WaPo: If Republicans block Obama nominee, he wins anyway

[Menace Sockeyes]

I had no idea that so many district appellate court judges had been appointed by Obama. These major pending cases that will be deadlocked 4-4 are going to be decided by the last judges the GOP wants deciding. On top of that, very real potential a Democrat wins and Obama is nominated. Get your popcorn, boys. Cons will be in full meltdown. Always good entertainment!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/02/13/if-republicans-block-obamas-supreme-court-nomination-he-wins-anyway/

 

[ottumwan in tx]

they didn't block the aca and planned parenthood and the taking away of states rights and the groping and x-ray machines at airports, what makes you think they might start blocking stuff now?

 

[lucas80]

I think the Republicans will be overplaying their hand if they block any nomination just because. The average American wants functioning government, and this would smack of craven political gain to block all attempts to nominate a replacement for Scalia.
Obama has appointed a lot of judges because people leave the bench either in a box, to retire to Arizona, or to make more money in the private sector. Any two term president will have an abundance of nominations. And, this is with Chuck Grassley putting a freeze on the process. Another reason to show him the door. He is either to old to do the work, or too obstinate to do the work.

 

[ottumwan in tx]

I think the Republicans will be overplaying their hand if they block any nomination just because. The average American wants functioning government, and this would smack of craven political gain to block all attempts to nominate a replacement for Scalia.
Obama has appointed a lot of judges because people leave the bench either in a box, to retire to Arizona, or to make more money in the private sector. Any two term president will have an abundance of nominations. And, this is with Chuck Grassley putting a freeze on the process. Another reason to show him the door. He is either to old to do the work, or too obstinate to do the work.

plus they are liberal communists who help Obama every chance they get

 

[BioHawk]

they didn't block the aca and planned parenthood and the taking away of states rights and the groping and x-ray machines at airports, what makes you think they might start blocking stuff now?

Not sure you understand, or I don't understand what you are trying to say. A lower court makes a ruling and they can appeal to the Supreme Court. Usually, the lower court's ruling supports what Obama would have wanted. With only 8 people on the SC, 4-4 splits revert back to the lower court's decision. Advantage: Obama.

Still, a small price to pay for the chance to name the next nominee I suppose. Koch brothers will be mildly upset though because their big union case will lose.

 

[Lone Clone]

I think the Republicans will be overplaying their hand if they block any nomination just because. The average American wants functioning government, and this would smack of craven political gain to block all attempts to nominate a replacement for Scalia.
Obama has appointed a lot of judges because people leave the bench either in a box, to retire to Arizona, or to make more money in the private sector. Any two term president will have an abundance of nominations. And, this is with Chuck Grassley putting a freeze on the process. Another reason to show him the door. He is either to old to do the work, or too obstinate to do the work.

I think a lot of people do not realize just how critical this is. That's what happens when you cry "wolf" too often. Replacing Scalia with another liberal would be catastrophic. The SCOTUS has assumed far, far too much power over the years, under both Republican and Democrat regimes. We really are on the brink of being ruled by a junta of 9 unelected people who serve for life.

 

[Jan Itor]

I had no idea that so many district appellate court judges had been appointed by Obama. These major pending cases that will be deadlocked 4-4 are going to be decided by the last judges the GOP wants deciding. On top of that, very real potential a Democrat wins and Obama is nominated. Get your popcorn, boys. Cons will be in full meltdown. Always good entertainment!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/02/13/if-republicans-block-obamas-supreme-court-nomination-he-wins-anyway/

It's the yeah, my team wins mentality. Root root root for the Dems, if they don't win it's a shame, for it's one, two, three strikes you're out at the ole D.C.

It's too bad people equate politics with their favorite sports team.

 

[Jan Itor]

I think the Republicans will be overplaying their hand if they block any nomination just because. The average American wants functioning government, and this would smack of craven political gain to block all attempts to nominate a replacement for Scalia.
Obama has appointed a lot of judges because people leave the bench either in a box, to retire to Arizona, or to make more money in the private sector. Any two term president will have an abundance of nominations. And, this is with Chuck Grassley putting a freeze on the process. Another reason to show him the door. He is either to old to do the work, or too obstinate to do the work.

What I find distasteful, is that Obama walks out in front of a microphone for the first time to talk about Scalia's passing, and he couldn't help but fire a shot across the bow of the GOP. Although, it wasn't surprising. Just go up their and announce it, and send your condolences to the family. Wait a few days, then politicize it.

The same thing goes for the GOP in their debate, and McConnell in the Senate. Let the family grieve for a minute before all the usual B.S.

