepers really shouldn't call women on the Dem side unattractive when they've got somebody like Condi Rice batting for their team.

[elperromagico]

76. That's MY Senator

I'm feeling very proud of Senator Lincoln right now. :D

[kiahzero]

64. WTF???

Miller is batting for the Republicans?

[elperromagico]

78. I see you were trained at the Actors Studio n/t

[kiahzero]

82. huh? (n/t)

[elperromagico]

87. Oh come on

Don't tell me you're really surprised that Zell Miller is whoring for the Republicans now!!!

He's endorsing BUSH, fer chrissakes!

[jsw_81]

65. Here comes Zell Miller for the Republicans!

:puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke:

[w13rd0]

66. Oh christ...

...Saxby Chambliss just "welcomed" Zell Miller, who once again will take the floor to kiss George Bush's ass. SOMEONE PLEASE EJECT THIS MAN FROM THE PARTY!!! GOD I HATE THAT SOB!

[Tatiana]

67. OMG ZELL MILLER IS ON!

Wow... is he, like, taking OUR side FOR ONCE????

[SahaleArm]

69. No way in Hell.

*nm*

[kiahzero]

70. Of course not. (n/t)

[Jose Diablo]

72. Which side of the aisle is he on? n/t

[Isome]

75. Surprise... he's on our side. n/t

[Tatiana]

74. LOL, he's got a magnifying glass.

Says they have an unmitigated mess today.

Oh God. He makes me sick.

He's got a display with James Madison. Trying to say that the 'minority' (Dems) have the power.

WTF is he blathering about?

[LSdemocrat]

68. No, really. Is Zell Miller (R-GA) still in the Dem caucus?

[jsw_81]

71. What a sickening spectacle

This traitorous old bastard needs to be expelled from our caucus NOW.

[Isome]

73. Zell has a lot of nerve...

Because he makes me absolutely ill... but at least he's doing his part. The theatrics about the Constitution ("I've "red" it and I can't find it") was pretty damn good.

[Jose Diablo]

77. Zell reminds me of that cartoon charecter Foghorn Leghorn

I say....I say son..yall listening.

[kiahzero]

79. How is he doing his part?

He's attacking the Democrats.

[Isome]

95. Not at first...

His first statements amounted to telling * he was NOT entitled to have all of his nominees approved. He used the Constitution as a prop and said he scoured it and couldn't find anything that required the Democrats do so. That was in direct reference to Lindsey Graham's remarks that Democrats refusal to vote up or down on the nominees was in effect changing the constitutional requirements.

Bait & switch... I spoke too soon.

[Tatiana]

80. I've got to admit...

at least he's semi-defending the application of the law, and the job of the Senate to "advise and consent."

Oh God. Now he's quoting a "liberal." Alluding that Democrats are "liberals."

[soup]

81. quoting 'The Dark Side of Liberalism'

:frown:

wtf?

[Tatiana]

83. Dammit Zell WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR POINT!????

He's saying that the four nominees are the Face of America.

He's even got a nice little display of the United States with the pictures of the 4 nominees on it.

Saying its a shame that Miguel Estrada is being kept from having an up or down vote (by those nasty DEMOCRATS).

FUCK YOU ZELL!

[Isome]

86. Bait & switch... bait & switch... grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

[soup]

88. "These are the faces of America."

yeah, ok.

[aldian159]

91. How the hell did this man get elected in the first place?

Oh yeah, its Georgia.

I really feel for you Georgians that Zell was your governor and now your senator.

[Tatiana]

105. If I'm not mistaken, he was appointed to the position to replace Coverdell

in 2000, then elected to finish the remaining 4 years of Paul Coverdell's term.

[moondust]

92. Zell is with the Repugs.

He's making the case against the Dems again. This guy is sick.

[Maddy McCall]

90. He is definitely speaking for Republicans...

What an asshole.

[Isome]

84. I have to stray from the topic now...

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I'm obviously not the only one addicted to politics around here. I may be in hyper-posting mode right now, but dammit, I see some screen names about as often as I see my own.

You addicts need to come clean (like me); denial is not a good thing, but the truth will set you free.

[kiahzero]

94. Addicted? I plan on making it my career... (n/t)

=D

[Jose Diablo]

100. It is habituating

Zell has got to go.

Of course, I am sure he has got a slot and corner office already picked out in the Southern Company Tower in Atlanta.

[jsw_81]

89. Now the traitor is showing photos of the right-wing nominees

He calls them the "faces of America." Incredible.

[Tatiana]

93. Unfuckingbelievable.

I was off to bed, but now my blood pressure is back up.

He ought to be ashamed of himself defending that moron Pickering!

His only support of these nominees seems to be because they are good ol' Southerners!

