This is exactly what we knew would happen with this nomination. Nothing has happened we didn't expect. We are in a perfect position to delay this confirmation vote until after the hearings on the NSA FISA scandal. Bush nominated a right-wing ideologue, The democrats asked him tough questions, and then he dodged, weaved, and lied. The media's coverage was poor and Bush-biased. What did you think was going to happen? Did you think Alito would say Bush is above the law? Did you think he would come out and say abortion will be criminalized? So what happened that we didn't expect to happen? Who made the bar so high that something outrageous would have to happen during the hearing to justify a filibuster? I'll tell you who, Karl Rove.
Here is our standard: NSA FISA Scandal + Unitary Executive = Filibuster to save the Republic. Contrary to Republican and media spin Alito did a terrible job at the hearings. They were full of contradictory, and evasive testimony by Alito. Alito only offered vague platitudes about important issues.
To those who will stand and fight, rendezvous at Filibuster-Alito.com. Register as a member there.
We will fight to get our people on TV & radio this week, we will fight to get our message out that there is no reason to hold a vote before we get to the bottom of this NSA FISA scandal. We can buy advertising to get this word out. We have to get stories in the media that we are not glum, that we want our leaders to fight. We have to ask CNN etc... to stop having such biased coverage. This plan is a reasonable compromise between confirmation and filibustering. I am looking for a core group of dedicated people.
As soon as this idea gets out there all this "It's a done deal" talk will go away. The only reason it's been the media's spin is because no democrat has come out for a filibuster. They think since the GOP has the votes there's no story here, so move along. I believe Reid is preparing to fight, since he delayed the vote for one week. We are used to being let down, but I believe the Democrat's know the stakes here and are secretly planning to stand and fight. I believe they will suprise us all. I know their core interest groups are putting them under extraordinary pressure.
Even without 41 votes we have the right to 30 hours of debate. That will be our Mr. Smith goes to Washington event. By the time its over we'll have our 41 votes. I believe 41 votes is realistic. We have to make the democrats know they will lose their base if they don't stand here. We have to make them know this is a perfect opportunity to come out strong for the November elections, the perfect opportunity to inform America. If the GOP wants to go nuclear ( I don't think they have the balls) I say bring 'em on. The public will punish them for it. It will reinforce that they will stop at nothing for power.
Many people probably thought I was too optimistic yesterday with my diary about how we may be able to win an up & down vote after full & fair FISA hearings. Perhaps it was, but the point I made, that time is on our side here, is true. Bush wants to get this over and done because he knows everday that goes by whistleblowers can come forward, and the public learns more and more he's lying about the scope & nature of the NSA program. That means everyday the public grows less comfortable with the unitary executive theory, and less comfortable with "Unitary Executive" Alito.
The right-wing has worked 40 years for this nomination, for this court. Blocking this guy will be such a major blow to their base, and such a great victory for ours we have to pour our heart and souls into it.
PS. Who will be our representatives on TV?