Totally on point and to which should be added that he has now, along with Trump's hate filled campaign bringing clarity to the hate that fills the Republican base, made it necessary possibly for just enough Republicans to have to come along in the Senate to actually confirm the nominee the president will send.
They will reject that nominee at their peril in states that swing.
They will reject that nominee at their peril in states that swing.
5
I vote independent. But was registered Republican because I live in a close primary state. This last piece of crud by McConnell was the final straw. I re-registered Democrat and will vote for Hillary in the primary and hopefully in the general. If Bernie wins the nomination I will vote for him in the general. I want governance and could care less if the government officials have a D or R by their names. Republicans have for the last 8 yrs obstructed and bomb threw. Democrats have tried to rule and fix problems. I do not think I am alone in my decision.
20
A question for those in Congress who 1) believe President Obama should not nominate a Scalia replacement or 2) would hold up the appointment of anyone the president might nominate: You argue that because this is an election year, we should wait for the newly-elected president to make the appointment and for the Senate to then confirm or deny. Following your reasoning, should we also defer Supreme Court justice nominations or votes on such nominations during mid-term election years, when fully one-third of the seats in the U.S. Senate are in play? After all the Senate is tasked with an essential role in the process--advise and consent. Shouldn't the American electorate have an opportunity to select members of that body knowing that an important Supreme Court appointment is pending?
6
"He felt compelled to get out in front of the base’s ire over the Scalia replacement to avoid a later challenge to his leadership perch."
If so, this at least mitigates the Trump trauma.
To allow Obama to appoint a new Justice at this late date, to sit for maybe 30-40 years, when they don't have to, would simply be nuts.
If so, this at least mitigates the Trump trauma.
To allow Obama to appoint a new Justice at this late date, to sit for maybe 30-40 years, when they don't have to, would simply be nuts.
This piece basically describes the living embodiment of what's wrong in American politics. The perpetual election cycle and "winning" becomes the entire focus. Lost in all of that is the idea of our system is that they're actually supposed to be doing some stuff over there in Washington that makes our lives better. What a pathetic man.
10
Our country has terrible problems with which to deal. "Right" perspectives interfere with almost anything that can be done to solve the problems. McConnell is a key player in this blockage-empowered, articulate, and utterly nasty-the sourest of sour lemons. Democracy. What democracy: blocking voters, hindering voters, blocking appointments, defying the unsaid ways of making congress work to represent diverse points of view.....anything, to jam their bleak point of view down our throats and have their way. Democracy.
4
Sad to see someone wanting to win at all costs. The problems of addiction aren't limited to those with the issue, like the gambler or drunk driver, and may produce a lot of other damage. Instead of using the control of the legislature to forward their own agenda the inability to govern has brought out many other groups to fill the void. The far right is pushing that the people in the current government are the top issue and the far left the system itself. Not thinking of the consequences of our actions only results in a number of unintended consequences.
3
The Constitution is clear. The President nominates a justice. That's 50% of the power. The Senate has the power to advise and consent. That's the other 50%. The Constitutional Convention in late 1787 grudgingly conceded the nominating power to the President. Before this denouement, the Convention felt appointments were entirely in the realm of the Senate. Madison and others recorded a fear that exclusive selection powers left to the Senate would result in corrupt bargaining among Senators. A nomination from the President would filter the drama and focus the appointment on one person. Over the years, the Senate rejected many nominations, almost forty, most without hearings or votes, for many reasons. That's the Senate's decision. Obama won in 2012 but the Republicans won the Senate in 2014. It's not about who won what election. It's about the Constitutional structure.
The Constitution gives the legislature - the Congress - the power to determine the size of the Supreme Court. The original size of the Court, determined by Congress and endorsed by President Washington in 1789, set the size at six Justices. Congress and the President agreed to an even number, in part, to guarantee that the Court could not overturn a lower court decision without a supermajority of four votes, since a three-three tie left the lower court decision in place. The 1789 law showed deference to lower, local courts.
Hard math, lefties, but furrow your eyebrows and read some history.
The Constitution gives the legislature - the Congress - the power to determine the size of the Supreme Court. The original size of the Court, determined by Congress and endorsed by President Washington in 1789, set the size at six Justices. Congress and the President agreed to an even number, in part, to guarantee that the Court could not overturn a lower court decision without a supermajority of four votes, since a three-three tie left the lower court decision in place. The 1789 law showed deference to lower, local courts.
Hard math, lefties, but furrow your eyebrows and read some history.
It's the Koch brothers. SCOTUS vets EPA regulations. And it's Citizens United. And it's extreme gerrymandering. And it's stopping Democrats from voting by enacting questionable voter ID laws, restricting voter hours so that poor working people can't vote and forbidding online voter reg and vote by mail. A more just majority in the SCOTUS would scuttle a lot of these unjust policies. Republicans cannot win without cheating.
7
Thanks to you, Sen McConnell, we now have the 2 top Republican nominees, Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Good luck.
3
I couldn't agree more although I'm not convinced Trump is a Republican. I do wonder however if the people who will vote for Cruz because they are tired of the infighting know how he will bring colleagues together when he is abhored by both parties?
1
Why has McConnell picked this fight? The answer may be found with the competing ideologies at issue during our nation's founding.
Specifically, had Mitch McConnell been one of the nation's founders, his parallel personality from that time frame is Aaron Burr, who as Hamilton claimed did not have any core principles.
Toward this end Hamilton issued the following remark, in his description of Burr, when Hamilton endorsed his ideological opposite, Thomas Jefferson, for the presidency: ".....He(Burr) is beyond redemption except by the plunder of his country. His public principles have no other spring or aim than his own aggrandizement....If he can he will certainly disturb our institutions to secure himself permanent power and with it wealth....."
The above quote is in line with the description this article paints of McConnell today.
Although, unlike Burr, McConnell never switched political parties, he has demonstrated he is willing to move comfortably towards the various extremes of the past and present GOP for the sole purpose of ensuring his Senate seat.
If the current crop of GOP pretenders were among our founders, the outcome of the Revolutionary War may have turned out completely different.
Specifically, had Mitch McConnell been one of the nation's founders, his parallel personality from that time frame is Aaron Burr, who as Hamilton claimed did not have any core principles.
Toward this end Hamilton issued the following remark, in his description of Burr, when Hamilton endorsed his ideological opposite, Thomas Jefferson, for the presidency: ".....He(Burr) is beyond redemption except by the plunder of his country. His public principles have no other spring or aim than his own aggrandizement....If he can he will certainly disturb our institutions to secure himself permanent power and with it wealth....."
The above quote is in line with the description this article paints of McConnell today.
Although, unlike Burr, McConnell never switched political parties, he has demonstrated he is willing to move comfortably towards the various extremes of the past and present GOP for the sole purpose of ensuring his Senate seat.
If the current crop of GOP pretenders were among our founders, the outcome of the Revolutionary War may have turned out completely different.
6
Specifically, had Mitch McConnell been one of the nation's founders, his parallel personality from that time frame is Aaron Burr, who as Hamilton claimed did not have any core principles.
====================
Seriously? You've been out in the sun too long.
Burr conspired with a foreign country (Spain) to detach large areas of the western US to set up a separate country with himself as king.
If you think anything McConnell does is anything like setting up a new country with himself as despot I have to question your judgement.
====================
Seriously? You've been out in the sun too long.
Burr conspired with a foreign country (Spain) to detach large areas of the western US to set up a separate country with himself as king.
If you think anything McConnell does is anything like setting up a new country with himself as despot I have to question your judgement.
1
Hamilton was no prize either. He was extremely duplicitous. The pity is that Hamilton did not aim to kill as did Burr.
1
Leader McConnell has appeared to be a spiteful creature of deep fear that Progressives, especially by vaulting a brilliant young African American into an historic Presidency, were organized to deconstruct the manipulation and abuse of the Reagan charade.
The ghosts of massive governmental caulk ups coupled with the horrific anti democratic Supreme Court appointment of the inarguably worst President since the invention of the automatic car transmission allowed a new multicultural and center left majority to take permanent hold.
He was not only tethered to this disgraceful implosion of Republican legitimacy, he had full naming responsibility with nefarious self serving icons like, Richard Nixon, Oliver North, Dick Cheney, Robert DeLay and the entire Bush cabal.
Not only has Addison M McConnell has used some of the quick drying cement to bond himself to these ghastly people, after the Scalia anti American pronouncement, it's obvious the cement came from his head.
The ghosts of massive governmental caulk ups coupled with the horrific anti democratic Supreme Court appointment of the inarguably worst President since the invention of the automatic car transmission allowed a new multicultural and center left majority to take permanent hold.
He was not only tethered to this disgraceful implosion of Republican legitimacy, he had full naming responsibility with nefarious self serving icons like, Richard Nixon, Oliver North, Dick Cheney, Robert DeLay and the entire Bush cabal.
Not only has Addison M McConnell has used some of the quick drying cement to bond himself to these ghastly people, after the Scalia anti American pronouncement, it's obvious the cement came from his head.
11
Believe what's missing here is the complicity of democrats and their main steam media. For the media - there were all sorts of reports that 'Congress' was dysfunctional or that the 'Senate' voted against something. The real story was that republicans were responsible for a lot of the problems - if not all. I cannot remember a headline in the WAPost of NYT that said anything to the effect that republicans stopped a vote on some matter. What would have been the picture if the headline had said something like, "Republicans voted to stop a vote on ..."? Rather than tarring all of congress with a nasty brush, republicans would have been tarred. The reality is that democrats are unable to run campaigns. Of course, republicans are unable to govern.
What is also missing is how ineffective and incompetent Harry Reid has been. While Mitch was doing all of his craziness Harry was doing the 'deer in the headlights' thing. Democrats would have been much better off if he had lost the Nevada election.
How many Federal Judgeships did Harry and Patrick Leahy leave on the table at the end of their reign? How many other appointments were left?
There's more than enough blame to go around.....
What is also missing is how ineffective and incompetent Harry Reid has been. While Mitch was doing all of his craziness Harry was doing the 'deer in the headlights' thing. Democrats would have been much better off if he had lost the Nevada election.
How many Federal Judgeships did Harry and Patrick Leahy leave on the table at the end of their reign? How many other appointments were left?
There's more than enough blame to go around.....
3
Completely agree with you here but I would add the administration to this list as we'll. Where were the counterattacks? We have a President who did what no other before him had been able to do - Healthcare. He shifted our focus to domestic needs trying to stay away from the quagmire of the middle east. He reduced the deficit. He rescued the US and the world from global financial meltdown. And of course, there was bin Laden. He did all of these things despite the other side's efforts to stymie him. President Obama achieved the change he promised us he just didn't promote it loudly enough and there is no national equivalent to FOX NEWS willingness to bypass accepted media conventions.
3
I'm trying to figure out what Mitch McConnell has to lose.
I agree any stonewalling of a Supreme Court nominee at any time during a President's tenure sets a bad precedent. That said, Sen. McConnell has put himself in a position from which he cannot lose.
Consider: If he makes it to the next election and a Republican wins the Presidency, he assures a more conservative court; if a Democrat wins, well, he's no worse off than now, a more progressive Justice would be tipping the balance now instead of later.
If in the meantime, he "caves," he'll easily be able to characterize it as having made a deal - one in which he might be able to extract a more moderate nominee out of President Obama.
Further, if the Senate goes to the Democrats, by the time it swings back to the Republicans he'll be long gone.
This is truly Sen. McConnell's last hurrah, in which he's playing a game in which, regardless of the outcome, he cannot possibly lose.
Or am I missing something...?
I agree any stonewalling of a Supreme Court nominee at any time during a President's tenure sets a bad precedent. That said, Sen. McConnell has put himself in a position from which he cannot lose.
Consider: If he makes it to the next election and a Republican wins the Presidency, he assures a more conservative court; if a Democrat wins, well, he's no worse off than now, a more progressive Justice would be tipping the balance now instead of later.
If in the meantime, he "caves," he'll easily be able to characterize it as having made a deal - one in which he might be able to extract a more moderate nominee out of President Obama.
Further, if the Senate goes to the Democrats, by the time it swings back to the Republicans he'll be long gone.
This is truly Sen. McConnell's last hurrah, in which he's playing a game in which, regardless of the outcome, he cannot possibly lose.
Or am I missing something...?
2
McConnell's strategy is stupid if the Democrats win. They'll get a much more liberal nominee for the court from a new Democratic President, particularly if the election is a rout out the Republicans.
It's near the end of the voting in SC (the caucuses in NV are over, Clinton won) and the exit polling shows it to be Trump and Cruz in SC. Nothing is clarified and the campaigns for the nomination go on.
If the nominee is Trump or Cruz, the Democrats may achieve a historic landslide -- a Goldwater or McGovern debacle for the Republicans. RoboRubio is increasingly trying to play "I'm yer cuter Cruz;" (dumber too) increasing the chances that if Rubio gets the nomination he gets pasted similarly.
Refusing to consider Obama's appointment is going to rile the Democrats into high turnout, and likely cost Republicans centrist voters and Republican Senators in "blue" or "purple" states -- Kirk (IL), Johnson (WI), Ayotte (NH), Toomey (PA), Portmann (OH)
As the election campaign grinds on and the Republicans look in worse and worse trouble as they are unable to consolidate around an electable candidate -- McConnell's strategy will look stupider and stupider ... and confirming Obama's appointment will become the smart move.
It's near the end of the voting in SC (the caucuses in NV are over, Clinton won) and the exit polling shows it to be Trump and Cruz in SC. Nothing is clarified and the campaigns for the nomination go on.
If the nominee is Trump or Cruz, the Democrats may achieve a historic landslide -- a Goldwater or McGovern debacle for the Republicans. RoboRubio is increasingly trying to play "I'm yer cuter Cruz;" (dumber too) increasing the chances that if Rubio gets the nomination he gets pasted similarly.
Refusing to consider Obama's appointment is going to rile the Democrats into high turnout, and likely cost Republicans centrist voters and Republican Senators in "blue" or "purple" states -- Kirk (IL), Johnson (WI), Ayotte (NH), Toomey (PA), Portmann (OH)
As the election campaign grinds on and the Republicans look in worse and worse trouble as they are unable to consolidate around an electable candidate -- McConnell's strategy will look stupider and stupider ... and confirming Obama's appointment will become the smart move.
1
For POTUS: Only solution is Senator Sanders and Senator Warren for White House.
Secretary Clinton is in a deeper hole than President Obama with regard to Republicans.
For SCOTUS: Bryan Stevenson founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative will add passion and pragmatism to the court.
Finally, for GOP: Let them reap the spoils of their arrogance and reactionary move to far right fear and tough guy rhetoric. Americans want decency and effective attention to details of governance, not a permanent Luddite wrench in the machinery of legal and legislative and executive responsibility.
Secretary Clinton is in a deeper hole than President Obama with regard to Republicans.
For SCOTUS: Bryan Stevenson founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative will add passion and pragmatism to the court.
Finally, for GOP: Let them reap the spoils of their arrogance and reactionary move to far right fear and tough guy rhetoric. Americans want decency and effective attention to details of governance, not a permanent Luddite wrench in the machinery of legal and legislative and executive responsibility.
3
And we don't openly and vocally call this man out for treason why, exactly? The man apparently said, about the president of the US, as follows, and then went on to act on that statement:
"We begin to take him down, one issue at a time. We create an inventory of losses, so it’s Obama lost on this, Obama lost on that."
Why did the press not make a big screaming fuss about this and demand that this dreadful man step down from office?
"We begin to take him down, one issue at a time. We create an inventory of losses, so it’s Obama lost on this, Obama lost on that."
Why did the press not make a big screaming fuss about this and demand that this dreadful man step down from office?
9
I feel sorry for Ruth Bader Ginsburg:
"...it is likely that Ruth Bader Ginsburg whether she dies in office or retires will be the next vacancy."
As she has pointed out, she's not dead yet, and happens to like her job. Nevertheless, rarely does a week go by without someone predicting what will happen when Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies or retires.
Incidentally, if it HAD been Ruth Bader Ginsburg, rather than Scalia, who'd just died, the Republicans might not be taking such a hard line here. They still wouldn't want another liberal Justice, and would probably say the same things they've been saying. But when push came to shove, they might have backed down since, after all, replacing Ruth Bader Ginsburg with another liberal Justice wouldn't really change the ideological balance of the Court. Obviously, replacing Scalia with a liberal Justice would do just that – which is why the Republicans will never let that happen.
"...it is likely that Ruth Bader Ginsburg whether she dies in office or retires will be the next vacancy."
As she has pointed out, she's not dead yet, and happens to like her job. Nevertheless, rarely does a week go by without someone predicting what will happen when Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies or retires.
Incidentally, if it HAD been Ruth Bader Ginsburg, rather than Scalia, who'd just died, the Republicans might not be taking such a hard line here. They still wouldn't want another liberal Justice, and would probably say the same things they've been saying. But when push came to shove, they might have backed down since, after all, replacing Ruth Bader Ginsburg with another liberal Justice wouldn't really change the ideological balance of the Court. Obviously, replacing Scalia with a liberal Justice would do just that – which is why the Republicans will never let that happen.
1
It's highly unlikely that anyone Obama nominates will get confirmed, but not entirely inconceivable. There are many historical examples of Presidents who "guessed wrong" – i.e. where a Justice behaved quite differently on the Court from how the President had predicted (for examples: Warren and Brennan, both nominated by Eisenhower; White, nominated by Kennedy; Souter, nominated by the elder Bush). And so if the Republicans are all but certain that Obama has "guessed wrong" (i.e. that Obama's nominee will be conservative even though Obama anticipates he/she will be liberal), the Republican Senate might confirm Obama's nominee. That scenario is very unlikely, though. In any other scenario, the Republicans will just say "no" – or they won't say anything at all (i.e. they won't call a vote) which will amount to the same thing.
By the way, here, not calling a vote is the same thing as filibustering (as the Democrats did in an effort to prevent a vote on Alito), with one major exception:
1. If a party needs to filibuster, that means the party is the minority party and, for that reason, doesn't get to decide if/when votes will be held.
2. If a party doesn't call a vote, that means the party is the majority party and, for that reason, has no need to filibuster.
By the way, here, not calling a vote is the same thing as filibustering (as the Democrats did in an effort to prevent a vote on Alito), with one major exception:
1. If a party needs to filibuster, that means the party is the minority party and, for that reason, doesn't get to decide if/when votes will be held.
2. If a party doesn't call a vote, that means the party is the majority party and, for that reason, has no need to filibuster.
At least this much is clear:
The Republicans aren't going to allow Obama to pick a Justice. Period.
Whether they do that by preventing a vote, or by holding a vote and rejecting Obama's nominee, is a bit less clear, but not much. If the Democrats embarrass the Republicans enough that they actually call a vote, they'll vote "no" (after all, the Republicans have 54% of the Senate). If pre-vote canvassing suggests to Republican Senate leaders that 5 or more Republican Senators may vote "yes," they won't hold a vote no matter how much the Democrats press for one. If the Republican Senate leaders are confident the "no" vote will win, maybe they'll hold a vote and maybe they won't.
Either way, the result will be the same: Obama won't be allowed to pick a Justice.
If the Democrat wins in November, the Republicans better be prepared to back down (indeed, if that happens, they may quickly approve Obama's nominee rather than wait for Clinton or Sanders to nominate someone the Republicans like even less). If the Republicans don't back down, the public will soon turn against them; they will have gambled and lost.
But that just means this will get decided by the November election. If the Democrats win, then either Obama or his Democratic successor gets to pick the Justice. If the Republicans win, they get to pick. Simple as that.
The Republicans aren't going to allow Obama to pick a Justice. Period.
Whether they do that by preventing a vote, or by holding a vote and rejecting Obama's nominee, is a bit less clear, but not much. If the Democrats embarrass the Republicans enough that they actually call a vote, they'll vote "no" (after all, the Republicans have 54% of the Senate). If pre-vote canvassing suggests to Republican Senate leaders that 5 or more Republican Senators may vote "yes," they won't hold a vote no matter how much the Democrats press for one. If the Republican Senate leaders are confident the "no" vote will win, maybe they'll hold a vote and maybe they won't.
Either way, the result will be the same: Obama won't be allowed to pick a Justice.
If the Democrat wins in November, the Republicans better be prepared to back down (indeed, if that happens, they may quickly approve Obama's nominee rather than wait for Clinton or Sanders to nominate someone the Republicans like even less). If the Republicans don't back down, the public will soon turn against them; they will have gambled and lost.
But that just means this will get decided by the November election. If the Democrats win, then either Obama or his Democratic successor gets to pick the Justice. If the Republicans win, they get to pick. Simple as that.
1
Why is Mitch McConnell picking this fight?
Perhaps he has read the NYT editorial of October 5, 1987, referencing the Robert Bork nomination. It read, in part:
"The President's supporters insist vehemently that, having won the 1984 election, he has every right to try to change the Court's direction. Yes, but the Democrats won the 1986 election, regaining control of the Senate, and they have every right to resist. This is not the same Senate that confirmed William Rehnquist as Chief Justice and Antonin Scalia as an associate justice last year."
According to the logic of the NYT, McConnell and the Republicans "have every right to resist" as the situations are very similar; control of the Senate changed in the off year election and this is not the same Senate that approved Justices Kagan and Sotomayor.
Goose, meet gander.
Perhaps he has read the NYT editorial of October 5, 1987, referencing the Robert Bork nomination. It read, in part:
"The President's supporters insist vehemently that, having won the 1984 election, he has every right to try to change the Court's direction. Yes, but the Democrats won the 1986 election, regaining control of the Senate, and they have every right to resist. This is not the same Senate that confirmed William Rehnquist as Chief Justice and Antonin Scalia as an associate justice last year."
According to the logic of the NYT, McConnell and the Republicans "have every right to resist" as the situations are very similar; control of the Senate changed in the off year election and this is not the same Senate that approved Justices Kagan and Sotomayor.
Goose, meet gander.
3
Imagine the damage to the country caused by these Republican obstructionists. Imagine all the common ground that could have been found. What a waste. This is what you get from a party that despises government and is working to destroy it like a parasite from within. Come on voters, throw all the Republicans out in the next election and replace them with moderates from either party who will work in the middle.
8
Treason: The crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill the sovereign or overthrow the government.
McConnell, by deciding to "take down" a new president, de facto went against the will of the majority of the American electorate who had voted Obamba into office.
McConnel's driving force was his personal ambition. ("What matters most isn’t so much what you do in office, but if you can win again."
The Senate Majority Leader's character is beyond the pale.
McConnell, by deciding to "take down" a new president, de facto went against the will of the majority of the American electorate who had voted Obamba into office.
McConnel's driving force was his personal ambition. ("What matters most isn’t so much what you do in office, but if you can win again."
The Senate Majority Leader's character is beyond the pale.
3
This feels like an apology for someone like Mitch McConnel. He is not a racist because he has an Asian wife and all his obstructionism and right wing advocacy is just political expedience. I'm not buying it and I don't appreciate simpering apologists for those that word endlessly agains the greater good of the people of this country in favor of the wealthy and controlling interests. A Constitutional Oligarchy is really not better than a Constitutional Monarchy as compared to a Democracy which is what America aspires to but can never quite seem to reach. Mitch McConnell and the Republicans are exactly the reason why we don't have a real, functioning democracy. Let us not apologize for them, let us rally and get rid of them.
5
And yet again we have proof that the GOP is unwilling (incapable?) of governing. Donald Trump has become the logical and natural successor to the smug gang led by Mr. McConnell who probably deserves to be removed from office for failure to perform his constitutional duties. Trump's rise is in stark contrast and a direct result of McConnell's unwillingness to actually manage the country's affairs ... sadly, once in the Senate you don't really have to do anything at all as evidenced by the current group who would rather waste their opportunity to make the country better, to address the many challenges facing us instead of actually giving proof of their noble intent to perform their sacred duty as expressed by the founding fathers.
4
Why did Sen. Chuck Schumer say the same thing in 2007 when GWB was president and there was a vacancy on the Supreme Court? Politics! It isn't just a Republican thing it's a political party thing. It's what our illustrious elected officials do now a days. And they wonder why a guy like Trump has so much traction. The people are sick of it. The fringe on both ends rule and the overwhelming majority of the people suffer because of their selfishness. This isn't about selecting a Justice, it's about power, greed and the warping of our political system by BOTH parties.
A new broom sweeps clean!
A new broom sweeps clean!
2
"It [McConnell's resistance] has limited the president’s accomplishments and denied him the mantle of the postpartisan unifier he sought back in 2008."
The concept of bipartisanship is a delusion. The country is bifurcated into progressives and reactionaries. We are at war. The house is divided. It is impossible for one side to dissolve the other. Is it time to split the house into two wings?
The concept of bipartisanship is a delusion. The country is bifurcated into progressives and reactionaries. We are at war. The house is divided. It is impossible for one side to dissolve the other. Is it time to split the house into two wings?
1
And now they are scrambling around wondering what to do about Donald Trump? Donald Trump the Republican Partys monster 15 years in the making.
Actually President Obama has a way forward both to pick a Judge who has the credentials AND matches his ideology.
As the constitution reads, the President shall appoint with the advice and consent of the senate the path forward is to (a) publicly consult senstors from both sides on their criteria and views on the desired candidate (b) make a record of the consultations and publish a record of this including those senators who chose to not attend and not express their views - again the consultation pertains to the desired criteria for the ultimate choice rather than whether President Obama should defer this to his successor (c) select a nominee that meets a broad set of the criteria expressed (d) Hold a public town hall with invitstions to all senators where they have an opportunity to publicly cast and if they so choose also explain their vote.
Likely the Republicans will boycott but the nomination goes forward and a plurality of the votes cast go for the nominees with overwhelming Democratic support.
The GOP can take this to the courts; which ultimately ends up in the Supreme Court where there is a tie. In fact even if the GOP takes the White House in November, their nominee's legitimacy can be challenged by the Democrats given that they first nominated a candidate and approved by a majority of the senator votes.
I am neither Democrat nor Republican, one thing is clear-not allowing vote on important matters for our democracy is unconstitutional.
As the constitution reads, the President shall appoint with the advice and consent of the senate the path forward is to (a) publicly consult senstors from both sides on their criteria and views on the desired candidate (b) make a record of the consultations and publish a record of this including those senators who chose to not attend and not express their views - again the consultation pertains to the desired criteria for the ultimate choice rather than whether President Obama should defer this to his successor (c) select a nominee that meets a broad set of the criteria expressed (d) Hold a public town hall with invitstions to all senators where they have an opportunity to publicly cast and if they so choose also explain their vote.
Likely the Republicans will boycott but the nomination goes forward and a plurality of the votes cast go for the nominees with overwhelming Democratic support.
The GOP can take this to the courts; which ultimately ends up in the Supreme Court where there is a tie. In fact even if the GOP takes the White House in November, their nominee's legitimacy can be challenged by the Democrats given that they first nominated a candidate and approved by a majority of the senator votes.
I am neither Democrat nor Republican, one thing is clear-not allowing vote on important matters for our democracy is unconstitutional.
This says it all:
"What matters most isn’t so much what you do in office, but if you can win again."
American government is broken.
"What matters most isn’t so much what you do in office, but if you can win again."
American government is broken.
2
And McConnell looked like Lincoln compared to Reid. America isn't even looking for statesmen and few on the horizon, anyway.
But America is getting just what it deserves. Spoiled rotten. On both sides of the political divide.
Your children are toast. But you don't care as you cry about Medicare fixes while using more than you you put into the system. Or wail about a rise in the SS retirement age knowing you will be living off the taxes of younger workers for years.
America, home of the Free. Free this Free that.
But America is getting just what it deserves. Spoiled rotten. On both sides of the political divide.
Your children are toast. But you don't care as you cry about Medicare fixes while using more than you you put into the system. Or wail about a rise in the SS retirement age knowing you will be living off the taxes of younger workers for years.
America, home of the Free. Free this Free that.
When Obama puts forth his nominee and the Reublicans refuse to even consider her, we must protest vigorously, in public.
2
Wishful thinking by one that would pin a think piece on the sound reasons for obstructing the nomination if roles were reversed. The Enlightened mind in full view.
1
Out of the 1,238 comments (so far) there are 68 comments claiming that the reason for the Republican’s behavior in this matter is because President Obama is a black President. Now that is significant.
We saw the Republican dominated Congress obstruct and blackmail President Obama during the budget and debt ceiling debates in mid-2011.
Now the Republican dominated Congress is playing the same game.
I also believe that the repeated acrimony by the Republican Party against President Obama is a race issue.
I admire President Obama’s firm resolve in all the decisions he has made during his Presidency. But his presidency has shown that he cannot negotiate with the Republican Party. I expect that he will do his constitutional duty whatever Mitch McConnell or any other member of the Republican Party will say on this matter.
I strongly hope that America will elect Bernie Sanders to be the next President and that his election would also occur with the flipping in control of both the Senate and the House as American voters will reject the Republican Party which has descended to new depths of repugnance, revulsion and vulgarity.
We saw the Republican dominated Congress obstruct and blackmail President Obama during the budget and debt ceiling debates in mid-2011.
Now the Republican dominated Congress is playing the same game.
I also believe that the repeated acrimony by the Republican Party against President Obama is a race issue.
I admire President Obama’s firm resolve in all the decisions he has made during his Presidency. But his presidency has shown that he cannot negotiate with the Republican Party. I expect that he will do his constitutional duty whatever Mitch McConnell or any other member of the Republican Party will say on this matter.
I strongly hope that America will elect Bernie Sanders to be the next President and that his election would also occur with the flipping in control of both the Senate and the House as American voters will reject the Republican Party which has descended to new depths of repugnance, revulsion and vulgarity.
1
History will be very unkind to McConnell.
2
From my now distant perspective it would appear we are watching a slow moving coup. The needs of the country, which are many, are playing a distant second fiddle to this lust for power but not responsibility. America wants to be great again, but this dark road does not lead there.
4
McConnell (and Boehner) only have themselves to blame for Donald Trump (and for Boehner for losing his job). America's Founders built the Constitution and the American system to require compromise. By rejecting compromise, they brought dysfunctional gridlock to the American government, which Trump and the Republican base now blame for the decline of the country. They get what they deserve but, sadly, are dragging the rest of us down with them.
4
William Kristol is wrong about many things, but the one thing he got right was in 1993, when he wrote in a memo insisting that Republicans would find themselves in the minority for a long time if Clinton's Health care reform passed. He advised Republicans to do whatever they needed to do to stop the reform and to never work with the opposition on the issue. In his article on 1/20/16, Thomas Edsall called Kristol the"godfather of current Republican intransigence."
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/20/opinion/campaign-stops/the-price-of-re...
Clinton's popularity caused the ensuing Republican efforts to throw all manner of nasty stuff at Clinton in hopes that it would stick. The same process happened again when Pres. Obama came in with a 70% approval rating. At once, visions of decades in the minority propelled Republicans to do whatever they needed to do to obstruct and damage Obama and the government, especially health care reform.
If Republicans had proposals that would honestly work for the good of everyone, they could afford to cooperate whether in the majority or minority. Apparently, obstruction is easier.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/20/opinion/campaign-stops/the-price-of-re...
Clinton's popularity caused the ensuing Republican efforts to throw all manner of nasty stuff at Clinton in hopes that it would stick. The same process happened again when Pres. Obama came in with a 70% approval rating. At once, visions of decades in the minority propelled Republicans to do whatever they needed to do to obstruct and damage Obama and the government, especially health care reform.
If Republicans had proposals that would honestly work for the good of everyone, they could afford to cooperate whether in the majority or minority. Apparently, obstruction is easier.
1
Mitch McConnell emerges from this portrait as the vilest sort of career politician, concerned solely with getting re-elected and "winning."
Nowhere in his calculations does the good of the country find purchase.
He is the very embodiment of all that is wrong with Washington and with the Republicans in particular, who put party before country every single time.
The calculus to "bring down Obama," a man elected twice by clear majorities of the population to enact certain policies for the benefit of the nation, speaks to the worst brand of cynicism in this man, a cynicism that holds democracy itself in contempt. To bring the president down by underhand means and sly, behind-closed-door tactics reveals McConnell to be a coward to boot, operating in the shadows.
How utterly despicable.
Nowhere in his calculations does the good of the country find purchase.
He is the very embodiment of all that is wrong with Washington and with the Republicans in particular, who put party before country every single time.
The calculus to "bring down Obama," a man elected twice by clear majorities of the population to enact certain policies for the benefit of the nation, speaks to the worst brand of cynicism in this man, a cynicism that holds democracy itself in contempt. To bring the president down by underhand means and sly, behind-closed-door tactics reveals McConnell to be a coward to boot, operating in the shadows.
How utterly despicable.
1
Why is it people traveling down a road can not see where it is leading? How could McConnell not know that he would arrive at this point? Did he truly believe that he could/would be in control? Set a fire and you just might burn down your own house.
I see from some of the comments that many people perceive McConnell's motivations as I do: he is a venal, tactical politician with no vision, no values, and few if any morals. He continues to demonstrate that his policy of obstruction, formed on the evening of Obama's first inauguration, has been wrongheaded and destructive to the country, yet he cares not a whit. Kentucky is drifting into an economic depression and he resists any change. His people are among the poorest with terrible health outcomes yet he resists Obamacare and Medicaid expansion. Others continually pay the prices for his lack of principals and petty political goals. He is the shame of the American political system.
1
So McConnell's tactics deprived Obama the chance to unify the country? You must be joking. When one of his first appointments to his staff was Rahm Emmanuel I think that says it all. I know when I think of unifying people and building consensus Rahm is the first name I think of. Be realistic, this President had a vision for re-shaping the country in way that a major segment of the country opposed. As for some of his other triumphs: he promised to bring us together and end racial divides--instead we are more divided along racial lines than ever. He promised to restore our standing in the world--instead we are the laughing stock to our enemies. On the bright side; I bet his golf handicap has gone down.
1
Mitch, I agree with you - let the next President appoint the justice. I would love to see President Clinton appoint either her husband or former President Obama to the Supreme Court.
1
"The best way to understand Addison Mitchell McConnell Jr. has been to recognize that he is not a conservative ideologue, but rather the epitome of the permanent campaign of Washington: What matters most isn’t so much what you do in office, but if you can win again."
