Official Alito Hearing Thread - Day 1 – Thread 1

[Viva_La_Revolution]

On CSPAN 9:30AM!


Let the Circus begin!

[stray cat]

1. Thanks for getting it started.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

2. Milling about the room...

Beginning to take their seats...

[in_cog_ni_to]

3. I is here!

LOL....this will be FUN! Kennedy has been getting COMPLETELY trashed by the RWers calling in to C-SPAN's WJ this morning. Rush must have put out the talking points on Kennedy yesterday after his opening statement because almost EVERY RW caller called Ted a MURDERER today. I hope he rips Alito a new one!

:popcorn:

[The Witch]

6. Remember Stephi Miller's rule:

They mention Chappaquiddick, we mention Laura Bush's hood-ornament boyfriend. :rofl:

(you can tell the witch is a new englander because she didn't even hesitate on how to spell chappaquiddick)

[in_cog_ni_to]

8. Laura Bush's hood-ornament boyfriend.

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl: Oh my...that is FUNNY! Steph is just BRILLIANT!

[Fridays Child]

11. Sick.

I like that about you. :evilgrin:

[txindy]

16. Sounds plenty fair to me.

If Laura had paid for her crime, we might not be where we are today. Somewhere along the way, she actually made a difference in getting the little crackhead into power.

[converted_democrat]

4. Thank you for starting this thread.. I made up my mind to watch today...

:popcorn:

[txindy]

5. Here we go. Another day of dizziness.

They spin so hard, even Dramamine can't help me.

[Greeby]

7. Watching on Faux

Yeah, I know. But I'm a UK DU'er, and I have only 3 options for in-depth US live coverage. CNN, FAUX or the tiny C-Span screen on the net. And CNN isn't covering it

[Viva_La_Revolution]

10. here, you might need this....

when the faux hacks start bloviating...

[Greeby]

33. I change channel during recesses

Mercifully while the hearing is going on they keep their mouths shut. PLus, I've always got my guitar playing to change focus

[in_cog_ni_to]

12. : ) We understand.

Just plug your nose. The stench that FAUX emits is just disgusting.:puke:

[Crankie Avalon]

9. Photo proof that racist judicial nominee and family...

...even has to lean far right just to sit down:

[Sydnie]

14. ROFL!!! n/t

[in_cog_ni_to]

18. LOL!

:rofl: Would ya look at that? :rofl:

[txindy]

21. Now, come one. We have to admit one thing.

Scalito has no choice but to lean in the direction his wife and sister are pulling those strings. It's not his fault the 'man' is a puppet.

[Sydnie]

13. Good Morning! Here we go!

I hope they nail his ass to the fence today!

[in_cog_ni_to]

15. Morning Sydnie!

:hi: Lets go get that RAT BASTARD! :7

[Kira]

17. Is there a chance that he won't

be confirmed?

[Sydnie]

23. There's always a chance that he won't

depends on his answers and the public pressure to their reps on either side.

Yesterday, it looked like he would get the vote to move to the next step, but not strong support from the dems at all.

[in_cog_ni_to]

26. YES. The Dems may filibuster.

THEY BETTER.:grr: This man is a HUGE DANGER to this country. THIS IS IT. If they don't filibuster this man....all is lost. Literally.:( HOPEFULLY, they know that. I think may have bomb to drop. Not for sure, but just a feeling I have. AND his view on WIRETAPPING is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of bounds. He thinks it's OK to spy on citizens.:eyes:

[Kira]

30. Would the filibuster come

right after these hearings end before they vote?

[Sydnie]

35. no, it would come on the floor of the Senate n/t

[in_cog_ni_to]

47. oops...I misread your post.

Nevermind.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

19. Spector - Casey v planned parenthood...

what wt. do you give this, and what are your views on a woman's right to choose.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

24. generally courts follow presidence

tries to not answer about his own views.

[Sydnie]

28. I liked how he said the word "now"

I thought that was telling ... "I agree that the Supreme Court NOW ..."

Doesn't mean he can't sway it LATER, or that he won't try to do that very thing.

[The Witch]

29. They should ask him to spell that last word.

"Judge Alito-- do you generally follow precedents or presidents?"

[Viva_La_Revolution]

50. lol! no time for spell check!

[Atman]

20. He's just going to lie, for Christ's sake.

He's done it before, he'll do it again. Ends justify the means. This is the pinnacle, everything he's worked for. He's within an inch of the brass ring, and he's not going to let a few questions stop him.

He is a liar, nominated by an even bigger liar. Why should any of us expect this man is suddenly going to get a conscience?

[CottonBear]

25. "How do you come to grips w/ specifics in the event contraception fails?"

Alito is lying out of his ass and not answering the goddamn question.

