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In reply to the discussion: If we never filibuster because we fear losing the filibuster, haven't we already lost it? [View all]FBaggins
(26,697 posts)43. No. You have overlooked something
The key to actually blocking ANY nominee at this point is getting a couple Republicans to agree that it isn't appropriate to blow up the nominee filibuster for that particular nominee.
They'll have no trouble blowing it up for Gorsuch who is widely acceptable to them and doesn't move the USSC needle since he's replacing Scalia. Replacing Ginsburg with someone like Gorsuch would dramatically shift the court to the right (perhaps for decades). It would be far easier to convince three Republicans that it isn't worth blowing up the filibuster to defend that shift...
... unless it's already gone.
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If we never filibuster because we fear losing the filibuster, haven't we already lost it? [View all]
NurseJackie
Apr 2017
OP
filibuster is tool to slow down process & take close look, in this case @Gorsuch
wordpix
Apr 2017
#18
Historically, the fillibuster seems to have been used for some really evil shit...
Wounded Bear
Apr 2017
#20
The fear of losing it has been concern for both parties when either gets out of majority.
boston bean
Apr 2017
#6
That seems logical, but why would the party IN power want to relinquish power?
NurseJackie
Apr 2017
#15
You haven't overlooked anything. It is the Dems who say that who are overlooking the obvious.
Amaryllis
Apr 2017
#12
I've read a dissenting opinion about using the filibuster in this case.
BobTheSubgenius
Apr 2017
#17
it's not "truly important" to keep all 3 branches of gov out of GOP/Trump hands?
wordpix
Apr 2017
#22
Exactly! Especially considering Republican History of obstructionism with SCOTUS votes.
Amimnoch
Apr 2017
#39
Wow! I had no idea. What a bunch of assholes. Well, we knew that already...
Fast Walker 52
Apr 2017
#49
this assumes that they won't go nuclear for the next pick, and of course they want to
Fast Walker 52
Apr 2017
#48
you know, it's all about Senate decorum and a bunch of crap that the GOP has blown past
Fast Walker 52
Apr 2017
#46