 

[Menace Sockeyes]

What I find distasteful, is that Obama walks out in front of a microphone for the first time to talk about Scalia's passing, and he couldn't help but fire a shot across the bow of the GOP. Although, it wasn't surprising. Just go up their and announce it, and send your condolences to the family. Wait a few days, then politicize it.

The same thing goes for the GOP in their debate, and McConnell in the Senate. Let the family grieve for a minute before all the usual B.S.

Really? All Obama said was, "I will name a successor in due time." You know, like ANY president would with nearly a year left. In fact, that statement clearly makes known that now is not the time to be discussing it. Some people are so easily offended and busy getting their panties in a bunch that it's frightening.

 

[Jan Itor]

I think the Republicans will be overplaying their hand if they block any nomination just because. The average American wants functioning government, and this would smack of craven political gain to block all attempts to nominate a replacement for Scalia.
Obama has appointed a lot of judges because people leave the bench either in a box, to retire to Arizona, or to make more money in the private sector. Any two term president will have an abundance of nominations. And, this is with Chuck Grassley putting a freeze on the process. Another reason to show him the door. He is either to old to do the work, or too obstinate to do the work.

What I find distasteful, is that Obama walks out in front of a microphone for the first time to talk about Scalia's passing, and he couldn't help but fire a shot across the bow of the GOP. Although, it wasn't surprising. Just go up their and announce it, and send your condolences to the family. Wait a few days, then politicize it.

The same thing goes for the GOP in their debate, and McConnell in the Senate. Let the family grieve for a minute before all the usual B.S.

Really? All Obama said was, "I will name a successor in due time." You know, like ANY president would with nearly a year left. In fact, that statement clearly makes known that now is not the time to be discussing it. Some people are so easily offended and busy getting their panties in a bunch that it's frightening.

That is not all he said. Go back and read the transcript, and then try again.

 

[mstp1992]

plus they are liberal communists who help Obama every chance they get

 

[ottumwan in tx]

Not sure you understand, or I don't understand what you are trying to say. A lower court makes a ruling and they can appeal to the Supreme Court. Usually, the lower court's ruling supports what Obama would have wanted. With only 8 people on the SC, 4-4 splits revert back to the lower court's decision. Advantage: Obama.

Still, a small price to pay for the chance to name the next nominee I suppose. Koch brothers will be mildly upset though because their big union case will lose.

I am trying to say the republicans are liberal pansies who have blocked nothing lawless and evil that Obama has done thus far, why should we expect them to suddenly block?

 

[ottumwan in tx]

There was one thing that repubbers and dems did block and it was because the American people shouted loudly and it was: Obama thinking he needs {more} boots on the ground in Syria. that one was a victory for the people.

 

[gonegolfing]

Really unfortunate for this country. On top of losing one of the greatest legal minds to ever sit on the court, there's a chance Obama might be able to add a judge in his place. The Republicans are right that this should go to the people for a vote this November. Let's hope for our future that's what they do. Since the court began overstepping its position in the separation of powers and became a political body, it has become the most important arm of government. Giving a man who is set on trying to diminish America's greatness the chance to have three judges sitting on the court from some extended period of time is unthinkable.

 

[Menace Sockeyes]

What I find distasteful, is that Obama walks out in front of a microphone for the first time to talk about Scalia's passing, and he couldn't help but fire a shot across the bow of the GOP. Although, it wasn't surprising. Just go up their and announce it, and send your condolences to the family. Wait a few days, then politicize it.

The same thing goes for the GOP in their debate, and McConnell in the Senate. Let the family grieve for a minute before all the usual B.S.


That is not all he said. Go back and read the transcript, and then try again.

You're right. The Senate has a Constitutional duty to vote. Something Scalia himself said, and something Cruz and other crazies had vowed to filibuster.

 

[ottumwan in tx]

Really unfortunate for this country. On top of losing one of the greatest legal minds to ever sit on the court, there's a chance Obama might be able to add a judge in his place. The Republicans are right that this should go to the people for a vote this November. Let's hope for our future that's what they do. Since the court began overstepping its position in the separation of powers and became a political body, it has become the most important arm of government. Giving a man who is set on trying to diminish America's greatness the chance to have three judges sitting on the court from some extended period of time is unthinkable.

this is true, it is the duty of America and americans to stop Obama and his tyranny, however, the repubbers should have been practicing at blocking Obama up to this point

 

[ottumwan in tx]

You're right. The Senate has a Constitutional duty to vote. Something Scalia himself said, and something Cruz and other crazies had vowed to filibuster.

we have a duty as americans to stop Obama and his tyranny, but we are too busy watching Rhonda rousey and drinking sodas and having candy bars

 

[jamesvanderwulf]

What I find distasteful, is that Obama walks out in front of a microphone for the first time to talk about Scalia's passing, and he couldn't help but fire a shot across the bow of the GOP. Although, it wasn't surprising. Just go up their and announce it, and send your condolences to the family. Wait a few days, then politicize it.