[pberq]

34. No suprise here. This guy is a right-wing operative

[The Witch]

27. which is why the Fightin' Dems(TM) have to outwit him

they've got to force him to reveal himself.

[CottonBear]

36. Arlen is trying to get some specifics but Alito's a big weasel. n/t

[in_cog_ni_to]

32. Agree. His statement yesterday..."Judges SHOULDN'T bring their agenda

to the bench." That word "SHOULDN'T says it all because HE WILL bring HIS agenda to the bench because he's a liar. We aren't Stoooopid.:eyes:

[CottonBear]

22. Spector asking about Casey v Griswald and Roe v Wade. Here we go.

Asking about privacy and the availability of abortion in the event birth control fails and how women can participate equally in society because they can control their body.

[CottonBear]

31. This is going to be long and painful. He looks nervous (unlike Roberts.)

He is simply not going to answer anything even though he has a massive written and recorded record of his views. :(

[Viva_La_Revolution]

37. I'm watching his wifes face...

the Roe v. wade questions made her uncomfortable.

You can tell she's not even listening to Alito, her eyes are all over the place.

[CottonBear]

40. Robert's Stepford wife and cute kids were much more photgenic.

Alito, his wife and family looked scared and nervous and very uncomfortable.

[Sydnie]

42. and she has already begun yawning n/t

[ncrainbowgrrl]

62. If she's yawning already, imagine what she's gonna be doing by the end

of the day.

[The Witch]

38. He's a bit more plain-spoken than Roberts...

but he is talking so generally he comes off as less knowledgable.

oooh here comes the super-duper precedent ;-)

[CottonBear]

49. I can't fucking beleive he said "super dooper."

Jesus Christ on a fucking trailer hitch. :(

Alito seems to be saying that just because RvW was affirmed 38 times, stare decisis would not prevent him from overturning RvW.

How can he say he would have overturned RvW as a lawyer but not a s a judge? Is he so totally immoral that he would advocate against women purely for politics even if he theoretically did believe in womens' rights.

God, I detest this man. He said "that was the position that I held at the time. (anti-abortion.)
Easy for him to say since he'll never get pregnant.

[hatrack]

54. "Super-duper" - that sure conveyed "class", don't you think?

:eyes:

[Sydnie]

55. Well, I feel like a commodity now don't you?

Like picking one laudry detergent over another ... super dooper size not withstanding.

[pberq]

43. So the written record stands then.

This guy MUST be filibustered.

http://www.supremecourtwatch.org/2005_01_05.aspx

Over 500 Law Professors Sign Letter of Opposition

<snip>
Washington, DC— Today, a group of prominent law professors released a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Ranking Member Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) signed by over 500 law professors in opposition to the nomination of Judge Samuel A. Alito to the Supreme Court. Law professors from across the country have joined together to urge the Senate to reject Alito’s nomination.

“The Supreme Court is the guardian of our rights and freedoms,” the letter reads. “For decades to come, Judge Alito’s one vote could work significant changes in the law affecting these rights and freedoms.” From environmental protection to privacy to executive power, the letter outlines the case against Alito’s nomination to the high court. “Based on his 15-year record on the bench, we believe that Judge Alito would reshape the law in ways that make our country less equal and less free,” concludes the letter.

At a press conference this morning at the National Press Club, Peter Shane, professor of law at Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law and an expert on executive power, raised serious concerns about Alito’s record on presidential power. “He is resolutely deferential to assertions of executive authority, while going out of his way to invent imaginary limitations on Congress’s legislative powers,” Professor Shane said. “In the hands of the current administration, it is this same line of thinking that has spawned unprecedented claims of executive privilege, preposterous claims of authority to engage in torture, unprecedented claims to hold U.S. citizens indefinitely as enemy combatants, and now an apparent pattern of flagrant and unapologetic violations of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.”

Professor Reynaldo Valencia of St. Mary’s University School of Law spoke of Alito’s disturbing record on civil rights. “Each new troubling revelation regarding Judge Alito’s views on affirmative action, voting rights and immigrant rights demonstrates that the confirmation of Judge Alito would not serve the interests of Latinos,” said Professor Valencia.

[RufusEarl]

39. Alito hearing

I plan to watch the hearing, but I think it's a done deal Alito will get confirmed. The thing that i'll be watching for is how much this will take the attention away from the Abramoff story, to me the big story is Abramoff.

When i opened the DU forum this morning I didn't see one Abramoff thread, and that surprised me.
The Repughs will do allot of chest beating today, and do everything they can to take the focus away from Abramoff, for a few days anyway and I suggest we do try and keep the Jack story on the front burner everyday.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

41. has been reafirmed 38 times

[pberq]

44. Spector is staying with Roe - no mention of executive power

[Sydnie]

45. Specter doesn't want to touch Roe - he fears it

He would wear blinders to the whole issue if he could. He had already said that the court wouldn't overturn in and got his balls in a vice for that statement.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

46. Your comment in 1985 (Spector)

Constitution does not provide basis for womans right to choose. Do you still believe that?