This column is an excellent accounting of McConnell's commitment to self-preservation in keeping with the "permanent campaign ethos"--the very vice that George Will, an ardent McConnell admirer, is forever accusing Democrats of. When will it end?
This column is an excellent accounting of McConnell's commitment to self-preservation in keeping with the "permanent campaign ethos"--the very vice that George Will, an ardent McConnell admirer, is forever accusing Democrats of. When will it end?
If I were Mitch McConnell I'd be spending a lot less time worrying about the type of jurist President Obama might nominate for the Supreme Court, and a lot more time worrying about the type of person his Republican Party is about to nominate to run for the White House.
Me thinx it is largely racism. Remember this guy is from the South. How many black people did he grow up with that weren't equal citizens? At 70 some years old, he went to school way before Brown, with white people only.
Yes, his wife is Asian, but one can feel prejudice toward one group of minorites, but not others. From what I have seen, many, many Asian groups are staunch Republicans.
Yes, his wife is Asian, but one can feel prejudice toward one group of minorites, but not others. From what I have seen, many, many Asian groups are staunch Republicans.
Why is Mitch McConnell picking this fight?
Kindly forgive me my simple mind but I would think that he picked it in order to be relevant.
So..............did I get it right?
Kindly forgive me my simple mind but I would think that he picked it in order to be relevant.
So..............did I get it right?
All those years in high office and Mitch has accomplished nothing that will be admired or remembered after he's gone.
1
McConnell no longer cares about actually winning. Folks like him, have essentially just given up the idea of winning.
What they care about is support from their minority constituents. That is what they are after, and for these conservatives, that is both sufficient, and all they can ever hope for.
What they care about is support from their minority constituents. That is what they are after, and for these conservatives, that is both sufficient, and all they can ever hope for.
Well, d'oh. Dumbest headline I've seen since 2008. Same rationale as Schumer used, and Obama too when he advocated a filibuster against another Supreme Court nominee. What goes around, comes around.
1
I doubt that Mr. McConnell has the insight to reflect on his naked personal ambitions, nor the obvious racism behind his actions throughout the President's entire administration. Something propels him to be obstructionist, to reflexively block every Presidential move (even in anticipation of such moves), but it seems that he is sadly lacking in being able to think constructively and honestly about what drives him to such naked obstructionism. Too bad....He wanted this Majority Leader position for so long, and he is self-destructing.
I don't know what people expected these GOP Senators to do upon hearing of the death of their demigod Scalia. Do people really think that one can appeal to some LONG LOST sense of duty in trying to convince them to carry out the spirit of the oath they took when they won election? Ain't gonna happen people. There is no dignity left in Washington, hence the rise of Trump and his ilk. Hopefully the forces of sanity will prevail come the general election but until then we should expect nothing but obstructionism and reactionary politics from these neanderthal GOP members of Congress.
1
The GOP is imploding and Mitch is adding to the fuel. When the party falls flat and the dust settles, there will probably be a new political party that sees beyond the prejudices, the fear mongering and the hypocrites. And then, maybe not. The people are just waiting to put on their Fox military uniforms and waiting for General Murdoch to give the orders.
Have you ever seen the corners of his mouth extend anywhere but downward? It's a tad infuriating that McConnell's only interest in life is sabotaging Obama and getting re-elected. When your life is that empty and lacking in meaning, it's pretty hard to be happy.
1
Forget, for a moment, 'what' he said. He (and all his fellow republicans) could have said nothing and achieved the same result through not confirming any of the President's nominees. Through sheer dimwittedness, they have served up an opportunity for their detractors to highlight racism (real or imagined) through a procession of qualified minority candidates they refuse to confirm.
This is a good column and I like the comments. I agree that Mitch M 's be all and all is electing himself and then other republicans. Raising money for himself and others is a major part of his job. Making a public stand against any Obama nomination is just a gold mine for Mitch. He can pass the hat to the donars with this stance. The money will just pour in. I think it will all work. You have to look at a poll which suggests a random sample of USA adults think Judge Judy is a Supreme Court justice maybe even Chief Justice. In Mitch's state, the republican governor dismissed 400,000 new Medicare insurers as no show voters. He was right. Between chronic low turn out, voter suppression laws, and unlimited cash from the Mitch-Ryan-Koch axis, the republicans have control for another generation. It will be ugly, but it will be successful. Until it is not....someday.
McConnell is the dog being waged by its tail. And this tail began to move to the right with the "Southern Strategy" and further right with the election Of Obama as president with the inclusion of the far right backed by billionaires and the Religious Right. This is now Mitch McConnell's base which has been kidnapped by Mr. Trump and Ted Cruz. He had no choice but to pick this fight if he wants to stay relevant in this new more angrier and fearful Pub Party.
2
How unfortunate for all of us that Kentucky has no provision for recall of elected officials.
2
As suggested in the Times' cartoon by Brian McFadden for this Sunday, McConnell wants another originalist on the Supreme Court, a justice who would agrees with the founding fathers about allowing slavery and permitting only white men to vote.
2
He's a nihilist, basically, and willing to do whatever it takes to beat the POTUS, even if in the process he beans America. Somewhere along the way he forgot he's supposed to serve the Amecian people and not the Republican Party.
2
"What matters most isn’t so much what you do in office, but if you can win again....shaping policy wasn’t the goal. Winning was." Well, yes. But what this really means is that the Republicans care about gaining and holding power only, so that they can dismantle government and destroy democratic governance. They believe in destroying democracy, in preventing any fulfillment of the representative, democratic principles on which this nation was founded. Their ideology is very close to the wish for a totalitarian state.
1
I'm shocked and dismayed that Republicans don't recognize Justice Scalia's death as God's will, timed to allow President Obama to nominate his replacement. I'm sure that would be their belief if W. was currently holding office...
2
He's hoping the democrats will not retake the senate. Betting man...
1
I think McConnell's calculus is much simpler than any of us think.
On first principles:
If a Democrat wins the White House, he's no worse off in 2017 than he is now.
If a Republican wins the White House, he's got a chance at preserving the conservative court.
Thus, he has nothing to lose by stalling, and maybe something to gain.
The effect on the voters in this election year is secondary, and one can only speculate whether it whips up more Republicans or ticks off more moderates and Democrats.
On first principles:
If a Democrat wins the White House, he's no worse off in 2017 than he is now.
If a Republican wins the White House, he's got a chance at preserving the conservative court.
Thus, he has nothing to lose by stalling, and maybe something to gain.
The effect on the voters in this election year is secondary, and one can only speculate whether it whips up more Republicans or ticks off more moderates and Democrats.
If he didn't do it he would have lost the initiative to Sen. Ted Cruz. Then Mr. Cruz could ride his Supreme Court pick to the nomination, something, I'm guessing, Sen. McConnell isn't in favor of.
McConnell is a slimy politician among many slimy friends. He has figured out the game and now it is in danger of swallowing him up, hopefully. I take great delight in Obama'a accomplishments in spite of McConnell and his obstructionists. Hopefully the American voters will wake up and elect a President and legislators who will really work for the good of the country. If that is still possible.
Will the Times please get on the story on who paid for the private jet and ranch room for Scalia
It will be a great read.
It will be a great read.
1
three hour flight at 8 k an hour. whodoneit?
rt is 50K
rt is 50K
Did Mitch McConnell make a mistake when he did what the GOP base wanted him to? It's possible that a 10-month battle to block whoever is the nominee could backfire. That will depend on how broadly acceptable the nominee is and whether general-election voters think that "delay, delay, delay" is a responsible strategy. The Democrats are busy trying to make Republicans look very extreme, which is very easy to do. McConnell's strategy could throw a monkey wrench into Republican leaders' plans to show voters they have a positive, constructive governing agenda. Back when McConnell became majority leader he said he wanted to show the American people that if Republicans had control of both houses of Congress and the White House it wouldn't be "scary." Then there are the senators up for re-election in blue states. Most all of them have signed on to McConnell's strategy, but to refuse to hold hearings or even a vote might strike some voters as obstructionist. The GOP has the votes it needs to reject a nominee, it's highly unlikely that 14 senators would side with all the Democrats for a filibuster-proof majority. Unintended consequences for the GOP? You never know.
Mich McConnell: person over party; party over country. And the best government money can buy.
'nuff said.
'nuff said.
1
The Republicans have a long-term problem. Their core demographic is old and white -- a group that reliably turns out to vote but is projected to become a shrinking percentage of the American population as far into the future as we can see. Their plans to bring Latinos into the Republican fold have been squashed by Mr. Trump. Mr. Cruz and Mr. Rubio are both Cuban-Americans -- a group widely resented by other Latinos for their privileged immigration status. As a result, Republicans are currently engaged in a holding action; they have no real long-term plan.
The Supreme Court has been the one institution on which they could rely. It has largely eliminated enforcement of the Voting Rights Act, expanded the role of money in electoral politics, and winked at measures designed to reduce turnout among young, nonwhite, and lower-income voters. If the Supreme Court swings back to the center, the Republican holding action will collapse sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately for the Party, almost any new Justice (perhaps other than one appointed by Mr. Cruz) will be less rigidly conservative than Mr. Scalia. Even if the Party can retain control of the Court for a few more years, holding back the demographic tide will not ultimately accrue to the Party's benefit. Mr. McConnell's recalcitrance is understandable. In the long run, however, the Party needs to figure out how to win elections by offering the new American majority something it actually wants.
The Supreme Court has been the one institution on which they could rely. It has largely eliminated enforcement of the Voting Rights Act, expanded the role of money in electoral politics, and winked at measures designed to reduce turnout among young, nonwhite, and lower-income voters. If the Supreme Court swings back to the center, the Republican holding action will collapse sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately for the Party, almost any new Justice (perhaps other than one appointed by Mr. Cruz) will be less rigidly conservative than Mr. Scalia. Even if the Party can retain control of the Court for a few more years, holding back the demographic tide will not ultimately accrue to the Party's benefit. Mr. McConnell's recalcitrance is understandable. In the long run, however, the Party needs to figure out how to win elections by offering the new American majority something it actually wants.
Mitch McConnell embodies the worst of Washington, and a particular quality of Republicans there: To grab and cling to power without regard as to how to use power for the benefit of the country. His physiognomy certainly projects the grinch-like troll within, a Gollum lurking in the muck seeking only to undermine those actually trying to do good for the country he (and his fellow Republicans) would like to believe he "loves."
There is one thing and one thing only that has allowed this madness to continue. The lack of democrats who came to vote in 2010 and 2014. Had we taken our cue from 2008 and just come out in those numbers we would have seen Speaker Pelosi continue her tenure as best speaker of the house, ever. And Mitch would just be another minority leader geek peering out of the cloak room.
OK, there are two things; the 4th Estate also didn't do its job in either of those years by pointing out that things were better than the republicans were saying they were.
OK, there are two things; the 4th Estate also didn't do its job in either of those years by pointing out that things were better than the republicans were saying they were.
He knows this is the last gasp and he has to get what he can before the doors close. The only hope our kids won't be forced to suffer his greed and ignorance is by exercising our right to vote.
If the Republicans gain the 'triple crown' in November it will mean the end of democracy in America and an inevitable slide down the slope toward a second but asymmetric Civil War II. If Hillary wins it will be just a slower slide. Bernie Sanders offers the only real hope, although dim, of turning this country around from the abyss towards which we are heading. Of course there's also the chance of encountering a large and errant asteroid or a sudden hiccup of the Cascadia fault. One never knows. We are, after all, just a bunch of naked apes
careening through the cosmos.
careening through the cosmos.
1
I suppose McConnell is doing this because it is in his DNA. For some time now, It has been common knowledge that almost the moment Obama was elected President, he led the band of merry men whose primary goal was to make sure Obama was not elected for a second term. Of course, he failed miserably.
Since he is one of the senior hogs at the government trough, he has to keep himself somewhat relevant since he probably is not capable of doing much else.
Since he is one of the senior hogs at the government trough, he has to keep himself somewhat relevant since he probably is not capable of doing much else.
Mitch McConnell is deeply in debt to the Koch brothers. And that is why he is opposing Obama on the Supreme Court nomination. To lose the court would be to undo the efforts of the brothers over the last 8 years.
1
I can sincerely say that I find McConnell to be as despicable and vile a specimen as has ever been bred in US politics. He is every bit John C. Calhoun's equal and do not mistake that for a compliment.
McConnell should be ashamed of himself _but of course he isn't!!! From the very beginning he wanted to make Obama a one term President. Guess that did not work out very well! But what did work, out was the fact that Obama has had few victories because of a DO NOTHING Congress! Even mthe Congress that Truman complianed about got more accomplished. It is very pathetic that folks like McConnell and that piece of work Rush Limbaugh were more anxious to have a failed Obama than a successful USA!!!
Mitch McConnell is an excellent argument for term limits.
Ever notice?
"The SCOTUS has sustained [the Republican] party for 50 years, and when it is reformed, the party's over."
Whenever someone uses the word "reform," what it really means is "a change to the way I would like things to be."
"The SCOTUS has sustained [the Republican] party for 50 years, and when it is reformed, the party's over."
Whenever someone uses the word "reform," what it really means is "a change to the way I would like things to be."
Why is Mitch McConnell picking this fight?
Seems pretty obvious:
1. He doesn't want 5 liberal Justices on the Supreme Court; and
2. He has the power to prevent that.
Who would do otherwise?
The Democrats will (and should) try to make the Republicans uncomfortable, and exploit the situation for whatever political gains they can squeeze out of it (not much, in my view, but I suppose it's worth a try), but the result is pre-ordained and the reason for that is obvious (see #1 and #2 above). If the tables were turned, the Democrats would do exactly the same thing – and if, for some reason, they didn't, I'd fault them.
Seems pretty obvious:
1. He doesn't want 5 liberal Justices on the Supreme Court; and
2. He has the power to prevent that.
Who would do otherwise?
The Democrats will (and should) try to make the Republicans uncomfortable, and exploit the situation for whatever political gains they can squeeze out of it (not much, in my view, but I suppose it's worth a try), but the result is pre-ordained and the reason for that is obvious (see #1 and #2 above). If the tables were turned, the Democrats would do exactly the same thing – and if, for some reason, they didn't, I'd fault them.
4
MyTw3oCents, " If the tables were turned, the Democrats would do exactly the same thing – and if, for some , they didn't, I'd fault them."
Democrats and President Obama in particular, aren't much in favor of dirty tricks done dirt cheap. So no, I don't believe that they would do the same thing. Perhaps that is a real weakness but that is part of what makes Democrats appealing.
What Republicans fear is the open hearings that gather information on the president's choice for The Supreme Court. For example what happens if the President nominates one of the two recently confirmed Appellate Court judges?
Democrats and President Obama in particular, aren't much in favor of dirty tricks done dirt cheap. So no, I don't believe that they would do the same thing. Perhaps that is a real weakness but that is part of what makes Democrats appealing.
What Republicans fear is the open hearings that gather information on the president's choice for The Supreme Court. For example what happens if the President nominates one of the two recently confirmed Appellate Court judges?
US republicans have evolved towards latinized politics. They do not only sport latin names and speak Spanish. They are utterly devoid of the notion of national unit and public interest. One false war, two world economic meltdowns, and the creation of ISIS through the destruction of civilized Iraq are not enough. They shall finish with it all. Mean and silly.
McConnell is retiring .. Could it be as simple as that?
He may be choosing to go all in on this battle for the Supreme Court appointment since he may personally have nothing to loose and a right wing legacy to ensure by being so strong with his opposition to any nominee made by President Obama.
He may be choosing to go all in on this battle for the Supreme Court appointment since he may personally have nothing to loose and a right wing legacy to ensure by being so strong with his opposition to any nominee made by President Obama.
I can think of no better support for the beliefs of terrorists like Bin Laden--that men are mistaken to put their faith in governments based on constitutions rather than in the immutablity of holy scripture--when I see the shenanigins of McConnell and his cabal as they seek to undermine the President's duty as stated in the Constitution. It is only as a nation built on Constitutional law that we can oppose the ideology of religious-fascist movements now in the world. That is our one true strength ; McConnell is thus guilty of treason.
1
Supreme court has to stop dictating too much important issues. I'm almost certain - America's founding fathers hadn't imagined that courts deciding every political issues that should have been worked by politicians. As a result, Supreme Court has became another arena of political shenanigans; in part, hence politicians cannot make compromises and reach agreements.
If Judges are expected to decide every political issue cul-de-sac in political process, judge should be a elected and limited-term office not by nominated from different (supposed to be) check and balance government branches. In Germany, supreme court usually don't make rules on political issues, even though they must have an affiliate within political parties.
If Judges are expected to decide every political issue cul-de-sac in political process, judge should be a elected and limited-term office not by nominated from different (supposed to be) check and balance government branches. In Germany, supreme court usually don't make rules on political issues, even though they must have an affiliate within political parties.
Because he is a nasty mean-spirited amadan, who will do anything whatsoever to thwart the process of governance in favor of the (hopefully long-dead Divine Right of Kings, and their long-gone prerogatives to rule).
He is representing his constituents. Obama is viewed unfavorably by a majority of Kentuckians. An Obama judicial appointment would be too liberal and not reflect the values of the state. McConnell wants to save the nation from Obama's agenda.
1
lots of good comments here... McConnell has the power to win and he strikes me as a "winning is the only thing" guy. And when he wins, he will be more powerful than ever. Has Obama learned how to do his job after 7 years? Moderating the supreme court is so important to Obama that I think for once he will really try.
This man is a brutal racist. He cares little how his obstructionist ways have damaged both the presidency & the country. For shame.......
If President Obama nominated a Scalia clone, the Republicans woulds still do everything in their power to obstruct and demean the President at every step.
Its never been about the message, but about the messenger.
Its never been about the message, but about the messenger.
Mr. McConnell has managed to become the pluperfect poster child for term limits.
The "we take him down" approach is where Republicans went wrong. Badly wrong. Catastrophically wrong . . . wrong for all of us.
A better op-ed advocating the need for term limits has not been written. Thank you.
Just the kind of person the United States of America does NOT need.
The real question is what is Fox News doing? What do the Kochs want? That is the direction from which the GOP wind blows.
He's the Harry Reid of the Republican Party but with a majority. Of course, democrats will hate him, just as republicans hate Harry Reid.
It's called a tantrum.
It has been going on for as long as Obama has been in office, and will continue if another Democrat is elected.
Wien the President is a Democrat, it makes it difficult to give more tax cuts to the rich, get rid of regulations against polluting and financial funny business, etc.
It has been going on for as long as Obama has been in office, and will continue if another Democrat is elected.
Wien the President is a Democrat, it makes it difficult to give more tax cuts to the rich, get rid of regulations against polluting and financial funny business, etc.
Mr. McConnell may be putting too much faith in the natural likelihood that Republicans will gain the Presidency in November -- since WWII only one person, George H.W. Bush has gotten a third consecutive term for either party. But seeing the current big three, Trump, Cruz, and Rubio more resembling Moe, Larry and Curly, I think his move is downright suicidal.
1
McConnell is in his mid 70s, so could go on a fancy hunting trip.....
2
.
.
Breaking news: In honor of the "Citizens United" ruling, Mitch McConnell insists that the next Supreme Court Justice be a corporation. "They have every other Constitutional right," he muttered.
Then he yelled at some kids to get off his lawn. (The lawn in question was the grassy slope on Capitol Hill.)
.
Breaking news: In honor of the "Citizens United" ruling, Mitch McConnell insists that the next Supreme Court Justice be a corporation. "They have every other Constitutional right," he muttered.
Then he yelled at some kids to get off his lawn. (The lawn in question was the grassy slope on Capitol Hill.)
10
It is a lethal mix that has made the Senate an example of legislative dysfunction.
A far-right ideology that denies the importance of government. A preoccupation with power for power's sake. An internal Republican conflict that has torn the party asunder. A disrespect for the responsibilities of the Presidency. A deeply personal animosity toward the President. An unwillingness to exercise its constitutional duty. An assumption of unconstitutional privileges that is given to each senator to block, at will, the work of the Senate. A disturbing obeisance to the power of big money. And to make things worse, there is no desire nor is there a leader that is capable of altering this self-destructive course. They will have deserved the chaos that either Trump or Cruz will bring about.
A far-right ideology that denies the importance of government. A preoccupation with power for power's sake. An internal Republican conflict that has torn the party asunder. A disrespect for the responsibilities of the Presidency. A deeply personal animosity toward the President. An unwillingness to exercise its constitutional duty. An assumption of unconstitutional privileges that is given to each senator to block, at will, the work of the Senate. A disturbing obeisance to the power of big money. And to make things worse, there is no desire nor is there a leader that is capable of altering this self-destructive course. They will have deserved the chaos that either Trump or Cruz will bring about.
7
McConnel's comment that the newbies did not know what to do was amusing.
Embedded in that outburst is the irony that it assumes that if you win, you must know how to LEAD. But, it is quite apparent that McConnell and his cohorts know how to win but do not know anything about leading.
In the 8 years since the beginning of the Great Recession, he has done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to deal with the country's myriad of economic and social problems. If anything, the level of intransigence displayed has made it so that many of these problems have become WORSE.
This is why there should be term limits in Congress. The level of arrogance that exists in Congress these days is astonishing. They created the very problem they are complaining about but refuse to admit it and certainly have no intention of correcting it. The dry rot is palpable.
Embedded in that outburst is the irony that it assumes that if you win, you must know how to LEAD. But, it is quite apparent that McConnell and his cohorts know how to win but do not know anything about leading.
In the 8 years since the beginning of the Great Recession, he has done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to deal with the country's myriad of economic and social problems. If anything, the level of intransigence displayed has made it so that many of these problems have become WORSE.
This is why there should be term limits in Congress. The level of arrogance that exists in Congress these days is astonishing. They created the very problem they are complaining about but refuse to admit it and certainly have no intention of correcting it. The dry rot is palpable.
10
For Republicans they have always been, at least in the last 7 years, intent on winning or at least blunting and obstructing, the efforts of the first black president for obvious reasons. They see the nation browning and changing, both of which are the opposite of their comfort zones. Their last hope is to use gerrymandering and voter obstacles from keeping other than whites out of the electorate. Just today the supreme court upheld a lower court's decision forcing a state to review its gerrymandering. Turns out their strategy will come back to haunt them sooner than later. They won't elect a republican president if this keeps up.
6
The thesis of this piece is McConnell's behavior is simply a quest to remain in office. What a sad, pathetic goal. What a waste of a life.
14
"Except when my/our re-election depends on it" is a mental reservation that violates the Senate's oath of office:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
In its separation of powers, the Constitution that senators swear to "support and defend" by "true faith and allegiance" imposes upon the President the duty to "nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate" to "appoint . . . Judges of the supreme Court." Accordingly, it imposes upon senators the duty to consider and vote on the president's Supreme Court nominee(s).
Obstructing or refusing to engage in that process is a clear-cut violation of the senators' oath to "well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which [they are] about to enter." It may not be grounds for impeachment (not a "high crime or misdemeanor"?), but it is certainly reason for voters to develop long memories, to refuse to send these elected officials back to Washington upon the expiration of their staggered six-year terms.
The Constitution does not care about the "why" of obstruction, only that it disqualifies McConnell and his cohorts for office.
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
In its separation of powers, the Constitution that senators swear to "support and defend" by "true faith and allegiance" imposes upon the President the duty to "nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate" to "appoint . . . Judges of the supreme Court." Accordingly, it imposes upon senators the duty to consider and vote on the president's Supreme Court nominee(s).
Obstructing or refusing to engage in that process is a clear-cut violation of the senators' oath to "well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which [they are] about to enter." It may not be grounds for impeachment (not a "high crime or misdemeanor"?), but it is certainly reason for voters to develop long memories, to refuse to send these elected officials back to Washington upon the expiration of their staggered six-year terms.
The Constitution does not care about the "why" of obstruction, only that it disqualifies McConnell and his cohorts for office.
2
When Democrats controlled the Senate Judiciary Committee from June 2001 to January 2003 they denied even a hearing of 32 Bush appointees. When Republicans regained a 51-49 majority in the next Congress Democrats broke the tradition of giving an up or down vote. Before 2003 only 1 appointee had been blocked by filibuster
Democrats applied the higher 60 vote standard to several Bush appointees including Priscilla Owen, Janice Rogers Brown (a black woman) and Miguel Estrada (Hispanic)
After blocking President Bush' s judicial slate Harry Reid changed the rules for Mr Obama's nominees on partisan vote. Senate rules require a 2/3 vote to change the rules in mid session but in 2013 Reid forced through a change solely on a Democratic majority
This allowed him to invoke the "nuclear option" lowering the Senate threshold for appellate but not Supreme Court nominees to 50.
Reid now argues that the Senate's "constitutional duty" is to give an up or down vote but in May 2005 on Mr Bush's judges he said this
"The duties set forth are in the US Constitution. Nowhere in that document does it say the Senate has to a duty to give a Presidential appointee a vote. It says appointments shall be made with advice and consent of the Senate. That is very different than saying every nominee receives a vote."
So, when Democrats do it there's no problem but when Republicans use the words that Reid spoke in 2005 suddenly their racists, obstructionists. To those Democrats who can read, comment??
Democrats applied the higher 60 vote standard to several Bush appointees including Priscilla Owen, Janice Rogers Brown (a black woman) and Miguel Estrada (Hispanic)
After blocking President Bush' s judicial slate Harry Reid changed the rules for Mr Obama's nominees on partisan vote. Senate rules require a 2/3 vote to change the rules in mid session but in 2013 Reid forced through a change solely on a Democratic majority
This allowed him to invoke the "nuclear option" lowering the Senate threshold for appellate but not Supreme Court nominees to 50.
Reid now argues that the Senate's "constitutional duty" is to give an up or down vote but in May 2005 on Mr Bush's judges he said this
"The duties set forth are in the US Constitution. Nowhere in that document does it say the Senate has to a duty to give a Presidential appointee a vote. It says appointments shall be made with advice and consent of the Senate. That is very different than saying every nominee receives a vote."
So, when Democrats do it there's no problem but when Republicans use the words that Reid spoke in 2005 suddenly their racists, obstructionists. To those Democrats who can read, comment??
2
Interesting peek behind the curtain. McConnell has been an obvious obstructionist but I could not fathom his plan before this article. It now makes sense when you see his actions in light of his goal of winning at any cost. Boehner's feeble attempts at working with the President got him kicked off the throne. Mitch will have to be the toughest kid on the block if he is going to retain his seat and stay ahead of the howling radical right at his back. I would wish you luck, Mr. McConnell but it is a lost cause you are fighting. The average Citizen, Republican or Democrat has become tired of the old ways, the smoke-filled back rooms, the I'll scratch your back if you'll do likewise bunch. You can see it happening in both parties with Bernie pounding the podium and Donald saying anything he wants and denying he said it in next breath. If either of them happens to find themselves standing at the inauguration, hand on Bible next February, we citizens will feel the pain of their half-baked policy fever dreams. They will be ineffectual tools under the thumb of the Supreme Court and Congress and Mitch will have his way. Bleak isn't it? But we can avoid that outcome if we would only unseat the childish obstructionists and their bullying leader, bringing back some reason and respect to Congress. I wish us all good luck.
4
Please, Mitch McConnell has been undermining (read obstructing) since President Obama has been elected in clear violation of his oath of office. This man is doing what is in his best interest, not the country's best interest. while he does the bidding for special interests. He exemplifies what is wrong with Washington and our current political system. This is precisely why Sanders and Trump are doing so well, because "leaders" like McConnell have grossly failed in the performance of their duties.
7
The Republican Party is a business and is interested in making money, nothing else. It has proven to be a very profitable business ever since Ronald Reagan. When in power, they can deregulate, give tax cuts to the rich, shrink and hopefully destroy government altogether.
The last seven years have been threatening to their business model, as more protections for the American people have made some comeback.
The Republicans have to be concerned, and anxious to get back in control.
It's not just hatred of Obama. It's hatred of a government of, by, and FOR the People. It's a hatred of a fair, less corrupt system.
The last seven years have been threatening to their business model, as more protections for the American people have made some comeback.
The Republicans have to be concerned, and anxious to get back in control.
It's not just hatred of Obama. It's hatred of a government of, by, and FOR the People. It's a hatred of a fair, less corrupt system.
7
Republican philosophy in all its various faces is antithetical to our democracy. Voting for a Republican means voting for an authoritarian who says he works for you as an "individual" but whose actions, in fact, show that he works for himself and the money man. Scalia wasn't even cold before McConnell put his wrench into the works. He did the same before Obama was even in office. Years worth of Republican behavior has shown me that they simply cannot be trusted to work for the common good which is the absolute bottom line if you want a functioning democracy.
8
Mr. McConnell is Guilty of Supreme Obstruction of Justice. He should be impeached or charged with obstruction. But then, the RepublicanT Senate would let him off.
If McConnell waits for the next election, i assure you he will regret it. They will see tremendous losses at all levels. He has no idea how angry the Democrats can get. It will make the Tea Party look like a picnic.
If McConnell waits for the next election, i assure you he will regret it. They will see tremendous losses at all levels. He has no idea how angry the Democrats can get. It will make the Tea Party look like a picnic.
10
"It ["obstruction"] has limited the president’s accomplishments and denied him the mantle of the postpartisan unifier he sought back in 2008."
Right, right.. I mean, nothing screams "postpartisan unifier" like, on your 4th day in office, responding to your opposition's concerns (on '09 stimulus) with, "I won".
Right, right.. I mean, nothing screams "postpartisan unifier" like, on your 4th day in office, responding to your opposition's concerns (on '09 stimulus) with, "I won".
1
Sort of similar to that 2004 election that Bush won with 51% of the vote and declared, 'I earned capital in this campaign, political capital, and now I intend to spend it'
Are Mitch and his coven so stupid as to think President Obama would fall for their suggestion he fail to fulfill his obligation under Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution?:
"The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States...and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States..."
Now, should President Obama not submit the requisite nomination, would Congress not be poised to pounce with charges of dereliction of duty against Mr. Obama at the end of his presidency, i.e. a permanent asterisk attached to his name (or worse)?
So good to see the photograph of President Obama carrying home his weekend homework--a notebook containing the resumes of potential Supreme Court nominees.
Curses, foiled again! Better luck next time, Mitch...if there is to be a next time.
"The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States...and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States..."
Now, should President Obama not submit the requisite nomination, would Congress not be poised to pounce with charges of dereliction of duty against Mr. Obama at the end of his presidency, i.e. a permanent asterisk attached to his name (or worse)?
So good to see the photograph of President Obama carrying home his weekend homework--a notebook containing the resumes of potential Supreme Court nominees.
Curses, foiled again! Better luck next time, Mitch...if there is to be a next time.
6
I have often voted Republican and once admired the principles which the GOP claimed to stand for.
McConnell and McConnell's obstructionism show bankruptcy of thought.
Though tempted to hurl labels, I let it go simply to note that McConnell is a throw-back to primitive, Jacksonian partisanship, not a restorer of worthy principles. Unfortunately McConnell overlooks that the GOP lacks the kind of widespread support that Jackson had. The GOP is not riding a wave of change.
Sure, Obama will likely choose to replace Scalia with a very liberal judge. Makes me sad too, but those are the breaks!! Presidents choose Sup Ct Justices and that power lasts until the President's last day.
John Adams chose Justice Marshall either during his last week in office or on his very last day. Jefferson and the Democratic Republicans did not remonstrate.
Would McConnell expect a lame-duck GOP President to defer to Democrats and leave filling a Sup Ct vacancy to the next President whoever that might be? No!! But obviously McConnell has zero imagination even for the obvious.
How does the man get by?
McConnell and McConnell's obstructionism show bankruptcy of thought.
Though tempted to hurl labels, I let it go simply to note that McConnell is a throw-back to primitive, Jacksonian partisanship, not a restorer of worthy principles. Unfortunately McConnell overlooks that the GOP lacks the kind of widespread support that Jackson had. The GOP is not riding a wave of change.
Sure, Obama will likely choose to replace Scalia with a very liberal judge. Makes me sad too, but those are the breaks!! Presidents choose Sup Ct Justices and that power lasts until the President's last day.
John Adams chose Justice Marshall either during his last week in office or on his very last day. Jefferson and the Democratic Republicans did not remonstrate.
Would McConnell expect a lame-duck GOP President to defer to Democrats and leave filling a Sup Ct vacancy to the next President whoever that might be? No!! But obviously McConnell has zero imagination even for the obvious.
How does the man get by?
5
He holds all the cards. In the 2012 election, Gallup published a poll on issues voters considered most important. Supreme Court picks did not make the list.
And the Democrats have made it easy for him. Here's a quote from Harry Reid that McConnell used in an editorial in the Washington post this morning:
“The duties of the United States Senate are set forth in the Constitution of the United States. Nowhere in that document does it say the Senate has a duty to give presidential nominees a vote. It says appointments shall be made with the advice and consent of the Senate. That’s very different than saying every nominee receives a vote.”
And then there is this speech by Schumer in 2007, which contains the most vicious attacks on sitting Supreme Court judges by a US Senator that I've ever witnessed:
https://web.archive.org/web/20070829183833/http://www.schumer.senate.gov...
There is an election. It's important. I want the media focused on the candidates and issues and not on hearings where the likes of Schumer, Durbin and Franken get to prance and preen in front of cameras to no purpose.
And then there is Schumer's disdain for the process. Here's Schumer on the efficacy of hearings on Supreme court nominees: "First, hearings produce a lot of sound and fury, often signifying nothing." I think McConnell would agree with him on that, and particularly in an election year with a controversial nominee.
And the Democrats have made it easy for him. Here's a quote from Harry Reid that McConnell used in an editorial in the Washington post this morning:
“The duties of the United States Senate are set forth in the Constitution of the United States. Nowhere in that document does it say the Senate has a duty to give presidential nominees a vote. It says appointments shall be made with the advice and consent of the Senate. That’s very different than saying every nominee receives a vote.”
And then there is this speech by Schumer in 2007, which contains the most vicious attacks on sitting Supreme Court judges by a US Senator that I've ever witnessed:
https://web.archive.org/web/20070829183833/http://www.schumer.senate.gov...