The same thing goes for the GOP in their debate, and McConnell in the Senate. Let the family grieve for a minute before all the usual B.S.

Too young to remember Minnesota Representative Paul Wellstone's funeral service eulogy by none other than Iowa's own Tom " Dung Heap " Harkin? " Never let a crisis go to waste " . Nothing is ever too low for the loony left.


http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200210/30_scheckt_backlash1/

 

[Menace Sockeyes]

Too young to remember Minnesota Representative Paul Wellstone's funeral service eulogy by none other than Iowa's own Tom " Dung Heap " Harkin? " Never let a crisis go to waste " . Nothing is ever too low for the loony left.


http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200210/30_scheckt_backlash1/

Tom Harkin did more for this country (he is a hero to the physically disabled across this country) than the senile and confused Grassley.

 

[jamesvanderwulf]

And you idiots wonder why everything cost so much money in this country. We waste more money accommodating the 1/2 of 1% in this country, then Dems cry that every pet program can't be fully funded.

http://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/serials/files/regulation/2000/4/deleire.pdf

 

[Menace Sockeyes]

And you idiots wonder why everything cost so much money in this country. We waste more money accommodating the 1/2 of 1% in this country, then Dems cry that every pet program can't be fully funded.

http://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/serials/files/regulation/2000/4/deleire.pdf

So the physically disabled, who nearly unanimously laud the law, are too stupid to know what's been good for them. Got it.

 

[ottumwan in tx]

So the physically disabled, who nearly unanimously laud the law, are too stupid to know what's been good for them. Got it.

dems think all classes of people are too stupid and dems are to rule the earth for us stupid idiots. make our decisions for us.

 

[Huey Grey]

What I find distasteful, is that Obama walks out in front of a microphone for the first time to talk about Scalia's passing, and he couldn't help but fire a shot across the bow of the GOP. Although, it wasn't surprising. Just go up their and announce it, and send your condolences to the family. Wait a few days, then politicize it.

The same thing goes for the GOP in their debate, and McConnell in the Senate. Let the family grieve for a minute before all the usual B.S.

What fire? It was the GOP politicizing this thing.

 

[Huey Grey]

What I find distasteful, is that Obama walks out in front of a microphone for the first time to talk about Scalia's passing, and he couldn't help but fire a shot across the bow of the GOP. Although, it wasn't surprising. Just go up their and announce it, and send your condolences to the family. Wait a few days, then politicize it.

The same thing goes for the GOP in their debate, and McConnell in the Senate. Let the family grieve for a minute before all the usual B.S.


That is not all he said. Go back and read the transcript, and then try again.

Nope. Not seeing any shots taken at the GOP. In fact, Obama was heaping the praise on Scalia. Try again, Jan.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good evening, everybody. For almost 30 years, Justice Antonin “Nino” Scalia was a larger-than-life presence on the bench -- a brilliant legal mind with an energetic style, incisive wit, and colorful opinions.

He influenced a generation of judges, lawyers, and students, and profoundly shaped the legal landscape. He will no doubt be remembered as one of the most consequential judges and thinkers to serve on the Supreme Court. Justice Scalia dedicated his life to the cornerstone of our democracy: The rule of law. Tonight, we honor his extraordinary service to our nation and remember one of the towering legal figures of our time.

Antonin Scalia was born in Trenton, New Jersey to an Italian immigrant family. After graduating from Georgetown University and Harvard Law School, he worked at a law firm and taught law before entering a life of public service. He rose from Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel to Judge on the D.C. Circuit Court, to Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

A devout Catholic, he was the proud father of nine children and grandfather to many loving grandchildren. Justice Scalia was both an avid hunter and an opera lover -- a passion for music that he shared with his dear colleague and friend, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Michelle and I were proud to welcome him to the White House, including in 2012 for a State Dinner for Prime Minister David Cameron. And tonight, we join his fellow justices in mourning this remarkable man.

Obviously, today is a time to remember Justice Scalia’s legacy. I plan to fulfill my constitutional responsibilities to nominate a successor in due time. There will be plenty of time for me to do so, and for the Senate to fulfill its responsibility to give that person a fair hearing and a timely vote. These are responsibilities that I take seriously, as should everyone. They’re bigger than any one party. They are about our democracy. They’re about the institution to which Justice Scalia dedicated his professional life, and making sure it continues to function as the beacon of justice that our Founders envisioned.

