OK, hearings over. Objectively, what did we accomplish?

[sirjohn]

All comments welcome on our effectiveness during the Alito hearnigs.

Legislative effect

Judicial effect

Ability to further restrain the Executive branch

Political with our base

Political with general public

[acmavm]

1. What did we accomplish? That's funny.

.

[EwokMyWeewok]

2. I'm laughing but not in a "ha ha" funny sort of way

more like a laughter that slowly fades to tears.

[SteppingRazor]

3. I think real discussion of this will have to come after the vote...

As far as real effect on any of the three branches of government, I think we accomplished very little. Politically, though, as long as Mrs. Scalito wailing in the benches doesn't turn people against us, we have shown that we'll stand up and ask serious questions, no matter what the situation (i.e. whether or not we have a chance to stop the nomination, which -- in this case -- I don't think we do).

But we'll have to wait for the vote to see if Democrats have the willpower to vote that way as well. Even if we don't filibuster, if there is a cohesive "no" vote among Senate Democrats, I'll be somewhat happy. I don't believe a filibuster is possible at this point.

[napi21]

4. Very little was accomplished, but that SOP!

These hearings are pretty much for show anyway. Most of the BS acting is done by the Senators trying to impress their constituents.

Did you really learn anything about the candidate?

I learned he's not nearly as knowledgeable as Roberts. He's not as charismatic as Roberts either.

We learned nothing about his opinions on anything, and that he has a selective memory.

[lyonn]

8. You pretty well got it

Today was definitely a bust. No informative follow up.

[rkc3]

5. I think the Dems showed America they don't have the spine for

a fight.

Someone should post an obit for the party - cause of death: smears by the right, a compliant media, and a lack of courage.

[Bobbieo]

7. The Hearings Are Over - So Heil Bush!

You guys think I'm kidding???

[izzie]

6. That the head man has just to much ego.

Is he the same Sen. that used to send all the directions ahead of himself when he went over seas? The were sort of funny. Lots on the hand ball courts and the temp. they had to be and such silly stuff. I am sure he has to be the one that made such a fool of him self with Hill that time.

[gratuitous]

9. The hearings are over? Or just Alito's testimony?

Odd that a "hearing" to determine something would hear from only one witness.

[sirjohn]

10. Correction - you're right - just Alito's testimonty wrapped up.

[Armstead]

11. Democrats did Okay but the Media 'Ho's fucked it up

There were a lot of hard questions and criticisms of Alito raised, especially by Durbin and feingold and Schumer.

But the Media Hos treated it like it was a Broadway show or a basketball game. They set themself up as little tin Gods, complaining about the lack of substance while they cut away from the hearings whenever real substance did come up.

[kurth]

12. Scalia now has TWO Mini-Me's: Thomas (Black version) & Alito (White)