Posted on 01/24/2005 7:46:43 AM PST by SmithL
-- Washington -- National security adviser Condoleezza Rice's confirmation hearing this past week vividly demonstrated the contrasting political styles of California's two Democratic senators -- and highlighted the dilemma for a party out of power in the nation's capital.
As President Bush's nominee to be secretary of state, Rice asked Sen. Dianne Feinstein, her home state senator, to introduce her. Feinstein responded with a glowing introduction, calling the former Stanford provost a remarkable woman with "the leadership to lead in these difficult times."
Rice was stunned later in the hearing by California's other senator, Barbara Boxer, who all but accused the nominee of lying about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Boxer told Rice her support for the war "overwhelmed your respect for the truth," which prompted a furious reply from the nominee.
The senators' approaches to Rice illustrated the fundamental issue for Democrats in Congress: Should they try to block Bush's nominees and as much of his agenda as they can over the next four years -- at the risk of being labeled obstructionists? Or should they work with the White House and Republicans in Congress in hopes of shaping policies that reflect their views?
The dilemma will be front and center next week when the Senate votes on Bush's two most controversial nominees: Rice and Alberto Gonzales, the president's choice for attorney general, who has infuriated liberals for his role as White House counsel in crafting policies on torture and the detention of terrorism suspects.
While Feinstein has endorsed Rice, Boxer plans a major floor speech opposing the nomination. Neither senator has announced a position on Gonzales' nomination, although Feinstein raised questions . . .
Everybody is watching Hillary, a senator from a large democratic state for the 2008 presidential bid. Nobody is watching Feinstein, a senator from the largest democratic state. How does a Clinton/Feinstein ticket sound in 2008 ? They both appear to be positioning themselves for the future.
his role as White House counsel in crafting policies on torture
WTF???
Feinstein has more class. There's no disputing that.
On reflection, if Boxer's daughter is anything like the mother, it is not surprising that she chose a Rodham to marry and father a child.
What's controversial about Rice being nominated?
Heard this AM that Boxer is crying about being a VICTIM of the Rice hearings. Lefties make fools of themselves and blame someone else. They are sooooo pathetic.
Doesn't matter what their positions are, when the Muslim terrorists get to America because of their "traitor" Democrat actions, both will be quickly and promptly beheaded immediately!!! Nothing like openly supporting one's own death!!! Support for the Muslims doesn't count. These women are Jewish Americans. Can you believe they are that dumb?
Good cop, bad cop.! At least you know where boxer stands.
No, they're not the same.
Feinstein can on occasion, if pressed, rub two neurons together.
Dan
Senator Boxer: C U Next Tuesday at the heqarings.
...well, here's a tissue.
ROFL... too funny!!
Wouldn't suprise me. Its McCarthy vs Welch all over again. The left persecute and ask "tough questions" - and then cry when they're made to look stupid. Does anyone know what upset that thicko Boxer?
Saturday Night Live Parody.
True. But that's a little like saying that I am bigger than my two year old.
"How does a Clinton/Feinstein ticket sound in 2008?"
If Bill Clinton is dead by then, then Hillary wont be a candidate.
The dems have to look elsewhere. The "centrists" (Landrieu, Nelson, et.al) will have to work the liberals and persuade them to move to the right and abandon the progressives (socialists, Boxer, Kennedy, Kerry, Dodd, Harkin, et.al.).
Without the power of the MSM and the socialist rich, the dems are hamstrung. But, we saw how much money they raised and how close an election they made it. IMO, Kerry should not have been even a contender. Not more than 35% of the vote!
Is there a doctor in the house ? Boxer made a fool of herself on the Ohio electoral vote, then she cried. Then she disgraced herself on the Condi Rice hearings, and now she is crying about that. I think we need an opinion from a qualified PYSCHIATRIST. I believe that Ms. Boxer may be incapable of fulfilling her duties as a senator from California and may have to be replaced.
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