There is an election. It's important. I want the media focused on the candidates and issues and not on hearings where the likes of Schumer, Durbin and Franken get to prance and preen in front of cameras to no purpose.
And then there is Schumer's disdain for the process. Here's Schumer on the efficacy of hearings on Supreme court nominees: "First, hearings produce a lot of sound and fury, often signifying nothing." I think McConnell would agree with him on that, and particularly in an election year with a controversial nominee.
1
People point to racism against Barack Obama as the cause of Mitch McConnell's and the GOP's almost relentless opposition--and the mainstream media bizarrely blame Obama for not conciliating and solving the partisan divide--but as others have pointed out, however racist certain GOP members and the system may be, it's only part of the problem. Remember that the GOP repeatedly opposed Bill Clinton and Al Gore to the extent of impeaching Clinton!
With the GOP it's really about power, and the money behind it. Newt Gingrich did not seek to do anything to benefit regular Americans; his Contract for America was really a pretext for introducing laws that more friendly to big business. The same happened under George W. Bush's presidency, only we ended up with a global economic crisis and near domestic banking collapse. But who's made out like bandits since the crisis? The 1%! That's why installing Rubio or Cruz or any Republican in the White House, with a conservative Congress and SCOTUS to grease the wheels, is a priority, and has been since Barack Obama successfully won the last two elections. Make government look effective until you can take it over and enrich your friends. Tax cuts, wars that bankroll profiteers, neoliberal policies that take from the middle class and give to rich middle men, those the goals. It's happened before and if Mitch McConnell has his way, it'll happen again.
With the GOP it's really about power, and the money behind it. Newt Gingrich did not seek to do anything to benefit regular Americans; his Contract for America was really a pretext for introducing laws that more friendly to big business. The same happened under George W. Bush's presidency, only we ended up with a global economic crisis and near domestic banking collapse. But who's made out like bandits since the crisis? The 1%! That's why installing Rubio or Cruz or any Republican in the White House, with a conservative Congress and SCOTUS to grease the wheels, is a priority, and has been since Barack Obama successfully won the last two elections. Make government look effective until you can take it over and enrich your friends. Tax cuts, wars that bankroll profiteers, neoliberal policies that take from the middle class and give to rich middle men, those the goals. It's happened before and if Mitch McConnell has his way, it'll happen again.
7
Mitch McConnell has stated in an op-Ed in the Washington Post that he will not take up a nomination from President Obama because he believes that the people should decide via the next election who sits on the Supreme Court when the President in his last year in office. I take him at his word and have no doubt that had Justice Scalia died three weeks earlier that the Senate would be moving expeditiously to schedule hearings.
3
Really. you take him on his word? Why? It will gridlock the system. It's his right as President to select a candidate.
I can't tell if you're being ironic or not.
Huh? Why does three weeks make such a difference compared to the 11 months Obama still has in office?
And all the Republicans supposedly revere the founding fathers, so let's see what they did...
John Adams had already been defeated in November of 1800 when a Supreme Court seat became available. Not only did John Adams nominate a justice, but the Senate unanimously approved it. Now please explain McConnell's opposition?
And all the Republicans supposedly revere the founding fathers, so let's see what they did...
John Adams had already been defeated in November of 1800 when a Supreme Court seat became available. Not only did John Adams nominate a justice, but the Senate unanimously approved it. Now please explain McConnell's opposition?
it was less an expression of personal animosity than it was a simple reflection of the permanent campaign ethos.
He is a SOUTHERN senator and Obama is a northern BLACK president. It can ONLY be an expression of personal animosity. And even if it weren't true, the people who voted for were certainly cheated by a guy whose only thought of public service was basically winning at all costs. He has trashed the GOP for his own egotistical needs. He is the poster boy for all the republican voters who are forever voting against their own best interests.
He is a SOUTHERN senator and Obama is a northern BLACK president. It can ONLY be an expression of personal animosity. And even if it weren't true, the people who voted for were certainly cheated by a guy whose only thought of public service was basically winning at all costs. He has trashed the GOP for his own egotistical needs. He is the poster boy for all the republican voters who are forever voting against their own best interests.
20
Why is this even a serious question? McConnell is picking this fight for one reason and that is to maintain the Republican 60-year control of the Supreme Court if a deity-stamped Ted Cruz, for example, is elected president in November.
Antonin Scalia's vacancy means Republicans will still keep their 5-4 majority. But, it is likely that Ruth Bader Ginsburg whether she dies in office or retires will be the next vacancy.
Then, the tilt will be 6-3 and a further deterioration of individual rights and liberties under a predicted hard right-wing Judiciary that is practically guaranteed to devolve into a Star Chamber high court.
Antonin Scalia's vacancy means Republicans will still keep their 5-4 majority. But, it is likely that Ruth Bader Ginsburg whether she dies in office or retires will be the next vacancy.
Then, the tilt will be 6-3 and a further deterioration of individual rights and liberties under a predicted hard right-wing Judiciary that is practically guaranteed to devolve into a Star Chamber high court.
11
Why is it that no one recalls that that Super Conservative Reagan signed CA's abortion legalization into law?
McConnell is just another in a long line of GOP opportunism.
McConnell is just another in a long line of GOP opportunism.
18
That fact about Reagan has been buried and outside of comments sections like this, cannot be uttered by our mainstream media, just as they refuse ever to note that he raised taxes ELEVEN times during his presidency. I lived through it, so I am not caught up in the hagiographic and propagandistic haze.
7
@P Dunbar,
I don't follow you. My understanding is that Reagan's stance on abortion changed, completely, once he was in the White House. This includes at least one executive order. The National Right To Life organization praised him. That sounds conservative (not to mention highly unfortunate) to me.
2-21-16@12:17 am
I don't follow you. My understanding is that Reagan's stance on abortion changed, completely, once he was in the White House. This includes at least one executive order. The National Right To Life organization praised him. That sounds conservative (not to mention highly unfortunate) to me.
2-21-16@12:17 am
1
This piece can be summed-up as follows: in case readers had suffered any doubts, Mitch McConnell has now confirmed that he is simply a political hack.
25
How the process works:
Step 1: The President selects a nominee.
Nomination: The President announces a nomination to the Senate.
Nominee’s Paperwork: The nominee completes paperwork concerning finances and personal background.
FBI Investigation: The FBI probes the nominee’s criminal history, if any.
STEP 2: The Senate confirms or rejects the nominee.
Senate Confirmation Hearings: The nominee is sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
18 senators interview the nominee.
Topics include the nominee’s qualifications and previous casework.
The committee also questions witnesses who support or oppose the nomination.
Committee Vote: The committee votes on the President’s nominee.
No matter the vote’s outcome, the nominee is generally sent to the Senate floor after the committee hearings.
Senate Vote: The full Senate deliberates and then votes on the nominee.
A simple majority (51 votes) confirms or rejects the nominee’s appointment.
If the nominee is confirmed, the Supreme Court justice is appointed for life.
If the nominee is rejected, the President chooses another and the process is repeated.
Current Senate:
54 Republicans.
44 Democrats.
2 Independents (both caucus with the Democrats).
GOP behavior - driven by meaningless obstructionism and willful behavior - throwing weight around and giving us the universal sign of derision.
"If you think you are being played, you probably are" - for fools.
Do they have 51 votes.
Who are the fab 5.
VP Biden on a tie.
Who are the fab 4.
Step 1: The President selects a nominee.
Nomination: The President announces a nomination to the Senate.
Nominee’s Paperwork: The nominee completes paperwork concerning finances and personal background.
FBI Investigation: The FBI probes the nominee’s criminal history, if any.
STEP 2: The Senate confirms or rejects the nominee.
Senate Confirmation Hearings: The nominee is sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
18 senators interview the nominee.
Topics include the nominee’s qualifications and previous casework.
The committee also questions witnesses who support or oppose the nomination.
Committee Vote: The committee votes on the President’s nominee.
No matter the vote’s outcome, the nominee is generally sent to the Senate floor after the committee hearings.
Senate Vote: The full Senate deliberates and then votes on the nominee.
A simple majority (51 votes) confirms or rejects the nominee’s appointment.
If the nominee is confirmed, the Supreme Court justice is appointed for life.
If the nominee is rejected, the President chooses another and the process is repeated.
Current Senate:
54 Republicans.
44 Democrats.
2 Independents (both caucus with the Democrats).
GOP behavior - driven by meaningless obstructionism and willful behavior - throwing weight around and giving us the universal sign of derision.
"If you think you are being played, you probably are" - for fools.
Do they have 51 votes.
Who are the fab 5.
VP Biden on a tie.
Who are the fab 4.
The Democrats have 46 votes, but would need 4 + Biden to seat a new justice. But only AFTER they mustered 60 votes to advance to the final vote.
There are four Republicans who might vote for Obama's pick: Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Mark Kirk (Illinois), and perhaps Kelly Ayotte (New Hampshire). Both Kirk and Ayotte are from states Obama won in 2012 and are up for reelection, so they might be willing to vote for his nominee if s/he were already highly vetted, like Sri Srinivasan.
That 60 vote hurdle is a high one, though.
There are four Republicans who might vote for Obama's pick: Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Mark Kirk (Illinois), and perhaps Kelly Ayotte (New Hampshire). Both Kirk and Ayotte are from states Obama won in 2012 and are up for reelection, so they might be willing to vote for his nominee if s/he were already highly vetted, like Sri Srinivasan.
That 60 vote hurdle is a high one, though.
1
To Sleater.
Thank you for naming names. I planned to do that sooner or later.
Filibusters against a Supreme Court nomination are unusual. But with Mad Mitch at the wheel anything is possible.
In any case with the upcoming election all Senators will be treading lightly and the electorate will be alert if the whole situation turns too rancid.
And most likely it will. So it all remains to be seen.
Thank you for naming names. I planned to do that sooner or later.
Filibusters against a Supreme Court nomination are unusual. But with Mad Mitch at the wheel anything is possible.
In any case with the upcoming election all Senators will be treading lightly and the electorate will be alert if the whole situation turns too rancid.
And most likely it will. So it all remains to be seen.
Mitch McConnell has not devoted his life to the Senate, he has devoted it to the Republican party and its conservative agenda
13
Harry Reid made this statment on the Senate floor in 2005. I do not agree with the republicans but I understand there position it is the same one that the democrats have been holding.
Why did the NY Times not report this in this article more fully it only reaffirms the claims of selective reporting
"The duties of the United States Senate are set forth in the Constitution of the United States,” Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said in 2005. “Nowhere in that document does it say the Senate has a duty to give presidential nominees ‘an up or down vote.’ It says appointments shall be made with the Advice and Consent of the Senate. That is very different than saying that every nominee receives a vote."
Why did the NY Times not report this in this article more fully it only reaffirms the claims of selective reporting
"The duties of the United States Senate are set forth in the Constitution of the United States,” Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said in 2005. “Nowhere in that document does it say the Senate has a duty to give presidential nominees ‘an up or down vote.’ It says appointments shall be made with the Advice and Consent of the Senate. That is very different than saying that every nominee receives a vote."
6
And yet Reid and the Democrats confirmed Bush's Supreme Court nominees, didn't they?
One of them is an ultraconservative, Samuel Alito, and the other is very conservative, Chief Justice John Roberts Jr.
One of them is an ultraconservative, Samuel Alito, and the other is very conservative, Chief Justice John Roberts Jr.
4
Stunning, no commentary if this action is in the best interests of the citizenry; rather, that 'the Democrats did it'. What a depressing state of affairs.
I thought of writing a note to the Senator. It would go something like this:
To Mitch McConnell:
I am a 67 year old white male military veteran, son of a career military man. I vote independent. I'm writing to tell you that it seems pretty clear to me your public actions stem from narrow and personal interests, contrary to what you profess. Your "leadership" has besmirched a once great institution. I wish you were not in office. When you run again, I hope you lose -- I don't think you are good for the country.
Sincerely & etc
To Mitch McConnell:
I am a 67 year old white male military veteran, son of a career military man. I vote independent. I'm writing to tell you that it seems pretty clear to me your public actions stem from narrow and personal interests, contrary to what you profess. Your "leadership" has besmirched a once great institution. I wish you were not in office. When you run again, I hope you lose -- I don't think you are good for the country.
Sincerely & etc
28
You should write the letter.
Great article - thanks.
Today it's Mitch, yesterday it was Newt, who knows what tomorrow will bring.
The country moves forward - somehow - despite these guys trying relentlessly to shut down the President and their Dem colleagues in Congress. Just about everything they oppose eventually becomes the law of the land. But not until they wreak havoc.
Just an angry, permanently obstructionist group of people IMO...
Today it's Mitch, yesterday it was Newt, who knows what tomorrow will bring.
The country moves forward - somehow - despite these guys trying relentlessly to shut down the President and their Dem colleagues in Congress. Just about everything they oppose eventually becomes the law of the land. But not until they wreak havoc.
Just an angry, permanently obstructionist group of people IMO...
9
Yertle the Turtle is a snapping turtle, so "approach from behind." He's s l o w, but he's persistent, and once he bites down he will not let go, particularly when he knows nothing about the issues he pursues, only how much money it is likely to produce. Ain't you proud, Pennsyltucky?
11
@ejzim,
I had to read your comment 3 times before I cracked it. There's a whiff of Meryl Streep's recording from the book Philadelphia Chickens, in what you've got here. I'll give you credit for one of the most original and creative posts I've read in the NYT EVER! Pennsyltucky? I love it! Can't stand him, but, I love the slam-nickname!!
2-21-16@1:26 am
I had to read your comment 3 times before I cracked it. There's a whiff of Meryl Streep's recording from the book Philadelphia Chickens, in what you've got here. I'll give you credit for one of the most original and creative posts I've read in the NYT EVER! Pennsyltucky? I love it! Can't stand him, but, I love the slam-nickname!!
2-21-16@1:26 am
1
You know, in politics or religion (two systems that create legal systems) a scam only lasts as long as the veil holds firm. Once it starts slipping and folk see behind the purpose of the laws, the REAL purpose, whether it is simple greed or simple power or simple sex or simple simplemindedness, then the game is over.
The game is over.
The Republican Party is filled with dry rot and worms in their brains. For 7 years they've had their fun of "obstructionism" all in the name of The Dark Money Cult. They only had to say "NO!", and they did. And they got a good laugh out of it, and, now, it's time to pay the piper.
Well, pay up, Boyz.
You've destroyed your Party, destroyed any respect this country had for you. You should never, ever, have said: We'll get him, we'll stonewall him, no matter what it is, no matter if it's for the nation, we'll tell him, "NO!NO!NO!" and drag him down. We'll get him bad! Ha!
So you have done nothing for 7 long and dangerous years, skirting close to treason a half-dozen times. And what did you gain?
You are going to be collectively remembered on the same level as Billy Sol Estes, Agnew, Nixon, McVeigh, Cliven Bundy or Mudd. Your names will be Mudd. And when our next crash comes, and, oh, it will, and the American populace finds out that they are going to be the ones billed for the $570Trillion worth of derivatives, then you'd best be on the next plane to somewhere. The Dark Money Cult won't be able to save themselves, let alone you.
You lose.
The game is over.
The Republican Party is filled with dry rot and worms in their brains. For 7 years they've had their fun of "obstructionism" all in the name of The Dark Money Cult. They only had to say "NO!", and they did. And they got a good laugh out of it, and, now, it's time to pay the piper.
Well, pay up, Boyz.
You've destroyed your Party, destroyed any respect this country had for you. You should never, ever, have said: We'll get him, we'll stonewall him, no matter what it is, no matter if it's for the nation, we'll tell him, "NO!NO!NO!" and drag him down. We'll get him bad! Ha!
So you have done nothing for 7 long and dangerous years, skirting close to treason a half-dozen times. And what did you gain?
You are going to be collectively remembered on the same level as Billy Sol Estes, Agnew, Nixon, McVeigh, Cliven Bundy or Mudd. Your names will be Mudd. And when our next crash comes, and, oh, it will, and the American populace finds out that they are going to be the ones billed for the $570Trillion worth of derivatives, then you'd best be on the next plane to somewhere. The Dark Money Cult won't be able to save themselves, let alone you.
You lose.
11
So we can now see in some detail that Mitch McConnell is as jaundiced on the inside as he appears to be on the out!
5
Now the fight will be about proposing a women, Latino, black, gay, lesbian, Asian, possibly a Muslim for the court.
I suggest that we need a veteran of our military service on the court, who also could be any of the above, as well.
A gay, black, Muslim, male, veteran. A fourfor!!!
I suggest that we need a veteran of our military service on the court, who also could be any of the above, as well.
A gay, black, Muslim, male, veteran. A fourfor!!!
5
Good hypothesis. Wonder if it's true. Let's him off the hook re: race. Not so sure that is appropriate. I view him as a racist, thru and thru. How do his black colleagues view him?
At any rate, either you or I might be right in one respect. No where is it said that he has been a champion of the people.
At any rate, either you or I might be right in one respect. No where is it said that he has been a champion of the people.
6
Perhaps those outraged and disgusted with this matter should look to reforming the nomination process, which is a creation of statute.
Instead of depending on a "lightning bolt" approach of waiting for death or retirement, perhaps we'd all be better off going with a rule that every President gets to appoint one Court member during each Congressional session (that is every two years). In other words, erasing the fixed number of Justices, and making that factor (and not death) the variable.
Include in that a rule that must be a three-fifths negative vote against any nominee, preserving the Senate as a crucial counter against corruption or inanity (think Caligula and his horse) while also ensuring that opposition (not support) be bipartisan in nature.
Adopting this approach, whatever flaws it carries (as must any process), de-politicizing each individual nomination by making it less "life and death" and more like the routine ebb and flow of electoral fate.
Instead of depending on a "lightning bolt" approach of waiting for death or retirement, perhaps we'd all be better off going with a rule that every President gets to appoint one Court member during each Congressional session (that is every two years). In other words, erasing the fixed number of Justices, and making that factor (and not death) the variable.
Include in that a rule that must be a three-fifths negative vote against any nominee, preserving the Senate as a crucial counter against corruption or inanity (think Caligula and his horse) while also ensuring that opposition (not support) be bipartisan in nature.
Adopting this approach, whatever flaws it carries (as must any process), de-politicizing each individual nomination by making it less "life and death" and more like the routine ebb and flow of electoral fate.
The Republican position increasingly shows less and less American vision, where, in my view, the ideology is supposed to be: 'win, win' - not 'win, lose'. It does appear that many of our Congressional political leaders have lost the sense of why they are in the Congress: to serve the American people.
5
Could not agree more, Republican or Democrat, serve the people not the desire to remain in office.
Amazing that following the death of an "originalist" (conservative) judge who would/should have insisted on sticking to the constitution and allowing Obama to nominate his successor, the Republican party has conveniently chosen to do the exact opposite ie defy the constitution!
8
Wouldn't it be nice to have people in Washington who governed instead of
spending all their time running for office.
spending all their time running for office.
9
The reason for this disturbance is porcine manners!
4
Mitch should have shut up and let the appoint go before the Judiciary committee where the Committee can legitimately refuse to vote the candidate out of committee -- i.e. it refuses to Consent to the nomination. That is perfectly legal and would have created less furor.
2
Mitch opposes anything President Obama wants so Mitch didn't pick this issue, this issue is one of the bunch. If the President could make the lame walk and the blind see, Mitch would howl that the President was hurting the crutch and braile industries.
17
Particularly if the crutch and braile industries had a Koch-brothers equivalent.
"In comments made to wealthy political donors at the Koch network retreat in June 2014, McConnell stated that "The worst day of my political life was when President George W. Bush signed McCain-Feingold into law in the early part of his first administration."
As The Nation noted, "To put that in perspective, Mitch McConnell’s thirty-five-year career in the Senate saw the 9/11 terrorist attacks that killed thousands of Americans, the 2008 housing meltdown that threatened the entire economy and Barack Obama’s election, to cite a conservative bête noire."
"In comments made to wealthy political donors at the Koch network retreat in June 2014, McConnell stated that "The worst day of my political life was when President George W. Bush signed McCain-Feingold into law in the early part of his first administration."
As The Nation noted, "To put that in perspective, Mitch McConnell’s thirty-five-year career in the Senate saw the 9/11 terrorist attacks that killed thousands of Americans, the 2008 housing meltdown that threatened the entire economy and Barack Obama’s election, to cite a conservative bête noire."
Obama doesn't have to make the lame walk or the blind see. He only has to be able to negotiate deals, a skill that eludes him.
His presidency is an example of the Peter Principle, certainly not of a miracle worker.
His presidency is an example of the Peter Principle, certainly not of a miracle worker.
McConnell is a backroom wheeler-dealer who did not invent how to wield power in the Senate. Democrats and Republicans have been doing the same for years. And, in fact, the rules of the Senate are designed to allow those like McConnell, who have mastered the rules, to manipulate outcomes in their party's favor. That he is using the rules against Obama makes Obama supporters cry dirty pool. But Pelosi did the same in the House to Bush and Robert Caro tells us how Lyndon Johnson first did it to block civil rights and then to pass the Civil Rights Act. These backroom politicians assess the votes they have and manipulate the calendar to achieve what they perceive to be the purposes of their party. They are not the ideological leaders. They are the facilitators. Both parties need facilitators like McConnell and both parties have them. You don't become the majority leader of either party unless you're a master of strategy. Most of those who attack McConnell don't seem to understand his role or the fact that Democrats work the same way. He is certainly subject to attack. But, if you don't understand his role, you're firing at the wrong target.
3
Your description of high level politics is spot on. It also provides the reason why Obama has struggled so badly. He knew how to campaign like a Chicago pol but never learned how to play in the big leagues -- and make no mistake about it, McConnell is the big league of politics, as was his henchman, Reid.
Putting Obama in the White House was like putting a rookie quarterback into a Super Bowl game. It makes no more sense to blame the offense than it does to blame republicans for doing exactly what democrats have always done and which Obama himself has done.
Americans are too eager to turn a blind eye toward their own party's behavior and then cry when the other party beats them at their own game.
Putting Obama in the White House was like putting a rookie quarterback into a Super Bowl game. It makes no more sense to blame the offense than it does to blame republicans for doing exactly what democrats have always done and which Obama himself has done.
Americans are too eager to turn a blind eye toward their own party's behavior and then cry when the other party beats them at their own game.
As the Washington Post has pointed out, Mitch McConnell is simply following the example of Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). Reid now says that the “the Senate’s constitutional duty to give a fair and timely hearing and a floor vote to the president’s Supreme Court nominees has remained inviolable.” But when a Republican was in the White House, Reid said, “The duties of the United States Senate are set forth in the Constitution of the United States. Nowhere in that document does it say the Senate has a duty to give presidential nominees a vote. It says appointments shall be made with the advice and consent of the Senate. That’s very different than saying every nominee receives a vote.” The Republican senators are merely doing what Democrat senators do when they are in power.
4
"Nowhere in that document does it say the Senate has a duty to give presidential nominees a vote. "
-- Harry Reid
Of course, he's singing a different tune now. Democrats lie like the best of them.
-- Harry Reid
Of course, he's singing a different tune now. Democrats lie like the best of them.
"Mr. McConnell was doing something deeply out of character" -- or something that he has otherwise managed to keep under wraps. But finally his racism is showing. He just can't stand to see a Black as president, and will doing anything he can to belittle President Obama. He's a smart politician, but his gut bigotry got the better of him last week, and he just couldn't help himself when he declared that Obama had no right to exercise presidential power.
J
J
3
th soundtrack for that picture could be from star wars, as darth vader enters ...
6
@thx1138,
I dunno bout that. A waste of John William's wonderful score, plus Vader's voice is James Earl Jones. Jones has class and character. McConnell on the other hand....
2-21-16@1:38 am
I dunno bout that. A waste of John William's wonderful score, plus Vader's voice is James Earl Jones. Jones has class and character. McConnell on the other hand....
2-21-16@1:38 am
1
Mitch McConnell embodies everything that is wrong with this country's government..
19
I despise McConnell and his ilk. They are the peoblem in this country.
9
Mitch McConnell has proven himself to be better at winning re-election, than doing his job as a senator. Plain and simple.
Whether hw winds up like John Boehner or Eric Cantor still remains to be seen.
His form of leadership is akin to rolling dice; sooner or later, he'll roll "snake eyes."
Whether hw winds up like John Boehner or Eric Cantor still remains to be seen.
His form of leadership is akin to rolling dice; sooner or later, he'll roll "snake eyes."
5
I'm reminded of a greeting card I saw once that said, "Let's put the FUN back into dysFUNctional."
In that same vein, Mitch McConnell has kept the "con" in "conservative". Whether that's as in "con artist" or "no pros, only cons" is open to interpretation.
In that same vein, Mitch McConnell has kept the "con" in "conservative". Whether that's as in "con artist" or "no pros, only cons" is open to interpretation.
6
The McConnell agenda of undermining the President is truly unprecedented and utterly repugnant. One can only wonder what role race has played in this strategy. Constitution be damned....the American people need to be punished for voting in Obama....just another reminder of how low politicians will go in the name of protecting their religious ideologies.
5
You are not correct: the GOP used the same strategy, different tactics to destroy the presidency of Bill Clinton, who despite their attempts, did well and remains popular. But it worked in that it made him lean to the right and become less effective.
No doubt the Republican Senate stopped some of the Obama agenda but to call Barrack Obama a unifier is laughable and a outright LIE! You folks at the Times seem to forget the Divider in Chief told Republicans in the early weeks of his administration "Elections have consquences".
4
So elections shouldn't have consequences? Everyone who votes differently than you shouldn't notice a shift when the person we elect wins? Or, do you prefer to have the Supreme Court decide all your elections for you?
I disagree that McConnell is simply intent on party power and his own position. I've seen enough of him to think he really does hate President Obama. McConnell is from Kentucky, you know, where they have little black boy statues holding up a lantern. This is southern stuff, really. He knows American bigots hate Obama and at the least, he is nurturing and satisfying that hatred with his obstruction. McConnell is not Cosmopolitan like us. He's a good ole boy. If anything, McConnell is using the hatred to stay in power.
9
What this article demonstrates is that McConnell is simply the Harry Reid of the Republican Party -- party hacks extraordinaire.
3
Shocking and dismaying. What great responsibility lies on Mitch McConnell's shoulders! I'm sorry for our country.
6
Republicans aren't winning back the White House this year, so big deal.
2
If Mr. McGinnis is right in his analysis, and he certainly makes a convincing case, then a top Democratic objective ougjht to be to make sure every voter in Kentucky knows the kind of animal the've kept in power in D.C.
3
I think that Mr. McConnell had to do this or else he would have gone the way of Mr. Boehner.
Even more than the fate of the Republican party, his own fate is important to Mr. McConnell.
Even more than the fate of the Republican party, his own fate is important to Mr. McConnell.
4
If voters understand this is what's really going on and believe it serves their interest then what can you say except this is how democracies work in a dangerously polarized world. But do voters get this? Does anybody outside of McConnell's universe think this way of governing is working? It's not working for me. What a mess.
4
'After word of Justice Antonin Scalia’s death emerged last weekend, it took the majority leader less than an hour to announce that the Senate would not entertain a replacement before November.'
I hope that those to follow show such sympathy for you Mr McConnell. You are a man without principle.
I hope that those to follow show such sympathy for you Mr McConnell. You are a man without principle.
5
Seems like what might be good for America never comes up on McConnell's radar. Another sociopath in high places. KA
6
I guess Mitch's Obama Derangement Syndrome got so out of control that he could no longer help himself. ODS is making him unable to think rationally. At all.
4
I notice that you didn't include any hypothetical basis for Mr. McConnell's behavior that might be based in any sort of ethical principle.
Good call.
Good call.
3
We have term limits for POTUS, why do we not have term limits for the Senate and the SCOTUS? It seems we cannot depend on enough of our fellow citizens to recognise and vote out the seditious and treasonous elements of our society. Racism is shameful enough, how is this not sedition and treason? Term limits across the board might be the cure!
3
So, really, Sen. McConnell, as viewed through the eyes of someone like, say, Mitt Romney, is simply a career politician. A taker...on the public dole for his entire career.
Has he ever done anything to better anyone other than himself?
Has he ever put country before party or before his office? just curious. Doesn't sound like it.
Has he ever done anything to better anyone other than himself?
Has he ever put country before party or before his office? just curious. Doesn't sound like it.
4
Why? He was told to do so by his Corporate Minders, the Big Money Boys who control McConnell's every move in office.
5
Who history remember? My bet is on President Obama, not Mitch McConnel.
4
You're right about that.
History will record the first Black man as the worst president in the history of this country
History will record the first Black man as the worst president in the history of this country
In short this guy is a creep.
6
If you don't like Kentucky Mitch, let his constituents know by NOT buying Kentucky products. Here's a couple of websites listing such products:
http://www.atasteofkentucky.com/shop/kentucky-proud-kentucky-crafted-pro...
http://www.kentucky.com/news/business/bourbon-industry/article44542284.html
http://www.atasteofkentucky.com/shop/kentucky-proud-kentucky-crafted-pro...
http://www.kentucky.com/news/business/bourbon-industry/article44542284.html
4
It is obvious to me that McConnell's obstruction is pure racism. There! Someone said what needed to be said.
4
McConnell's intransigence calls his patriotism into question. It is in the interests of NO American for him to pull this stunt.
3
A friend of mine had a unique phrase he used to describe shrewd people whose low ethics undermined their intelligence: "rat smart."
I think it applies to Senator McConnell.
I think it applies to Senator McConnell.
5
the usual reason...obstruction
1
In other words Mitch McConnell is a coward of the highest order.
3
Calculating hater of America. In McConnell's mind, America comes second to party advancement. We have Fox News Entertainment and AM Radio to thank for the rancor that drives the McConnells in D.C.
2
What an appropriate photo the Times used with this article. Just look at the man's eyes. Pure fear.
3
McConnell is Obama' sworn enemy; that is all he is. I will miss him no more that i miss Scalia.
1
Thank you, I now more clearly understand that Mitch McConnell and his followers are all about power and retaining it and not about doing anything to help America. Their behavior borders on being treasonous.
3
But only yesterday I thought the reason the Republicans weren't going to confirm an Obama nominee was all because of racism. Today it's all because of politics? Which is it, NY Times?
5
A racist politician, rfj.
1
Coal.
As I have said many times, Mr. Obama's attempts at bipartisanship is what allowed these GOP obstructionists to get their power.
He was just naive to believe he could get along with them. Instead of letting Henry Waxman hold hearings on the financial crisis, he appointed a bipartisan commission, the Angelides Commission. it s findings were disputed by the GOP members, and the great majority of citizens do not know it, or have read it.
If Waxman had held hearings, the GOP would be a minority party, just like they became in 1932.
He was just naive to believe he could get along with them. Instead of letting Henry Waxman hold hearings on the financial crisis, he appointed a bipartisan commission, the Angelides Commission. it s findings were disputed by the GOP members, and the great majority of citizens do not know it, or have read it.
If Waxman had held hearings, the GOP would be a minority party, just like they became in 1932.
2
As Mitch McConnell is one of America's most Senior and longest running elected Politicians, he sets the standard for Wisdom, Service and Integrity for an American Political Representative.
How LOW those standards are.
How embarrassing it must be for him to be one of your most senior politicians.
What does it and what does he say about your political standards and the depth of your Democracy?
Very little indeed.
How LOW those standards are.
How embarrassing it must be for him to be one of your most senior politicians.
What does it and what does he say about your political standards and the depth of your Democracy?
Very little indeed.
11
By now, the real news would be that why Sen McConnell doesn't want to fight (President Obama)
2
The left-wing's oft stated false assertion that Republicans are obstructionists or otherwise the problem is directly refuted by facts. Obama began his presidency in the most divisive and aggressively partisan political manner conceivable, as evidenced by the frequent lies, corruption and hyper-partisan tactics used by Obama and his radical left-wing acolytes to ram ObamaCare down America's throat. Not one Republican voted for Obamacare and the majority of the American people opposed it then, and still do. Since then, Obama has snubbed and insulted Congress, the Supreme Court and the democratic process in an ongoing effort to force his radical left-wing agenda down our throats. The job of a president is to lead through honesty, persuasion, negotiation, compromise and comity. Instead, Obama's style is the epitome of arrogance, petulance and deception; the consequence of which are his miserably failed presidency and a more divided nation.
5
What part of the historical record don't you 'get'? The distortions of your conservative re-write of history here don't change any facts - they don't somehow miraculously become 'true' just because they parrot the idiocy of the right-wing echo chamber. As this article notes and as is abundantly clear, the corrupt right-wing vowed even before Pres. Obama set foot in the White House to oppose anything and everything he proposed. Your cluelessness about the long-term damage that conservative 'thinking' and nasty politics have done to America and to our system of government is evidence enough of the impact of the willfully uninformed right.
1
Talk about distorted thinking!!!
A textual reading of the Constitution, as Justice Scalia applauded, leaves no doubt that the current president has the power to nominate a candidate to the Supreme Court, and the Senate has an obligation to advise and consent. If the Framers had intended that no nominations be made in an election year, they would have so stated.
3
Mcconnells top senatorial priority was to make Barack Obama a one term president. Epic failure.
This "fight" sounds like the only logical move for this bigot to make.
This "fight" sounds like the only logical move for this bigot to make.
3
McConnell is, indeed, a loser. He needs to just go away.
However, why does everyone conveniently forget when then-Senator Barack Obama filibustered Alito's appointment to the Supreme Court.
The hypocrisy is astounding.
However, why does everyone conveniently forget when then-Senator Barack Obama filibustered Alito's appointment to the Supreme Court.
The hypocrisy is astounding.
2
Filibustering is one thing, but 7 years of obstructionism is quite another story.
1
Then-senator said his party should filibuster Alito's nomination, but didn't do it. The rationale may have been Alito's statement when he got his first judicial appointment: "I am a Repubican judge." A confession of bias that should have disqualified him from office.
"Where power is not joined with faith in the future, it is used mainly to ward off the new and preserve the status quo.”
