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Subscribe to RSSA first for President Obama's term in office: Republicans derailed his nominee for the federal bench.
The president's choice for 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, Goodwin Liu, was blocked by the Senate after failing to reach the needed 60 votes to invoke cloture and proceed to a vote on the nomination itself.
Liu is a 39-year-old professor of law at University of California at Berkeley, and Republicans call him an ideologue who they believe would become a judicial activist if confirmed for the bench. Democrats pointed out the Liu received a wide range of endorsements. Liu had testified against the nominations of Supreme Court Justices Roberts and Alito.
Even GOP Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham -- who had been part of the so-called Gang of 14 that negotiated a deal to prevent judicial filibusters and defer to a president's choice except in "extraordinary cases" -- voted against Liu.
Alaska GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski broke with her party to support Liu's nomination.
Democrats needed seven Republicans to join them.
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Always the same excuse. Dems do the same. Will it ever end.
rangewolf, are you a real native american like me? i doubt it. if you were you would have enough sense to not call obama a socialist. he's a corporate democrat just like clinton was. just because he can complete a sentence unlike the very dim bulb gw bush doesn't mean squat. his whole cabinet is from wallstreet.
Calling Obama a Socialist is an insult to Socialists...I've talked to two people that claim to be Socialists and they're just as upset with Obama for doing "so little" (their words) as conservatives are that he's done "so much".
Obama is a much better speaker than Bush (who isn't?) but the ability to deliver a speech without stumbling over your words does not qualify you to lead the most powerful country...military...economy...in the world.
I'm a conservative on most issues so it pains me to say that the current crop of Republican candidates don't stand a chance of beating Obama in 2012.
Since we are likely in for a second Obama term I whole heartedly wish the President luck. I hope (but have doubts) that he can lead us through this economic hardship and back to prosperity.
I hope that when Obama leaves office following his second term his successor isn't burdened with the kind of problems that Obama inherited (problems that he made worse in many cases)
I oppose the nomination of Mr. Liu, but I think he deserves a vote like any other nominee.
Good luck America...we need it.
The Republicans don't want a Democracy, they want a Monarchy where a handful of Wealthy people run everything. They don't trust nor want a Government ran by "We the People"!
You mean Oligarchy, all the power in the hands of a few who consider themselves elite.
I think the Republicans think we Dems want a Theocracy with Barrack as God. While I would vote for that, I'm not sure if Ms. Barrack wants to be Ms. God.
Would Mr. Liu be an activist judge? I can't say for certain and neither can anyone other than Mr. Liu himself. Does his record suggest that he could become an activist judge? I think so.
Activist judges (from either side) are very bad for the legal system and the country.
A judge is supposed to use his or her best judgement to apply the letter of the law to legal matters brought before them.
It should not be within a judge's power to as they say "legislate from the bench". A judge is not supposed to make law...Congress is supposed to. What is the point of having a Legislature (Congress) if a judge can simply interpret the law any way they want?
If the Republicans truly believe that Mr. Liu would be an activist judge then they are right to fight to stop him from taking the bench...just as the Democrats were right to try to fight candidates they thought would be conservative activists.
It is portrayed that most of the so called activist judges are liberals but that is because the majority of our laws lean conservative so a move away from the long held interpretation of the law is usually a move in the liberal direction.
I read a couple of comments about "Recess Appointments". I must say that as a voter and a taxpayer I am outraged that the President (any President Republican or Democrat) can simply skip the Congressional approval step and put pretty much anyone he wants into a position of power. It is a power that has been abused far too often by recent Presidents and it is an issue I'd like to see dealt with.
And who might those recent Presidents be and their appointments?
Obama/Bush/Clinton...and EVERYONE they appointed without Congressional approval.
perhaps they should have allowed a vote instead of fillibustering.
As usual, Republicans block anyone or anything that promotes freedom and equality. Calling him an idealogue.. Yeah right, who's the ideologues? Who's forcing their religious views up everyones arse?
The only reason they would block this guy, is because they feel he will grant freedom and equality on subjects or to people that the repubs want to keep persecuting and treating unfairly.
