Recently, 41 Democratic Senators have blocked John Bolton's nomination as ambassador to the United Nations on the basis that the White House was withholding critical information.
Recently, Senator Dick Durbin said this:
"The senator
has said he voted against Judge Roberts two years ago because the nominee was not sufficiently responsive to questions. Today, Mr. Durbin told The Associated Press, "If he is open and honest, I think it will go a long way."
Thus, if Judge Roberts wants to become Justice Roberts, the Democrats in the Senate should make it clear that he'd better answer every damn question to their satisfaction, or they will filibuster on the basis that he is "withholding critical information" by not answering pertinent questions put to him by the Senators. No "wouldn't want to prejudge a case" evasions. Answer the questions about his views on existing Supreme Court caselaw, or face a filibuster. It's quite simple, really, and a good line in the sand for the Democrats in the minority to draw.
If the Democrats want to make John Roberts' nomination squirm this is the way to do it. If Roberts will not answer their questions, then they have every right not to confirm him, just as they did with Bolton's nomination.
If he answers all the questions truthfully and faithfully, fine. But no hem-hawing around the issues and eating up time until the next friendly question. The Democrats should see it as their duty to make sure the American People know what sort of judge they are getting on the Supreme Court. If the nominee doesn't answer questions aimed at informing the public about his judicial philosophy, then his nomination should be denied until he DOES answer the questions. Just as with John Bolton.
Crossposted at Daily Kos
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