That was during Reagan - Today I would approach it with an open mind.
Judge can't think like a lawyer

[Sydnie]

51. So, you can make a statement then and say

maybe I will change my mind and we will all be "Well, ok buddy, you get our vote"?

Once you get there all you have to do is say "I thought about it and I still feel the same way, sorry".

He sucks! He's sleazy. Will say what ever he needs to to "get the job". He is trying to convince us that that is what he did before ... why would now be any different?

[The Witch]

48. He's being more open than Roberts on this!

surprised. They must have focus-tested the answers.

I don't BELIEVE him, but still.

[EST]

57. Since we can't see his hands, watch the slant of his head.

As I recall, if it tilts to the right, he's being creative (Lying?), to the left, analytical.

[Sydnie]

59. I was watching hi sthumb yesterday

looked like he was playing the drum solo to "Wipeout".

[EST]

86. Me, too.

He was playing some strong music, with his right thumb carrying the beat and the left running syncopated.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

52. Executive Power

Do you believe the same as OConner? (Spector)

yes.

Bill of rights applies at all times, especially during times of war and times of crisis, that's when it's needed most.

Electronic Surveillance -

[The Witch]

53. c'mon arlen

:popcorn:

[pberq]

56. Specter - asking about executive power

Alito claims that he agrees that the President doesn't have unlimited power in time of war.

[CottonBear]

58. Now Arlen's asking about NSA and FISA spying...

Asking about Congress role in the FISA process...

[Viva_La_Revolution]

60. oh that memo just discusses theoretical questions.

It was a rough first effort, detailing the admins. position.


Once again, claiming it's not his opinion. :eyes:

[Viva_La_Revolution]

61. Leahy (D) up now...

[ncrainbowgrrl]

63. "it gets beyond theoretical"

HaH!

[Sydnie]

66. asking about the signing statements

They shouldn't be allowed, imho. The law is the law damnit! Why do we need the legislaive branch if the President can negate the laws they pass with a stroke of his pen?

[pberq]

64. Leahy is up!

[CottonBear]

65. Senator Leahy: outlawing torture and pResident's signing statement Q.

Alito says he's never considered "signing statement" by a president. Leahy is asking about privacy ofAmerican citizens.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

68. Do you believe the pres. has the authority to override

congress?

You have to look at the specifics of the situation.

Leahy - I'm a little troubled by this. are you saying there are cases where the Pres. would be above the law?

Pres. has to take care that the law is faithfully executed. But sometimes there are special cases.

Leahy - so you're saying yes.

Well maybe

[DoYouEverWonder]

71. Scalito can't seem to bring himself to admit

that torture is immoral and illegal.

So far I'm not impressed. He's making Clarence Thomas look bright.

[in_cog_ni_to]

77. He makes me sick.

Just to THINK ANYONE appointed to the SCOTUS thinks it's OK for the prez to be above the LAW...IS SICKENING.

[CottonBear]

83. He doesn't seem bright at all. Roberts seems brilliant in comparison.

He is weasly.

[in_cog_ni_to]

94. He seems timid, scared and intimidated by this whole thing.

Kinda odd for a judge...he's hiding something and he fears the Dems are going to drop the bomb? I can hope.

[Sydnie]

67. thumbs are going crazy! LOL n/t

[CottonBear]

70. "Twilight zone" (i.e. use of torture is OK) thumbs going crazy, he's lying

because he believes in the imperial presidency and not the 3 co-equal branches of gov't.

[Skidmore]

69. I don't believe this man is honest.

I think he's saying what he thinks they want to hear.

[babylonsister]

73. That's a given, sadly. I think he'd be a *bot myself. nt

[LizW]

72. I can't believe that this guy will not say

that the president cannot ignore or immunize others from ignoring a law enacted by Congress.

"You have to look at the specifics..."

This exchange alone should bring about a filibuster.

[nickinSTL]

76. this should hit even the Repub Senators...

if Bush can make them irrelevant, why would they even need to be there? (aside from giving the imperial presidency an aura of legitimacy)?

They approve this guy, they may well be signing away their own power...and maybe their jobs...

[in_cog_ni_to]

74. HE WOULD give the prez that power and all that is required is

A DIFFERENT INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION! Alito is connected to The Federalists. We KNOW how THEY interpret the Constitution!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

75. Do you believe that the Pres. has the right to circumvent the FISA

law and spy on Americans?

Well, it would depend. I would have to know the arguements on both sides

[in_cog_ni_to]

78. HE WILL BE FILIBUSTERED NOW.

They WILL NOT let this man on the court.

