Confirmation hearings foreshadow future flash points between Obama, Congress

Christian Science Monitor ^ | January 15, 2009 edition | Gail Russell Chaddock | Staff writer

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Most of the president-elect’s picks seem poised for easy votes – with a few exceptions.

Washington

Since George Washington’s day, the Senate has confirmed about 95 percent of presidential cabinet nominees. If hearings this week are any indication, President-elect Obama can expect at least that level of success.

Two, though, face tough questions over their past records. Treasury Secretary-designate Timothy Geithner, president of the New York Federal Reserve, is likely to be grilled next week about $35,000 in tax liabilities and about a failure to file proper immigration forms for three housekeepers, including one whose US work authorization had expired.

Eric Holder, Mr. Obama’s pick for US attorney general, faced criticism Thursday over his role in controversial Clinton-era pardons.

A third nominee, Gov. Bill Richardson (D) of New Mexico, never made it to the Senate confirmation process, withdrawing from consideration because a federal grand jury had launched a corruption investigation into his dealings with a California-based company.

Obama’s other cabinet picks appear headed to easy confirmation votes.

Unlike positions on the federal bench – which have become the most bitterly contested nominations the US Senate considers – Cabinet seats are not lifetime appointments and, typically, are not subject to partisan wrangling.

“Senators feel presidents have a right to the advice they want, so tend to confirm them, especially if the president’s party is in the majority,” says Donald Ritchie, associate historian in the US Senate Historical Office. But flash points in a confirmation hearing can signal issues that may surface later in relations between Congress and the incoming administration.

For Republicans, the overriding concern in confirmation hearings so far is whether the Obama administration will commit to working with them to develop legislation.

[livius]

Look how quickly Congress has kowtowed to Bambi on other things (even before he takes office) and you’ll see exactly how much resistance they’ll put up and exactly how far it will get them.

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

The battle between congress and Obammie the Commie is about as legitimate as between two wrestlers in the WWF. The MSM is little more than the ‘fake ref.’

This is all a set-up to make it look like the Dems argue and fight in order to do what is best for the country.

It is all a show, just like the theatrics in the WWF. And the goal is the same, the promotion of the organization. In the case of the political conflict, that organization is known as Socialism/communism.

[tophat9000]

Wolfs fighting over America carcass ?

[Eye of Unk]

An usurper cannot legally hold office or appoint nominees.

[trumandogz]

An usurper cannot legally hold office or appoint nominees.

Well, I am sure that the Chief Justice will refuse to deliver the oath of office to Obama on Tuesday. /sarcasm

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Details on the Holder confirmation hearing:

Holder Hearing Ends with Some Fireworks

[SERKIT]

The flashpoint is simply a flash in the pan since there is truly no organized ‘loyal opposition’. Pushback is needed without sounding wacky - too tough an assignment for the Republicans who remain.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Much more detail on this thread....has links:

Holder Hearing ( Obama's choice for Attorney General of the United States )

[pallis]

Oh poofy poo. Obama will be our immaculate god king. Expect to see term limits for the president dropped, and should Oenlightened One win in 2012, expect his reign to be for life, just like it is in other Communist dictatorships. Democracy will be suspended, and Congress will become a subservient, rubber stamp, gaggle of goons.