So much of what the Democrats in Congress are doing is merely political theater. Why didn't they release press records of what Bove has done lately and get all of the unsavory details of this profoundly unqualified and corrupt man to the voters? Why aren't the Democrats being as disruptive and difficult as possible when Congressional votes are happening, to impede the onslaught of tyrannical directives from Trump to the Republican Congress. It is time to take off the gloves when dealing with the RFP (Republican Fascist Party). President Johnson was incredibly effective in getting deals done and legislation passed because he knew where the dirt was on those in Congress and was not afraid to use this to press his advantage. Trump has been doing this all along and it is about time the Democrats started using this to turn things around. We have a plethora of elected Republicans who will not be able to withstand press and public scrutiny into private lives and actions. I am sure many of them are on the Epstein list that the FBI is tearing through to find Trump ties. Many of them have conflicts of interest as to these bills that have passed. Take the gloves off and do whatever is necessary to save our Democracy before it is too late.
What, exactly, would you have them do? You've just read how Senator Booker, after pleading 3-4 times for that decrepit old weasel, Ron Johnson, to do the right thing, and got nowhere, finally got up and LEFT, along with every other Democrat on that committee?
The issue of Bove's nomination now rests with the Parliamentarian, who may or may not rule that such a nomination process won't even fly. It seems to me that wasn't a bad move at all. Given the fact that the numbers don't add up for Democrats, what, exactly, would you have them do?
I thought I was pretty clear as to what needs to be done. The Democrats getting up and leaving in a huff served no purpose and is deceptive. They need to stay and fight.
The press was full of the unsavory details of what Bove has done lately. The Republican Senators don’t care, and the voters who elected them don’t care. Exactly what disruptions do you suggest the Democrats engage in while votes are being taken, and what beneficial effects do you imagine those disruptions would have? Why do you think Republican Senators will not be able to withstand scrutiny into their private lives and actions when Trump’s shameful conduct was known to all and yet he was elected President? It’s easy to just say “fight,” but how exactly should they fight? With baseball bats, brass knuckles, knives, guns? C’mon.
I disagree. I didn't find Senator Booker's words embarrassing. Instead, he is still standing for "truth, honor, and democracy." He tried valiantly to get through to Grassley, rather than just walking out. What WAS embarrassing and shameful was Senator Grassley's behavior and the rest of the smirking Republicans once the Democrats left the chamber. They should be called out at every turn for behavior unbecoming of a senator and against their oath.
I know that it is possible to post comments to Senator Schiff's online "Notes" or "Chats".
So... I'm going to see if Senator Booker has a similar public forum on which I can post a comment - in which I would paraphrase Professor Sarat's excellent advice. Time to play hard ball Senator Booker. Action not talk.
Thanks for sharing this terrible news about the decline of the US Senate. Can you write a future piece about what a minority party can do now that norms and procedures no longer have any meaning going forward?
I guess Grassley was doing his last service to the country (hopefully). Time to set an age limit for senators and Congress people. This situation is all out war and/or secession. I am tired of the politics and blue states sending their hard earned tax money to ignorance promoting red states. The "know nothings" know enough to try to stack the decks against any sort of democratic country and grab everything for themselves (of course). I am 83+ and have watched this farce closely for 70+ years. The fast action now is live or die for them. Hopefully enough Americans will stand up for Democracy now. I was always careful to live and let live with people I disagree with, but now greed and crazy has taken over and we must stand up for Democracy!
Write to Sen Charles Grassley: Shame on you for supporting and bullying your colleagues into moving forward the nomination of Emil Bove. You know full well that he is a blind loyalist who will not uphold any oath to the Constitution that he has the nerve to make. The fact that you would not allow the testimony of his poor character tells me that you, too, are not upholding your oath to the Constitution. You have betrayed the American People and history and the world are watching.
I don’t know if Democrats will ever go to the mat and play their own kind of hardball so long as Ken Martin heads the DNC. Completely agree with previous comments, above. Thank you.
For affirmation of the Founders' intent for a deliberative legislative body like what became the Senate, a reading (or in my case recently, a re-reading) of then SenatorJohn F. Kennedy's "Profiles in Courage". I'd suggest that all of today's Republican Senator's read it as well... But they don't seem to have time to read the legislation they vote upon, much less the best book ever written about the institution in which they "serve".
It seems that the Republicans in the House and Senate behave as though controlled by a single mind, similar to the inhabitants of planet Camozotz, the world portrayed in "A Wrinkle in Time". Nonconformity on Camazotz is not allowed.
Heavy sigh! I agree, it’s time to take the gloves off, bare knuckle, and Rumble In the Jungle. But Dems have to be careful, these fascists are masters at doublespeak.
I think that when the “note” was put in front of Grassley, Booker or another could have rushed and grabbed it. These republicans have no honor and the dems should act accordingly.