But at this moment, we most of all want to think about his family, and Michelle and I join the nation in sending our deepest sympathies to Justice Scalia’s wife, Maureen, and their loving family -- a beautiful symbol of a life well lived. We thank them for sharing Justice Scalia with our country.

God bless them all, and God bless the United States of America.

5:49 P.M. PST

 

[Jan Itor]

Nope. Not seeing any shots taken at the GOP. In fact, Obama was heaping the praise on Scalia. Try again, Jan.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good evening, everybody. For almost 30 years, Justice Antonin “Nino” Scalia was a larger-than-life presence on the bench -- a brilliant legal mind with an energetic style, incisive wit, and colorful opinions.

He influenced a generation of judges, lawyers, and students, and profoundly shaped the legal landscape. He will no doubt be remembered as one of the most consequential judges and thinkers to serve on the Supreme Court. Justice Scalia dedicated his life to the cornerstone of our democracy: The rule of law. Tonight, we honor his extraordinary service to our nation and remember one of the towering legal figures of our time.

Antonin Scalia was born in Trenton, New Jersey to an Italian immigrant family. After graduating from Georgetown University and Harvard Law School, he worked at a law firm and taught law before entering a life of public service. He rose from Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel to Judge on the D.C. Circuit Court, to Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

A devout Catholic, he was the proud father of nine children and grandfather to many loving grandchildren. Justice Scalia was both an avid hunter and an opera lover -- a passion for music that he shared with his dear colleague and friend, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Michelle and I were proud to welcome him to the White House, including in 2012 for a State Dinner for Prime Minister David Cameron. And tonight, we join his fellow justices in mourning this remarkable man.

Obviously, today is a time to remember Justice Scalia’s legacy. I plan to fulfill my constitutional responsibilities to nominate a successor in due time. There will be plenty of time for me to do so, and for the Senate to fulfill its responsibility to give that person a fair hearing and a timely vote. These are responsibilities that I take seriously, as should everyone. They’re bigger than any one party. They are about our democracy. They’re about the institution to which Justice Scalia dedicated his professional life, and making sure it continues to function as the beacon of justice that our Founders envisioned.

But at this moment, we most of all want to think about his family, and Michelle and I join the nation in sending our deepest sympathies to Justice Scalia’s wife, Maureen, and their loving family -- a beautiful symbol of a life well lived. We thank them for sharing Justice Scalia with our country.

God bless them all, and God bless the United States of America.

5:49 P.M. PST

He wanted to make sure he got it out there. He planted the seed when he should have only focus on the loss of Scalia.

Would have been plenty of time to put out a statement saying this after the fact.

That's okay though, we know this is an issue that will probably energize both bases because both sides will make sure the voters know the outcome of the election will dictate the direction this country will be headed, especially with the balance of power on the court to be determined.

It shouldn't be that way. The court to be non-biased, but that's not the case. So it's come down to this.

 

[Jan Itor]

You're right. The Senate has a Constitutional duty to vote. Something Scalia himself said, and something Cruz and other crazies had vowed to filibuster.

Yes they do. I agree with what Obama said. Just shouldn't have been said in that presser.

 

[Huey Grey]

He wanted to make sure he got it out there. He planted the seed when he should have only focus on the loss of Scalia.

Would have been plenty of time to put out a statement saying this after the fact.

That's okay though, we know this is an issue that will probably energize both bases because both sides will make sure the voters know the outcome of the election will dictate the direction this country will be headed, especially with the balance of power on the court to be determined.

It shouldn't be that way. The court to be non-biased, but that's not the case. So it's come down to this.

Planted the seed? What are you talking about? He didn't even mention the Republicans.

 

[Pepperman]

As somebody who likes to poke fun at all of Obama's mistakes, I fail to see any in that transcript.

 

[fredjr82]

Planted the seed? What are you talking about? He didn't even mention the Republicans.

Victim mentality. Jan is now taking that direction too. They all do. Usually it's regarding their unfair treatment by the main stream media, but they can really play that card in any situation as been proven multiple times in the past.

 

[CeMar_Clone]

I think the Republicans will be overplaying their hand if they block any nomination just because. The average American wants functioning government, and this would smack of craven political gain to block all attempts to nominate a replacement for Scalia.
Obama has appointed a lot of judges because people leave the bench either in a box, to retire to Arizona, or to make more money in the private sector. Any two term president will have an abundance of nominations. And, this is with Chuck Grassley putting a freeze on the process. Another reason to show him the door. He is either to old to do the work, or too obstinate to do the work.