Eric Hoffer, The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements
Eric Hoffer, The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements
2
McConnell is among the most nauseating politicians in this country, a man who does not serve his country but himself, his ego, his power. There is a special place somewhere waiting for him. What makes a person like McConnell? A dominating father, playground bullying, some gnawing humiliation from the fourth grade? Whatever the reason, it is our sorrow to have inherited him.
3
Don't worry, McConnell always caves.
And he does not even have to bring Obama's pick to a vote in the he senate.
160 SC picks by presidents. 25% hav been denied by senate. Very simple. Take the vote, and show t down Obama's leftist hack rubber stamp.
And he does not even have to bring Obama's pick to a vote in the he senate.
160 SC picks by presidents. 25% hav been denied by senate. Very simple. Take the vote, and show t down Obama's leftist hack rubber stamp.
3
He was a simple country judge when he arrived in DC, and now he is a multi-millionaire. How does that happen?
5
its called th great american political money machine
from th corporations to lobbyists to congress to th caymans
that way they cut out th middle men
you
from th corporations to lobbyists to congress to th caymans
that way they cut out th middle men
you
Go look up his wife. Explains a lot.
McDonnell's decision shows his rookie standing as Majority Leader and his palpable fear of the new republican base. All of which he thought he got ahead of in a nice quick strike. Not so fast. He has singularly angered not just democrats, but black democrats and blacks in general who've had enough of his illigitimatizing the black president. They are saying it openly now, McConnell doesn't like Obama cause he's black. I'm white and I believe it. I don't the republicans believe it too. So I hope Obama nominates a black woman to the court, its time, there are some good quality candidates. Grassley in Iowa is going to look in the mirror and see his old white face staring back and think am I loyal to party and McConnell or the my country? Maybe God wanted Scalia at his side to watch how this country reacts. That seat on the court is not one side or the others. We have a process for this, and each should do his duty. I don't think McConnell is capable. Any man willfully wishing an American President to fail is a failure himself.
1
to Richard Luettgen
No Mr. Luettgen, you're the majority party because of Gerrymandering, voter suppression and manipulation. Numerous polls and surveys have shown that far more of the country is democratic. Regarding the affordable care act....where do you get your health insurance from, I wonder.
No Mr. Luettgen, you're the majority party because of Gerrymandering, voter suppression and manipulation. Numerous polls and surveys have shown that far more of the country is democratic. Regarding the affordable care act....where do you get your health insurance from, I wonder.
7
McConnell and Cruz.
Who could believe that a weasel and a snake could inhabit the same warren?
If you think you've seen hate, just think that the two of them will be at each other's throats - win or lose in November.
If either is lucky, Americans will lump them into the National Embarrassment Hall of Fame with Joe McCarthy for all eternity. If they're really really lucky, they'll disappear into some black hole of obscurity the moment they walk away from public office.
Who could believe that a weasel and a snake could inhabit the same warren?
If you think you've seen hate, just think that the two of them will be at each other's throats - win or lose in November.
If either is lucky, Americans will lump them into the National Embarrassment Hall of Fame with Joe McCarthy for all eternity. If they're really really lucky, they'll disappear into some black hole of obscurity the moment they walk away from public office.
2
I certainly hope this article finds its way to Mitch McConnell. His legacy will not be a good one.
4
Sen. McConnell has earned an "F" in citizenship and public responsibility, and his attempt to dissuade President Obama from even nominating a Supreme Court Justice is the last straw. Republican Senators have every right to question, and, if they feel strongly enough, vote against a nominee. But to suggest, without any legal basis, that Obama should not nominate a Justice is a pure insult. 'We, the people' have known from the beginning that many Republicans wanted to oppose anything and everything that Obama has wanted. But, do they honestly believe that Obama has not offered ANYTHING positive? Their lack of substantial policy alternatives, aside from 'tax cuts' and 'deregulation,' certainly makes it look like they stand for only opposition for its own sake, and their thinly disguised personal disregard for the President is clear to see.
1
"[For] Mr. McConnell, shaping policy wasn’t the goal. Winning was."
What a breathtakingly clear example of sociopathy! But there's more...
Senator McConnell's stated intent to prevent the Supreme Court vacancy from being filled seems like just another in-your-face gesture to President Obama (and is disingenuous on its face because "the people spoke" already when we elected the current President, a position which includes his nominating Supreme Court justices and whose term runs a full FOUR years) but I wonder if this isn't just another way to shut down "the government," albeit a different branch this time.
Or, could it be that this is a truly Machiavellian gambit to ensure that in a close election in November, the outcome will be decided by Congress, instead of by the Supreme Court? Is this really just the quintessence of a power grab that is only masquerading as focused "winning" or obstructionism?
This time it may be not about shutting down the government, but about nullifying one of the three branches, and it does seem that the Supreme Court itself may want to weigh in on this semi-coup.
What a breathtakingly clear example of sociopathy! But there's more...
Senator McConnell's stated intent to prevent the Supreme Court vacancy from being filled seems like just another in-your-face gesture to President Obama (and is disingenuous on its face because "the people spoke" already when we elected the current President, a position which includes his nominating Supreme Court justices and whose term runs a full FOUR years) but I wonder if this isn't just another way to shut down "the government," albeit a different branch this time.
Or, could it be that this is a truly Machiavellian gambit to ensure that in a close election in November, the outcome will be decided by Congress, instead of by the Supreme Court? Is this really just the quintessence of a power grab that is only masquerading as focused "winning" or obstructionism?
This time it may be not about shutting down the government, but about nullifying one of the three branches, and it does seem that the Supreme Court itself may want to weigh in on this semi-coup.
3
Second to last paragraph nails it.
2
I think the real reason McConnell panicked was because Scalia was the last establishment anchor in Washington and with him gone there is really noone to carry on
2
The Republican's policies are now run by the Freedom Caucus/Tea Party minority of 20%. By his obstructionist stands in the past 7 years, McConnell has pushed himself into a corner from which there is no exit any more. The author is probably right that it all revolve about campaign finance. Thus, McConnell has wrecked and divided his party for his own interests. -- The best thing that the Republicans could do is to get themselves a new leader who has the interests of the nation first, party second. Then they might attract the majority f the voters. Now they have no more than 35% of the electorate in their pocket, having pushed out all moderates into the Independent column, which is now a majority.
4
.
.
I am very pleased to see an analysis of the Senate Majority Leader's history, because it sheds light on his decision-making process. That is vital because until 2017, his thought process will largely dictate how the upper house of Congress votes, or fails to vote. Times readers need this insight.
I am startled to read that the Leader said, within an HOUR after Antonin Scalia's death became known, that the nomination of a replacement must await 2017. Supreme Court Justices get sick, they travel, they participate in physical activities, and they get death threats (sadly). Therefore, another Justice could die before 2017, just as Justice Scalia and Ted Stevens and Sonny Bono and John Kennedy died while holding Federal office.
The Leader's statement showed that he is willing to run the risk -- a risk affecting 310 million Americans -- that the Court will be reduced to 7 members by next February. That is shocking, considering his place in government. Is he willing to have a vacancy rate IN THE SENATE of 11%, or 22%?
Is it so crucial that the next Court nomination not be guided by Democratic Leader Harry Reid? Leader McConnell for some reason prefers that the Democratic position be handled by Leader-in-Waiting Chuck Schumer.
Well, I guess we should count ourselves lucky: Although Mitch McConnell and Antonin Scalia thought corporations and humans play equal roles in supporting electoral candidates, Leader McConnell didn't insist that a corporation be nominated to the Court!
.
I am very pleased to see an analysis of the Senate Majority Leader's history, because it sheds light on his decision-making process. That is vital because until 2017, his thought process will largely dictate how the upper house of Congress votes, or fails to vote. Times readers need this insight.
I am startled to read that the Leader said, within an HOUR after Antonin Scalia's death became known, that the nomination of a replacement must await 2017. Supreme Court Justices get sick, they travel, they participate in physical activities, and they get death threats (sadly). Therefore, another Justice could die before 2017, just as Justice Scalia and Ted Stevens and Sonny Bono and John Kennedy died while holding Federal office.
The Leader's statement showed that he is willing to run the risk -- a risk affecting 310 million Americans -- that the Court will be reduced to 7 members by next February. That is shocking, considering his place in government. Is he willing to have a vacancy rate IN THE SENATE of 11%, or 22%?
Is it so crucial that the next Court nomination not be guided by Democratic Leader Harry Reid? Leader McConnell for some reason prefers that the Democratic position be handled by Leader-in-Waiting Chuck Schumer.
Well, I guess we should count ourselves lucky: Although Mitch McConnell and Antonin Scalia thought corporations and humans play equal roles in supporting electoral candidates, Leader McConnell didn't insist that a corporation be nominated to the Court!
2
McConnell is only doing what Democrats would have done if given the opportunity . To say otherwise is truly disingenuous.
4
McConnell is not the leader he imagines himself to be. He is a divider. Obstructive, not constructive. I deeply resent how he undermined Mr. Obama's presidency, for the sake of . . . what? Why does he think voters are lining up behind Trump or Sanders? It's because so many people are so disgusted with how McConnell and crew operate, they've become desperate. Oh for a few good men and women to run America earnestly and well, with an eye toward the common good and the wish to unite us, while respecting our gorgeous diversity.
6
I don't have any idea of what MM is trying to achieve. It's embarrassing to watch a high ranking politician behave in a beligerent and super negative manner.
If MM tried his antics in the private sector he would be fired.
If MM tried his antics in the private sector he would be fired.
8
I'm waiting for karma. Waiting, waiting, hoping, hoping. That's the only thing I can do to keep from screaming.
1
I believe Mc Connell's actions have been nothing short of treasonous. To carry your opposition to your President is unacceptable. He's an inadequate, despicable man, and obviously there is a serious shortage of neurones in Kentucky.
3
One missing element in what I read so far in these comments is that McConnell is a racist and Obama is black and this adds to McConnell's rigidity so that she he takes a dysfunctional tack even for his own party
3
Also, there is racism. There really is.
7
The destruction of American democracy can be observed, as we speak, in the shameless political maneuvering of McConnell, fueled by the Citizens United decision. So much for Duty, Honor , Country.
5
The media is also to blame. Rather than reporting the obstruction for what it is, they have said " both sides are to blame". This false equivalency has allowed the Republicans to pursue this strategy without repercussions.
3
McConnell is everything that is wrong with American politics. His goals are personal aggrandizement, nepotism, and cronyism. He cares nothing for the Constitution, his country, or his constituents. Is it possible to impeach him for malfeasance and dereliction of duty?
4
McConnell is all tactics and no strategy. Although he has accomplished his short term goals he has undermined both the Republican parties long term survival and the country as a whole.
History does not treat provocateurs very well....
History does not treat provocateurs very well....
5
Because Obama's black ? That is and has always been the fundament of Republican opposition to this President.
5
So much for a life devoted to Public Service. The only service McConnell is expert at is Self-Service. Ironic then that the GOP likes to bandy about the term 'Country First'. These people would embarrass Machiavelli.
97
On the contrary, the author of The Prince would wholeheartedly approve.
Someone please tell Mitch that putting personal concerns ahead of the well-being of the nation is treason.
2
A fellow Kentuckian once called upon "the angels of our better nature" a quote surely McConnell must be aware. It saddens me that so many Republicans have their own self-interest over the country's.
4
Mitch McConnell is cockroach larva.
He is a disgrace to the United States of America. He is a disgrace to the United States Senate. He is a disgrace to Kentucky. He is a disgrace to his constituents. He is a disgrace to his disgraceful Republican Party.
The man deserves expulsion from the Senate. Recall by the citizens of the State of Kentucky. He also deserves whisking away in rendition by the Government of The United States of America in collaboration with one of our Foreign National rendition partners. In short he should be "disappeared" and never seen or heard from again. His Hitleresque and Third Reich character, behaviour and tendencies have no place on the soil of the United States of America.
He has set the causes of progress, justice,, freedom, equality and all other American values farther back than Jesse Helms and possibly even "Tailgunner" Joe McCarthy. As was said at the Army/McCarthy Hearings, at long last. . .has he (Mitch McConnell) no sense of decency?! Indeed he has no sense of decency, no sense of respect and not a shred of self-respect. He is a tyrant that must be disposed of. Or more properly, he is a tyrant of whom we must dispose!
He is a disgrace to the United States of America. He is a disgrace to the United States Senate. He is a disgrace to Kentucky. He is a disgrace to his constituents. He is a disgrace to his disgraceful Republican Party.
The man deserves expulsion from the Senate. Recall by the citizens of the State of Kentucky. He also deserves whisking away in rendition by the Government of The United States of America in collaboration with one of our Foreign National rendition partners. In short he should be "disappeared" and never seen or heard from again. His Hitleresque and Third Reich character, behaviour and tendencies have no place on the soil of the United States of America.
He has set the causes of progress, justice,, freedom, equality and all other American values farther back than Jesse Helms and possibly even "Tailgunner" Joe McCarthy. As was said at the Army/McCarthy Hearings, at long last. . .has he (Mitch McConnell) no sense of decency?! Indeed he has no sense of decency, no sense of respect and not a shred of self-respect. He is a tyrant that must be disposed of. Or more properly, he is a tyrant of whom we must dispose!
3
Its all about ambition. The pension is pretty good, too.
4
Hopefully the Senator will read all of these comments and somewhere in the dark will realize just how most of the USA view him.
3
Considering McConnell's seemingly lifelong dream of holding the position of Senate Majority Leader, it can only be described as ironic (and fitting!) that this latest move of obstruction may backfire and lead to a Democratic bonanza in November.
One can only hope.....
One can only hope.....
3
The nation has unsafe bridges, tainted water, crumbling roads, untreated illnesses and increasing suicide rates -- but hey, it's all good. Mitch McConnell gets to keep his desk. The world can suffer extreme climate change, lung-damaging air, and endless internecine war in the Middle East, who cares? Mitch won again! Our machinery of government is running down like an unwound clock, but Kentucky still votes for Mitch. What else matters?
This is beyond pathetic. I don't even have wiords to describe it. Millions upon millions suffer, so one man can keep his sliver of power. This is not my America. You "took it back" and then crushed it.
This is beyond pathetic. I don't even have wiords to describe it. Millions upon millions suffer, so one man can keep his sliver of power. This is not my America. You "took it back" and then crushed it.
4
Mr. McConnell has shown that his focus in elected office is not about making the right choices for American through making good public policy. It is not about making sure that the lives of the American people improve, or addressing the myriad of issues that threaten the prosperity and security of our Nation. It is all about the Party and staying in office. His declaration that his NUMBER ONE priority was to see Mr. Obama was a one term President exposed him, and his party, for what they are. Now, with his statement that no Supreme Court candidate - no matter who it is- will not receive a hearing is really beyond the pale. The personal animosity McConnell and the Republican Party has shown toward President Obama is disgraceful. My only hope is that they are swept out of power in the next election.
4
Reprehensible behavior. Worth crying over, and I'm not a child.
2
The photo is spot on too. Sometimes images capture the essence.
4
Why is this man's obstructionist and treasonous behavior, which has done shocking levels of long-term damage to this nation, not enough to put him behind bars in Leavenworth for crimes against the nation? Except for certain terrorists, has any other man done more in recent years to damage the Body Politic and to obstruct the Peoples' business? I think not.
How can ANYONE say he has upheld his oath? How can anyone say he has taken the taxpayers' money, but left the nation better than he found it? Isn't it about time the fear and hate mongering ideologically driven leaders of the Right Wing were held accountable? History will be astounded at their behavior, and perhaps even more so, that we gave them a free pass to do it.
How can ANYONE say he has upheld his oath? How can anyone say he has taken the taxpayers' money, but left the nation better than he found it? Isn't it about time the fear and hate mongering ideologically driven leaders of the Right Wing were held accountable? History will be astounded at their behavior, and perhaps even more so, that we gave them a free pass to do it.
74
Your comment is excellent, Gwbear, about the harm done by Mitch McConnell to the nation. But, what is truly extraordinary is the fact that his career has been built on misdeeds committed for a reason other than being "ideologically driven."
McConnell has no ideology. His damage has been done solely to satisfy his thirst for personal power. He would gladly sacrifice his right-wing colleagues, if necessary, to keep his job. Putting our entire country in harm's way in order to remain Majority Leader is a trifle he doesn't bother thinking about.
McConnell has no ideology. His damage has been done solely to satisfy his thirst for personal power. He would gladly sacrifice his right-wing colleagues, if necessary, to keep his job. Putting our entire country in harm's way in order to remain Majority Leader is a trifle he doesn't bother thinking about.
1
Are you talking about Harry Reid?
It's a case of stage-fever run amok in the GOP. Not content to let his proteges Mr. Trump and Mr. Cruz gain all the glory, Mitch McConnell must now prove himself by exiting his shadow world to bask along with them in the glare of the media spotlights. It's not enough that Mr. McConnell has nurtured his toxic party of right-wing haters with unbridled venom, he will not be content until grinds the country to a screeching halt, or drags it down into the depths with him. That is where it will end up if Mr. McConnell has his way.
29
Personally I'd love to see the GOP refuse to consider a SCOTUS replacement and then when Hillary or Bernie are elected and the Dem's control the Senate, they confirm Barack Obama, a lawyer whose specialty is constitutional law, as the next Supreme Court Justice. Oh that would be sweet.
Here is story about Mitch McDonnell's father in law, James S.C Chao, that demonstrates his character.
"In July 2014, it was reported that Chao's Foremost Shipping had 15 ships in its fleet, but construction was underway for an additional 8 capesize bulkers.[9] In August 2014, it was reported that the company engaged in the business practice known in the merchant industry as flag of convenience to limit his U.S. tax liability by flagging its ships in Liberia instead of the U.S.. Foremost was singled out in the story because Chao's son-in-law Senator Mitch McConnell expressed disinterest in July 2014 for limiting a similar controversial business practice known as corporate inversion.[10]"
In late August 2014, the Ping May, a cargo vessel of Foremost Shipping, was inspected by Colombian officials. They found approximately 40 kilograms (90 pounds) of cocaine, hidden among the ship's cargo of coal, which was to be shipped to Europe. The cocaine was found in forty separate packages."
source: Wikipeida
"In July 2014, it was reported that Chao's Foremost Shipping had 15 ships in its fleet, but construction was underway for an additional 8 capesize bulkers.[9] In August 2014, it was reported that the company engaged in the business practice known in the merchant industry as flag of convenience to limit his U.S. tax liability by flagging its ships in Liberia instead of the U.S.. Foremost was singled out in the story because Chao's son-in-law Senator Mitch McConnell expressed disinterest in July 2014 for limiting a similar controversial business practice known as corporate inversion.[10]"
In late August 2014, the Ping May, a cargo vessel of Foremost Shipping, was inspected by Colombian officials. They found approximately 40 kilograms (90 pounds) of cocaine, hidden among the ship's cargo of coal, which was to be shipped to Europe. The cocaine was found in forty separate packages."
source: Wikipeida
1
Is the state of Kentucky really so devoid of political leadership integrity that this obstructionist is the best they can come up with? He continues to spread and deepen his stain on the American body politic.
2
McConnell's argument is entirely specious. The Constitution gives citizens a right to vote on the Presidency, not on the Supreme Court Justices. That vote happened.
1
He is picking this fight because he is a miscreant politician with a personal problem with the president. I am firmly of the belief that this problem is specifically with POTUS Skin tone. This old walking foreskin needs to retire to the blue kentucky hills and disappear among the inbred population from whence he came.
2
In the future, this country will celebrate President Obama with a holiday and his service to this great country will be remembered for all time. McConnell and much of the modern GOP will be remembered for stunts like this one and be noted as cautionary tales to hubris and naked ambition.
McConnell has spent too much time listening to the echoes rolling back from the hills of Kentucky. He needs to get out more. There are more Americans that those he meets at GOP dinners, and many more issues that he could be of real help to solve than in the GOP platform.
Instead, he chooses the easy, selfish road. But, really, are we surprised? It is McConnell, and others like him, who have made the GOP what it is today.
Instead, he chooses the easy, selfish road. But, really, are we surprised? It is McConnell, and others like him, who have made the GOP what it is today.
1
Allow me to rewrite Mitch McConnell's words in the manner that would have put him into the history books as something other than a hyper-partisan obstructionist:
"We have a new president with an approval rating in the 70 percent area. Obviously, a majority of Americans like what he wants to do, and, as my friend John McCain might say, elections have consequences. A president with ideas that get the support of 70 percent of our citizens can probably do a lot of good for our citizens. To be frank, our last President, George W. Bush, did not do very well, giving us a costly needless war that will haunt us for decades -- at least until the last permanently disabled soldier who served in Iraq passes away -- and leaving our economy in raging flames. (and here Senator McConnell tries to inject a little levity . . .) I've told my own stock broker to stop calling me until the DOW is at least back up above 7,000 (. . . no one laughs).
"We have a new president with an approval rating in the 70 percent area. Obviously, a majority of Americans like what he wants to do, and, as my friend John McCain might say, elections have consequences. A president with ideas that get the support of 70 percent of our citizens can probably do a lot of good for our citizens. To be frank, our last President, George W. Bush, did not do very well, giving us a costly needless war that will haunt us for decades -- at least until the last permanently disabled soldier who served in Iraq passes away -- and leaving our economy in raging flames. (and here Senator McConnell tries to inject a little levity . . .) I've told my own stock broker to stop calling me until the DOW is at least back up above 7,000 (. . . no one laughs).
1
Good try, but in America, the incompetent, spoiled and marginally-educated white guy always wins over the hard-working, highly educated and accomplished black man. It's part of the American mythology.
The oath of a senator is almost the same as the president's, congressmens' and SCOTUS justices. Yet while some seek to make government work, others' blind ambition drives them to ignore their oaths and the nation's good for no better reason than to hold and increase their power.
Such relentless disregard for their responsibility "is not the solution, it is the problem,"
Mitch is called 'Majority Leader', but, as shown here, he is not leading, he is subverting.
Such relentless disregard for their responsibility "is not the solution, it is the problem,"
Mitch is called 'Majority Leader', but, as shown here, he is not leading, he is subverting.
2
There is an alternative explanation for Senator McConnell's decision: that he already sees the Republican Senate majority as lost. Otherwise, he would be trying to thread the needle in such a way as to help out Senators Rob Portman of Ohio, Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, and Mark Kirk of Illinois. The fact that he's not trying to salvage their campaigns signifies that he believes that battle is lost -- although he can't say that out loud, of course.
Senator McConnell is now left with salvaging his own career. He's trying to ensure that he'll remain Senate Minority Leader in January instead of being trounced by one of the Tea Party's Young Turks.
Senator McConnell is now left with salvaging his own career. He's trying to ensure that he'll remain Senate Minority Leader in January instead of being trounced by one of the Tea Party's Young Turks.
3
This is pretty much preaching to the choir, isn't it? Who on the radical right will ever read or hear of these sentiments?
2
Asking the Dysfunctional Do Nothing Obstructionists Republican Senate to do their job is like praying for a thunder storm in the Mojave dessert.
You have both McConnell and Grassley writing in the Washington Post, on how the Democrats should not rob the country of choosing a new Justice, by the election. It just shows how convoluted these two clowns thinking is, what they don't seem to grasp is that the country has already spoken twice, and it has elected President Obama to do his job until Jan. 20th of 2017.....it's time for these clowns to do their jobs and hold confirmation hearings on the next person President Obama nominates for the Supreme Court.
I know it's hard and we have to keep in mind, that it's been so long since they have actually performed any public service other than filling their pockets with special interest money from the likes of the Adelson's, the Koch brothers or other special interest....they can't even remember anymore why they've been elected or what their actually purpose is as a Senator.
You have both McConnell and Grassley writing in the Washington Post, on how the Democrats should not rob the country of choosing a new Justice, by the election. It just shows how convoluted these two clowns thinking is, what they don't seem to grasp is that the country has already spoken twice, and it has elected President Obama to do his job until Jan. 20th of 2017.....it's time for these clowns to do their jobs and hold confirmation hearings on the next person President Obama nominates for the Supreme Court.
I know it's hard and we have to keep in mind, that it's been so long since they have actually performed any public service other than filling their pockets with special interest money from the likes of the Adelson's, the Koch brothers or other special interest....they can't even remember anymore why they've been elected or what their actually purpose is as a Senator.
1
There are some in the upper echelon of the Republican party who want the White House to go to a Democrat, the idea being that it is easier to govern from both Houses against the president. Perhaps McConnell is taking this strategy to heart, hoping his promise of gridlock will help the country elect a Democrat for POTUS. He knows full well that no matter how much the public castigates Congress, they tend to reelect their own congressperson, thus ensuring whatever outrage is caused by the GOP's antics will not really upset the current status quo.
1
Further proof, if any is needed, that the GOP is all about party and power first, America second.
2
McConnell's no fool.
If Trump or Cruz become the nominee (which is looking more and more likely), Republicans would have a difficult time engaging their core voters. But with this issue making news nearly every week (as it is likely to do with each and every Supreme Court decision), it will help fire up and engage the Republican base to turn out in November. Without the simmering media coverage this controversy will create, a diminished Republican turnout could seriously cause their down-ticket (House, Senate, States) to take a big hit this fall.
As you say in the article, McConnell's focus has been on winning -- doing whatever is necessary to keep the Republican Party in charge. Why would anyone think he suddenly changed his plan?
If Trump or Cruz become the nominee (which is looking more and more likely), Republicans would have a difficult time engaging their core voters. But with this issue making news nearly every week (as it is likely to do with each and every Supreme Court decision), it will help fire up and engage the Republican base to turn out in November. Without the simmering media coverage this controversy will create, a diminished Republican turnout could seriously cause their down-ticket (House, Senate, States) to take a big hit this fall.
As you say in the article, McConnell's focus has been on winning -- doing whatever is necessary to keep the Republican Party in charge. Why would anyone think he suddenly changed his plan?
33
I see McConnell's actions in regards to the nomination of a Supreme Court Justice as what in football is called a 'Hail Mary Pass down field' in hopes that there will be a Republican down at the goal line to receive the ball even though the opposition is all over the receiver.
I think it shows a certain desperation on the part of McConnell to try one last time to put Obama "in his place". He appears to be fixated on doing all he can to make Obama look a failure. Shear racism. Why else would a member of our government try so hard to make the president look bad, not only to American voters, but to the whole world. Some of McConnell's supporters may see him as a patriot standing up for his beliefs. But there are better ways than splitting the country in half to be in the loyal opposition.
I think it shows a certain desperation on the part of McConnell to try one last time to put Obama "in his place". He appears to be fixated on doing all he can to make Obama look a failure. Shear racism. Why else would a member of our government try so hard to make the president look bad, not only to American voters, but to the whole world. Some of McConnell's supporters may see him as a patriot standing up for his beliefs. But there are better ways than splitting the country in half to be in the loyal opposition.
2
Methinks McConnell may have picked the wrong fight.
Obama is going to make a reasonable nomination. If the Senate refuses a hearing, they lose in the eyes of the public. If they accept a hearing and reject a reasonable nominee on an "acceptability" criterion, they lose in the eyes of the public again.
If they stonewall after a hearing, then there is a high likelihood that the next POTUS will renominate the same person (while Obama catches his breath and is then nominated for the seat now held by Ginsberg).
I'm an old poker player and I think this contemptible creature from Kentucky has made a big mistake.
Obama is going to make a reasonable nomination. If the Senate refuses a hearing, they lose in the eyes of the public. If they accept a hearing and reject a reasonable nominee on an "acceptability" criterion, they lose in the eyes of the public again.
If they stonewall after a hearing, then there is a high likelihood that the next POTUS will renominate the same person (while Obama catches his breath and is then nominated for the seat now held by Ginsberg).
I'm an old poker player and I think this contemptible creature from Kentucky has made a big mistake.
4
If the article reflects the headline, why shoud anyone waste their time with it. We do not live in a dictatorship or a democracy and for most it is the best even if life is a whole lot harder than it ought or could be.
Mitch McConnell who likes to shoot first and not ask questions later, he just propagandized the death of a SCOTUS as soon as he heard about it. Now the culmination of the politics of obstructionism has awakened the electorate to vote in record numbers.
Sure the Republicans can deny a hearing. Go right ahead. Being unreasonable is a freedom all of us have a right to. But not all of us are banking that our unreasonableness will help put a Republican POTUS in the White House as a result. That record of obstructionism is now in the forefront of every senator and candidates resume in the Republican Party. This is what they are known for, Delay Delay Delay, Deny Deny Deny. The Audacity of Nope.
The Republicans will not win this election, and here is why.
The house that I own dropped in value by 60% while President Bush was in office. I paid $3.80 for a gallon of gas. Now with President Obama in the White House, the man the R's say is "systematically destroying America" the value of my house has regained the high of the pre 2008 tank and jumped up another 20% in value. That is a 80% sell price difference in my largest investment. Gas is a buck fifty a gallon just down the road.
I wish Michele Obama was running for POTUS in 2016, maybe she can systematically destroy the value of my house up another 80% while I fill up my car at .75 cents a gallon.
The Republican Party will soon reap the rewards for the obstruction of our Government. A Democrat POTUS in 2016.
Sure the Republicans can deny a hearing. Go right ahead. Being unreasonable is a freedom all of us have a right to. But not all of us are banking that our unreasonableness will help put a Republican POTUS in the White House as a result. That record of obstructionism is now in the forefront of every senator and candidates resume in the Republican Party. This is what they are known for, Delay Delay Delay, Deny Deny Deny. The Audacity of Nope.
The Republicans will not win this election, and here is why.
The house that I own dropped in value by 60% while President Bush was in office. I paid $3.80 for a gallon of gas. Now with President Obama in the White House, the man the R's say is "systematically destroying America" the value of my house has regained the high of the pre 2008 tank and jumped up another 20% in value. That is a 80% sell price difference in my largest investment. Gas is a buck fifty a gallon just down the road.
I wish Michele Obama was running for POTUS in 2016, maybe she can systematically destroy the value of my house up another 80% while I fill up my car at .75 cents a gallon.
The Republican Party will soon reap the rewards for the obstruction of our Government. A Democrat POTUS in 2016.
1
I hate to appear so quaint and naive, but no mention in this article about what Mitch feels is best for the country.
1
A classic example of shooting oneself in the foot. Mitch is good at that. You would have thought he would have learned after in 2008 declaring his sole mission was to see to it that Obama did not get reelected in 2012. Now he is giving the Democrats an issue that could cost him not only another White House loss but possibly the Senate majority.
1
The appointment of Supreme Court justices should be of little consequence, since the authors of the Constitution expected constitution issues to be settled by amendments or constitutional conventions, not by Supreme Court decisions. For example, they thought if Congress should decide that women should be allowed to vote, they would send a women’s suffrage amendment to the states for ratification. This is what Congress did when it sent the Nineteenth Amendment to the states for ratification. But times changed. A new breed of justices evolved who could intuit constitutional intent and detect “implicit rights” hidden in the Constitutional calligraphy. So, the amendment process is used only for noncontroversial issues while Supreme Court justices—not the people’s elected delegates—determine what rights Americans should or shouldn’t have. This makes the stakes in Supreme Court nominations much higher than they should be. If we called a constitutional convention once a generation to clarify or modify the Constitution, Supreme Court nominations would no longer be much of an issue.
1
After reading this, I now have another reason to vote for Hillary. We need someone that take the fight to the Republicans. Someone who knows the ins and outs of the government, and can beat the Reps at their own game. If the people suffer, too bad. It's war.
1
Will Republicans be any more willing to confirm a nominee from Hilliary? The "no compromise," "shut-it-down," crowd will not approve any nominee that a Democratic President will nominate.
1
Many of these political scammers realize that shouting about big issues like abortion , gun rights and immigration are their tickets to jobs they'd never even dreamed of . Many need those issues to continue to be contentious issues because they know that once an issue , like abortion or immigration as examples , is put to rest the voters will probably get rid of them and so it goes on and on . The only ones benefiting from the stalemate are the very politicians supposedly doing the fighting for their constituents but who really make sure that things stay exactly as they are !!!
2
McConnell has no choice.
Conservatism's thin grasp on the future rested on one man -- Justice Antonin Scalia; not on popular support. In hind sight, the tenuousness of that thread is rather breathtaking. The fabric had rotted away, hence the pied piper Donald Trump's successful call.
Conservatism's thin grasp on the future rested on one man -- Justice Antonin Scalia; not on popular support. In hind sight, the tenuousness of that thread is rather breathtaking. The fabric had rotted away, hence the pied piper Donald Trump's successful call.
2
Why is Mitch McConnell picking this fight? Because he is Mitch McConnell, he is a Republican, and tactics, strategy, and winning are what he and the Republican Party are all about. Governing? Forget about it!
If politics is the art of compromise, then McConnell and the Republicans are playing an entirely different game, which not only has nothing to do with governing for the good of this country and its people, it is now about the destruction of almost all democratic principles, the Constitution, and our government (drown it in the bathtub, as Norquist says) in favor of corporatism and oligarchy.
This is the political party that made a Faustian bargain to serve the wealthy oligarchs and big corporations by any means necessary and in the harshest, most crude manner.
But if this is a good old-fashioned Greek drama, the nasty Republican soulless schemers and scammers like Mitch McConnell sowed the seeds of their own destruction with their endless nasty tactics but no plan to govern. McConnell's anti-Constitution gamble denying a sitting president his authority to replace the deceased Justice Scalia should do it.
If not, then McConnell set a heck of a precedent for future court appointments by Republican presidents.
If politics is the art of compromise, then McConnell and the Republicans are playing an entirely different game, which not only has nothing to do with governing for the good of this country and its people, it is now about the destruction of almost all democratic principles, the Constitution, and our government (drown it in the bathtub, as Norquist says) in favor of corporatism and oligarchy.
This is the political party that made a Faustian bargain to serve the wealthy oligarchs and big corporations by any means necessary and in the harshest, most crude manner.
But if this is a good old-fashioned Greek drama, the nasty Republican soulless schemers and scammers like Mitch McConnell sowed the seeds of their own destruction with their endless nasty tactics but no plan to govern. McConnell's anti-Constitution gamble denying a sitting president his authority to replace the deceased Justice Scalia should do it.
If not, then McConnell set a heck of a precedent for future court appointments by Republican presidents.
