The Alito Hearings

[Brown]

By the way, am I correct in my feeling that Sen. Schumer was a quite able inquisitor? Seems, regarding the questions and the nominee's replies, he was forthright, articulate, and respectful to all, yet nobody's fool .

Unfortunately, I only got to see bits and pieces of Senator Schumer's questioning on video. I followed the hearings principally by reading the transcripts.

Although the transcripts indicate that Senator Schumer (and other senators, too) did a pretty good job--but not a great job--of framing his questions, video would be a helpful indicator of the senator's actual effectiveness.

Senator Schumer, like other senators, had his "windy" periods, in which he was fond of talking without actually posing a question. Also, there are indications from the transcripts that Senator Schumer, like other senators, argued with Judge Alito's answers or didn't listen to the answers. Not listening to the answers and arguing about the answers are generally poor techniques. There are also indications that Senator Schumer, like other senators, was frustrated by Judge Alito's evasiveness, preferring to answer questions that weren't asked in place of the questions that actually were asked. A good questioner can politely point out that the respondent should direct his answers to the questions that actually were presented to him.

 

[hammegk]

If I had to vote yes or no on Judge Alito, I'd vote yes. But it would be an uneasy yes.

Cheer up. Remember a guy named Souter?

For myself, I hope your worst fears are confirmed in spades.

 

[gnome]

Cheer up. Remember a guy named Souter?

For myself, I hope your worst fears are confirmed in spades.

You hope that he removes all checks on executive authority, fails to enforce the Establishment clause, and gives up the court's power of judicial review?

Damn, most of his supporters are claiming he won't do that... here's one that wants him to.

 

[Mark]

You hope that he removes all checks on executive authority, fails to enforce the Establishment clause, and gives up the court's power of judicial review?

Damn, most of his supporters are claiming he won't do that... here's one that wants him to.

As long as there is Republican in the White House, I'll bet that is exactly what he wants.