GOP=RELIGIOUS FASCISTS!
god you liberal sheep are a hoot; always the same idiotic "fascist" rants you've been spoon-fed to believe. i doubt you even know what the word means let alone be able to describe how republicans are supposedly fascist. and who says Liu "promotes freedom and equality"? you?
Aw, Obammie's having a really bad day.
Let me guess, you're trying to make that sound like Mammy? Any reason for saying it that way?
If you're going to attack the President, at least be Man enough to attack him on the Merits and leave the Racial Slurs on the ash heap of History...
Actually, let them use the slurs... It pretty much negates any point they may have wanted to make(If there was even one to begin with)... I'd much rather let their slander expose their bigotry... Makes it easier to identify them and know from what point of reference they are coming from...
What they fail to realize is racialism, while still very much alive, is a failed philosophy... It is on it's way out... These are the death knells... Loud, whiney, long annoying death knells...
They are dying...AND they know it....
Do you go to bed every night cursing the world because a black man is president?
[Vote Dem Out!!
Aw, Obammie's having a really bad day.]
...VDO doesn't have the balls to say that he doesn't like black people, so he hides like a coward behind his bigotry.
We need judges that interrupt the law not make the law from the bench. This judge likes to be both legislature and the judicial wing of the government in one. We need moderate open minded judges not ultra conservative or ultra liberal with their own agendas.
Well, your "interruption" of events leaves a lot to be desired, that's for sure.
We already have judges that "interupt" the law... Our very own Supreme court... Bush v Florida.. Bush v Gore... Citizens United... Dred Scot...
LOL, HighValor, I guess the court does interrupt the law, doesn't it?
Sometimes this stuff just writes itself...lol
Good. This anti-semetic President should get no co-operation from any congressman or senator that wants my vote. I am a tried and true Democrat that is now seriously thinking about voting for whatever candidate the Republicans field - at least that person wouldn't sell Israel down the river.
There is no more money you fools. The government takes in only 60 cents for every dollar it spends. Think about that for just a moment. Try it at home for a month. See how it works for you. They must raise everyones taxes and that will destroy business and jobs. We will all be on welfare. You either srink the size and scope of government or die. The Teaparty and the GOP are our only chance. Everything else written here is a joke. I know tax the "rich" make those evil companies pay. What a useless joke.
Uh, yeah, john, you seem to be lost.
Do you have anything to say about this topic?
go cry JC; pointing out that other people arent on topic isnt saying something about the topic on your part genius
Gee, Rob, are you ever on topic?
Tell the truth, now: How much does MSNBC pay you to make an @!$%# out of yourself every day?
Yeah, it sure looks like that "Gang of 14" thing worked out, all right.
Every bit as well as the "Gang of 6".
The next phase, of course, is for the Republicans to piss and moan, an bitch and cry like pussies about the awful partisanship if the Dems pull the same @!$%# on them in the future.
Even that old racist "Pull the Plug on Granny" Grassley out did himself on this one: "Oooh, he's Chinese! He must be a commie!"
Isn't this the same senate that moaned and threatened because the said Alito deserved an up or down vote?
An oh so slightly different makeup, but those are all the same folks... Isn't it amazing how quickly convictions change when President is of the other party...
Obstructionists, pure and simple... Makes me glad I'm an Independent...Both sides are fools
High Valor, I don't think the fools are confined to either, or both, parties. Plenty of indies, I hope not you, are just as foolish, or even moreso as they bounce back and forth, not knowing or having any guiding principles. Which is different in what way than the two major parties? It's not, at least not really.
I'm at the point that I don't much care which party one is affiliated with, just give me someone, ANYONE, that supports the constitution and is willing to limit our government to those duties and powers conferred to it by the constitution. The rest of this is for show. But the view from inside the toilet bowl isn't very attractive. I don't know which to hope for--the quick flush, or someone, some movement maybe, to help get us out of it.
Obama certainly is NOT the answer. He's not even one of the possible answers if it were a multiple choice quiz. But we've got him for at least another 20 months or so.
