[nuffsenuff]

I heard it live.

This is one of the best speeches I've heard anyone make about this matter in a long time.

[doug from upland]

Some people have been thrashing Lindsey because he goes off the reservation. I look for him to give big support to the next nominee.

[onyx]

Lindsey at his best!

[TravisBickle]

And I really do like Senator Biden a lot. He said, "Don't ever question a senator's motive.

These are the type of words spoken by someone who has something to hide.

[kentj]

He just delivered a black eye and bloody nose to all of those that have already declared the would vote no.

Based on the principles of Law by voting no they have clearly made their motive known.

Without openly questioning their motives Lindsey Gram has exposed them for the world to see.

This process "Law" is greater than politics and those who would rule by politics rather than Law are not believers in our Constitution and what it represents.

[prognostigaator]

"That's all you can ask of anybody that comes through our gatekeeping here:.....................
Will you adhere to the law more than you'll adhere to anyone's political philosophy?"

[Malesherbes]

I join those on this thread who have bashed Lindsey Graham in the past (and may again), but he is very smart and very articulate, and this was an excellent speech. It should put people like Kennedy and Durbin and Schumer to shame (but that's impossible since they have no shame.)

[moose2004]

Thank you Senator Graham.

[prairiebreeze]

Senatorial rules of decorum aside, I sure as hell can question motives of how Senators vote and it's time the Pubs did too.

Politics is rearing its head like it has not done before. But here's what I worry about, sir: Our day will come. There will be a Democratic president, probably in my lifetime. (LAUGHTER) The pressure that they're feeling, we're going to feel

Unfortunately, Pubs have too often demonstrated their response to pressure is to roll over.

All that said, there are good things in this speech, so I'll give Graham hat-tips where deserved. ping.

[Jim_Curtis]

There will be a Democratic president, probably in my lifetime. (LAUGHTER)

I fail to see the humor.

[SuzanneC]

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read this speech. He makes his point well.

[kennyo]

My only problem with the senator's remarks;
I have 50 more years to serve.

This cuts across party lines.Do a few terms and let someone else take over.We need to eliminate the salaries,pensions,and benefits for our elected officials.Soon,older Americans will be getting their SS benefits reduced,but the ex-government officials will be living large,This is not right.

The argument about "recruiting qualified people",or "being competitive with the private sector" is hogwash.If there were anything to that argument,we would have an all-star government,instead of the malange of demogogues and pimps that current sit in congress.

Government service used to mean giving up some salary and benefits for job security(talking non-elected now).Anecdotally,I know a woman who serves on the local utility board,that pays $150/month.OK.But I Just found out that if she is elected for a second term,she gets health insurance for life.!

[GretchenM]

This debate is about the role of the president versus the Senate.
Senator Kennedy['s] view of the central issue [is] whether or not the nominee would roll back certain progress that he's seen in the law.
[For me] the central issue [is] whether or not the Senate will allow the president to nominate a well-qualified strict constructionist to the court. Two different views of what the Senate should be doing.

If Uncle Teddy had a conscience, that would hurt.

The rule of law is about the process. If you want the law to be outcome-determinative, then the process has been cheapened.

There needs to be one place left in American discourse and politics for the quietness of the merits of individuals to trump the loudness of special interest groups. The last place I know of is the courtroom.

And even that isn't a sure thing by a long ways.

That's all you can ask of anybody that comes through our gatekeeping here: Will you adhere to the law more than you'll adhere to anyone's political philosophy?

Graham made some good remarks. I would disagree with his schmoozing about how well the Committee handled itself, however.

[nicmarlo]

Because liberals and conservatives come and go, but the rule of law is bigger than all of our philosophies. The rule of law is about the process. If you want the law to be outcome-determinative, then the process has been cheapened.

Great speech...I especially liked the above...it should apply to many other issues within America, as well.

[hosepipe]

[ And I really do like Senator Biden a lot. He said, "Don't ever question a senator's motive. You can argue with their result, you can disagree with how they vote, but don't question their motive. ]

Linseys wrong... The Modus Operanti or motive.. is the lynch pin.. of a politicians character.. Judgeing character is not one of Linseys strong points.. Biden is a whore first, and a liar second.. Motive is very important..

[StarFan]

Was he reading a prepared speech or was he winging it?

[SC Swamp Fox]

South Carolina Ping

Add me to the ping list. Remove me from the ping list.

[Lancey Howard]

That is an excellent statement by Senator Lindsey Graham.

[nopardons]

bttt

[leadpenny]

After I read the speech I went over to http://www.c-span.org/ to listen to it via RealPlayer. Two things I noticed; he did not read it, and Kennedy got up and left during the 10 minute speech. Leahy had approached Kennedy, probably to make sure he had his proxy vote correct. I'm going back to see what my guy, Jeff Sessions, had to say.