Sen. Obama Criticizes Filibuster Tactic
To more effectively oppose Supreme Court nominees in the future, Democrats need to convince the public “their values are at stake” rather than use stalling tactics to try to thwart the president, said a senator who opposes Samuel Alito's confirmation. ... But Obama joined some Democrats, including Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Charles Schumer of New York, in expressing his unhappiness with the filibuster bid.“There's one way to guarantee that the judges who are appointed to the Supreme Court are judges that reflect our values. And that's to win elections,” Obama said
Umm, Senator Obama, I thought you were a Democrat. I haven't heard anything from you convincing me, the public, or anyone else for that matter, that my 'values are at stake.“ So, instead of wringing your hands, and half-heartedly opposing Alito, why don't you act? Are you already lining up your DLC consultant gig because you are bored of being a Senator?
Update: apparently, Atrios and Josh Marshall second this opinion.
I get very tired of Democrats using their very limited TV time to say things like ”we need to do better“ or ”we need to do a better job explaining our views to the America.“ Just do it! Start explaining! Do better!
and Josh Marshall:
Sen. Obama (D-IL) said this morning that Democrats need to focus on convincing voters that ”their values are at stake“ in cases like the Alito hearings rather than relying on procedural gambits like the filibuster.But I'm not sure I understand why it has to be either/or.
The fundamental challenge for Democrats on the judicial front is that these debates are too drowned in technical jurisprudential debates to really resonate with the public. So I think Obama is certainly right on that count. I would add that confirmation debates like this one tend to be focused on too narrow a set of issues. There's an elemental of Mark Schmitt's 'policy literalism' in play here.
But again, why does it have to be one or the other? I don't get that.
The nomination is a sop to the president's rightwing base. The man is a rightwing ideologue. He doesn't belong on the court. There's nothing to be ashamed of in doing everything possible to prevent his being seated if there's any chance of success.
Dick Durbin, on the other hand, has been vocally and publicly present. Thanks Senator Durbin. As I've probably said before, of the two, in my opinion Durbin is far, far more effective of a Senator than the mealy-mouthed Obama.
Senator Richard J Durbin [IL]
Washington 202-228-0400 (fax)
Marion 618-997-0176 (fax)
Springfield 217-492-4382 (fax)
Chicago 312-353-0150 (fax)
Senator Barack Obama [IL]
Washington 202-228-4260 (fax)
Springfield 217-492-5099 (fax)
Chicago 312-886-3514 (fax)
Marion 618-997-2850 (fax
Tags: Barrack_Obama, /judicial_activism
Obama=HUGE disappointment. Why offer a figleaf to these guys, as he did on This Week today? The Rove/Cheney/DeLay crew are not interested in playing nice, and are the most partisan hacks ever. Obama saying we should limit partisanship now and work with Bush is particularly foolish knowing what we know about their tactics and their willingness to overlook inconveniences like the Constitution; his delivery is annoying as well. I think he's another Lieberman.
Hey, Barack--nice guys finish last!
Anyone claiming that European style socialism is not a destination of the current left wing in America is either illiterate to the point of imbecility or an categorical prevaricator. Socialism is a organization that attempts to put both industry and money dominance adjunct to a central government agency for "fair" or "equitable" distribution under central planners. When the authorities purchase a major interest in GM, that IS Socialism! When the regime seeks to control the Health Care system, that IS Socialism! When the government gives billions to Wall Street to distribute their risk throughout the total population, that IS Socialism!
Barack Obama's book, "The Audacity of Hope," shows a appealing title. It has a taste of bravery mixed with full confidence. There's nothing Pollyanna regarding this. I may well not support every part he tells, but he's our president, and for me, he inspires confidence. That can do more for just a region than any number of backroom deals. Hope gives us energy, and energy sustains us through trying times. Boy, we've had them. I'm from West Texas, and I did not vote for Bush. When McCain ran against Obama, I used to be a citizen of Arizona, but I gave audacious hope a chance. The fight for progress and laying the foundations of prosperity is just not over. I have seen the quips of those that don't think Obama is capable of it. But step back a second. Would anyone have most of us fail simply to tarnish the star of an incumbent for whom they did not vote? Attempting to keep our priorities straight, let's work together with this president and build our future.