1
It appears that we an expanded definition of evil.
2
What a small- minded pathetic person this is. It is shameful that such a person should occupy high office in our country.
2
I suspect McConnell has a very specific strategy in mind. He anticipates that Obama will nominate a highly qualified, fairly middle-of-the-road individual who will fare well in a confirmation hearing and be hard to oppose on the merits. Therefore, he wants a basis to reject the nominee that transcends his or her individual merits--i.e., no matter how good the nominee is, the decision on a Supreme Court appointment should be left to the people who elect the next president. This transcendent "principle" obviously appears more credible if put out there before the nomination is submitted and the confirmation process gets underway.
34
As a proud Kentuckian, could you please not use the words Kentucky and McConnell in the same sentence? He wasn't born in the state and many of us never really accepted him.
2
Of course not one mention of what would be good for the people.
2
A sickening but enlightening report/analysis. Is there any better way to describe utter immorality? The welfare of the country's citizens means nothing to people like this. Power for power's sake is the only goal.
1
On January 20, 2009 GOP leaders in Congress during President Obama's Inauguration quite literally plotted to sabotage and undermine the U.S. economy. Present at the four hour meeting were 12 Republican law makers, Reps. Eric Cantor (Va.), Kevin McCarthy (Calif.), Paul Ryan (Wis.), Pete Sessions (Texas), Jeb Hensarling (Texas), Pete Hoekstra (Mich.) and Dan Lungren (Calif.), along with Republican Sens. Jim DeMint (S.C.), Jon Kyl (Ariz.), Tom Coburn (Okla.), John Ensign (Nev.) and Bob Corker (Tenn.). The non-lawmakers present included Newt Gingrich and Frank Luntz, a long-time GOP wordsmith. Jim DeMint's (R) comment made it clear:
“Our goal is a complete gridlock for the next two years. There is no place for bi-partisanship, compromise, only acceptable outcome is total victory and any politician that disagrees will be treated as a traitor. This is war.”
“Our goal is a complete gridlock for the next two years. There is no place for bi-partisanship, compromise, only acceptable outcome is total victory and any politician that disagrees will be treated as a traitor. This is war.”
6
Mcconnells top number one senatorial priority was to make sure Barack Obama was a one term president.
To quote the 1/2 term quitter from Alaska, sarah Palin, "how'd that work out for ya?".
To quote the 1/2 term quitter from Alaska, sarah Palin, "how'd that work out for ya?".
1
Let's see, since 2009 Republicans have taken control of the House and Senate (net 13 Senate seats and 69 House seats) There are 34 Republican governors and 18 Democratic governors. Republicans control the governorship and both houses in 25 states, Democrats in 7. Republican control at the state level is at levels not seen since the 1920s.
Obama limped into a second term, as the first president to win his second term with fewer popular votes than his first term. He also won with fewer electoral votes than in 2008. His job approval ratings have been underwater since six months into his second term.
Overall, its worked out quite well for Republicans.
Obama limped into a second term, as the first president to win his second term with fewer popular votes than his first term. He also won with fewer electoral votes than in 2008. His job approval ratings have been underwater since six months into his second term.
Overall, its worked out quite well for Republicans.
1
The"leader" McConnell is preserving his job. He has to get out ahead of the nuts and stake the most extreme position possible, or else he'll wind up being ousted from the senate like John Boehner was from the house. Whether he is himself a nut or just going along with the nuts is window dressing.
Mr. McConnell hasn't lost an election since 1977. If this opinion is about dispensing political advice, as it claims to do, he doesn't need any, at least not from the NYT. Still, read it he should, but only for laughs.
2
McConnell needs a handy, easily resolved conflict with progressivism right now because he knows the political Right recognizes his total failure to lead.
The Senate was not given to the GOP to meekly go along with President Epic Fail and concede to his every demand. Tea Partiers wanted confrontation and, most clearly, demanded the end to funding of Obamacare and the open borders policy as PROMISED before the 2014 elections.
The leftists here weren’t even noticing when the stuff started hitting the fan in early 2015 when McConnell started practicing his kowtows and curtsies. He was NOWHERE in sight when a better man, Ted Cruz, needed help refusing to go along with the president’s vandalism.
The total abandonment of Cruz by McConnell's coward crew is today's greatest asset fueling Trump and Cruz toward the White House.
So now McConnell falsely presents a spine made of the finest lace and papier-mache’. But don’t check for a firmly set chin from him.
The Senate was not given to the GOP to meekly go along with President Epic Fail and concede to his every demand. Tea Partiers wanted confrontation and, most clearly, demanded the end to funding of Obamacare and the open borders policy as PROMISED before the 2014 elections.
The leftists here weren’t even noticing when the stuff started hitting the fan in early 2015 when McConnell started practicing his kowtows and curtsies. He was NOWHERE in sight when a better man, Ted Cruz, needed help refusing to go along with the president’s vandalism.
The total abandonment of Cruz by McConnell's coward crew is today's greatest asset fueling Trump and Cruz toward the White House.
So now McConnell falsely presents a spine made of the finest lace and papier-mache’. But don’t check for a firmly set chin from him.
Two Thoughts:
One: Can we engage the ACLU or similar organization to legitimately take McConnell to court for malfeasance or other appropriate charges to reflect that he's not fulfilling his constitutional obligations of his job?
Two: Will the good people of Kentucky please vote this non-working non-contributor out of office? Yes, we out here on the West Coast are paying his salary too. And he's not doing his job. He's an insult to democracy and to the constitution of our great country.
One: Can we engage the ACLU or similar organization to legitimately take McConnell to court for malfeasance or other appropriate charges to reflect that he's not fulfilling his constitutional obligations of his job?
Two: Will the good people of Kentucky please vote this non-working non-contributor out of office? Yes, we out here on the West Coast are paying his salary too. And he's not doing his job. He's an insult to democracy and to the constitution of our great country.
6
Mr. McConnell is the poster boy for term limits.
4
I remember when learning about the justice system back in school that justice should be without prejudice of judges. The judges must decide based on the book of the law and not according to their social inclinations. Is it just me who thinks that irrespective of a liberal or a conservative, personal prejudices and beliefs of an appointed SCOTUS judge having such a strong influence on future policies for the entire nation is a violation of this very fundamental aspect of justice?
1
what a disaster ... GOP is drowning and all they can do, is say no.
2
Every word of this excellent article by Alec MacGillis rings true, except for the final paragraph. MacGillis strays when he speculates that on the issue of a replacement for the late Justice Scalia, Senator Mitch McConnell may have found an issue on which principle overrides his personal ambition.
Senator McConnell is a striking example of a man who has no principles and whose sole driving force is a determination to stay in his job as Majority Leader. The harm which that selfish ambition may do and, In fact, has done to the United States doesn’t even interest McConnell.
Senator McConnell is a striking example of a man who has no principles and whose sole driving force is a determination to stay in his job as Majority Leader. The harm which that selfish ambition may do and, In fact, has done to the United States doesn’t even interest McConnell.
7
This column's essential point is that Sen. McConnell places politics ahead of the welfare of the Country.
While this is true, it is also true that Mr. McConnell is part of the Senior leadership of a party of troglodytes, that fact being evidenced by the current menu of Republican Presidential candidates.
Mr. McConnell is a mule-headed anarchist at the forefront of a party charging towards an intellectual and ideological plunge off the cliff.
Good riddance to them.
While this is true, it is also true that Mr. McConnell is part of the Senior leadership of a party of troglodytes, that fact being evidenced by the current menu of Republican Presidential candidates.
Mr. McConnell is a mule-headed anarchist at the forefront of a party charging towards an intellectual and ideological plunge off the cliff.
Good riddance to them.
4
Both McConell and Eric Cantor were arrogant towards Obamas Presidency . Eric Cantor lost in primary where as Mitch Survived in 2014 , only way to reduce the blockade in Senate and Congress is Democrats need to energize their Voter Base . Even though Obama Singed to the tunes of GOP than Democrats , GOP dint cooperated with him . Its time to take over Senate and Congress , due to gerry mandering its difficult to get congress but senate majority is at reachable distance . DSCC should work on this aggressively with their presidential nominee.
1
McConnell is not in the position of majority leader based on leadership but rather, seniority. The latter, by itself, explains his predicament. At this point in time, all McConnell is doing is keeping his head barely above the water. Like Boehner and Cantor, McConnell will eventually be dragged into the abyss by the same force that elected him.
3
Snake
5
Mitch McConnell has carried out a relentless campaign of obstructionism against the President. In the process he has done irreparable harm to the people of the United States and Kentucky. His obstructionism has gone beyond politics and it is despicable. History will not judge Mitch McConnell well for his pettiness and obstructionism.
5
McConnell is nothing more than a sad egotistical empty suit who doesn't care a whit for the American people. He sole aim is to stay in power so he can lead the obstructionist Republican party in a NO...NO...NO chant and block all legislation. Perhaps McConnell and the Republican Party might propose some positive legislation and tell us what they are FOR, not continually demonstrate let petulant children against everything. Broom this lot of losers and let's get back to cordial discourse , compromise and taking care of the American people.
2
The transfer of power and money from the Middle-Class to multi-national corporations.
..Mission Accomplished by the GOP
Mitch and the GOP assert that all those who voted for President Obama and Vice President Biden have their voter rights made null and void when it comes to Supreme Court justices confirmation and appointments. The Mitch Witches are not public servants but public thieves. They want to steal the power of our votes.
NO.......55 million times No
..Mission Accomplished by the GOP
Mitch and the GOP assert that all those who voted for President Obama and Vice President Biden have their voter rights made null and void when it comes to Supreme Court justices confirmation and appointments. The Mitch Witches are not public servants but public thieves. They want to steal the power of our votes.
NO.......55 million times No
6
I am sure Mr.McConnell is a good person, but this article makes me wonder where is the integrity in his politics? He appears to have lost his soul to a false goal of power for powers sake. We all deserve better leaders than this. We deserve people whose personal compass leads them to putting the good of everyone and our collective future first and not their personal ambitions to hold on to power at any cost.
I think both McConnell and Reid played hard ball and that in the end is not a winning game. If McConnell had spent more time developing and or supporting better Republican candidates his party and all of us would be better off. I think his early move and stance on the Supreme Court nomination was the last card he has to play. But his timing was certainly off. He failed to show the basic courtesy of honoring the death of his renowned conservative Supreme Court Justice first.
Term limits for all.
3
Thank you Alec MacGillis for your thoughtful and concise treatise on the dreadful Mitch McConnell.This is NOT the time for we citizens to sit back and "wait and see"the GOP fall apart.We MUST let our outrage show for the hijacking of our democracy by citizen's united,the conspiracy against the constitution by the prejudice of the GOP and the calculated obstructionist policies of congress...not to forget the Supreme Court deciding the presidential race bet.Gore/Bush,a shameful mark on our democracy for which we continue to pay.I think we need to swamp the internet with cries of FOUL PLAY starting today to make our voices heard.Will anyone join me???
4
"It is also possible, though, that in the Supreme Court’s balance, in particular in relation to campaign finance law, Mr. McConnell has at long last discovered one matter that is so consequential that it is worth risking an election over."
Yes. And by taking ANY consideration of a SCOTUS nominee irregardless of who the actual nominee is he also avoid the embarrassment of having his members vote down one of the several potential nominees Obama has previously put before the senate with unanimous approval.
There would be no way to defend such a vote. By taking ANY consideration off the table ... even if for the ridiculous "election year" argument ... he at least has AN argument to make. Voting down someone previously approved (especially one approved unanimously) would be FAR harder to defend.
Yes. And by taking ANY consideration of a SCOTUS nominee irregardless of who the actual nominee is he also avoid the embarrassment of having his members vote down one of the several potential nominees Obama has previously put before the senate with unanimous approval.
There would be no way to defend such a vote. By taking ANY consideration off the table ... even if for the ridiculous "election year" argument ... he at least has AN argument to make. Voting down someone previously approved (especially one approved unanimously) would be FAR harder to defend.
2
Perhaps the most cynical article on American politics I ever read.
2
"The best way to understand Addison Mitchell McConnell Jr. has been to recognize that he is not a conservative ideologue, but rather the epitome of the permanent campaign of Washington: What matters most isn’t so much what you do in office, but if you can win again."
This above quote from your article is to me very sad. When did it become all about winning and never about governing? Just as there are term limits for the president possibly there should be term limits for members of Congress.
This above quote from your article is to me very sad. When did it become all about winning and never about governing? Just as there are term limits for the president possibly there should be term limits for members of Congress.
2
McConnell is nothing but a shill for the coal and fossil fuel industry. Keeping the Supreme Court in their pockets on the question of global warming is his job and preventing any attempt to bring it under control the reason for his extremism.
2
Not exactly "Profiles in Courage," is it?
6
If the question is wether or not McConnell is winning, aside from staying in office, the answer is NO! Remember, his stated goal was to make Barrack Obama a one term President. Now he is faced with losing again regarding SCOTUS. As Trump would say, McConnell is a "yuge" loser!
3
The consequence of Mitch McConnell's actions is the current self-destruction of the GOP and the political rise to the top in it of Donald Trump. You don't have to believe in politcal karma for it to be real.
1
The author's argument is flawed.
1- Just because McConnell is despicable & self-serving doesn't mean Obama isn't.
2- Nothing gives Obama license to violate the Constitution/to abuse power–his m.o. for 7 yrs.
3- Ironically, it is precisely McConnell's despicable focus that both repeatedly saved the lawless president from impeachment & removal, and empowered his lawlessness.
4- The logic of the thesis, that McConnell is risking the election to save the campaign finance law, is flawed. Lose the election & you lose SCOTUS, which means you potentially lose all gains, including that law.
I say rather, McConnell is risking the presidency/SCOTUS to save his leadership position, even if only of the minority.
As for Obama: the Senate has no obligation to consider his nominee—especially given his chronic abuse of executive power & constitutional violations.
The Constitution on this matter is clear. Even Scalia, a textualist, didn't divine intent.
As for Obama's lawlessness, the most egregious: Against will of Congress/the people & in violation of the Constitution, he pushed & rewrote the most consequential & dangerous of transformations–the Iran nuke deal & Obamacare. The former is anthropogenic interference of cataclysmic proportion. It will threaten the world forever.
“I’ve been very clear that Iran will not get a nuclear weapon on my watch”
– Obama to T Friedman
A despot can do a lot of damage in 11 months & a deluded one blinded by his own imagined brilliance will.
1- Just because McConnell is despicable & self-serving doesn't mean Obama isn't.
2- Nothing gives Obama license to violate the Constitution/to abuse power–his m.o. for 7 yrs.
3- Ironically, it is precisely McConnell's despicable focus that both repeatedly saved the lawless president from impeachment & removal, and empowered his lawlessness.
4- The logic of the thesis, that McConnell is risking the election to save the campaign finance law, is flawed. Lose the election & you lose SCOTUS, which means you potentially lose all gains, including that law.
I say rather, McConnell is risking the presidency/SCOTUS to save his leadership position, even if only of the minority.
As for Obama: the Senate has no obligation to consider his nominee—especially given his chronic abuse of executive power & constitutional violations.
The Constitution on this matter is clear. Even Scalia, a textualist, didn't divine intent.
As for Obama's lawlessness, the most egregious: Against will of Congress/the people & in violation of the Constitution, he pushed & rewrote the most consequential & dangerous of transformations–the Iran nuke deal & Obamacare. The former is anthropogenic interference of cataclysmic proportion. It will threaten the world forever.
“I’ve been very clear that Iran will not get a nuclear weapon on my watch”
– Obama to T Friedman
A despot can do a lot of damage in 11 months & a deluded one blinded by his own imagined brilliance will.
4
What is your assessment of George W. Bush?
2
Agree or disagree with the content of the laws, but none of it was unconstitutional. That's an empty lie that the GOP tries to repeat over and over until it becomes a meme, even if its devoid of fact.
1
Hey one question, How can the president be lawless if he is exercising executive authority mentioned in the constitution. What exactly is law for you then? Following what you wish for?
3
The Senate ship of state is aiming at the rocks. The craven McConnell is at the helm.
1
If you want to know the lasting legacy that Senator Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan have bequeathed America, look no further than the rise of Donald Trump to become the leading candidate to be the Republican presidential nominee. The two, as the key national leaders of the Republican Party in the absence of a Republican president, played a critical role in creating a Republican Party that created Trump’s candidacy. McConnell and Ryan fueled the xenophobic, nativist, bigoted, sexist, Islamophobic, anti-intellectual, Hispanophobic tendencies that have, inevitably, produced a leading presidential candidate skilled in appealing to each and every one of those tendencies. Trump has simply done what any real demagogue would do to achieve success: added a charismatic sheen to McConnell and Ryan’s plodding, including a willingness to tell brazen lies, knowing his Republican followers—primed by their Congressional leaders—would scream with delight.
Trump is an “outsider” only in the fact that he has not been elected to office. But he represents the heart and soul of Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan’s Republican Party/conservative movement. Just look at the latest election and poll results to see the truth of that fact.
Trump is an “outsider” only in the fact that he has not been elected to office. But he represents the heart and soul of Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan’s Republican Party/conservative movement. Just look at the latest election and poll results to see the truth of that fact.
2
Clearly a miserable human being.
Where does this bitterness come from?
Where does this bitterness come from?
2
Would that the media & pundits would stop focusing on the Pres or a party, for the damage being done by Congress & Mr. McConnell.
And focus on the people that their failure to do their job-- is hurting so very badly!
Where are the Statesman?
And focus on the people that their failure to do their job-- is hurting so very badly!
Where are the Statesman?
1
McConnell personifies "Washington insider" and. yet, the people of Kentucky put this man back into office over and over again where he could do damage to the whole country. McConnell wants to keep power for himself and his fellow Republicans at all costs and is a prime example of political viciousness which erodes democracy. Do us all a favor, Kentucky. Don't bring this monster back to haunt all of us.
3
The GOP has alienated thinking women, racial minorities, and immigrants. They have welcomed fascists, religious zealots, and know nothings. The GOP is dead, McConnell is simply twitching.
1
It seems that throughout his entire career, Mitch McConnell has asked what his country can do for him.
4
I'm confused.
They hate Trump and Cruz but,
they'd like those creeps to to pick the next SCOTUS seat?
They hate Trump and Cruz but,
they'd like those creeps to to pick the next SCOTUS seat?
2
Poor Mitch. The principal won't let him install a pop machine in the cafeteria. Maybe he should try adding 5 minutes to all recesses, that's a sure winner.
Just when I thought that the political process could not get any sleazier along comes a vacant seat on the SCOTUS. The fight over this piece of prime judicial real estate is bringing out the worst in the Republican party leaders. And Mitch McConnell is the turning out to be the worst of the worst.
This "moment" could and should be a turning point in the American political process. This should be a time when the American people stand up to Mitch McConnell and the rest of the Washington politicians who are owned and controlled by wealthy corporate interests and say NO MORE. The Congress of the Unites States has become, by and large, a disgrace and an embarrassment to the people of this country. And we the people need to say it in voting booths all across this country. If we don't we deserve what we get.
This "moment" could and should be a turning point in the American political process. This should be a time when the American people stand up to Mitch McConnell and the rest of the Washington politicians who are owned and controlled by wealthy corporate interests and say NO MORE. The Congress of the Unites States has become, by and large, a disgrace and an embarrassment to the people of this country. And we the people need to say it in voting booths all across this country. If we don't we deserve what we get.
1
It is difficult to read Mr. MacGilis' statement that McConnell's desire to keep Obama to one term wasn't personal but, rather, "a simple reflection of the permanent campaign ethos." Do we take that to mean that McConnell is only about Republican Party games or that he is just a permanently unethical obstructionist?
Either case, McConnell, like all his GOP cohorts, has absolutely no interest at all in doing anything that is good for the country. Shutting down the government, which he encouraged and allowed, is on him as well as Cruz. Trying to in effect shut down the US Supreme Court for an entire year because of his "permanent campaign ethos" is further evidence of this self-centered, greedy, do-nothing politician who has ruined this country as perhaps no one else has.
Looking forward to whenever McConnell leaves, and however he does, which could not be too soon for the citizens of this nation.
Either case, McConnell, like all his GOP cohorts, has absolutely no interest at all in doing anything that is good for the country. Shutting down the government, which he encouraged and allowed, is on him as well as Cruz. Trying to in effect shut down the US Supreme Court for an entire year because of his "permanent campaign ethos" is further evidence of this self-centered, greedy, do-nothing politician who has ruined this country as perhaps no one else has.
Looking forward to whenever McConnell leaves, and however he does, which could not be too soon for the citizens of this nation.
1
To paraphrase a famous Democratic politician, ask no what the Senate can do for you, ask what you can do for the senate.
Looks to me like he lost his bearings a long long time ago. the institution he's devoted his life to? Ha. He's devoted his life to No. Many of the fine lines the author draws in an attempt to portray McConnell as a moderate-manqué -- such as "It is less about blocking liberal policy goals than about boosting Republican chances" -- are distinctions without differences. My bitterness against the Republicans is profound. To me, their obstructionism is not treason -- it really is, but I realize that's too strong a word for most -- but malfeasance. Our elected officials are supposed to serve the country, or at least the party. The country was built on compromise. Refusing to compromise, en masse I might add (a whiff of fascism there, another word too strong, I know I know) does not serve the country. And if the party was built as a vehicle for policy that would benefit the greatest numbers of its members in the broadest ways, then driving the party to the extreme, or going along for the ride, is a disservice to the party. This is an intelligent man, not the sleepy turtle Jon Stewart liked to mimic. How does he live with himself--and especially so if he was ever, indeed, anything resembling a moderate?
1
Despise this, despise that...all you want.
at the most fundamental level we have a system with two diametrically-opposed parties, which are both interested in the same thing: preserving power/moving money around the beltway.
one sees politics as a function of business; the other sees business as a function of politics. not much hope for middle ground there...
with the handwriting on the wall, mcconnell was smart to avoid putting himself at risk with immigration reform, which was nothing more than democratic-political top-cover used to expand that party’s voter base.
Wake up and smell the salsa! Choosing a new sc justice Is the fight for both parties...
at the most fundamental level we have a system with two diametrically-opposed parties, which are both interested in the same thing: preserving power/moving money around the beltway.
one sees politics as a function of business; the other sees business as a function of politics. not much hope for middle ground there...
with the handwriting on the wall, mcconnell was smart to avoid putting himself at risk with immigration reform, which was nothing more than democratic-political top-cover used to expand that party’s voter base.
Wake up and smell the salsa! Choosing a new sc justice Is the fight for both parties...
That may be true that the parties are the opposite.
But 90% of the voters want about 90% the same thing.
Nobody wants to pay for people to sit at home on welfare. Nobody wants a woman to have an abortion. We all want a good economy with decent paying jobs. Etc.
But 90% of the voters want about 90% the same thing.
Nobody wants to pay for people to sit at home on welfare. Nobody wants a woman to have an abortion. We all want a good economy with decent paying jobs. Etc.
1
Did anyone else hear the dialogue from 1984 while reading about McConnell's total disinterest in the public good? I thought of the part where O'Brien explains that the Party has no delusions about governing or making the world better, but is only concerned with power, because "the object of power is power." Only difference is that O'Brien in 1984 was the keen and competent evil villain type, whereas old Mitch is more of a successful rat.
If only Alice in Wonderland Grimes remembered who she voted for.
1
There is a deeper message in MacGillis' excellent critique: the increasing Republican animus at governing altogether. You want to turn citizens against "big government" and taxes? Make government dysfunctional and try to reap the whirlwind.
1
The worst of everything about politics.
2
Mr. MacGillis hits the nail on the head when he says, "... that in the Supreme Court’s balance, in particular in relation to campaign finance law, Mr. McConnell has at long last discovered one matter that is so consequential that it is worth risking an election over.
America's support of Republicans is shrinking as the country changes from a country of old white men to a younger multi-racial, multicultural country. And Republicans know that in order to get elected and stay in power they need to restrict the votes of this emerging demographic with the help of a Supreme Court that is willing to influence Presidential elections (Gore v. Bush), willing to open the floodgates of unfettered corporate campaign contributions (Citizens United) and willing to gut the Voting Rights Act.
As reprehensible and transparent as this strategy is, unfortunately it works with enough Americans to keep them in power.
America's support of Republicans is shrinking as the country changes from a country of old white men to a younger multi-racial, multicultural country. And Republicans know that in order to get elected and stay in power they need to restrict the votes of this emerging demographic with the help of a Supreme Court that is willing to influence Presidential elections (Gore v. Bush), willing to open the floodgates of unfettered corporate campaign contributions (Citizens United) and willing to gut the Voting Rights Act.
As reprehensible and transparent as this strategy is, unfortunately it works with enough Americans to keep them in power.
Even some of the old white men are feeling something is wrong.
Reaganomics has been great for the very rich, not so much for middle class and worse for working class.
The working class whites know something is wrong, they just haven't figured out yet that it is Reaganomics.
Hence the rise of Donald Trump.
Reaganomics has been great for the very rich, not so much for middle class and worse for working class.
The working class whites know something is wrong, they just haven't figured out yet that it is Reaganomics.
Hence the rise of Donald Trump.
McConnell realized that Republicans win if they create a dysfunctional government for them to run against. Rail against the incompetence of big government, while starving government agencies of funding, placing so many restrictions on them that the cannot function, and then run against the very idea of government. This serves the dual function of making government impotent against regulating big corporate interests, and "proving" to the people that government is the problem. And then along comes Trump who, like Mussolini, promises to make the trains run on time and shatters this whole strategy. The conservatives in the Reichstag in the late 1920s and 30s did the same thing as McConnell for the same reasons. The result is never the end of government but the arrival of a demagogue who will upset everyone's apple cart.
Mitch McConnell is practicing what I would call...treason...and this
very ....incorrect whitewashing of this outlaw...McConnell: this whitewashing
covers up the real intent...
Which is MONEY...for McConnell staying in office...PERIOD...nolo contendere !!!
very ....incorrect whitewashing of this outlaw...McConnell: this whitewashing
covers up the real intent...
Which is MONEY...for McConnell staying in office...PERIOD...nolo contendere !!!
3
So you become a US Senator and the focus of your efforts is to get re-elected and retain POWER. I had this crazy idea that your job was to legislate and help govern the country. McConnell has demonstrated that he is unfit to be a senator.
There is nothing wrong with having a political philosophy that leans right - that supports deeply held beliefs. There is something wrong with not respecting the other sides' right to it's beliefs. There is nothing wrong with capitalism. There is nothing wrong with socialism. There is something wrong with the leader who does not compromise to find a path that balances social responsibilities with encouraging a vibrant competitive economy.
McConnell is a failure as a leader. He might be a political success, but he is just a walking talking political animal who has wasted our time and money. The founders would be ashamed of him.
There is nothing wrong with having a political philosophy that leans right - that supports deeply held beliefs. There is something wrong with not respecting the other sides' right to it's beliefs. There is nothing wrong with capitalism. There is nothing wrong with socialism. There is something wrong with the leader who does not compromise to find a path that balances social responsibilities with encouraging a vibrant competitive economy.
McConnell is a failure as a leader. He might be a political success, but he is just a walking talking political animal who has wasted our time and money. The founders would be ashamed of him.
3
"I had this crazy idea that your job was to legislate and help govern the country"
Grow up and stop being so naive. It was and is always about winning and gaining power, nothing else.
Grow up and stop being so naive. It was and is always about winning and gaining power, nothing else.
This man is an absolute disgrace to our country.
2
I agree, Obama should step down TODAY!
Until the leadership of the DNC focuses on getting Democrats to vote in off year elections the tactics of McConnell and worse, the Tea Party will stay in power and the county will suffer for it.
2
I believe it is accurate to state that Mitch McConnell bet that his constituents (and perhaps the country as a whole) were not ready for a man of color to be their president.
2
I always felt that McConnell was self centered, did not have the interests of the people in mind and was un american at times. Well after reading this piece I am now sure I was right. Just look at this quote, "The key, Mr. McConnell told his fellow Republicans, was to stymie and undermine Mr. Obama." This was said while the country was in free fall at home and fighting two wars in the middle east. Would not a leader advise his party to work with the new president to save america and bring the troops home?
3
Term limits anyone?
2
He fights for the same reason Lee fought at Gettysburg and Napoleon fought at Waterloo; to avoid the battle is too lose!
Is it possible that holding public office for private gain and aggrandizement can rise to the level of treason?
If so, I imagine that many office-holders would be indicted, but McConnell would certainly lead the docket.
If so, I imagine that many office-holders would be indicted, but McConnell would certainly lead the docket.
4
A disgusting man. If he worked for me I would fire him for dereliction of duty.
2
When Senator Charles Schumer said the exact same thing about a vacancy in 2007 when GWB was President and a little more than 2 years into his presidency were many of the commenters here as outrages as McConnell,s statement? I don't like it either but the hypocrisy of you on the left is unbelievable and galling.
He's the President and he can put forth a nominee and then it's up to Congress. What happens happens after that. The Democrats are just as bad at stonewalling as the Republicans. And everyone wonders why a guy like Trump has so much traction? Look in the mirror to find the problem. He isn't the "establishment" like the likes of Schumer and McConell are and the people are sick of the establishment and the far left and right steering this country.
So stop crying over McConnells statement you Dems are guilty of it too! And the tantrums from the left and right need to stop or The Donald just might be the next President
He's the President and he can put forth a nominee and then it's up to Congress. What happens happens after that. The Democrats are just as bad at stonewalling as the Republicans. And everyone wonders why a guy like Trump has so much traction? Look in the mirror to find the problem. He isn't the "establishment" like the likes of Schumer and McConell are and the people are sick of the establishment and the far left and right steering this country.
So stop crying over McConnells statement you Dems are guilty of it too! And the tantrums from the left and right need to stop or The Donald just might be the next President
4
Schumer said not such thing, and wasn't Majority Leader.
1
Yeah, except that Schumer was speaking hypothetically and no court seat was vacant at the time.
This is exactly the kind of person who should never be elected to office. Regardless of party or ideology. When your whole focus becomes reelection and tearing down those who actually ARE trying to govern, you're no more than a parasite. This is why this tapeworm's host is dying...
3
Placing re-election above doing the actual job is the most damning of all the traits which a politician could exhibit, and this naked obstruction is the most damning exhibition of that behavior. Senator McConnell is what he is: a politician with no end in sight except to maintain his position at the public trough, getting paid for getting re-elected. He's a freeloader; those who follow his example are clones.
2
I am sick of the party of no. Do your job to serve the people or go home.
4
McConnell's an embarrassment to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He cares only about power for power's sake. He's done little to nothing for Kentuckians save bring some federal bacon home to an oblivious people who hate the hand that feeds them as they greedily ask for more.
4
What a miserable excuse for a human being. He could and should be accused of sedition, trying to basically to take down the Obama presidency.
5
I am reminded of the old Joe South song. McConell should be charged with violating his oath of office. If I want to watch grown men playing games and being paid a lot of money I will watch the NFL, The NHL, the NBA or MLB.
McConell and his crew are a disgrace to what was once a great nation.
Today a politician who pretended to be a jurist lies in State at the Supreme Court Building.
Somehow a nation of laws has become as corrupt as the banana republics we talked about in the 1960s. We are all Banana Republicans.
http://www.oldielyrics.com/lyrics/joe_south/games_people_play.html
McConell and his crew are a disgrace to what was once a great nation.
Today a politician who pretended to be a jurist lies in State at the Supreme Court Building.
Somehow a nation of laws has become as corrupt as the banana republics we talked about in the 1960s. We are all Banana Republicans.
http://www.oldielyrics.com/lyrics/joe_south/games_people_play.html
2
President Obama was elected for a (second) four year term. Why should he stop working after only three? If he must stop appointing judges, as the Constitution requires, should he also stop serving as Commander in Chief of the military for the next year? Sadly, I suspect his political opponents would like that, too. Obama is President until Jan 20, 2017 - 11 more months!
2
McConnell chose to fight the incoming President Obama in a bid to regain personal political power. The fact that he did this while the country was in fiscal freefall is simply treasonous.
1
There are a lot of high talking Democrats telling us why the Republicans are despicable. I'm willing to bet that if the tables were turned and Democrats were blocking a key Republican Supreme Court nomination, these high-minded folks would sing a different song, telling us all why protecting the Democratic agenda justifies temporarily blocking an appointment.
3
Minor technical detail: Democrats aren't doing this. Even Robert Bork got a process and a vote.
Bob. if you don't know what it means, look up the word "hypothetical".
1
I wonder if Mr. McConnell wonders what his great grandchildren will read about him in their history books. The same with all the other saboteurs in Congress who profess such love for their country. In the cold light of hindsight, their actions will be an embarrassment and source of shame for their progeny.
1
Can you imagine what would happen if conduct like this occurred in a major corporation? Nothing would be accomplished. Compromise is the only solution out of this mess since structural changes n government will never occur.
This is a snapshot of a person who puts keeping his political position above his personal beliefs and his duty to his country. Simply shameful. One wonders how many others in both parties are guilty of the same.
1
I think the author is trying to excuse Mr. McConnell's statements and actions as they pertain to President Obama because it's so obvious that they stem from racism pure and simple. People in Washington who are doing a great job of running our country into the ground think we out here in the hinterlands aren't aware of their true motives. I, for one, have had it up to here with the stance of McConnell and his cronies. I'm embarrassed that racism is such a motivating force in stymying our first black President. Yet despite this racist stance against him, President Obama hasn't dropped down to their level and has even gotten quite a bit of good things done while in office.
4
We already knew essentially everything the story relates, but nonetheless it is totally amazing and despicable. A naive person would think that both parties are working toward the betterment of the country, albeit with somewhat different views of how to make it better, not to sabotaging and undermining the other party just for the sake of empowerment. The Republicans under McConnell are nothing less than traitors to our democracy.
4
If the premise of this column is correct we have truly reached a sad sad state in America. I mourn for the USA -- what could have been and what we seem to be heading toward.