[aldian159]

98. The man is a decent speaker,

but an absolute f-----g moron.

[elperromagico]

101. Apparently Zell is going to propose to Ms. Brown

"I luvvvvvv and respect this woman... and I want her to have mah babies."

Now he's implying that Democrats opposing Janice Rogers Brown are racists.

Can't we kick this wizened old fart out of our fucking party?

[Isome]

103. He was patronizing... she would never notice though... she's an idiot! n/t

[Tatiana]

96. Am I the only one that is pissed that this Repub is using OUR time to push

the Republican agenda?

[Isome]

99. One word comes to mind: Fucker!

Can I say that?

[elperromagico]

106. It's almost as bad as Lindsey Graham,

who trotted out that damned Black Commentator cartoon and proceeded to imply that Tom Daschle himself had drawn it.

But Zell's actions are worse; Lindsey Graham's just a misguided idiot. Zell Miller is attacking us from within.

[Tatiana]

111. His traitorous behavior is beyond sickening.

And the way he stood there with all that self-righteous indignation...

You know what, this is all about ego with him. He was all fine and well introducing Clinton at the Democratic Convention when the limelight was on him. But as his stature diminished within the party... the rising of Senators like Schumer, Zell started to feel disenchanted.

This Judas act is giving him the limelight back. The Republicans are stroking his ego.

He's disgusting. I can't believe the about face he has done. Believe it or not, this moran used to be a pretty progressive, fair-minded governor of Georgia.

Email the bastard:

http://miller.senate.gov/email.htm

[elperromagico]

113. Wait...

"You're a traitorous bastard" isn't available on the drop-down menu of topics...

[dpibel]

97. What should we infer, Zell?

Zell keeps saying, "The Democrats in this Senate will not..."

I can't see any way to read that, except that Zell doesn't consider himself one of those.

Not that this is a surprise to anyone around here.

[Jose Diablo]

104. Zell is an old time southern politician

He's ...uh..Democrat...no..wait..Republican...er..I don't know what he stands for.

[aldian159]

107. Dixiecrat?

n/t

[elperromagico]

115. Dixiecrat

"A member of a dissenting group of Democrats in the South who formed the States' Rights Party in 1948."

Some info may be found about the Dixiecrats here: http://college.hmco.com/history/readerscomp/rcah/html/ah_025200_dixiecratpar.htm

[elperromagico]

110. Definitely a Strom Thurmond Dixiecrat

n/t

[Pastiche423]

102. For all that is good and right

Get that fucker out of my party!

He is beyond disgusting!

[Vadem]

108. What is our remedy to kick this traitor out of our party (Zell)??

I called Zell's office (when he supported AWOL) and told his receptionist to tell him to get the hell out of the Democratic Party because he was no Democrat and we did not want him. I also called Daschle's office (for all the good it did) and demanded that he be kicked out of the party. I guess we have no recourse until 11/04 when he retires. GRRRRRRRR!

[elperromagico]

112. In all honesty

I'd rather have a real Republican in that office than a Republican pretending to be a Democrat.

[Duncan Grant]

120. It's unanimous, Zell's an ass.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=702305#702380

:grr: :grr: :grr:

[jsw_81]

109. Wow, Estrada was an immigrant and went to Harvard?

I hadn't heard that. </sarcasm>

[Isome]

114. Pickering is a SOB...

He has no business on the bench!

Pickering has criticized the fundamental "one-person one-vote" principle recognized by the Supreme Court under the 14th Amendment. Also, he has suggested that large deviations from equality in drawing legislative district lines, which the Supreme Court has held presumptively unconstitutional, were "relatively minor" and "de minimis." And, as a judge, Pickering has also criticized or sought to limit important remedies provided by the Voting Rights Act. In addition, in a number of cases involving claims of employment discrimination, Pickering has inserted severe criticisms of civil rights plaintiffs and the use of civil rights statutes, disparagingly stating that the courts "are not super personnel managers charged with second guessing every employment decision made regarding minorities."

[Tatiana]

116. Zell, oh Zell......

Sad to see what's become of him.

[dpibel]

117. A Hunnert Percent, sez Saxby

He thinks a hunnert percent of the Prezzidint's judicial nominees should be approved.

Don't know what that does to "advise and consent." Then again, back when they wrote the Constitution, they didn't have the term "rubber stamp" available to them.

But you really have to admire the hypocrisy. I guess, since Saxby wasn't around during the Clinton years, he doesn't know that his colleagues failed to achieve his ideal with respect to Clinton's nominees.

[JohnGideon]

118. Just Talked To The Democrat Cloakroom

The staffer told me that he appreciated the call after I thanked him for staying up all night. He also mentioned that he didn't see Zell Miller much in this cloakroom (I wonder why). He says that he can't really pass any messages on to anyone. I mentioned that everyone on DU was watching and he said that was great. He said to call your Senators during business hours in the morning and thank them and their staffers.