Actually, no, I do not want a functioning government. This government is doing everything it can to destroy the average american.

 

[BioHawk]

Actually, no, I do not want a functioning government. This government is doing everything it can to destroy the average american.

Statements like this are insane and show no grip on reality.

Do me a favor and spend a week in one of the dozens of failed countries around the world that have no functioning government. Tell me how much fun it is.

 

[Joes Place]

Nope. Not seeing any shots taken at the GOP. In fact, Obama was heaping the praise on Scalia. Try again, Jan.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good evening, everybody. For almost 30 years, Justice Antonin “Nino” Scalia was a larger-than-life presence on the bench -- a brilliant legal mind with an energetic style, incisive wit, and colorful opinions.

He influenced a generation of judges, lawyers, and students, and profoundly shaped the legal landscape. He will no doubt be remembered as one of the most consequential judges and thinkers to serve on the Supreme Court. Justice Scalia dedicated his life to the cornerstone of our democracy: The rule of law. Tonight, we honor his extraordinary service to our nation and remember one of the towering legal figures of our time.

Antonin Scalia was born in Trenton, New Jersey to an Italian immigrant family. After graduating from Georgetown University and Harvard Law School, he worked at a law firm and taught law before entering a life of public service. He rose from Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel to Judge on the D.C. Circuit Court, to Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

A devout Catholic, he was the proud father of nine children and grandfather to many loving grandchildren. Justice Scalia was both an avid hunter and an opera lover -- a passion for music that he shared with his dear colleague and friend, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Michelle and I were proud to welcome him to the White House, including in 2012 for a State Dinner for Prime Minister David Cameron. And tonight, we join his fellow justices in mourning this remarkable man.

Obviously, today is a time to remember Justice Scalia’s legacy. I plan to fulfill my constitutional responsibilities to nominate a successor in due time. There will be plenty of time for me to do so, and for the Senate to fulfill its responsibility to give that person a fair hearing and a timely vote. These are responsibilities that I take seriously, as should everyone. They’re bigger than any one party. They are about our democracy. They’re about the institution to which Justice Scalia dedicated his professional life, and making sure it continues to function as the beacon of justice that our Founders envisioned.

But at this moment, we most of all want to think about his family, and Michelle and I join the nation in sending our deepest sympathies to Justice Scalia’s wife, Maureen, and their loving family -- a beautiful symbol of a life well lived. We thank them for sharing Justice Scalia with our country.

God bless them all, and God bless the United States of America.

5:49 P.M. PST

OMG!! What.a.tool!!! Thanks, Obama!

But seriously....the GOP will look very very bad if they simply try to delay a new appointment based on politics. Leaving that seat empty for 11 month AND THEN waiting for a new President to make an appointment AND THEN going through the nomination process would leave the Court seat unfilled for nearly a year and a half.

AND, consider that RBG isn't really in the best of health....we could EASILY be down 2 justices within another year.

Rather than stonewall the process, be influential in pressing Obama to appoint another moderate justice; wait for the next opening, which will almost certainly come during the next presidential term to appoint another conservative justice to the Court.

 

[Titanhawk2]

I had no idea that so many district appellate court judges had been appointed by Obama. These major pending cases that will be deadlocked 4-4 are going to be decided by the last judges the GOP wants deciding. On top of that, very real potential a Democrat wins and Obama is nominated. Get your popcorn, boys. Cons will be in full meltdown. Always good entertainment!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/02/13/if-republicans-block-obamas-supreme-court-nomination-he-wins-anyway/

You assume the SCOTUS will agree to hear the case in the first place

 

[mstp1992]

Actually, no, I do not want a functioning government. This government is doing everything it can to destroy the average american.

 

[naturalmwa]

Planted the seed? What are you talking about? He didn't even mention the Republicans.

He used the term responsibility, so naturally the Rs took offence.

 

[naturalmwa]

Actually, no, I do not want a functioning government. This government is doing everything it can to destroy the average american.

Raglefant: see what I mean? No common ground. A good portion of this country doesn't want to do anything about the poison.

 

[86Hawkeye]

Not sure you understand, or I don't understand what you are trying to say. A lower court makes a ruling and they can appeal to the Supreme Court. Usually, the lower court's ruling supports what Obama would have wanted. With only 8 people on the SC, 4-4 splits revert back to the lower court's decision. Advantage: Obama.

Still, a small price to pay for the chance to name the next nominee I suppose.

Agree.