[LizW]

81. From your keyboard to God's ear! n/t

[Viva_La_Revolution]

80. Leahy - they spied on protestors and Quakers...

I worry about this. Congress hasn't done anything about it, and the Pres. has authorised it? Shouldn't they have their day in court?


yes. 4th Amendment is important (prodded into this one)

[CottonBear]

92. Leahy asking about why it's ok to stripsearch 10 yr olds

and usurp the power of the magistrate.

Alito is trying to weasel out of this one: "...the rather technical issue was about who could be searched according to the warrant (people on the premisis.)..."

Leahy: You went beyond the 4 corners of the search warrant...I'm worried...the court should protect individaul against over reaching gov't.

[LizW]

79. Leahy --- LOL!

"I don't know why they spent all that money. If they want to find a Vermonter protesting the war in Iraq, they could just turn on C-Span. I do it all the time!"

:rofl:

[Nimrod2005]

98. I think Leahy is leaning against Scalito?

:bounce: :sarcasm:

[txindy]

82. These people are just too bizarre for words. What IS that?!

Is that considered an outfit? She looks like one of the 3 Musketeers.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

85. Did you see it before she sat down?

lovely aqua over jacket (knee length) over a lovely aqua pantsuit with fabulous frills at the neck! Fabulous! :rofl:

[in_cog_ni_to]

88. You're so bad.

:rofl:

[txindy]

91. Oh. My. God.

If her husband told her she looked good (or even acceptable), then that's enough to question his good judgment right there. Sheesh.

[oasis]

84. Government spying on Quakers in Vermont. We'll be hearing more on

this by Leahy before the NSA scandal is over.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

87. Now bringing up search of 10 year old girl

OMG! they only had a search warrant for the man NOT the woman and girl! and he ruled for it! OMG
Do you continue to hold to that decision?


Yes, I believe it was correct. questioned whether the warrant covered the property, and persons on it. There's no 4th amendment law that says a minor can't be searched.

Leahy - you went beyond the specifics of the warrant.

You have to take into account what was going on there. Drugs were on the premises. Police report said that. Judge who issued warrant said probable cause.

[in_cog_ni_to]

89. RUH ROH....

this guy is toast.

[malaise]

101. Toast or breadcrumbs

I'd prefer breadcrumbs. Leahy is killing him. Here comes the Princeton Alumni.

[MoonRiver]

95. Mrs. Alito looks like she's about to blow a gasket!

She has previously been smiling into the camera non-stop. Once the strip search of 10 year old was brought up she started staring fixedly sideways with a frozen scowl. Truth hurts, a lot.

[DoYouEverWonder]

90. Glad he brought that up

It's not just internet speculation. Now it's in the public record. Go Leahy.

[txindy]

93. I'm glad, too. Now he needs to bring up the broom handle case

Often.

[in_cog_ni_to]

97. YES! SOMEONE WILL.

No doubt.

[Nimrod2005]

96. Will Leahy throw a chair at him in few minutes?

He is fucken defending the search of a 10 year old girl?

[in_cog_ni_to]

100. Unbelievable, isn't it?

THAT alone should keep him off the bench, but there's SO much more on this man that is even WORSE. He's not going to be confirmed. Not with these answers.

[CottonBear]

99. I spent 10 yrs in law enforcement & I don't know of any case when it's OK

to strip search A TEN YEAR OLD GIRL. (said slowly and with anger jsut under the surface. he's pissed off.)

Damn. The family looked totally stunned.

Leahy said this and then went on to another sbject...ethnic and religous prejudice....

[Viva_La_Revolution]

102. Official Alito Hearing Thread - Day 1 – Thread 2

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x97051

[converted_democrat]

105. Thank you!! n/t

[DoYouEverWonder]

103. Princeton - CAP group

Wanted to keep out women and minorities. 1985 Alito listed membership in this group on a job app.

Why was he proud of being a member of CAP?

Can't remember being member of org. Ha, ha, ha....

[DoYouEverWonder]

108. Switching topic to his ROTC getting thrown off campus

He was ready for this. Can't remember my ass.

[LizW]

104. Asking about CAP (racist organization)

Alito's claiming he can't remember being a member!

[babylonsister]

106. His memory is sounding like Rove's. Gimme a break! nt

[Atman]

107. "I put it on my application, but I don't remember belonging?"

JESUS FUCKING CHRIST! Is this guy's ass going to burst into flames before our eyes? What a fucking liar!

[Nimrod2005]

109. OMG!!! Is he perjuring himself? right now? saying he can't remember?

How can he not remember? He is not old and this was too long ago...OMG!!!

[ncrainbowgrrl]

110. Locking-time for thread #2.

Thread #2 is over here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x97051