I asked about the "Nuclear Vote" that would change the rules and cease any further filibusters. He told me that he didn't think it would come up but if it did it only takes a majority vote (51) to pass it. He said it would pretty much ruin any working relationships between the parties if that happened. He thinks there are a few Repugs who would not vote for it because they realize what it would do to the Senate.

[Tatiana]

119. Daschle speaking now.

Look at the comparison between the Clinton and Bush administrations.

Clinton created 22 million jobs in 6 (?) years.

Bush has lost 3 million jobs in 3 years.

Talking about unemployment and the need to address that.

No offense to Daschle, but... he's just not cutting it as Speaker. We need someone more vocal, more powerful, and more passionate in that position. Maybe Kennedy or Schumer.

[Duncan Grant]

122. I vote for Schumer!

He always gets my attention! I love his style, content, and context -- an amazing man.

[Kosmos Mariner]

121. I just wrote Traitor Zell!!

This is what I just wrote to Zell. :mad: :mad: :mad: Traitor Z's email is http://www.senate.gov/~miller/email.htm

--Sir,

I am writing you to express my great displeasure with your recent behavior and complete lack of loyalty to your party. Your performance tonight was dishonorable. You obviously are not a Democrat, nor do you represent any Democratic Party interests or ideas. This ongoing charade is unnacceptable, and you should do the honorable thing and leave the Democratic Party immediately. You do not represent Georgia's Democrats, or any Southern Democrats for that matter. Shame on you! Do the honorable thing and leave.

Sincerely,
Upset Southern Democrat--

:dem:

[Duncan Grant]

123. Bravo! I'm going to join you!

edit: forgot to say, "Welcome to DU!" :hi:

[Tatiana]

124. Excellent comment! N/T

[Tatiana]

125. No offense.

But the other Dem guy from Arkansas is a real snooze. I enjoyed Reid reading from his book on Searchlight more than I do this guy.

Of course, at least we can be thankful that he's not a turncoat like Zell...

[Isome]

127. Pryor? He doesn't seem to have any public speaking skills...

I guess that's why he chose to read a book, instead of making a speech. *zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz* I gotta' run an errand; though I appreciate Pryor, he's not holding my interest.

[Duncan Grant]

128. That's Senator Mark Pryor...

what a shame he has to make an arguement to define the roles and responsibilities of the senate after Zell butchered Madison. I imagine any Republicans in the chamber are just ignoring him...talking amongst themselves, etc.

I'm with you though, I want a bit more hellraising from the Dems.

[TexasPatriot]

126. Pryor

you could have done better than droning on about 'the desks'... i mean, if he's gonna read a book the least he could do is pick up where Reid left off and talk about Searchlight some more... THAT would have been funny.

Question re the Nuclear Option: If the pubs push the button, does that mean there would be no filibuster option on SCOTUS nominees? Could the Dem Senators go to Montreal the same way the Texas 11 escaped to New Mexico?

[Isome]

129. OMG... they're trying to say we haven't lost jobs...

This guy's trying to say there are MORE jobs now than ever before! NO... they wouldn't lie so blatantly? Would they?

Self-employed... farmers... they're NOT employees who have JOBS. They WORK. But, they're not EMPLOYEES who have JOBS! Dammit they can twist better than 1,000 pretzel makers!

[Tatiana]

131. Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable. N/T

[Duncan Grant]

135. Oh, the pain! Norm Coleman *and * Rick Santorum

I can't believe Wellstone's supporters have to hear this crap coming out of Norm's mouth...terrible. :puke:

Jeez, it's a theatre of the obsurd!

[jsw_81]

143. More fuzzy math from our Republican friends

I'm not surprised.

[kiahzero]

130. It's Santorum!

That frothy mix of lube and fecal matter that is sometimes the byproduct of anal sex.

[VolcanoJen]

133. Most! Jobs! Ever!!!

Santorum is standing in front of a snappy chart, claiming a record 138 million jobs, plus!! extra bonus growth!! Uberposeur Norm Coleman interrupts him, pretending to understand the issues.

Zzzzz...

:boring:

[Tatiana]

136. Up is down and down is up!

These malicious liars are actually saying we've gained jobs, that we're not losing jobs internationally, that we are keeping "good jobs" and "high paying jobs" right here in the good ol' USA.

Coleman quoting Scripture now. Talking about how Bush has a vision. Those nasty Dems want to roll back Bush's tax cuts.

I'll have to take a break. I can only tolerate so many lies.