3
Senator McConnell's myopic view of our nation, the longer he has been in office,
has created sad and dysfunctional bedfellows; none will rescue him now, and no one cares. His legacy is obstruction, and his choices for our nation remain perverse and predictable. The death of Scalia is an alarm too late for his ambition, and the late Republican Party.
has created sad and dysfunctional bedfellows; none will rescue him now, and no one cares. His legacy is obstruction, and his choices for our nation remain perverse and predictable. The death of Scalia is an alarm too late for his ambition, and the late Republican Party.
3
McConnell is a racist and maybe he's just losing it. For him just to come out and say to the President don't even bother nominating someone, I mean that is just plain stupid. He could have easily said nothing and just stalled, or vote down an Obama nominee. But he is so arrogant he blatantly showed himself for what he is, and he put his party at jeopardy in November. The Republicans have showed this President total disrespect right from the start. This act leaves no doubt about that. The one main thing a President gets to do is send up nominees for the Supreme Court. They do not care if they drag this country and the office of the President right into the dirt, as they have, to get their way.
4
"Mr. McConnell was doing something deeply out of character: putting at risk his and his party’s prospects in the coming election."
I think NOT. Republican voters are strongly in favor of not considering any nominee. Independents are divided almost 50-50. So I do not see how Republicans can lose by opposing Mr. Obama.
True, Democrats are strongly in favor of considering and approving any nomination from Mr. Obama. But since they do not vote Republican anyway, Mr. McConnell can hardly lose by annoying them.
I am really disappointed in the NY Times. Instead of asking "why" Republicans are doing something, the cookie cut explanation "they are vicious and/or stupid" is trotted out.
This is no way to understand a party which controls the Senate and more than half of the governorships. (I did not include the House since "Republicans cheated" is the standard explanation here for why they control the House).
For the record, I think Mr. Obama should nominate someone slightly to the right of center and well qualified. The Republicans should confirm that person and we would have a slightly more liberal Supreme Court with a moderate right person replacing an extreme right person.
Can it happen? Maybe. Mr. Obama is not stupid and he must care at least a little about the "other half of" the country.
I think NOT. Republican voters are strongly in favor of not considering any nominee. Independents are divided almost 50-50. So I do not see how Republicans can lose by opposing Mr. Obama.
True, Democrats are strongly in favor of considering and approving any nomination from Mr. Obama. But since they do not vote Republican anyway, Mr. McConnell can hardly lose by annoying them.
I am really disappointed in the NY Times. Instead of asking "why" Republicans are doing something, the cookie cut explanation "they are vicious and/or stupid" is trotted out.
This is no way to understand a party which controls the Senate and more than half of the governorships. (I did not include the House since "Republicans cheated" is the standard explanation here for why they control the House).
For the record, I think Mr. Obama should nominate someone slightly to the right of center and well qualified. The Republicans should confirm that person and we would have a slightly more liberal Supreme Court with a moderate right person replacing an extreme right person.
Can it happen? Maybe. Mr. Obama is not stupid and he must care at least a little about the "other half of" the country.
18
Pssst...gerrymandering and the lib/left not showing up to vote is what lost the House.
And since you seem a tad unclear about things, the House doesn't vote on Court nominees.
And since you seem a tad unclear about things, the House doesn't vote on Court nominees.
3
Since Republicans have more votes than Democrats, they could call for an immediate up or down vote on any nominee they don't wish to confirm as many times as necessary to show Mr Obama who has the upper hand. A down vote would wipe out the President's legacy. The only way for Obama to win would be to submit a nominee who would walk in Justice Scalia's enormous shoes.
1
PTB, I think Scalia was a bit too right wing for today's America. Personally my preference would be for Pope Francis who is pro-life but also pro-poor. But I am not sure he is available (smile).
Sri Srinivasan who has been mentioned, comes from a South Indian Brahmin family and that community is socially quite conservative. I have met women from that community who can write a brilliant math paper and have not had a glass of beer in their entire life.
So a moderate right winger or social conservative would be a good compromise. And the Republicans did confirm Srinivasan for United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit with NO negative votes.
Another good thing that could happen would be if Ruth G. would retire and be replaced by someone on the moderate left.
Both Scalia and Ginsburg were far too predictable.
Sri Srinivasan who has been mentioned, comes from a South Indian Brahmin family and that community is socially quite conservative. I have met women from that community who can write a brilliant math paper and have not had a glass of beer in their entire life.
So a moderate right winger or social conservative would be a good compromise. And the Republicans did confirm Srinivasan for United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit with NO negative votes.
Another good thing that could happen would be if Ruth G. would retire and be replaced by someone on the moderate left.
Both Scalia and Ginsburg were far too predictable.
So, basically, the article states that McConnell is a person without principles who will do anything to 'win'. It is obviously not just the Republican presidential candidates whom we should be terrified of.
McConnell is a Southern Baptist who, in contravention of the teachings of Jesus, abandoned his first wife Sherill Redmon as McConnell began his slow drift to the right.
McConnell has a track record of abandoning people and principles when it suits him to do so. Like so many professional politicans, McConnell has never had a proper, useful, productive job in his life.
As with so many Republicans who talk big about military action, McConnell managed to avoid the draft by conveniently acquiring a short term inflammation of one of his optic nerves.
McConnell earns his place in the Capitol by agreeing to be a lickspittle for those whose interests he serves. He doesn't even believe in the positions he espouses. Just as many a porn star will go gay for pay, McConnell will say for pay whatever the highest bidder offers.
Professional politicans like McConnell are political prostitutes. Provided you pay them the going rate for the session, then they are yours for as long as you want them to be.
McConnell has a track record of abandoning people and principles when it suits him to do so. Like so many professional politicans, McConnell has never had a proper, useful, productive job in his life.
As with so many Republicans who talk big about military action, McConnell managed to avoid the draft by conveniently acquiring a short term inflammation of one of his optic nerves.
McConnell earns his place in the Capitol by agreeing to be a lickspittle for those whose interests he serves. He doesn't even believe in the positions he espouses. Just as many a porn star will go gay for pay, McConnell will say for pay whatever the highest bidder offers.
Professional politicans like McConnell are political prostitutes. Provided you pay them the going rate for the session, then they are yours for as long as you want them to be.
3
McConnell's behavior is treasonous. I don't know why the people of Kentucky keep sending him back to Washington but it is a grim prospect indeed that we have another 5 years of his self-serving antics ahead of us. Kentucky, stop reelecting this guy!
5
The disrespectful and insults from our dependable wrecking ball Mitch McConnell has cheated President Obama and every reasonable citizen.
Our enemies (Putin, ISIS, Al al-Qaeda) are over joyed with Mitch’s ability to enable dysfunctionality and disorder from within the highest level of our government. McConnell is as much our enemy as the fore-mention monsters.
Our enemies (Putin, ISIS, Al al-Qaeda) are over joyed with Mitch’s ability to enable dysfunctionality and disorder from within the highest level of our government. McConnell is as much our enemy as the fore-mention monsters.
3
The real shameful part is the cost in terms of blood and guts by the war vets who are now being denied adequate coverage for wounds endured in useless wars and assistance in assimilating back into american society thanks to McConnell and his gang of GOP senator thugs who filibuster vet support bills willy nilly regardless of merit.
4
OK - so we're to believe that McConnell rose and stayed at the top of the Senate all based on his one obsessive goal to be elected and keep getting re-elected. I think not.
The Senate is known to be a fairly collegial body yet filled with distinct individuals. A leader has to work within his party's caucus first and across the aisle second to accomplish anything or to at least hold the line. So, I think this profile of McConnell is pretty reductionist, to say the least.
Further, Obama was part of the Senate, albeit for just a few years. You would think he would have built some bridges to his colleagues in the Senate, including Republican. Obviously that was not the case given how poorly he managed getting his agenda through Congress.
So, as the liberal MSM moves in to its hagiography of Obama, lets be a little aware of how McConnell needs to be pilloried and burned in order to support the story arc of The One Known as Obama.
Posted 2/20 at 10:30am
The Senate is known to be a fairly collegial body yet filled with distinct individuals. A leader has to work within his party's caucus first and across the aisle second to accomplish anything or to at least hold the line. So, I think this profile of McConnell is pretty reductionist, to say the least.
Further, Obama was part of the Senate, albeit for just a few years. You would think he would have built some bridges to his colleagues in the Senate, including Republican. Obviously that was not the case given how poorly he managed getting his agenda through Congress.
So, as the liberal MSM moves in to its hagiography of Obama, lets be a little aware of how McConnell needs to be pilloried and burned in order to support the story arc of The One Known as Obama.
Posted 2/20 at 10:30am
3
@KnowItAll,
You are correct that the leader of the senate must have friends in his own caucus before he reaches across the aisle.
The shortcoming in that statement as far as McConnell goes is that he never reached across the aisle to anyone for anything. Nothing got through the Senate because McConnell & Co. refuse to even talk, much less compromise with anyone else. GOP party politics. That's all it is.
You are correct that the leader of the senate must have friends in his own caucus before he reaches across the aisle.
The shortcoming in that statement as far as McConnell goes is that he never reached across the aisle to anyone for anything. Nothing got through the Senate because McConnell & Co. refuse to even talk, much less compromise with anyone else. GOP party politics. That's all it is.
Dick Lugar,republican of Indiana, was a kind of mentor to BO as I understand it,helping him to form his ideas on nuclear weapons policy. Perhaps there were other instances. I don't know. ..
So, does this mean that the rise of Ted Cruz means that your thesis is hogwash?
Or is this question reductionist?
Or is this question reductionist?
Mitch McConnell is an evil man, cares nothing for the electorate or the betterment of the majority. He is bought and owned by the fossil fuel industry and would harm all children's future for the next paycheck. How can someone of his caliber take a paycheck for blocking , not legislating? Did not he and his cohorts take an oath of office they ignore?
5
This obstructionism is perfectly understandable. The GOP sees it's base aging. There is no one coming from behind. Any power or influence they presently hold MUST be maintained at any cost. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
You younger Republicans - what do you see when you look around? It's going to get even lonelier because all those Mexicans and Salvadorans you've hired to rake your leaves and wash your dishes and hang your drywall are having kids who are citizens now (talk about Unintended Consequences!). So it's understandable you'd want to hang on to what you have by any means at your disposal. Even if that means letting a lying, jowly old hypocrite like McConnell off his chain; not pretty but understandable. Good luck!
You younger Republicans - what do you see when you look around? It's going to get even lonelier because all those Mexicans and Salvadorans you've hired to rake your leaves and wash your dishes and hang your drywall are having kids who are citizens now (talk about Unintended Consequences!). So it's understandable you'd want to hang on to what you have by any means at your disposal. Even if that means letting a lying, jowly old hypocrite like McConnell off his chain; not pretty but understandable. Good luck!
4
There is no one in American politics more despicable than Mitch McConnell.
7
MacGillis: "The key, Mr. McConnell told his fellow Republicans, was to stymie and undermine Mr. Obama, but to do so in subtle ways."
If there is any politician with a disinterest in the public/common good, it is Mitch.
I have always had my doubts about the reality of demonic possession and the existence of Lucifer or Satan, but Mitch McConnell has dispelled my doubts.
If there is any politician with a disinterest in the public/common good, it is Mitch.
I have always had my doubts about the reality of demonic possession and the existence of Lucifer or Satan, but Mitch McConnell has dispelled my doubts.
6
Demos obstructed Congress by ramification of the Health care act w/out debate on the Floor. * Obamaso Fatal 1st Act * , I don't blame the Republicans !
1
McConnell is not speaking to the country, he is sending a message to his own party, specifically to the most right-wing element. It has nothing to do with governance (or the Constitution) but with his hold on power. A feckless ideologue with no ideology other than power. Are we getting what we deserve?
5
Why Is Mitch McConnell Picking This Fight?
So he can get his base to shoot themselves in the foot again and vote Republican.
So he can get his base to shoot themselves in the foot again and vote Republican.
5
This man has way too much power...
2
He, like nearly all other elected Republicans, cares more about his party than about his country. It's traitorous behavior.
8
tl;dr: Mitch McConnell is a terrible human being with no moral compass.
3
I personally can't stand him but he appears similar to other politicians in that their only concern is to get re-elected as this article notes. He would never have let the Dems treat Reagan this way and if anyone deserved it Reagan was the one.
1
Interesting perspective. I was unaware of McConnell's resume from before he won his seat in Washington. It is very similar to the path our current House Speaker Ryan took. Out of college work for years as an aide in Washington for whoever will hire you, go home for a couple of years then run for office. Once in office say and propose every thing the home team want's to hear, move up in the party status,and they succeed.
What they could not see coming was the Tea Party. Seemed like a good idea at the time, the Koch brothers were behind the movement how bad could it be?
How bad? Donald Trump ....need I say more?
The next supreme court justice could be picked by the likes of Trump or Sanders. Either option leaves me thinking it is good I might be too old to feel the hurt.
What they could not see coming was the Tea Party. Seemed like a good idea at the time, the Koch brothers were behind the movement how bad could it be?
How bad? Donald Trump ....need I say more?
The next supreme court justice could be picked by the likes of Trump or Sanders. Either option leaves me thinking it is good I might be too old to feel the hurt.
2
In what kind of industry do you get to keep your job and continue to receive a paycheck even though you refuse to do your job?
9
In the Obama administration, of course.
There is a double irony here: McConnell's obstructionist approach has led to the Washington gridlock that fuels the candidacies of both Trump and Sanders, the ultimate outsiders. And yet Trump, who rails against the establishment for not being able to get anything done, did not hesitate to support McConnell's position by chanting, "Delay, delay, delay" a short time later. It's hard to believe that any Republican--insider or outsider--puts the interests of their country ahead of their own ambition.
4
History, I believe, will view Obama's tenure as President as an even greater accomplishment because of and in spite of this deliberate obstructionism.
9
The GOP needs the Supreme Court, with its lifetime appointments, on its side because they don't have demographics on their side. They need the court to override what voters want.
7
...............In my opinion this is a sterling reason to have term limits and, perhaps, pursue democracy as envisioned by the founders and work for "THE PEOPLE" ( that's people writ large!)
"............................The best way to understand Addison Mitchell McConnell Jr. has been to recognize that he is not a conservative ideologue, but rather the epitome of the permanent campaign of Washington: What matters most isn’t so much what you do in office, but if you can win again...................................."
"............................The best way to understand Addison Mitchell McConnell Jr. has been to recognize that he is not a conservative ideologue, but rather the epitome of the permanent campaign of Washington: What matters most isn’t so much what you do in office, but if you can win again...................................."
3
The only way this country is going to get anywhere decent is simple. Never vote for a republican. It is clear they are nothing but babyish, egotistic, self-centered, cruds none of whom deserve any kind of high office. Put 'em in for dogcatcher, but nothing above...and they'd probably make a wrack and ruin of that.
4
They say Trump is ruining the Republican party and, if elected, will ruin the USA but this guy McConnell's the real reason the Republicans are in such a sorry state and he's done a great job of ruining the country with his petty, "get me re-elected" stance on every single issue. Combine him with the megalomaniacs Rove & Cheney pulling the strings for the dunce "W" and the USA wasted a post 911 once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to really make the world a better place.
2
Please don't relegate them to dog-catcher. Dogs are man's best friend. They don't deserve such abuse!
Why is Mitch McConnell Picking This Fight?
Firstly, it is a fight he can easily win.
Secondly, to preserve his sway as head of the GOP in the Senate.
Thirdly, to prevent a liberal nominee being seated on the Supreme Court.
If the Democrats win the White House and Senate then they will have their nominee on the Court. If they only win the White House then they will still have a formidable battle on their hands to tittle Court to the left.
Firstly, it is a fight he can easily win.
Secondly, to preserve his sway as head of the GOP in the Senate.
Thirdly, to prevent a liberal nominee being seated on the Supreme Court.
If the Democrats win the White House and Senate then they will have their nominee on the Court. If they only win the White House then they will still have a formidable battle on their hands to tittle Court to the left.
The dliemma of democracy: in order to fulfill an agenda, no matter how noble and compassionate, you have to first gain public office. And to gain, and retain, that office, you have to convince enough voters to support you, voters who are much more likely to respond to emotional partisan issues.
Perhaps we have the government we deserve after all.
Perhaps we have the government we deserve after all.
26
As much as I would like to believe that Mitch has ruined his chances of ever being re-elected, given the recent Republican track record in electoral politics, (especially in a state spending million$ of tax-money building a shrine to Noah and 'the Flood') I ain't making any bets.
2
Kentucky had a chance to get rid of him two years ago. Seems they like him. They threw over a decent governor too. Fools. Kentucky fools.
2
To sum up this article in one sentence: Mitch McConnell has no integrity.
5
This has bnecome boring as well as approaching the edge of subversive.
Mr. McConnel ahould consider that he represents all the people of his state and not his own vested interests.
Mr. McConnel ahould consider that he represents all the people of his state and not his own vested interests.
this is not Mitch McConnell's fight, it is the Koch Bros and related ultra right conservative industrialists and financial industry billionaires' fight. McConnell is just a well funded pawn.
American needs to wake up to how our country has been methodically hijacked by this group. Our politicians represent them, not us.
American needs to wake up to how our country has been methodically hijacked by this group. Our politicians represent them, not us.
2
This is so depressing it makes me literally sick to my stomach, and reminds me of what the Democratic party is now trying to do to Bernie Sanders. Young people are calling for a political revolution. I'm voting with them.
6
I cannot think of a better argument for term limits and the need for a third party. Politicians from both parties have hijacked the future of this country for political gain. They cannot run the most mundane aspects of government, let alone get this country aligned against its real challenges.
3
It's a shame that the NY Times no longer makes any pretense of balanced journalism. This purported and one-sided "News Analysis" does nothing more than portray McConnell as an obstructionist, chronicling his attempts to block the Obama agenda since 2008, and who is now prepared to block BHO's Supreme Court nominee. Readers who tow the liberal line and lap up this doggerel can stop reading now as nothing I write will sway their minds. But those who wish to read this News Analysis with a balanced perspective would do well to read an opinion piece in today's Wall Street Journal entitled 'Greatest Democratic Judicial Hits'. From this we are reminded that McConnell's arch nemesis and alter ego, the Democrats and former Senate minority leader Harry Reid, practiced the same judicial obstructionist tactics. For your convenience, and by way of example, did you know:
o. That the Democratic-controlled Senate and the Judiciary Committee refused to hold hearings on 32 of Bush's nominees during 2001-2003;
o. When the GOP regained a 51-49 margin, Democrats broke the long-standing Senate custom of granting nominees an up-or-down vote.
o. Several of the Bush nominees met the diversity test (black, female, Hispanic) but were not confirmed. News Analysis: the Democrats just didn't like their politics.
o. When Bush nominated Samuel Alito to the SCOTUS in 2005, 25 Senators including Reid and junior senator Barack Obama, voted to support a filibuster.
o. That the Democratic-controlled Senate and the Judiciary Committee refused to hold hearings on 32 of Bush's nominees during 2001-2003;
o. When the GOP regained a 51-49 margin, Democrats broke the long-standing Senate custom of granting nominees an up-or-down vote.
o. Several of the Bush nominees met the diversity test (black, female, Hispanic) but were not confirmed. News Analysis: the Democrats just didn't like their politics.
o. When Bush nominated Samuel Alito to the SCOTUS in 2005, 25 Senators including Reid and junior senator Barack Obama, voted to support a filibuster.
4
the problem is Mitch's first response was to deny even a hearing on a nominee. Not even a hearing? Really? You think that's OK?
1
It is well known throughout Mitch McConnell is only interested in Mitch McConnell. His career can be mapped pretty precisely. Maintaining his job over any and everything else has helped poison politics.
I will not disagree with you about obstructionism on both sides nor past history of approvals. It is part of the struggle. But I feel with this slate if politicians it has reached epidemic proportions and ones the American people are starting to recognize, finally.
And I am happy President Obama worked to deny Judge Alito his post. Alito helped bring us Citizens United. Generously, I like to think he couldn't find a judicial reason to find properly in that case. So now we the citizens will have to take care of it.
I will not disagree with you about obstructionism on both sides nor past history of approvals. It is part of the struggle. But I feel with this slate if politicians it has reached epidemic proportions and ones the American people are starting to recognize, finally.
And I am happy President Obama worked to deny Judge Alito his post. Alito helped bring us Citizens United. Generously, I like to think he couldn't find a judicial reason to find properly in that case. So now we the citizens will have to take care of it.
Why wasn't this written about in the NY Times 8 years ago? Why aren't comparable analyses published on a regular basis?
2
The Republican Party has never recovered from Nixon's disgrace and has been the party of nasty and angry ever since.
4
I hadn't thought of it that way, but you have a point. Though in some cases it goes back to the Civil War.
Public officials are elected to do the people's work. McConnell is not working for the people. This is disgusting. How much are the Koch's paying him?
2
This man is an American? Whew! He's done more harm to the US than any terrorist or terrorists. At best, the man is a sore loser, who wants one more chance to defeat Obama. In the process, he has helped to destroy America. In truth, he is probably a racist, who do a whole bunch of self defeating things and never understand or admit their motivations.
5
I agree with every word MacGillis has said. But I think that there is one more point to be made about McConnell's attitude toward the government. Modern GOP conservatives really believe that the federal government, excepting always the military, is a bad thing. Working to obstruct President Obama at every turn was and is not only good politically but good for the nation, especially the super rich job creators. As Jeb! has pointed out the food stamp (SNAP) program does not feed the hungry; it creates a cycle of dependency. It is better to give the money to the states in block grants to do something else with it, whatever. Best would be to lower the taxes on the job creators, but you can't have everything.
It would not ever occur to McConnell, I think, that reducing the efficiency of the Supreme Court is a bad idea. It is a branch of government after all.
It would not ever occur to McConnell, I think, that reducing the efficiency of the Supreme Court is a bad idea. It is a branch of government after all.
1
All this time and energy spent on the sole goal of getting elected. And now the ultimate prize, the Presidency, has been handed over to an individual, who daily ridicules this goal ---Trump is McConnell's door prize.
1
Senator McConnell is is the ultimate career politician and opportunist. His moves are solely based on strategies which will maintain and strengthen his power perch at the top of the Senate. All his positions boiled down to a single power point; will this enhance my political career. There was a high school game we played call dodge ball; its premise was to survive so you could be the last person standing. McConnell has no great ideas or big agendas; his strategies start with him and end with him.
3
Mitch McConnell, he likes to shoot first and not ask questions later. He propagandized the death of a SCOTUS as soon as he heard about it. Now the culmination of the politics of obstructionism have been forced into something so full of hatred and spite he has managed to wake up all of America.
Sure the Republicans can deny a hearing. Go right ahead. Being unreasonable is a freedom all of us have a right to. But not all of us are banking that our unreasonableness will help put a Republican POTUS in the White House as a result. That record of obstructionism is now in the forefront of every senator and candidates resume in the Rep. Party. This is what they are known for, Delay Delay Delay, Deny Deny Deny. The Audacity of Nope.
The house that I own dropped in value by 60% while President Bush was in office. I paid $3.80 for a gal. of gas. Now with President Obama in the White House, the man the R's say is "systematically destroying America" the value of my house has regained the high of the pre 2008 tank and jumped up another 20% in value. That is a 80% sell price difference in my largest investment. Gas is a $1.50 a gal.just down the road.
I wish Michele Obama was running for POTUS in 2016, maybe she can systematically destroy the value of my house up another 80% while I fill up my car at .75 cents a gallon.
Mitch, keep up the good no job!
Sure the Republicans can deny a hearing. Go right ahead. Being unreasonable is a freedom all of us have a right to. But not all of us are banking that our unreasonableness will help put a Republican POTUS in the White House as a result. That record of obstructionism is now in the forefront of every senator and candidates resume in the Rep. Party. This is what they are known for, Delay Delay Delay, Deny Deny Deny. The Audacity of Nope.
The house that I own dropped in value by 60% while President Bush was in office. I paid $3.80 for a gal. of gas. Now with President Obama in the White House, the man the R's say is "systematically destroying America" the value of my house has regained the high of the pre 2008 tank and jumped up another 20% in value. That is a 80% sell price difference in my largest investment. Gas is a $1.50 a gal.just down the road.
I wish Michele Obama was running for POTUS in 2016, maybe she can systematically destroy the value of my house up another 80% while I fill up my car at .75 cents a gallon.
Mitch, keep up the good no job!
2
Ah, yes, the great conspiracy to stop President Obama from being the experienced and wise, all-knowing leader that he has buried deep inside himself but which cannot be realized because of those dastardly republicans.
Obama's legacy will be "A Great President (that they wouldn't let him be)".
Obama's legacy will be "A Great President (that they wouldn't let him be)".
1
Is this not sedition, is this not treason? I think the Department of Justice should look into the actions of people who systematically try to undermine the Presidency. Is this not a form of terrorism? Surely there must be a way to send a strong message against this stance which is poisoning the affairs of the nation. We have been tolerant too long.
2
"Why Is Mitch McConnell Picking This Fight?"
He may be picking this fight because he does NOT have the votes.
A simple majority (51 votes) is needed to confirm or not to confirm.
Current Senate:
54 Republicans.
44 Democrats.
2 Independents (both caucus with the Democrats).
Are they - Mitch and the lads - sure of having 51 votes ?
Who are the fab 5 needed to join the Democrats ?
VP Biden on a tie.
Then who are the fab 4 ?
In the upcoming election Democrats only need to gain 5 seats to take control of the Senate.
This time around the Democrats are defending 10 seats, whereas the Republicans are defending 24 seats.
Seven of those GOP seats are in states where Obama won in 2012.
Those seven Senators, given their electorate, will be treading lightly and will be careful as to how they support or do not support the President's nominee.
No doubt Mitch knows how to count - crafty devil that he happens to be.
So let us put our money donations into these seven Senate races and secure a Supreme Court Justice - one way or another.
He may be picking this fight because he does NOT have the votes.
A simple majority (51 votes) is needed to confirm or not to confirm.
Current Senate:
54 Republicans.
44 Democrats.
2 Independents (both caucus with the Democrats).
Are they - Mitch and the lads - sure of having 51 votes ?
Who are the fab 5 needed to join the Democrats ?
VP Biden on a tie.
Then who are the fab 4 ?
In the upcoming election Democrats only need to gain 5 seats to take control of the Senate.
This time around the Democrats are defending 10 seats, whereas the Republicans are defending 24 seats.
Seven of those GOP seats are in states where Obama won in 2012.
Those seven Senators, given their electorate, will be treading lightly and will be careful as to how they support or do not support the President's nominee.
No doubt Mitch knows how to count - crafty devil that he happens to be.
So let us put our money donations into these seven Senate races and secure a Supreme Court Justice - one way or another.
McConnell has to risk the presidential election on Scalia's replacement. Presidents serve 4 or 8 years. Justices are serving 30-ish, and Scalia was giant. He anchored the right wing and served as the Court's conservative conscience. Although Scalia is irreplacable, McConnell can't lose control over the Judiciary
McConnell reminds me of one of the iconic villains in a 1960s White Citizen Council. He comes off as an ignorant hillbilly with a meanstreak and a good suit. The question is why other senators fall lock-step behind this failed strategy?
1
I have always believed that it was McConnell who choreographed Jim DeMint's resignation from the Senate, where he was the greatest tea party thorn in McConnell's side, to take up a one-million-dollar-a-year-plus post at the Heritage Foundation. DeMint's resignation came mere weeks after Republicans failed to win the majority in the United States Senate due to tea party candidates in Indiana, Missouri, and elsewhere whose bizarre statements rendered them unelectable.
McConnell's issue is centered around Obama's imperial notion of the Presidency and his refusal to view Congress's as co-equal. Obama froze Republicans out of the ACA negotiations, causing the a rift from the start. In regards to the Scalia vacancy, he should convene a "Gang of 14", to produce a list of names that the Senate would be willing to consider. That would be a first step in returning civility to government.
3
Oh, please.
Lets have a little history lesson. Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon were senators at the same time. All three went on to become president one right after the other. In retrospect, putting aside the Vietnam War and Watergate, LBJ and Nixon accomplished quite a bit during their presidencies. JFK not so much - other than being charismatic and a good talker. Why is that? Because LBJ and Nixon actually worked their way up and knew how to work the levers of power to get the job done. Conversely, JFK had everything handed to him - including the presidency - make him the less effective leader.
Now you leap ahead 40 years to Obama, a sitting senator elected president. You would think his former colleagues would be eager or at least accommodating in working with him. Yet it didn't happen. Why? Like JFK, Obama has a bit of the poseur, dilettante and smugness of the self-entitled to him. These characteristics that didn't matter when he was just an unaccomplished senator yet made a big difference when he became president.
There are two sides to every story. Let's not give Obama a pass for his inability to build the coalitions that are the hallmark of an effective leader.
Lets have a little history lesson. Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon were senators at the same time. All three went on to become president one right after the other. In retrospect, putting aside the Vietnam War and Watergate, LBJ and Nixon accomplished quite a bit during their presidencies. JFK not so much - other than being charismatic and a good talker. Why is that? Because LBJ and Nixon actually worked their way up and knew how to work the levers of power to get the job done. Conversely, JFK had everything handed to him - including the presidency - make him the less effective leader.
Now you leap ahead 40 years to Obama, a sitting senator elected president. You would think his former colleagues would be eager or at least accommodating in working with him. Yet it didn't happen. Why? Like JFK, Obama has a bit of the poseur, dilettante and smugness of the self-entitled to him. These characteristics that didn't matter when he was just an unaccomplished senator yet made a big difference when he became president.
There are two sides to every story. Let's not give Obama a pass for his inability to build the coalitions that are the hallmark of an effective leader.
1
When I think of Senator McConnell, my blood boils. His actions over the past 7 years have been nothing short of treasonous. His amoral philosophy of governance has caused so much needless obstruction and waste, it's criminal. His sole purpose: to be the water-boy for the oil and gas industry. That's it. I wished he could be fracked and shipped off to another planet.
5
Let's not forget McConnell's stated goal,right after Obama's resounding 2008 victory to make him a one term President.Although McConnell failed goal,he has obviously never accepted Obama's reelection and simply acts like it never happened,in effect deligitimizing the votes of the majority of us who TWICE voted for the President.
And among the hopes we had in electing him,was for him to select Supreme Court nominees who were judicially and politically different from Reagan's and the Bush's choices.And because Obama is still the President for another 11 months still those of who voted for him whose "voices must be heard,"in this regard.
" This vacancy should not be filled until we have a new President." Because of how long Sen.McConnell has been there,he knows that when he adds to that remark the demand that Obama let that next President nominate someone to fill the vacancy,that the Constitution doesn't allow such delay,but that it does allow the Senate not to confirm any nominee until the next President names one.But McConnell is politically aware enough to know the voters may view the latter means as the last straw in obstructionism,resulting in Democrats already good chance of recapturing the Senate,and remaining in the White House even better.So that McConnell,also having become a poltical coward,had to hope that Obama would give to his demand,while probably knowing he wouldn't.
No wonder McConnell never smiles.
And among the hopes we had in electing him,was for him to select Supreme Court nominees who were judicially and politically different from Reagan's and the Bush's choices.And because Obama is still the President for another 11 months still those of who voted for him whose "voices must be heard,"in this regard.
" This vacancy should not be filled until we have a new President." Because of how long Sen.McConnell has been there,he knows that when he adds to that remark the demand that Obama let that next President nominate someone to fill the vacancy,that the Constitution doesn't allow such delay,but that it does allow the Senate not to confirm any nominee until the next President names one.But McConnell is politically aware enough to know the voters may view the latter means as the last straw in obstructionism,resulting in Democrats already good chance of recapturing the Senate,and remaining in the White House even better.So that McConnell,also having become a poltical coward,had to hope that Obama would give to his demand,while probably knowing he wouldn't.
No wonder McConnell never smiles.
2
Reading this article made me feel so disgusted I could hardly finish the article. I see how these worthless politicians get elected. Just like in my state. Gerrymandered districts, low voter turn out, always. So many people on the ballot no one even has a 50% portion of the votes. And we end out up people just like McConnell running the state. It is truly repulsive.
What Senator McConnell also accomplished is the destruction of Congress as a reputable branch of the Government in the eyes of the electorate, both right and left. By and large the anger at the "insiders" that Sanders and Trump have tapped into is caused by the dysfunctional Congress led to a great extent by McConnell --an elected official more interested in winning than governing. What exactly, sir, have you won?
McConnell's campaign to delegitimate Obama is deeply racist and plays upon American racism. Obama is seen by McConnell and his ilk as a usurper, as not among those for whom US government and society was created, just as Roger Taney put it in Dred Scott v. Sanford. Why would McConnell bite his nose to spite his face by refusing to support a program of infrastructure improvement in the depths of the Great Recession, other than to maintain the "higher" principle of White Supremacy? He goes well beyond being a "birther" by saying that Obama is an inappropriate president even if he was born in the US. That he is the Republican Senate leader goes a long way in understanding what that party is made of, particularly in the South.
Mitch McConnell is an unhappy and angry man. The same can be said for Ted Cruz. I there a correlation and/or connection between these traits and the histories of these two unlikable men?
But first a general observation: the general civility and comity among and between the members of both parties in the House and Senate has decline precipitously over the past half century, in lockstep with the decline of the number of military veterans. Is there a correlation there? Cruz couldn't be bothered with anything that might delay his ambitions, and did not serve; McConnell's military record is shrouded and murky. His service and his discharge, while under honorable conditions, is not something he is willing to discuss at any length or in any depth. Odd. It is interesting reading, what is found when Google is consulted on that subject.
Perhaps Mr. Cruz and Mr. McConnell share more than their compulsion to deny President Obama the appointment of Scalia's replacement, their Republican Party membership, and their mutual dislike for each other.
Another commenter compared McConnell's assault to Pickett's charge. Another military charge might serve as an example as well: that of the Light Brigade.
But first a general observation: the general civility and comity among and between the members of both parties in the House and Senate has decline precipitously over the past half century, in lockstep with the decline of the number of military veterans. Is there a correlation there? Cruz couldn't be bothered with anything that might delay his ambitions, and did not serve; McConnell's military record is shrouded and murky. His service and his discharge, while under honorable conditions, is not something he is willing to discuss at any length or in any depth. Odd. It is interesting reading, what is found when Google is consulted on that subject.