The 9th circuit known for its left extreme agenda, Good riddance!.
Bad news, Anthony: The Senate did not vote the 9th Circuit out of existence.
Maybe you should read the article...
We love America and hate the Republican bolshevik tactics. We will give you credit for being confused by the rhetoric aimed at your limited intellect.
Bull@!$%#. The writers to this column often are as useless as the politicians themselves, unable to ascertain what is going on or what to do about it--like a white glove inspection. Lots of words, but no substance.
Pretty damn disgusting. I'm a former republican, can't ever imagine voting for another one. They'd rather distroy the country if they think it'll make the rich guy just a little richer. Frikkin idiots.
you cant even spell destroy; and i don't usually correct spelling; but good riddance; enjoy your Dem party; you probably never wer a Republican anyway; lemming
we are at a 50-year high in the poverty rate; so who has made people poorer; obama or bush?
Clara and Laurie...I don't know from whom you took your classes on the constitution, but there is no such thing as a recess appointment for a lifetime nomination. If you went to college to learn your drivel, please inform us which one so we don't waste our money there as well.
As a very conservative/libertarian voter I recognize this as payback politics. The above quotes about giving a presidential nominee a vote were right, and show the hypocrisy of the right. But don't get all holier-than-thou my pathetic leftist friends here--your party is just as bad, I'd say worse, at this constitutional hypocrisy.
I'd love it if every nominee got a vote, like the constitution I think means. Elections matter and they have consequences, and the fact that in 2008 we elected one of our least wise presidents ever doesn't mean that voters should be allowed to escape the consequences of that election if, and only if, the opposition party decides to pee all over the constitution to protect them. You elected Obama, you should get all the bad outcomes that entails. How else will you ever learn?
Sadly I have to endure those bad outcomes with you. But there is no better alternative. Yet.
Most of what obama has done lately should be blocked..............
There is no law anymore - it's all just politics.
We know in advance how a court will rule, not by the legal position, but by the politics of the judges. The idea that law was above politics is dead. Why should we be surprised when politics is played in confirming judges.
Grins, sorry to see you have become so cynical. I hate to ask then...When was it ever not the case that the law was just a part of politics? It has always been this way, and not just in our American history, but in all of human history. Sometimes a bit worse, sometimes a bit better, but never pure. In scientific terms, that IS the law.
I suppose - I remember reading about FDR trying to stack the court to get his NRA stuff through. There has been a pretense about precident and coherency in the law. I really hate to give up the idea that there was a law above transitory politics.
I understand the law is all about who the case comes before - just hoping for more. Just pointing out that respect for the law goes out the window when it is all about the politics.
There is no longer any excuse for respect of the law and judges. Justice is just politics and subject to the same treatment.
it's only right to oppose dangerous radical left-wing ideologues
These Repugs want to be President when they can't even work together for the good of the people! It is already a said given that they are NOT going to cooperate with President Obama with anything he tries to do as the WINNER of the Presidential position for the last three years.
We have to make sure we DON'T give the keys to the White House to these kids in grown men bodies, if they act like big bullies now, what will their actions be if given the keys to the White House?!!! We need grown and suture people to assist the President to HELP those of us that have paid taxes and worked hard to build a better world for our children and their children! Not the childish attitudes of these Repugs who PROMISED JOBS and haven't said anything else about it since fooling people into voting for them. For ONCE we need elected officials that would assist the President and helping those who need the much needed help, the middle and poor people NOT the rich!!!
Yes I am a grandmother who is 50 years old and TOTAL disagree with the Ryan plan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i guess some idiots on the left are too stupid to see how stupid they look asking Republicans where jobs are that obama, pelosi, and reid insist they have "saved or created" by the millions
i cant believe the loser left is still whining that Bush beat Gore. you'd think the loser left would have a sense of shame. bush won fair and square
The title of this report should be: Dem majority in the senate fail to pass Liu's judicial nomination.
There are more repblicans in th senate for a reson and 2012 is going to smart the liberals way more.