[Isome]

134. There should be a law against liars like Norm & Rick.

If there are more jobs NOW than ever, why is it that they refer to a "jobless recovery"? If there are more jobs NOW than ever before, why is it Rick UNemployment is hovering over 6%? They lie ... dammit!

[TexasPatriot]

137. He and Coleman

Their cheesy back and forth pathetic socratic garbage - does this feel like an infomercial to you?

I'm waiting for Coleman to try and sell me a flowbee haircut system.

Honestly, I hope the pubs really do intend to run on what a great job they're doing. 83% of the workers in America want to change jobs, and 56% hate their jobs. Sure pubs - run on what great economic opportunities you've created.

Amazing how out of touch these guys get when they start believing their own bullshit.

[Isome]

139. Now he's showing us how versatile his acting can be...

He's now being dramatic... I'd like to cuss him out.

[Duncan Grant]

141. Looks like Santorum's going to blow a gasket!

Sanctimonius reich-wing ideologue! -- Gawd, he's a dangerous SOB. :puke:

[Tatiana]

142. It's amazing.

They really do believe this bullshit. It's like they've been brainwashed. Now Santorum is screeching again.

Our soldiers continue to die.

No Osama.

No Saddam.

No WMDs.

We've got a jobless recovery, every day we hear about another corporation "outsourcing" American jobs to Mexico, to India, to China.

We've got a trade war with the EU over steel tariffs declared to be in violation of the free trade agreement by the WTO.

Poverty has risen.

We've got Americans without health insurance, who are one emergency room visit from bankruptcy.

We have Veterans waiting weeks and months for badly needed medical attention.

And we have Santorum raging and screaming and thumping a podium about four people who collectively make over $1 million a year not being appointed to the federal bench.

If we can't sell that message and take back the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives on the basis of the astounding lies and manipulations and general lack of caring for the people of this country -- something is seriously wrong.

[Tatiana]

132. Looks like Pryor (D - Arkansas) will be holding down the fort.

The GOP efforts to highlight the Democratic blockade of the four judgeship confirmations drew strong support from the Bush administration. "What the president continues to emphasize is that the Senate needs to move forward and give his nominees an up-or-down vote," said White House spokesman Scott McClellan.

Meanwhile, civil-rights and abortion-rights groups distributed "care packages" containing coffee and breath mints. These groups have been vocal in their opposition to the four nominees.

<snip>

While neither party expects any real progress on resolving the issue of the blocked nominations, both sides said they hoped to catch the other side napping -- literally. If that happens, both Democrats and Republicans sides pledged to spring a surprise vote. Republicans would try to push through the four federal judges that have been blocked by Democrats. The Democrats say they would call for a vote on various pieces of legislation, including one to raise the minimum wage.

"If the floor is not protected, the vote will be called," Santorum warned. He said he expected to be awake much of the night, although he added that he might try to "catch a catnap" now and then. He said he was scheduled to speak from 5 a.m. until 5:30 a.m. but would also be part of news conferences Republican leaders were scheduling on the half hour throughout the night. Santorum said he deliberately took the 5 a.m. time slot because he considered it the worst one.

On the other side, freshman Sen. Mark Pryor of Arkansas was slated to hold down the fort alone for Democrats throughout most of the wee hours.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/03317/239407.stm

[Kosmos Mariner]

138. Hold the fort Pryor!

I hope he is not the only Dem awake! What kind of plan is that? Let the rookie get pounced on by Santorum in the middle of the night?? :grr:

:dem:

[jsw_81]

140. Ricky Santorum is throwing a fit

What a little prick. Now Coleman's on. :puke:

[SahaleArm]

144. A f*ckin Dog and Pony Show.

Norm Coleman and Rick 'Man on Dog' Santorum}(!

[SahaleArm]

145. Jim No-Talent getting into the act.

:eyes:

[Duncan Grant]

148. The shame of Missouri!

He won Jean Carnahan's seat.:grr:

[Ellen Forradalom]

146. Norm is telling us to get over it

not bloody likely

[Kosmos Mariner]

147. Coleman is a Dolt!

:argh: What kind of 3rd grade logic is he using with the 168-4 comparisons? "If there was an airline that had 98% safe flights...." Poor baby, we only rolled over 98% of the time!! Of course repugs had nooooooooooooooooooooooo objections to Clinton's nominees. :puke:


:dem:

[Isome]

150. Come on Jon from New JoiZEY...

He's not letting the lies stand. *woo hooo* His delivery is a bit slow, but EXASPERATED... as in how ridiculous these people are for lying!

Go Jon!!

[Ellen Forradalom]

149. Jon Corzine (D-NJ) up

showing that 55 Clinton nominees never even got reviewed.

No vacancy crisis in Federal courts. 95% seats filled.

[La_Serpiente]

151. Let's start a new thread already

[Tatiana]

152. Here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=702506