Perhaps Mr. Cruz and Mr. McConnell share more than their compulsion to deny President Obama the appointment of Scalia's replacement, their Republican Party membership, and their mutual dislike for each other.
Another commenter compared McConnell's assault to Pickett's charge. Another military charge might serve as an example as well: that of the Light Brigade.
2
The article is an absolute perfect description of someone who some mental health professionals would describe as a white collar sociopath.
While the country slowly and seemingly inexorably slides towards the septic system. 'ol Mitch could care less. Winning at any costs is all that matters.
Sad. Disheartening. Pathetic.
While the country slowly and seemingly inexorably slides towards the septic system. 'ol Mitch could care less. Winning at any costs is all that matters.
Sad. Disheartening. Pathetic.
The logical extension to this analysis is that the Supreme Court, with only four ideological conservative justices, can could revisit Citizens United, which would threaten the viability of the Republican Party as now constituted. That's a serious threat, especially considering that the author of the ruling, Anthony Kennedy, has shown misgivings about his conclusions.
It is possible that your analysis is wrong, and that one way for that to become evident is McConnell's stance now on choosing Scalia's successor. It is possible that Mr. McConnell's reason for all his statements and actions is simply what it looks like to a lot of us--just plain old racism, fed by complete amazement that we voted for a black president in the first place, and then voted for him again. And now our President happens to be still serving when Scalia dies, and the bitter gall of this last possibility for him to follow the constitution and nominate a successor of his choice, as all presidents are supposed to do, is too much for McConnell to take. So he says what he most wants--to deny Barack Obama anything he possibly can, especially something important and lasting like this. This is what all his behavior looks like--he cares nothing for the fabled "American People," except to try and arrogate what all of us might think to himself. I think this time he may have gone too far.
It is clear that the Republicans (and may be democrats) are not the party for the people. Wasnt it Mr. Mcconnell who held the 9/11 responders act hostage and only after shamed by Jon stewart brought it up. To me this man is the embodiment of selfishness and what is even more scary is has set a benchmark for success in the Republican party. We expect more and more selfish people to become the leaders of the Republican who will care less and less about the people. That also probably explains the rise of Ted Cruz and Donald Trump. The country is going the wrong way.
Vince Lombardi said it about football but it applies in spades to politics:
"Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing."
Yes, it's cutthroat to be sure. As a lifelong Democrat and native New Yorker in his seventh decade, I am voting for Hillary in April. With that aside, I must inform all those on board here who are violently against Mitch the Turtle, who I concur is one pain in the be-hind, is viewed as a RINO by the hard Right. They hate him for, if you can believe, caving into President Obama.
Their anger for we Dems is off the charts. That being the case, what to do? If both sides, as hard as this may be to hear, unless some common ground is found on both sides and the extremes of either side neutralized, this nation will continue to drift into the darkness, rudderless by whichever half of the country is out of power. It's a choice all voters will have to make in November.
I agree with President Obama who said he doesn't believe the common sense of the American people will elect someone like Trump. As a Democrat, I also believe that applies to Sanders. Both are flavors of the 2016, and though Bernie's been around for four decades his accomplishments are sadly lacking. But he sure does get people worked up, like Trump.
I'd rather get our ship of state back on an even keel than continue to sway from side to side in these ever greater treacherous waters.
DD
Manhattan
"Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing."
Yes, it's cutthroat to be sure. As a lifelong Democrat and native New Yorker in his seventh decade, I am voting for Hillary in April. With that aside, I must inform all those on board here who are violently against Mitch the Turtle, who I concur is one pain in the be-hind, is viewed as a RINO by the hard Right. They hate him for, if you can believe, caving into President Obama.
Their anger for we Dems is off the charts. That being the case, what to do? If both sides, as hard as this may be to hear, unless some common ground is found on both sides and the extremes of either side neutralized, this nation will continue to drift into the darkness, rudderless by whichever half of the country is out of power. It's a choice all voters will have to make in November.
I agree with President Obama who said he doesn't believe the common sense of the American people will elect someone like Trump. As a Democrat, I also believe that applies to Sanders. Both are flavors of the 2016, and though Bernie's been around for four decades his accomplishments are sadly lacking. But he sure does get people worked up, like Trump.
I'd rather get our ship of state back on an even keel than continue to sway from side to side in these ever greater treacherous waters.
DD
Manhattan
McConnell is the epitome of party before country, party before our nation's future, and party before statesmanship. To all him a patriot or even a good citizen is a serious stretch. Its not just politics, its a mendacious perversion of the legislative purpose to abuse the Congress to advance the Republican agenda above all else.
Mitch McConnell is a man of no integrity who has been chosen to lead the Senate by the party of win at all costs (GOP). They will do anything and say anything to maintain power and if that means the country has to be destroyed, then so be it.
If you take a look at what passes for GOP presidential candidates, you will totally understand McConnell. This is a bunch that screams obstructionism, constant war and denial of a basic safety net for the poorest people in this country. They have abandoned every principle of actual integrity and civility and have sold themselves to their corporate sponsors. Bernie Sanders has it right, it is time for a political revolution or our democracy is gone.
If you take a look at what passes for GOP presidential candidates, you will totally understand McConnell. This is a bunch that screams obstructionism, constant war and denial of a basic safety net for the poorest people in this country. They have abandoned every principle of actual integrity and civility and have sold themselves to their corporate sponsors. Bernie Sanders has it right, it is time for a political revolution or our democracy is gone.
No single person has done more to harm our country over the past decade than has Mitch McConnell. The intriguing dynamic of his cynical partisan politics agenda is that he has effectively mortgaged the future of his party for the sake of the present.
Students of Congress have studied this behavior through David Mayhew's seminal work The Electoral Connection since publication in 1974. McConnell is not the first nor will he be the last to embrace this theory. Good government, no. Good electoral strategy? It appears to have worked exceedingly well for Mitch.
It remains mind boggling, how the GOTP is able to convince citizens of its perennial patriotism, unwavering fidelity to the Constitution, and how it is wrapped in the flag of American exceptionalism while it actually cares only about holding on to power for the benefit of the oligarchs, by devaluing patriotism, ignoring the Constitution, and eviscerating any exceptionalism that may have once existed.
1
Today's "Conservatives" don't really care about deficits, small government, or the "will of the American People." (the ones who vote for them) They don't really want to "reduce the size of government to where they could drown it in a bathtub." They only want to reduce it to the size that covers the costs of their own paychecks and pensions. The only principle involved is "Me first."
1
Mitch McConnell is the exact reason why there needs to be term limits in Congress. The Founders had his type in mind when they said they didn't want professional politicians serving. His interest lies only with himself, not with his constituents or the country. It is preposterous that someone like him could be in such a powerful position. It makes a mockery of the American political system. Or, should I say, more of a mockery.
McConnell's strategy is rampant int he GOP.....whose goal seems to be winning while the Dems' goal seems to be doing. Unfortunately in our society that celebrates violent sports and financial takedowns at any cost, the bases survival instincts are fired up (fed often by fears of what the "other" might do or take away), and the polls gave us such disasters as GWB. Let us hope that the fires of democracy light under the tails of those who want our country to truly return to the greatness represented by the revolutionaries and the Statue of Liberty's message.
1
If the Senate Republicans are successful preventing the confirmation of a new Supreme Court Justice appointed by President Obama, they will establish a new precedent, creating somewhat of a cut off of eligibility in the term of a president by which to make a Supreme Court appointment. This would lead to new territory. Would the Senate then be capable of establishing an even earlier cutoff? Could they prevent a president with two years remaining from filling the position? If Hilary Clinton were to win the general election, could they not put it off for four years, till the next election, in hopes of a new Republican president?
1
My observations show that both sides obstruct for ideological reasons, but the difference with the republicans since Obama took office, and republicans in earlier days is striking. Millions of people were losing their jobs, some retired rather than take a job for less $, some didnt find a job for years,.Ruining peoples lives to assure the Democratic presidents failure is criminal, and Mitch should be doing time along with the rest of the republican wannabe statesmen! Throw a few of them clowns in prison and i bet our legislative branch of government would start to actually accomplish something!
1
What a repellent cynical personal attack.
The worst of it is that Alec McGillis knows full well the real reason why Mitch McConnell is picking this fight. Everyone knows it.
It is that since the liberals on the Supreme Court have decided that they are not constrained by the intent of the framers or the text of the Constitution, but are free to invalidate any law passed by Congress based simply on their own personal policy preferences, one of the few meaningful powers the Senate has left is its say regarding who will be appointed to the Court.
Given the liberal Justices' determination to usurp the legislative branch's role in our system, the stakes for our Republic are too high for Sen. McConnell to duck that fight.
The worst of it is that Alec McGillis knows full well the real reason why Mitch McConnell is picking this fight. Everyone knows it.
It is that since the liberals on the Supreme Court have decided that they are not constrained by the intent of the framers or the text of the Constitution, but are free to invalidate any law passed by Congress based simply on their own personal policy preferences, one of the few meaningful powers the Senate has left is its say regarding who will be appointed to the Court.
Given the liberal Justices' determination to usurp the legislative branch's role in our system, the stakes for our Republic are too high for Sen. McConnell to duck that fight.
2
President Obama should appoint Elizabeth Warren, MA senator and former Harvard law professor, to the Supreme Court during a senate recess, bypassing Senator Mitch McConnell endless obstructionism. Obama can then rub Senator McConnell's nose in his endless power and racist political moves because she is a super liberal-progressive.
McConnell is a conservative in being and in strategy. Rather then being creative or productive for the people he is simply focusing on staying in power by way of permanent election mode. This is akin to trying to run out the clock thinking your lead will be sufficient. We all know how dangerous this is when you face an overwhelming offense. Herein is the ultimate irony in his strategy: he is counting on the obstructive elements in the Supreme Court and elsewhere in Congress to continue what they are doing so he does not have to do his job and the hard work it entails... moving this country forward by compromising with the other party. It's a way to stay in office but is certainly not good for the country. The good thing is the clock eventually runs out.
42
The House is allowing the Supreme Court to carry their load! They are refusing to do their job, refusing to pass bills, and encouraging outsiders to bring on their legal actions! The Republicans are too busy fussing, fighting, and fund raising for their next re-election! Kick them ALL to the curb! Obstructionists GO home!
I Agree:
The delay tactics, false accusations and unwillingness to compromise with the Democrats has proven to me that the Republicans at the federal level really do care less about the country than they do about their hold on power.
But the cost is high, I'm sure I'm not the only person - who used to consider himself an independent - who will not vote for a republican again in my lifetime.
The delay tactics, false accusations and unwillingness to compromise with the Democrats has proven to me that the Republicans at the federal level really do care less about the country than they do about their hold on power.
But the cost is high, I'm sure I'm not the only person - who used to consider himself an independent - who will not vote for a republican again in my lifetime.
2
How come this question was NEVER asked during Reid's obstructionist leadership?
I know the board won't publish this comment. But at least they will see the other side of the equation and the BIAS they print.
I know the board won't publish this comment. But at least they will see the other side of the equation and the BIAS they print.
1
Is there any doubt whatsoever that if the situation were reversed, the democrats would be doing the exact same thing? No mention here of Schumer's comment 18 months before the end of G. Bush's administration that he or they, the dems, would block all Supreme Court candidates nominated by Bush.
2
Mr. McConnell is a classic example of the addiction of power.
Power corrupts. Total power corrupts totally.
He has used that power to enhance himself politically at the expense of the American people and the country.
He is more responsible than any other politician for the discord we have now in this country.
Hopefully, the country will realize that and deny him and the Republicans the majority rule they now have in the next election.
Power corrupts. Total power corrupts totally.
He has used that power to enhance himself politically at the expense of the American people and the country.
He is more responsible than any other politician for the discord we have now in this country.
Hopefully, the country will realize that and deny him and the Republicans the majority rule they now have in the next election.
1
While we continue to elect and re-elect candidates who merely mouth statements that their goal is the betterment of the country, we tend to wind up with much of what we have now. Career egotists, power cravers, philosophical carpet-baggers. It generally boils down to how to best help themselves get re-elected, rake in campaign contributions, and see their name in lights.
Not a pretty thing to see or describe. What happened to integrity? Is the pool of honorable candidates so shallow that we are left with self seekers who have forgotten that the best interests of America lie ahead of their party and themselves? Perhaps the anger that voters feel should be directed at ourselves. We need to step up , to learn to enquire, to vote with reason and purpose...not with gut feelings. Otherwise, we will be left with more of the same.
Not a pretty thing to see or describe. What happened to integrity? Is the pool of honorable candidates so shallow that we are left with self seekers who have forgotten that the best interests of America lie ahead of their party and themselves? Perhaps the anger that voters feel should be directed at ourselves. We need to step up , to learn to enquire, to vote with reason and purpose...not with gut feelings. Otherwise, we will be left with more of the same.
57
The issue is that excessive gerrymandering and Citizen's United have created "safe" districts that discourage candidates with moderate views. These candidates know they are likely to win so they no longer feel beholden to any greater ideals beyond the demands of their extreme constituencies and their wealthy donors.
Hopefully there will come a day when we Kentuckians can forget that Mitch McConnell ever existed.
This article clearly demonstrates why some people should never be respected. Sen McConnell doesn't actually believe in many of the things he pushes forward for legislation, he does it only to win. In that respect, he is just another Sen Joseph McCarthy and the House Committee on Unamerican Activities some years ago.
How sad that he does not even respect the Office of President of the US. His only aim is the destroy President Obama, someone we all should respect.
It is time for Mr McConnell to realize that he may win a few small things, but in the end he will lose the jackpot. He did not even have enough respect for Justice Scalia to wait even a few days for him to be laid to rest before picking up the gauntlet to be off on another charge against President Obama. MrMcConnell, please try to learn a bit of respect for others. You need to have enough room in your heart to cheer someone else's win.
How sad that he does not even respect the Office of President of the US. His only aim is the destroy President Obama, someone we all should respect.
It is time for Mr McConnell to realize that he may win a few small things, but in the end he will lose the jackpot. He did not even have enough respect for Justice Scalia to wait even a few days for him to be laid to rest before picking up the gauntlet to be off on another charge against President Obama. MrMcConnell, please try to learn a bit of respect for others. You need to have enough room in your heart to cheer someone else's win.
1
Why?
Mitch isn't all that astute, is he?
This is nearly all lose lose lose for him and GOP.
Once a nominee is announced the nation will start to ask why the GOP is refusing to carry out the lawful process, and once the process starts it becomes harder to vilify and deny the appointment.
In the end the GOP looks like what they are; obstructors and malefactors, gas lighting the nation for the sake of power.
Mitch isn't all that astute, is he?
This is nearly all lose lose lose for him and GOP.
Once a nominee is announced the nation will start to ask why the GOP is refusing to carry out the lawful process, and once the process starts it becomes harder to vilify and deny the appointment.
In the end the GOP looks like what they are; obstructors and malefactors, gas lighting the nation for the sake of power.
3
The question is will all that make a difference? Will the American voters actually do something about it and send them packing?
jj,
Your question has never been more important to the nation.
Your question has never been more important to the nation.
Moderators, why aren't my respectfully phrased comments being posted? Let me repeat:
I wonder if Mr. McConnell wonders what his great grandchildren will read about him in their history books. The same with all the other saboteurs in Congress who profess such love for their country. In the cold light of hindsight, their actions will be an embarrassment and source of shame for their progeny.
I wonder if Mr. McConnell wonders what his great grandchildren will read about him in their history books. The same with all the other saboteurs in Congress who profess such love for their country. In the cold light of hindsight, their actions will be an embarrassment and source of shame for their progeny.
7
Talk about high stakes gambling. If the Republicans negotiate, the worst they are going to get is a moderate. However if they refuse to negotiate and the Democrats win both the Senate and the Presidency (a very real possibility given Trump), we won't get a moderate but an extreme Liberal, 5 Liberal members and any hope of control of the court by Conservatives. Makes the World Series of Poker look like a penny ante game.
4
I keep waiting for one of the pundits to point out just exactly what the Republicans would be saying were the positions reversed, because the answer is obvious. It is not okay, never has been and never will be, to put the nation's business on hold "just in case" you win an election and can put your preference on the court. If one of the Republicans does win in the fall, there will likely be 2-3 more vacancies in the next 4 years and he can tilt the court then. For now, let's all act like grownups for once!
9
I tire of speculative journalism: it offers theories built on assumptions, none of which can be validated.
As for Mitch, a pompous right winger from a state that cares more for horses than people, who cares?
As for Mitch, a pompous right winger from a state that cares more for horses than people, who cares?
2
I care. He's done a lot of harm to our country. KA
In the U.S. Senate, there are (and have always been at any given time) some real statesmen and some political hacks, with most Senators falling in between (merely warm bodies). When a statesman leads the Senate, there is cause for relief, even celebration. But when a political hack---and that is what McConnell is---becomes Senate leader, there is cause for concern, even alarm. Such a politician is diseased and infects the institution. You can actually see this in McConnell's face and demeanor; he is a sick man.
16
Such a well written piece. The author has distilled the last eight years of Republican strategy as focusing on winning the next election rather than governing. Republicans would not meet with the President's budget director and now the Scalia replacement impasse. They will stop at nothing.
21
Gee, did you ever consider that the Republicans just might genuinely disagree with the Democrats? Perhaps that's why we continue to have two political parties?
That said, McConnell's strategy makes electoral sense. It is beyond doubt that Obama wants to eliminate private ownership of firearms suppress political speech. The Democrats are properly terrified of facing an exercised electorate who would rush to the polls to protect their right to bear arms.
That said, McConnell's strategy makes electoral sense. It is beyond doubt that Obama wants to eliminate private ownership of firearms suppress political speech. The Democrats are properly terrified of facing an exercised electorate who would rush to the polls to protect their right to bear arms.
1
There is no respect for the Constitution by the Republicans -- it's all about greed. There is a lot of flag waving, but down deep action speaks louder than words. If they really were Scalia fans, they would honor the strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and let Obama nominate the next Supreme Court Justice -- Hippocrits, no less.
18
Mitch McConnell and Ted Cruz represent the worst in career politicians - personal aggrandizement, ego and ambition drive every position and action regardless of the negative impact on the country. What positive result have either of them delivered to the American people? This story makes a great argument for term limits in Congress.
17
Replacing old swine with new swine will not improve the stench of the pig pen.
Campaign finance reform would.
Campaign finance reform would.
This article is clear liberal partisan nonsense.
- " ‘We have a new president with an approval rating in the 70 percent area. We do not take him on frontally." - Obama no longer has a 70% approval. He's in the 40's with a clear majority disapproving of him since 2010.
-"Obama had campaigned on the promise of transcending Washington’s divides" - Saying you are a uniter and governing that way are two different things. Bill Clinton worked with a Republican Congress to balance the federal budget and declare the "end of big government". Can anyone see Obama doing this ?
-"The likeliest explanation is that the insurgency that Mr. McConnell helped engender ... has caused him to lose his bearings."
McConnell hasn't "lost his bearings". In a recent poll, 73% of Republicans and about half of independents agree that we should let the next President decide who replaces Scalia. The delay on hearings is also smart. Obama will likely nominate someone who is a woman and black or brown. And the intense hearings will provide weeks worth of viral youtube videos. Dems will use those to rally their base and to raise money even though they know their pick won't be confirmed. Much harder for Dems to make a video of an empty witness chair in front of the Senate Judicial Committee.
This isn't about the Constitution. It's about ideology. Obama wants a liberal majority. And Republicans want to stop that. Let the next President decide. Pure and simple.
- " ‘We have a new president with an approval rating in the 70 percent area. We do not take him on frontally." - Obama no longer has a 70% approval. He's in the 40's with a clear majority disapproving of him since 2010.
-"Obama had campaigned on the promise of transcending Washington’s divides" - Saying you are a uniter and governing that way are two different things. Bill Clinton worked with a Republican Congress to balance the federal budget and declare the "end of big government". Can anyone see Obama doing this ?
-"The likeliest explanation is that the insurgency that Mr. McConnell helped engender ... has caused him to lose his bearings."
McConnell hasn't "lost his bearings". In a recent poll, 73% of Republicans and about half of independents agree that we should let the next President decide who replaces Scalia. The delay on hearings is also smart. Obama will likely nominate someone who is a woman and black or brown. And the intense hearings will provide weeks worth of viral youtube videos. Dems will use those to rally their base and to raise money even though they know their pick won't be confirmed. Much harder for Dems to make a video of an empty witness chair in front of the Senate Judicial Committee.
This isn't about the Constitution. It's about ideology. Obama wants a liberal majority. And Republicans want to stop that. Let the next President decide. Pure and simple.
4
What a load of balderdash! Lol! First they attacked him when his approval rate was 70% or whatever. And it is what it is now a lot due to liberals who aren't happy he hasn't gone far enough!
I don't know about McConnell losing his bearings and that really doesn't matter. Just like the 73%, or whatever, who agree with McConnell. What do you expect? I am disappointed that there isn't a higher percentage of Republicans that support the Constitution in this case. Since they are always so hot on it. And as far as the independents go, many, many of them are or were Republicans who won't admit it any more. So don't buy that sorry story. Most Anericans know that this is a responsibility of the President and therefore patently inappropriate to state or expect otherwise. How would you feel if they were saying this about the same situation with a Republican president?
We have let the SCOUS and lower courts all over this county get politicized beyond recognition. Think about that. I hope the President recommends, as he has with his other judges, a judge who wears the blindfold.
I don't know about McConnell losing his bearings and that really doesn't matter. Just like the 73%, or whatever, who agree with McConnell. What do you expect? I am disappointed that there isn't a higher percentage of Republicans that support the Constitution in this case. Since they are always so hot on it. And as far as the independents go, many, many of them are or were Republicans who won't admit it any more. So don't buy that sorry story. Most Anericans know that this is a responsibility of the President and therefore patently inappropriate to state or expect otherwise. How would you feel if they were saying this about the same situation with a Republican president?
We have let the SCOUS and lower courts all over this county get politicized beyond recognition. Think about that. I hope the President recommends, as he has with his other judges, a judge who wears the blindfold.
1
It's about both. It's a president's legal perogative to chose the justice he feels mirrors his own posture. The Constitution is not infringed upon, and is, in fact, upheld. Obama is obligated to make a choice and Obama will proceed as there is no law or precedent telling him not to. The hypocrite McConnell has said so himself when it suited him in the past. Pure and simple.
3
Re "Obama no longer has a 70% approval. He's in the 40's with a clear majority disapproving of him since 2010."
Just go back to Sept. of 2008 to honestly admit that Obama & company have performed a veritable miracle; we are much better off today than we should have been able to expect we would be, when viewed from the bottom of that deep chasm 7 years ago. In contrast since 2010 the GOP-dominated House has done absolutely nothing except pass lots of anti-abortion measures. The 112th and 113th congress’s, that have endured unceasing obstruction led by Boehner in the House and McConnell in the Senate, are the most shameful, lowest rated and least effective in US history.
Just go back to Sept. of 2008 to honestly admit that Obama & company have performed a veritable miracle; we are much better off today than we should have been able to expect we would be, when viewed from the bottom of that deep chasm 7 years ago. In contrast since 2010 the GOP-dominated House has done absolutely nothing except pass lots of anti-abortion measures. The 112th and 113th congress’s, that have endured unceasing obstruction led by Boehner in the House and McConnell in the Senate, are the most shameful, lowest rated and least effective in US history.
2
The gridlock in Washington is a direct result of our currently divided system of government. I mean, imagine how much the country would have benefited if, for the last 8 years, the Congress and the Administration had been from the same party.
Consider that under Obama the coal industry has been destroyed, so in Kentucky alone thousands of good paying jobs have been lost. Obama in addition to destroying one industry all but nationalized another based on lies. Obama would love to take down another industry - the gun industry. Opposing Obama and preventing him from destroying more jobs, and taking down more American industries is McConnell duty to America, and conservatives thank him for it.
3
There is plenty of selective memory here. Of course the R's say that you can only fill Scalia's chair with someone with the same stature and political leanings. So how do those people explain replacing Thurgood Marshall with a right=wing pipsqueak named Clarence Thomas (who Bush senior said was the premier black attorney on the U.S.)?
5
Maybe he's a wily re-election seeker or maybe he's a hateful old reactionary ignoramus whose every instinct is to thwart progress. He is fighting the war on coal from the side of the fossil exploiters.
6
No where in this long list of obvious, and not so obvious, motives for Sen. McConnell"s behaviour is there one iota of concern for the American electorate. Rather then find a way to help the average American, Mitch has decided it would be easier to fool them into voting Republican. How can one dream of becoming the leader of the Senate only to forgo the responsibilties of the office once you got there? What a poor, sad man.
9
Mitch may well have more than one SCOTUS nominee to try to block. Consider the current ages of the justices, a likely democratic president in 2017, and the demographic composition of the electorate. Things for the next 30 years may indeed look very different than that which the senator might hope for.
Beyond this, there are currently more than a few well qualified candidates for Scalia's seat, some already passed confirmation. The ploy is oblivious, and serious watchers know well that this is only a signal to his colleagues to try to avert the inevitable, come November or not. SCOTUS, I predict, will undoubtedly shift to a decidedly liberal majority within the next three years. Sooner?
Beyond this, there are currently more than a few well qualified candidates for Scalia's seat, some already passed confirmation. The ploy is oblivious, and serious watchers know well that this is only a signal to his colleagues to try to avert the inevitable, come November or not. SCOTUS, I predict, will undoubtedly shift to a decidedly liberal majority within the next three years. Sooner?
3
I have no problem with differences in opinion in our democracy, but to deliberately take down the presidents popularity because you want to win the next election is dirty pool, at the nation's expense. United we stand, divided we fall.
9
@rfj
Re "... from a political standpoint, the Senate would be insane to confirm another Obama nominee."
The constitution clearly does not say that the senate can or should use its role in the appointment of justices to the highest court in the land to deliberately obstruct the process for a prolonged period of time. The insanity label could more aptly be applied to the political fallout McConnell risks in his reckless arrogant bid for power.
Re "... from a political standpoint, the Senate would be insane to confirm another Obama nominee."
The constitution clearly does not say that the senate can or should use its role in the appointment of justices to the highest court in the land to deliberately obstruct the process for a prolonged period of time. The insanity label could more aptly be applied to the political fallout McConnell risks in his reckless arrogant bid for power.
4
Mitch McConnell is a politician in the worst meaning of the word. Mitch McConnell is a man without any principles, save for his naked ambition for power. Mitch McConnell is the archetype of the politicians that people have in mind when they say they hate "Washington" or "Washington Politicians" or "Inside the Beltway Mentality."
How appropriate that he leads today's obstructionist, power-at-all-costs-to-the-country GOP.
How appropriate that he leads today's obstructionist, power-at-all-costs-to-the-country GOP.
9
What McConnell didn't take into account was the racial context of his strategy. African-Americans see things like "one-term president" as making the 1st Black President a failed experiment.
That is why turnout in 2012 was higher than what Romney's team excepted. Little did they know, Romney lost the voter turnout battle the day Obama made his birth certificate public.
This nomination issue is also going down that same road contextually. African-Americans that were not yet engaged in this election cycle are now leaning in and paying closer attention.
If Hillary can capture the legitimacy of Obama angle, and make voting for her the absolute confirmation of this, she can bring out voters who would otherwise be indifferent to her personally.
That is why turnout in 2012 was higher than what Romney's team excepted. Little did they know, Romney lost the voter turnout battle the day Obama made his birth certificate public.
This nomination issue is also going down that same road contextually. African-Americans that were not yet engaged in this election cycle are now leaning in and paying closer attention.
If Hillary can capture the legitimacy of Obama angle, and make voting for her the absolute confirmation of this, she can bring out voters who would otherwise be indifferent to her personally.
72
Your argument isn't backed up by history. McConnell's comment about making Obama a "one-term President" came AFTER he was elected. But the surge in black turnout preceded the election and even preceded Obama rising from 48% in 1996 to the high 60's today. In fact, black turnout was higher in 2008 ( 69%) before McConnell made that statement than in 2012 (67%) after he made that statement.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/06/11/how-black-vote...
Having said that, I agree with your point that the key question for Hillary (in both the primary and general election) is whether she can elicit the kind of support (both in turnout and in preference) from black Americans that got Obama elected.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/06/11/how-black-vote...
Having said that, I agree with your point that the key question for Hillary (in both the primary and general election) is whether she can elicit the kind of support (both in turnout and in preference) from black Americans that got Obama elected.
We can only hope that you are right about African American voters. There is a great deal at stake in this next election and the Democrats are going to need all the help they can get.
"When he said, notoriously, just before the 2010 election that “the single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president,” it was less an expression of personal animosity than it was a simple reflection of the permanent campaign ethos." Really? Funny, I never recall such enmity coming from Mr. McConnell with regard to either President Carter or President Clinton. You don;t suppose that a conservative cracker from Kentucky harbored any racial animosity towards our president? Nah, that would be impossible, wouldn't it?
7
While it is easy to despise McConnell's disgusting partisanship, it is only one side of the political straight jacket that is destroying our democracy. Harry Reid was equally disgusting: "The duties of the Senate are set for the in the US Constitution. Nowhere in that document does it say the Senate has a duty to give Presidential appointees a vote. It says appointments shall be made with the advice and consent of the Senate. That is very different from saying every nominee gets a vote."
Both sides care more about blocking compromise, the essence of democracy. That is why Trump and Sanders offer an alternative of "anything is better" than the status quo.
Both sides care more about blocking compromise, the essence of democracy. That is why Trump and Sanders offer an alternative of "anything is better" than the status quo.
1
I rather perversely admired Mitch McConnell's villainy. Less so now that he has essentially destroyed his own party, but his instincts were correct if utterly despicable. Namely, there was a clear logic to undermining the most transformational president this country has ever elected to preserve some semblance of balance between the parties after the disastrous presidency of G.W.B. However, his big bet was predicated on Obama being a one term president... If Obama could be made a failure, the GOP had a slim chance to redeem itself in the eyes of moderate voters with a Mitt Romney good governance program before demographics got so lopsided as to permanently favor the Democratic party.
Creating a zero sum game, however, is a difficult proposition. Republicans under McConnell's lead were forced to take utterly indefensible positions on virtually every issue of consequence.... and now they are stuck being the stupid/racist party. Which isn't a good look in 21st century America.
Now, he's just stuck. Opposing Obama at this point is profoundly counter-productive even with the very narrow goal of preserving the GOP future prospects. Why, because even if he successfully blocks Obama's nominee to the court, Obama has already secured his place in history and the next president is almost certain to be a Democrat with a Democratic senate. After blocking Obama's nominee, the fillibuster will be DOA, killing the GOP's 40 year judicial dominance and ability to influence the court.
Creating a zero sum game, however, is a difficult proposition. Republicans under McConnell's lead were forced to take utterly indefensible positions on virtually every issue of consequence.... and now they are stuck being the stupid/racist party. Which isn't a good look in 21st century America.
Now, he's just stuck. Opposing Obama at this point is profoundly counter-productive even with the very narrow goal of preserving the GOP future prospects. Why, because even if he successfully blocks Obama's nominee to the court, Obama has already secured his place in history and the next president is almost certain to be a Democrat with a Democratic senate. After blocking Obama's nominee, the fillibuster will be DOA, killing the GOP's 40 year judicial dominance and ability to influence the court.
3
The Times had an article (http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/24/why-are-states-so-red-an... )with graphic about the various streams of immigration, showing how the original New Englanders had spread across the northern part of the country to the upper Midwest and westward, while those who came in through Virginia and other Southern colonies had populated the Appalachians, Midwest, and South. According to the article, many in the more southerly stream came from the Scots-Irish honor culture, in which disputes are often settled by violence such as duels or family vendettas, and in which any loss is viewed as weak and a threat to one's manhood. An Internet search of "Scots-Irish honor culture" yields numerous other articles on the subject. Perhaps this is why we're fighting the Civil War to this day. And perhaps there should be a national discussion on the topic; is this the psychology we want to embrace as a country?
5
Just to clarify: my comment about the Scots-Irish honor culture was not meant to denigrate anybody with such ancestry or to claim that all of them adhere to those less desirable tenets; my spouse's ancestors were from Armagh and immigrated south of the Mason-Dixon line, but their honor-culture heritage was attenuated by marriage to educated Northern women. If his own words are to be believed, Senator McConnell (hmmmm...Scots-Irish?) is interested in winning above all. Fits right in with the compromise-is-unmanly, guns-will-make-me-look-strong, never-admit-that-you-lost-the-War values of the honor culture. Obviously, education and the urban-rural divide also play significant roles in which values of past generations, whether desirable or less so, are discarded or endure to influence the unconscious assumptions of the present.
Malcolm Gladwell's book, "Outliers," makes that case.
Mitch is the dog who,
Having caught the rabbit, says
"What to do with it?"
Having caught the rabbit, says
"What to do with it?"
1
I disagree. McConnell was caught off guard by the possibility offered him and in his excitement, figuratively wet himself. He's now stuck with the consequences of his actions with all his cards all out on the table for everyone to see--or as it were, pants hung out to dry. He made a big mistake and everything being said, even the conclusions of this article are spin to try and make it otherwise.
But we know what happened. Don't we.
But we know what happened. Don't we.
1
Precisely why we need term limits.
2
Worst elected official ever. Shame on his selfish drive to ruin our government.
3
This is what we have descended to. And it has produced GOP candidates of the most destructive extremes. And the response of the Democrats? The chance of a candidate who could conceivably lose not 49, but all 50 states to one of the whackjobs. Welcome to the Feral Republic of North America.
1
All around the world, the right is becoming stronger and more nasty. From ISIS, to Jobbik in Hungary, to Russia...Turkey, to the National Front in France, to our own Tea Party (Ted Cruz's claim to fame? Destructive of the government. Period.) Obviously they are different qualitatively, but still, all of them demonstrate the same tendency: to become more extreme versions of themselves. If they were difficult 10 years ago, they are outright destructive today...and getting more so. This is not going to end well.
Why?