You can't pass what you can't vote on. You can't vote on what doesn't make closure. Hence, filibustered!
This isn't current news. This is yesterday's news, last weeks news, last years news and last two years news. Republicans stopping any progress. The right trying to put as many "wins" under their belt as they can, at the expense of Americas future, for no other reason than to counteract Obamas successes, or try to make it look like he can't accomplish things. The good old party of NOPe.
Wow Obama hasn't done anything constructive, except give all unions waivers on health care. He will try and buy votes anyway he can. Too bad we don't have any money for him to use. He can use his own. Read he is worth 12 million. That should give him enough to pay people off with his money.
So I guess after he is re-elected there will be investigations that lead to his removal, due to all the illegal methods he uses to get votes. Talk all you want with no idea of what actually is going on, make up all the facts you want to. If the money is there and it's all legal, then there will be lots of right wing whiners but no right wing winners.
Wow I thought that Obama extended the Bush tax cuts. I guess you lefties forgot that already. Obama didn't raise taxes he just kept the Bush tax cuts. He didn't lower any taxes.
The bush cuts were a favor to gain republican votes, political chips. Don't make it sound like Obama passed something the republicans didn't want. It was a concession. Didn't work out well for Obama since Repubs still won't help him, but that doesn't make the bush tax cuts all his fault. Why talk bad about something the right wanted, when you obviously favor the right. Obama did them a favor, and is still going two terms.
maybe, maybe not ---- a lot can happen in the next 17 months.
Not if you are republican, the plan is for nothing to happen.
i meant in terms of who the independent voters favor. ---- right now, it close to 50-50 depending upon the state.
Never surprised about anything McCain does, he is the one that Knew about Founder Joe Vogler and still brought his spokeswoman and a pass seven year member to the GOP National Stage to try to push her as VP (a position she didn't know what the job was) to have entrance into the White House to destroy from within!!! Whatever you do DON'T ask her what type of bill has he helped pass... LOL!
He should have NEVER been re-elected as Senator.... that's right he loss because of that choice, and once again he isn't using that half of brain he has!!!! All he have to hear is that the voters is upset with his decision and he will flip flop in support!! He is just that type of wave!
clinton is the one who made poll-watching famous.
what does this babble mean?
Dems had 4 years to repeal the Bush tax cuts; you lib losers make the most pathetic excuses. you could have repealed them but now you try to spin it as obama compromising. dont blame others because dems and obama "compromised" their own supposed values. none of that stops the loser left from insisting the bush tax cuts destroyed the economy. so why did you so easily compromise on what you consider such a bad thing??
No worries, the republicans plan on insuring that nothing happens anytime soon. Those tax cuts will go away simply by doing nothing, they will expire. So, please, continue blocking progress, at least now they can expire.
And why is it that dems compromising with republicans on stuff that republicans want is such a bad concept to the right. You got what you wanted and now you want to make Obama the bad guy for helping you. America can see what the right is up to.
they already expired once leftard; it's hard to read the stupidity you post
oppie; seen your posts before; you're a JOKE. how can you say it was a "compromise" to renew the Bush tax cuts out of one side of your mouth; and insist those very same tax cuts destroyed the economy out of the other side of your mouth?
They didn't expire, they were extended which is why we still have them. Or are these not the bush tax cuts as you described them. Cause if you call them the Obama tax cuts then I guess he did something good like cutting taxes. So bush tax cuts or Obama tax cuts, cant have it both ways. Did they expire and become Obamas, or are they bush's.
they were extended leftard; with huge Dem votes; after dems FAILED to repeal them during dem's 4 YEARS as a majority of BOTH chambers of congress
Those tax cuts added to the snowball of a decade of bad economic decisions. Over a decade, those cuts produced the mess we are in. A two year extension didn't help but it in no way compares to what a decade of cuts added to our deficit and debt. I would like to see any account tell us two years can equal the same amount of accured damage as ten years.
Wow, rob, first you say they expired, now you say they were extended. Which is it , did they expire or not. Are they Bush's cause they were extended. Or are they now Obamas cause they expired?