Kerry and Kennedy pressing for a filibuster...dems divided

Massachusetts Sens. John Kerry and Edward Kennedy called Thursday for a filibuster of Samuel Alito's Supreme Court nomination. They did however acknowledge the bid is likely to fail and Alito will be confirmed Tuesday. But they said extended debate may draw more Americans' attention to Alito's conservative stands on abortion, civil rights, presidential powers and other matters.

"Judge Alito will take America backward, especially when it comes to civil rights and discrimination laws," Kerry said. "It's our right and our responsibility to oppose him vigorously and to fight against this radical upending of the Supreme Court."

Are you kidding me? He was nominated what back in November or so? They've had TWO MONTHS in order to "draw" Americans attention to the matter. They have failed to do so because Americans believe he is a well qualified judge. 47% of Americans would vote to confirm Alito to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, while only 32% would oppose him. Most of this 32% would never endorse a Bush nominee anyways, so I believe this means the vast vast majority of Americans approve of Alito.

Kennedy said Alito "does not share the values of equality and justice that make this country strong. He does not deserve a place on the highest court of the land."

It just doesn't make any sense. They don't have the votes to keep a filibuster going. What's the point in all of this? One again, the democrats are going to take a hit for what they're about to do.

"Continuing to threaten a filibuster, even after it is crystal clear that Democrats don't have the necessary votes ... is needless, strange and at odds with many of their fellow Democrats," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

At least three Democrats — Sens. Ben Nelson, Robert Byrd Jr. and Tim Johnson said they will vote to confirm Alito. Others have said they would not support a filibuster, regardless how they vote on confirmation. This means the Republicans should easily have the required 60 votes to break the filibuster.

I think the bigger story here is this: the democrats are very divided on this issue. Sen. Harry Reid (yeah, thats right, Reid) repeatedly told colleagues this week that he wanted to avoid a filibuster. "This matter will be resolved without too much more talking, but ... everyone has the right to talk" Reid said.

Once again the democrats are sharply divided. I cannot believe how many times in the past couple months they have shot themselves in the foot in the eyes of the American public. They are losing and will lose on this issue, just as they are and will on the TERRORIST SURVEILLANCE program.