"The best way to drink it, in my opinion, is to make a Manhattan, which is a combination of bourbon and other unknown substances . . ." ~ Sen. M. McConnell
"The best way to drink it, in my opinion, is to make a Manhattan, which is a combination of bourbon and other unknown substances . . ." ~ Sen. M. McConnell
2
Nice photo. You captured his Sith Lord nature.
2
A MacGillis writing about a McConnell? John Knox, where are you when we need you? McConnell may be all about winning. But he chose to win as a conservative republican. No amount of caber tossing can hide that.
1
That a U.S. Senator would list as his and his party's most important goal is to ensure that Obama is a 1 term President tells you everything you need to know about Mitch McConnell. Nothing about doing good for the people, nothing about doing good for the future of America, just what's good for Mitch and the GOP. This man and his party are despicable and I hope Democrats are energized enough to turn out in November to hand the GOP a loss, a beating, a mauling, from which they will never recover.
3
Mitch is loved by the people of Kentucky, a state known for hillbillies, afterall honest Abe Lincoln was one such and look how he turned out. Abe let Kentucky keep its slaves for the duration of the war. Kentucky was the last state to join the Confederacy and the first to leave it. A classic state of flip floppery. The power of a hillbilly to influence a nation and gumb up the worx.
2
McConnell was once a reasonable senator. Unfortunately, his fear of the Tea Party caused him to knuckle under to its Obama-hating agenda to the point of ignoring the Constitution. Sad. The Republicans' view of Obama as aloof may very well be accurate, but making SCOTUS lame until a new president is sworn in nullifies the entire concept of a democracy.
2
I don't care if he's aloof. Everybody whose feelings are bruised because of it are truly pathetic. It's about the country not their precious feelings. Besides the obvious, he's an intellectual, not a good old boy type. But they negated any possibility of reasonable behavior from the get go. May they reap what they have sown.
Mr. Reid now argues that the Senate’s “constitutional duty” is to give nominees an up-or-down vote, but in a May 2005 speech on Mr. Bush’s judges, he offered a different interpretation: “The duties of the Senate are set forth in the U.S. Constitution. Nowhere in that document does it say the Senate has a duty to give Presidential appointees a vote. It says appointments shall be made with the advice and consent of the Senate. That is very different than saying every nominee receives a vote.”
3
But in fact, Alito and Roberts both got votes, and both were approved. Perhaps the same will happen here, at least in terms of a vote. It's not really possible at this point to make final judgement on where McConnell is coming from, although I'd bet my shirt it's no place good.
Republican constitutional and moral hypocrisy is palpable; instead of mourning Scalia, their first reaction was to insult President Obama and trash the Constitution.
3
Based on some of my Friends on Facebook who insulted the President when IT WAS announced he wasn't going to Justice Scalia's funeral, this 'Party' is beyond redemption. They have no couth or class. Or curiosity either. I found out that of the last seven SCOTUS judges who passed away, Presidents attended only three.
1
Term Limits! by some miracle members of congress with long tenures get rich. Just like anyone with a high paying job with perks and opportunities to make even more money, they want to stay employed. Since this is the public sector not the private sector where you get fired if you refuse to do your job, they are able to keep their jobs by doing nothing.
Term limits take the tenure out politics and thus the opportunity to acquire money! The time is now before it is too late.
Term limits take the tenure out politics and thus the opportunity to acquire money! The time is now before it is too late.
2
I've also noticed how long term legislators who come from modest means always leave office quite wealthy. Who would have thunk that maintaining two homes on their salary would allow one to get so wealthy? Maybe the DOJ should investigate that as opposed to Apple.
McConnell is picking this fight to enflame the Democrats and Independents. This will ensure that the GoP nominee will not get elected. The establishment GoP know they will end up with either Cruz or Trump as the party's nominee. They want which everyone gets nominated to not get elected and the election results prove that the non establishment GoP look like fools, thus returning the party to the control of the establishment within the party. McConnell is just a tool being used by the party elders.
1
This is the bottom line: "What matters most isn’t so much what you do in office, but if you can win again." McConnell and his cohorts care not a whit about governing, it's all about power. The needs of the nation take a back seat, if and when they are considered at all.
3
At this point in his career, what does the architect of anti-Obama obstruction who has pretty much shutdown the judicial appointment process already have to lose by the ultimate act of governmental gridlock?
Certainly not his soul. He sold that long ago.
Mitch McConnell is picking this fight because he wants to use it as a bargaining chip to force President Obama to nominate a new justice of the Supreme Court in Justice Scalia's image.
President Obama, however, should not be deterred. He should nominate a new justice in America's own image.
In the death of Justice Scalia's era, President Obama has a unique opportunity of giving life to a new one, one that would liberate America's constitution from its shackles and render it, once again, free and alive for the ages.
It must not be squandered.
The American people will no doubt stand by their president, whom they elected twice, as he continues to sticks to his principles by refusing to submit to Mitch McConnell's tactics.
They
President Obama, however, should not be deterred. He should nominate a new justice in America's own image.
In the death of Justice Scalia's era, President Obama has a unique opportunity of giving life to a new one, one that would liberate America's constitution from its shackles and render it, once again, free and alive for the ages.
It must not be squandered.
The American people will no doubt stand by their president, whom they elected twice, as he continues to sticks to his principles by refusing to submit to Mitch McConnell's tactics.
They
3
If Senator McConnell had his way, history books would in passing mention the obscure President Obama with an asterisk *not an actual president*, and have the Obamas' possessions on the sidewalk outside the White House the Wednesday after the first Tuesday in November. Instead, Mitch will likely get his own share of asterisks.
1
We need the tension of multiple parties in government, but McConnell and his brethren sold their collective sole in pursuit of the "permanent majority". Even evangelicals, flat earthers and low band AM radio listeners can't be fooled forever.
If McConnell's legacy is "the man who put the last nail in the GOP coffin" I'll be forced to remember him fondly if I remember him at all.
Hopefully the history books will mention him deep in the footnotes crossed referenced with Koch and coal as a "seditious little twit who squandered American lives, treasury and dignity in a failed 8 year attempt to take over the gevernment of the United States"
If McConnell's legacy is "the man who put the last nail in the GOP coffin" I'll be forced to remember him fondly if I remember him at all.
Hopefully the history books will mention him deep in the footnotes crossed referenced with Koch and coal as a "seditious little twit who squandered American lives, treasury and dignity in a failed 8 year attempt to take over the gevernment of the United States"
2
McConnell is picking this fight for the same reason Senator Obama picked the same fight during the Bush Presidency, Politics. It gets your name out there and energizes the base. This column and the spleen venting in the comment section show the risks of taking it to far. But let’s not forget, until a vote it is all theater.
2
A pity we have men like Mitch McConnell in positions of leadership.
I find him shameful.
I find him shameful.
5
It certainly is a matter of black and white to McConnell and has nothing to do with governing as he promised. Mitch McConnell, the poster child for term limits
1
Who knew that Addison Mitchell McConnell, Jr. from Shelbyville, Alabama was an immoral amoral degenerate life time government employment and benefits welfare king divorced son of the Confederate States of America ?
4
What a Profile of Cowardice. Shame on McConnell and shame on the people of Kentucky for electing him
5
McConnell's actions on not bringing President Obama's nomination of a Supreme Court Justice are nothing short of treason. Since legally little can be done, riding him out of Washington on a rail back to his Kentucky cave would be appropriate.
3
Yes, he's bad. But those who follow him are, in some ways, worse: Stupidity is a form of evil.
Senator McConnell's declared his obstructionist strategy at the beginning of the Presidents first term in office when he stated his unwillingness to "touch" any legislation that the President touched. To anyone familiar with this and similar statements from the old south the meaning is clear. The Senator's position now on any Supreme Court nomination by the President is merely a continuation of his original statement of not touching anything the President touched.
1
It's practical to think about keeping your job. LBJ thought that way for most of his political life. Unlke McConnell, though, LBJ also had larger ideals, and when he became president (and in many instances as a congressman and as Senate majoriy leader) he put all his experience and skill and force to work for them. If McConnell ever rose to a secure position of power, he would have no ideals to advance. He has none now, except for keeping his job.
153
I believe the word you are looking for is DICTATOR.
A wonderful analysis. Nothing I can add other than to share this excellent analysis with others.
1
The whole country will pay for a generation or more for Mitch McConnell’s personal ambitions.
1
Mitch was correct that GOPer "obstruction and NO!" would likely be laid on Obama by the pundits trained to play "he said she said" by GOPer bullying of the so-called Liberal Press.
Time for Obama to start laying them out.
Mitch's frank admission that the Senate will fail to perform their Constitutional duty of "advise and consent" on the SCOTUS appointment gives D's an opportunity to take GOP obstruction to the people during the remainder of this term. Mitch may have overplayed his hand.
Time for Obama to start laying them out.
Mitch's frank admission that the Senate will fail to perform their Constitutional duty of "advise and consent" on the SCOTUS appointment gives D's an opportunity to take GOP obstruction to the people during the remainder of this term. Mitch may have overplayed his hand.
Mitch McConnell's determination to undermine President Obama has resulted in an enraged electorate with little respect for the office of the presidency or for congress. He wasted precious political power on racism and hate. He has done much damage to this country. This fight over the appointment of a new Supreme Court Justice will do more damage to this country. Apparently, he believes it is worth it.
Save your Confederate money, folks..... the South has risen again. That Prez Obama wasn't defeated (he did become a two-term president, despite McConnell's best efforts) must rankle the good ol' boys.... so they've done the next best thing.... they've limited his effectiveness as much as they could. And the Supreme Court battle just represents another major battle.
Don't deceive yourselves: McConnell and the good ol' boys will never give up.
Don't deceive yourselves: McConnell and the good ol' boys will never give up.
3
In 2009, a certain president gloatingly stated to the Senator he had beaten in the 2008 election that "Election have consequences".
As election after election in the House and in the Senate subsequently demonstrated, they do.
Unfortunately, the President continued to ignore these election results. He kept insisting that the other party should cross the aisle to work with him - but could not find the insight to realize that it was time for him to cross the aisle and work on the other side of the aisle.
As election after election in the House and in the Senate subsequently demonstrated, they do.
Unfortunately, the President continued to ignore these election results. He kept insisting that the other party should cross the aisle to work with him - but could not find the insight to realize that it was time for him to cross the aisle and work on the other side of the aisle.
1
I fervently hope you are dead on target with this statement: ". . . putting at risk his and his party’s prospects in the coming election." I am also certain that the Republican resistance to President Obama is responsible for reawakening and encouraging racism in America.
McConnell's mantra of "win at all costs" leads me to see him as a man without pride, a dead beat wearing the mantle of a leader.
In the best of all endings, the world will collapse around his and we will be rid of him. The sooner the better.
McConnell's mantra of "win at all costs" leads me to see him as a man without pride, a dead beat wearing the mantle of a leader.
In the best of all endings, the world will collapse around his and we will be rid of him. The sooner the better.
4
Supreme Court appointments are consequential and especially so in 2016. The Democrats should run as hard as they can on this to turn out Democratic voters of all stripes in November. Money in politics, global warming, access to health insurance, immigration reform and any number of other critical issues that have been stymied by GOP intransigence depend on there being a Supreme Court that calls balls and strikes and doesn't just stick to GOP talking points about Federalist Originalism.
3
I think part of it might be a bluff. I think he's basically telling Obama if you want a snowball's chance in hell of getting a nominee on the court, he/she better be about as moderate as Obama's supporters can stand. As an Obama supporter I'd be ok with that actually. Even a (slightly left leaning) moderate, if added to the court to replace Scalia, would still cause the court's center of gravity to swing satisfyingly to the left from my perspective (as this new person would presumably become the court's swing vote, instead of Justice Kennedy who is fairly conservative).
67
There seems to be an assumption that such risky, bold (if not outright unconstitutional) moves are an indicator of strength. IMHO, it reeks more of desperation.
The political landscape is changing in this country and McConnell is a leftover from the prior generation. Those of us who have to be still on this planet longer than the next 20 years have every right to demand something be done to address the future and not the past.
The political landscape is changing in this country and McConnell is a leftover from the prior generation. Those of us who have to be still on this planet longer than the next 20 years have every right to demand something be done to address the future and not the past.
1
I love that there are ideological differences in America. But the actions of Mitch and his cronies have served no ideological cause. They seem motivated by racial prejudice, and the politics of personal destruction and hate.
Not ideological? Obama essentially implemented notions that emerged from right wing think tanks: universal health care, opening up of relations with dictatorial states (Iran, Cuba - as once was China), non-meddling (hence his firm refusal to engage in the Middle East, and withdrawal of troops). If Mitch were an ideologue; he would be supportive. EPA was created by Nixon; Mitch celebrated the court ruling that allowed businesses to dump mercury in the air. How is this not anti-American?
Mitch is not driven by ideology. It is plain racial prejudice - a crime in America. His words are of the type used by country A, when it aims to destroy its enemy country B. Mitch's words are aimed at destroying an elected leader of our own country. How is this not sedition? Never mind what Obama proposes, he is against it. Now, his proclamations about SC judge nominees, are violating a fundamental (and glorious) artifact of American culture, and indeed its jurisprudence: adherence to due process. This smacks of treason. It is a clear pattern of actions designed to hurt the American people.
Millions of people fought for, and gave up their lives for liberty and democracy. Mitch's actions are soiling their sacred legacy. We deserve better.
Kalidan
Not ideological? Obama essentially implemented notions that emerged from right wing think tanks: universal health care, opening up of relations with dictatorial states (Iran, Cuba - as once was China), non-meddling (hence his firm refusal to engage in the Middle East, and withdrawal of troops). If Mitch were an ideologue; he would be supportive. EPA was created by Nixon; Mitch celebrated the court ruling that allowed businesses to dump mercury in the air. How is this not anti-American?
Mitch is not driven by ideology. It is plain racial prejudice - a crime in America. His words are of the type used by country A, when it aims to destroy its enemy country B. Mitch's words are aimed at destroying an elected leader of our own country. How is this not sedition? Never mind what Obama proposes, he is against it. Now, his proclamations about SC judge nominees, are violating a fundamental (and glorious) artifact of American culture, and indeed its jurisprudence: adherence to due process. This smacks of treason. It is a clear pattern of actions designed to hurt the American people.
Millions of people fought for, and gave up their lives for liberty and democracy. Mitch's actions are soiling their sacred legacy. We deserve better.
Kalidan
2
The question that should be asked and headlined: Why are Mitch McConnell and other Republican Senators not being called on advocating/planning to break Constitutional law?
5
McConnell is the apotheosis of what's wrong with government in this country. Way to go, Mitch! Your family and friends must be so proud.
5
The true shame is that Senator McConnell's friends and family ARE so proud of his actions.
1
McConnell is the epitome of what's wrong with Washington. He doesn't give a flip about his constituents or the rest of the country; all he cares about is keeping his cushy job and his power. Apparently his self-image is dependent on those two things. What a shallow, sad little man he is. I despise him because he has been so blatantly obstructionist towards President Obama. I don't even doubt that he would have acted the same way if a white Democrat had won the presidency. He just wants to look like the BMOC. I hope it backfires on him at some point. I deeply dislike this joker almost as much as Washington seems to despise Ted Cruz. They all need to go away.
9
The tragedy of this is that when he dies, he will be roundly praised by all sides. People need to grow up. The idea that someone who openly sets out to obstruct the president for 8 years, to create a legacy of failures - which, let's remember, will be failures for the US people, not just for Obama - is somehow praiseworthy is just plain wrong.
Mitch McConnell is a man who has put politics before the good of the American people. And not just on partisan issues. He has openly tried to ensure that the US did not thrive. There are countries where this behavior would be classed as criminal. Certainly, it is disgusting.
I'm not saying that one side or the other is worse - I'm saying that when we see such a blatant, admitted example of a politician willing to damage the country just to achieve a political end, it is truly sad that people would continue to vote for him.
To those who do: you've got the political system you deserve.
Mitch McConnell is a man who has put politics before the good of the American people. And not just on partisan issues. He has openly tried to ensure that the US did not thrive. There are countries where this behavior would be classed as criminal. Certainly, it is disgusting.
I'm not saying that one side or the other is worse - I'm saying that when we see such a blatant, admitted example of a politician willing to damage the country just to achieve a political end, it is truly sad that people would continue to vote for him.
To those who do: you've got the political system you deserve.
9
When Obama puts up a nominee and the Republicans refuse to nominate her, we must all protest their move in public. Our "representatives" are too busy representing global billionaires to notice the anger of the American People. All you Bernie People out there, let's show them what the revolution looks like.
Let's put tens f thousands of people in front of the supreme court and show them that we will hold them accountable for their actions. We must make the politicians more afraid of us than they are of their billionaire contributors.
The standard for supreme court nominations has been, as long as I can remember, that the senate must confirm anyone that doesn't have some kind of disqualifying mistake in their past. Other wise the senate is supposed to confirm. Now Republicans are openly flouting history and tradition, in the name of the supposed "originalist" Scalia. And the corporate mass media is once again acting like the Republicans are being reasonable, because the global corporations that own the mass media want a Scalia clone to promote their interests. They don't want someone to come along and point out that there is no mention of corporations in the constitution, and that the idea that corporations of the rights of humans (with no responsibilities except to make rich people richer, literally)
The Bernie Revolution cannot be just an election. It has to be about humans outside government putting the pressure on all the time.
Let's put tens f thousands of people in front of the supreme court and show them that we will hold them accountable for their actions. We must make the politicians more afraid of us than they are of their billionaire contributors.
The standard for supreme court nominations has been, as long as I can remember, that the senate must confirm anyone that doesn't have some kind of disqualifying mistake in their past. Other wise the senate is supposed to confirm. Now Republicans are openly flouting history and tradition, in the name of the supposed "originalist" Scalia. And the corporate mass media is once again acting like the Republicans are being reasonable, because the global corporations that own the mass media want a Scalia clone to promote their interests. They don't want someone to come along and point out that there is no mention of corporations in the constitution, and that the idea that corporations of the rights of humans (with no responsibilities except to make rich people richer, literally)
The Bernie Revolution cannot be just an election. It has to be about humans outside government putting the pressure on all the time.
11
It's been said before, but ought to be considered seriously: Are these not legitimate grounds for impeaching Senator McConnell? After all, he's virtually declaring his unwillingness to perform his Constitutional duty!
Let's get the ball rolling on this and kick the bums out of office, BEFORE election day, if necessary!
Let's get the ball rolling on this and kick the bums out of office, BEFORE election day, if necessary!
40
You cannot "impeach" a Senator. The impeachment process applies only to members of the executive and judicial branches. The only way to remove a sitting senator before his/her terms is up is for the Senate members themselves to vote for expulsion, which requires a 2/3 vote. Given that the GOP has a slim majority in the Senate, it is hard to imagine a scenario where most of them would jump ship to join with Democrats in expelling one of their own members.
5
I feel sorry for Mc Connel. He knows that his legacy will be defined by this assault on the Constitution. He can't win. He follows the Constitution, he loses. He doesn't follow the Constitution, he loses.
Mitch. I will buy you a steak dinner if you just admit facts, you cannot win. As a trade in, will treat you to a eastern shore weekend with real crab cakes.
Mitch. I will buy you a steak dinner if you just admit facts, you cannot win. As a trade in, will treat you to a eastern shore weekend with real crab cakes.
4
You feel sorry for him? Really?
All facts point to a man who is interested in Power Right Now. He is not interested in Legacy After Death. There are lots of people who think like that and McConnell is one of them.
All McConnells decisions are based on accruing additional mastery and power, and he has the position to do that.
12
Why is McConnell doing this?
From the WSJ's editorial page yesterday. Fact-check should be relatively easy.
2007-2008
Chuck Schumer stated a categorical refusal on confirmation hearings during Bush's last 18 months.
2001-2003
Democrats deny hearings to 32 Bush nominees
2005
25 Senators, including Obama, voted to support a filibuster rather than confirm Samuel Alito. Obama has since called this, through his press secretary, "a symbolic vote".
Harry Reid, in that same year: "The duties of the Senate are set for the in the US Constitution. Nowhere in that document does it say the Senate has a duty to give Presidential appointees a vote. It says appointments shall be made with the advice and consent of the Senate. That is very different from saying every nominee gets a vote."
2013
Harry Reid pushes through the "nuclear option" to lower the majority threshold for appellate court nominees but leaving the Supreme Court requirement at 60 votes.
It would seem that both sides engage in similar tactics. Whether the NYTimes apprised its readership over the past decade is a fair question.
From the WSJ's editorial page yesterday. Fact-check should be relatively easy.
2007-2008
Chuck Schumer stated a categorical refusal on confirmation hearings during Bush's last 18 months.
2001-2003
Democrats deny hearings to 32 Bush nominees
2005
25 Senators, including Obama, voted to support a filibuster rather than confirm Samuel Alito. Obama has since called this, through his press secretary, "a symbolic vote".
Harry Reid, in that same year: "The duties of the Senate are set for the in the US Constitution. Nowhere in that document does it say the Senate has a duty to give Presidential appointees a vote. It says appointments shall be made with the advice and consent of the Senate. That is very different from saying every nominee gets a vote."
2013
Harry Reid pushes through the "nuclear option" to lower the majority threshold for appellate court nominees but leaving the Supreme Court requirement at 60 votes.
It would seem that both sides engage in similar tactics. Whether the NYTimes apprised its readership over the past decade is a fair question.
7
Yes, but conservatives like McConnell claim to be strict constructionists and originalists when it comes to the Constitution. Where in the Constitution does it say that a sitting President doesn't have the right to appoint a Supreme Court nominee?
I think, in fact, it says the opposite.
I think, in fact, it says the opposite.
5
I think the NYT readership is well aware that voting on nominees has been impeded by both sides. The new ground broken here by McConnell is to refuse to even entertain a nomination, contrary to the plain language of the Constitution, so loved by Scalia.
6
How about the Clinton years my fellow American.
Another possible explanation Alec MacGillis could have mentioned is that McConnell may be picking this fight because he also knows that, like the campaign finance rules that are anticipated to come before the Supreme Court, the President's Clean Power Plan will also come before it, which will have a huge impact on his state if not the entire country. So, whomever replaces Scalia could be the swing vote in a decision that drives down the nail in the coffin of Big Coal, and other fossil fuels interests, particularly conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch, who now outspend the GOP to support the hardline libertarian candidates. McConnell picked this fight because his party's paymasters expect him to, otherwise he will certainly face being ousted. Another sign of America's political system overtaken by oligarchs, although this time the stakes are as high as ever...
36
It's the party of the 14th century. Of religion, racism and greed.
Their biggest enabler has been the press, granting the flat earth society credibility when they permit he said she said arguments when one side is arguing in favor of things that are lies or scientifically incorrect.
Their biggest enabler has been the press, granting the flat earth society credibility when they permit he said she said arguments when one side is arguing in favor of things that are lies or scientifically incorrect.
53
You're out by a couple of centuries. The Southern wing of the GOP is the party of Calvin and John Knox.
The 14th century gave us Dante and Chaucer. You're insulting the 14th century.
Totally agree ,Garrett. The false equivalencies perpetrated by the press has been a great disservice to honest dialogue.
McConnell leads well paid corporate interests who are finished with the US. They use our citizens as uneducated consumers and low paid workers. They have paid to eliminate needed taxes to improve our country's ability to compete globally. At the same time, theses corporate interests could not profit without the US military, security, copy write, funded research, corporate welfare, etc.
McConnell's none stop politics to undermine Obama's 70 % approval rating has been to stymie the clear voice of working Americans. Obama is a thin wall against their greed.
McConnell's none stop politics to undermine Obama's 70 % approval rating has been to stymie the clear voice of working Americans. Obama is a thin wall against their greed.
39
The essence of negotiation is not just to get what one wants but to find a Pareto Optimal solution that might enrich both parties beyond what either side may have wanted coming into the negotiation. This is particularly true over time where the loser in one negotiation where common good is not sought tends not to engage in further negotiation. Not negotiating and finding Pareto Optimal solutions robs our Country and our citizenry of what we need to prosper and is frankly un-American. We need to live together, not apart.
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6
Mitch McConnell, and many other Republican leaders, seem dedicated to beating the dickens out of the basic structure and balance of democratic government, for personal gain.
Oh! how I wish that he and his ilk would try living in another country, for a few years, where chaos and injustice prevail, because any semblance of democratic government is in tatters. Maybe, maybe, then their eyes would be opened to the realization of how blessed a country and its people are, when healthy democracy is fostered, and also, how vulnerable a fair and efficient government can be to relentless forces which seek to undermine it, in order to gain personal power.
Oh! how I wish that he and his ilk would try living in another country, for a few years, where chaos and injustice prevail, because any semblance of democratic government is in tatters. Maybe, maybe, then their eyes would be opened to the realization of how blessed a country and its people are, when healthy democracy is fostered, and also, how vulnerable a fair and efficient government can be to relentless forces which seek to undermine it, in order to gain personal power.
11
McConnell is a traitor to American values. Like other members of Congress he was elected to the legislature whose function in our constitutional system is to legislate. He has announced clearly that his principal work would be to prevent the President from doing his job. He has let all of America down because of his refusal to fulfill the job he was elected to do. This is about the most un-American thing he could do.
The result is that the chief leader of our national legislature has deliberately attempted to subvert or destroy the working of our constitutional system of government.
No wonder that so many Americans are unhappy with "Washington".
The result is that the chief leader of our national legislature has deliberately attempted to subvert or destroy the working of our constitutional system of government.
No wonder that so many Americans are unhappy with "Washington".
27
While Senator McConnell's behavior is disgusting, it is not uncommon. Senator McConnell is the centerpiece for the argument for reasonable term-limits of politicians in Congress, just as we have for them the President. An across-the board term limit of 12 years for both Senate and Congress seems about right, and any time served in one House counts against the limit for both Houses. In this way, and quite possibly in only this way, can we return our national government to those people who want to make a difference, instead of people who want a lifetime job that requires approx 100 days of attendance per year at their place of work.
15
Read Federalst Papers #72 regarding Constitutional Convenation consideration, rejectoon of term limits.
Still makes sense.
Still makes sense.
Have to admit, President Obama did not have an easy time with Congressional GOP.
But our system was built to preserve status quo, easier to obstruct than to construct and change.
On the other hand, President Obama has had a decent year when Democrats lost the Congress. Go figure.
But our system was built to preserve status quo, easier to obstruct than to construct and change.
On the other hand, President Obama has had a decent year when Democrats lost the Congress. Go figure.
2
The Constitution did not create the filibuster.
McConnell's use of the filibuster has been an order of magnitude greater than anything we have seen before.
Not sure how this fits in with preserving the status quo.
McConnell's use of the filibuster has been an order of magnitude greater than anything we have seen before.
Not sure how this fits in with preserving the status quo.
"In law, sedition is overt conduct, such as speech and organization, that tends toward insurrection against the established order. Sedition often includes subversion of a constitution and incitement of discontent (or resistance) to lawful authority. " Wikipedia Sounds a lot like This guy to me
15
President Obama will go down in history as one of the greatest presidents this country has ever elected.
Conversely, McConnell will go down in history as one of the biggest failures ever to lead the Senate.
Each man is unequivocally deserving of his respective critique.
Conversely, McConnell will go down in history as one of the biggest failures ever to lead the Senate.
Each man is unequivocally deserving of his respective critique.
43
It's very clear from this article that McConnel and his party have no interest whatsoever in serving the American people (with the exception of the Koch Brothers). All he cares about is remaining in the Senate and enjoying the privileges that comes with his office. His actions also make it clear that he and his party is guided by hated and racist attitudes toward the President. The only way McConnel and his co-conspirators can remedy this situation is to leave Congress forthwith, and allow those who truly wish to serve all citizens to come in and take their places. It's not enough for all of us to be angry. It's time to say, "No more Tea Party! No more GOP!"
20
Thanks for this comment, Paul P. You answered well my thought upon reading this article.
Why are people like McConnell enter politics?! Their motives have nothing at all to do with serving the American people. And even more baffling is why and how they manage to get re-elected?!
Why are people like McConnell enter politics?! Their motives have nothing at all to do with serving the American people. And even more baffling is why and how they manage to get re-elected?!
President George Washington warned about the likes of Sen. McConnell in his Farewell Address. In it, he deplored the rise of partisan political parties because he believed, correctly, that they would elevate personal self-interest above the interests and welfare of the nation as a whole. Unslaked political partisanship he considered the greatest long-term threat to the new nation's survival.
McConnell's callow, short-sighted irresponsibility validates Washington's thesis and his worst fears. He is the Aaron Burr of our time.
As for his "Republican" Party, it only seeks to ennervate and undermine the very check-&-balance system between institutions that makes our form of government work. "Check" without "balance" effectively paralyzes the entire apparatus, jamming the mechanism, inadvertantly creating new, pervasive forms of tyranny.
McConnell's callow, short-sighted irresponsibility validates Washington's thesis and his worst fears. He is the Aaron Burr of our time.
As for his "Republican" Party, it only seeks to ennervate and undermine the very check-&-balance system between institutions that makes our form of government work. "Check" without "balance" effectively paralyzes the entire apparatus, jamming the mechanism, inadvertantly creating new, pervasive forms of tyranny.
33
The question asked in the headline could only be asked by Democrats, who are particularly inept at thinking like Republicans. The Republican Supreme Court champions the Republican agenda. Voting rights, immigration, big money in elections, Medicaid expansion, climate change, abortion restrictions and on and on. It has been absolutely essential to what the Republicans consider to be the containment of Obama. From McConnell's standpoint, the anticipated support of the Court is at least as important as the Senate itself in assuring the success of his party. McConnell is a master at wielding power. And the Supreme Court situation could undermine everything he has done and everything he plans to do. From the Republican point of view, from McConnell's point of view, the real question here is why in the world wouldn't he pick this fight?
63
That's fine that those are Republican values.
We also have Democratic values. And Obama won election in 2012 and one of the reasons people voted for him was for him to pick Supreme Court justices.
You can have your values. Just follow the rules.
We also have Democratic values. And Obama won election in 2012 and one of the reasons people voted for him was for him to pick Supreme Court justices.
You can have your values. Just follow the rules.
2
You miss the point. McConnell could accomplish his goal without announcing it. He could stall and obfuscate the hearings until Mr. Obama's term expires, without giving the Democrats such ammunition as he has. On the other hand, he may know how weak and incompetent most Democratic voters are...
Because it's not democratic. The US Constitution gives the President the power to nominate the Supreme Court justice, as the Constitution provides the basis for Second Amendment, which was deliberately and wrongly interpreted by the Scalia Court to mean the rights of the individual to bear arms. Yes, Democrats do not think like Republicans, because they believe in democracy, the rule of the majority, and not some right-wing agenda which is fiercely anti-democratic.
We can understand from McConnell's words and actions that the Koch influence and big money is running the show in the Republican Congress' presidential run, as it is throughout the rest of the United States government. Remember, the Koch brothers have had 40 years or more to spread themselves out in Washington. They revealed early on that they and their "business buddies," the Mellons, the Scaifes, et cetera, promised to spend $900 million plus to win this election. So far we've seen dribs and drabs but have yet to see any big money (millions plus) being lavished toward the win. Does anyone think the Kochs have forgotten about that promise?
Remember Karl Rove's hissy fit the night Obama won the 2010 election? He was simply wall-eyed, flinging himself around from one end of the TV station to the other and demanding a recount. That's what big money does to the Karl Roves, when it's been given to them and they're unable to earn it by bringing in the Republican candidate to a win.
We're going to see even more of that this year if the "consortium" is thwarted again and spends all that money for meager results.
So brace yourselves, America - we're going to see some h u-u-u-u-ge fireworks in Novermber if the minions don't bring home the bacon for the 1%.
Remember Karl Rove's hissy fit the night Obama won the 2010 election? He was simply wall-eyed, flinging himself around from one end of the TV station to the other and demanding a recount. That's what big money does to the Karl Roves, when it's been given to them and they're unable to earn it by bringing in the Republican candidate to a win.
We're going to see even more of that this year if the "consortium" is thwarted again and spends all that money for meager results.
So brace yourselves, America - we're going to see some h u-u-u-u-ge fireworks in Novermber if the minions don't bring home the bacon for the 1%.
170
It was 2012, and he was so unhinged because he was convinced that the count had been fixed (a la 04), but the turnout overwhelmed ther chicanery. I have no proof, but ....
Great points. The GOP is like the kid who thinks he brought the ball to the game. He will snatch it and run home to disrupt the game because he's losing. Only to be slapped upside the head when he has to return the ball and apologize for trying to steal it...only to do it again...and again...
The Roves get crazy when their money fails them...they cant figure out that sometimes its not the money that wins you stuff, but real talent applied properly and with seriousness.
The Roves get crazy when their money fails them...they cant figure out that sometimes its not the money that wins you stuff, but real talent applied properly and with seriousness.
To mnc----Please----Not the "1%", but the .1% or the .01% or the .001%! Unless you don't pay attention, and are willing to accept the ridiculous position that making $500,000.00 per year is the same as making $5,000,000.00 or $50,000,000.00 or $500,000,000.00 per year!
1
McConnell and the Republican establishment have consistently acted, not for the good of the country or the American people, in the interests of corporations and the 1% (their donor class). This oped is correct that they have drawn a line in the sand in hopes of protecting the Citizens United decision. But the Supreme Court nomination also gives them a tool to use against Trump and Cruise supporters. They will argue that only the establishment candidate has a chance and Repubs cannot afford to loose their Supreme Court majority. Here they are again hoping to dupe their blue collar conservative voters into voting against their own self interest, in favor of the wealthy few.
183
To bob miller: Those in the bottom part of the "1%" range cannot possibly afford armies of accountants, lobbyists, lawyers, etc., to protect their assets and their interests. They are not part of the TRUE "donor class", which is able to spend huge amounts of money influencing congressional and court decisions. They just pay enormous amounts of money in taxes and serve as protective camouflage for the truly wealthy who pay far, far less.
1
Are we now so jaded and cynical people that oaths count for nothing? Given the opportunistic character of so many public officials, perhaps all religious trappings should be expunged from official oaths. The secular form should suffice for all legal purposes. Why should we, as a people, risk incurring the Divine Wrath by tempting morally weak people, in the most solemn of circumstances, to take His Name in vain?