So much of what the Democrats in Congress are doing is merely political theater. Why didn't they release press records of what Bove has done lately and get all of the unsavory details of this profoundly unqualified and corrupt man to the voters? Why aren't the Democrats being as disruptive and difficult as possible when Congressional votes are happening, to impede the onslaught of tyrannical directives from Trump to the Republican Congress. It is time to take off the gloves when dealing with the RFP (Republican Fascist Party). President Johnson was incredibly effective in getting deals done and legislation passed because he knew where the dirt was on those in Congress and was not afraid to use this to press his advantage. Trump has been doing this all along and it is about time the Democrats started using this to turn things around. We have a plethora of elected Republicans who will not be able to withstand press and public scrutiny into private lives and actions. I am sure many of them are on the Epstein list that the FBI is tearing through to find Trump ties. Many of them have conflicts of interest as to these bills that have passed. Take the gloves off and do whatever is necessary to save our Democracy before it is too late.
What, exactly, would you have them do? You've just read how Senator Booker, after pleading 3-4 times for that decrepit old weasel, Ron Johnson, to do the right thing, and got nowhere, finally got up and LEFT, along with every other Democrat on that committee?
The issue of Bove's nomination now rests with the Parliamentarian, who may or may not rule that such a nomination process won't even fly. It seems to me that wasn't a bad move at all. Given the fact that the numbers don't add up for Democrats, what, exactly, would you have them do?
I thought I was pretty clear as to what needs to be done. The Democrats getting up and leaving in a huff served no purpose and is deceptive. They need to stay and fight.
The press was full of the unsavory details of what Bove has done lately. The Republican Senators don’t care, and the voters who elected them don’t care. Exactly what disruptions do you suggest the Democrats engage in while votes are being taken, and what beneficial effects do you imagine those disruptions would have? Why do you think Republican Senators will not be able to withstand scrutiny into their private lives and actions when Trump’s shameful conduct was known to all and yet he was elected President? It’s easy to just say “fight,” but how exactly should they fight? With baseball bats, brass knuckles, knives, guns? C’mon.
Excellent question!
Well said.
Totally on target. Time to fight.
I disagree. I didn't find Senator Booker's words embarrassing. Instead, he is still standing for "truth, honor, and democracy." He tried valiantly to get through to Grassley, rather than just walking out. What WAS embarrassing and shameful was Senator Grassley's behavior and the rest of the smirking Republicans once the Democrats left the chamber. They should be called out at every turn for behavior unbecoming of a senator and against their oath.
Another wonderful article by Professor Sarat.
I know that it is possible to post comments to Senator Schiff's online "Notes" or "Chats".
So... I'm going to see if Senator Booker has a similar public forum on which I can post a comment - in which I would paraphrase Professor Sarat's excellent advice. Time to play hard ball Senator Booker. Action not talk.
And that action would be . . . . .?
Excellent question!
Thanks for sharing this terrible news about the decline of the US Senate. Can you write a future piece about what a minority party can do now that norms and procedures no longer have any meaning going forward?
I guess Grassley was doing his last service to the country (hopefully). Time to set an age limit for senators and Congress people. This situation is all out war and/or secession. I am tired of the politics and blue states sending their hard earned tax money to ignorance promoting red states. The "know nothings" know enough to try to stack the decks against any sort of democratic country and grab everything for themselves (of course). I am 83+ and have watched this farce closely for 70+ years. The fast action now is live or die for them. Hopefully enough Americans will stand up for Democracy now. I was always careful to live and let live with people I disagree with, but now greed and crazy has taken over and we must stand up for Democracy!
Be specific. What exactly do you think Senators in the minority party can and should do that the Democrats are not currently doing?
Write to Sen Charles Grassley: Shame on you for supporting and bullying your colleagues into moving forward the nomination of Emil Bove. You know full well that he is a blind loyalist who will not uphold any oath to the Constitution that he has the nerve to make. The fact that you would not allow the testimony of his poor character tells me that you, too, are not upholding your oath to the Constitution. You have betrayed the American People and history and the world are watching.
If Grassley didn’t care what Booker said, why would he care what you or I said?
Only if he got five million+ "shame on you"s, might he get the message
Maybe if they were all from Iowa registered voters. Otherwise I don’t think he’d give a damn.
I don’t know if Democrats will ever go to the mat and play their own kind of hardball so long as Ken Martin heads the DNC. Completely agree with previous comments, above. Thank you.
It should have been Ben Wikler 1000%
For affirmation of the Founders' intent for a deliberative legislative body like what became the Senate, a reading (or in my case recently, a re-reading) of then SenatorJohn F. Kennedy's "Profiles in Courage". I'd suggest that all of today's Republican Senator's read it as well... But they don't seem to have time to read the legislation they vote upon, much less the best book ever written about the institution in which they "serve".
It seems that the Republicans in the House and Senate behave as though controlled by a single mind, similar to the inhabitants of planet Camozotz, the world portrayed in "A Wrinkle in Time". Nonconformity on Camazotz is not allowed.
Heavy sigh! I agree, it’s time to take the gloves off, bare knuckle, and Rumble In the Jungle. But Dems have to be careful, these fascists are masters at doublespeak.
I think that when the “note” was put in front of Grassley, Booker or another could have rushed and grabbed it. These republicans have no honor and the dems should act accordingly.
Republicans don’t give a damn. They would just as soon spill blood as not with this sleaze bag nomination. No integrity from these namby pamby reruns.
How do we get this message to the Democratic leadership in Congress and the statehouses?
“”