Democrats' plan of attack on John Roberts

By Paul Craft

It appears the Democrats have devised a way to derail the nomination of Judge John Roberts for Chief Justice. It appears their goal is to slow the confirmation process. Depending on who you are listening to, the delay should be for the late Chief Justice Rehnquist's death, to allow the country to focus on the catastrophe in the Gulf States, or time to gather more information on the nominee.

"In the midst of a national disaster of biblical proportion," Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., said, "it is difficult for the American people to participate fully in the selection of the next chief justice."

Senator Kennedy, does that mean Americans should not go to work on Tuesday? The American people elected you to represent them. America needs to carry on with business as usual while those on the ground in the Gulf States labor to get the states affected back on their feet.

"Out of respect for the memory of Chief Justice Rehnquist and in fairness to those whose lives continue to be devastated by Katrina, the Senate should not commence a Supreme Court confirmation hearing this Tuesday. A brief postponement will not disadvantage anyone," said Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

Chief Justice Rehnquist deserves the proper time of reflection on how he served his Country. He served his Country honorably in the military along with his years of service on the Supreme Court. However, the funeral is not until Wednesday. Since the court will begin work in October, it is in the best interest of the Country to have a new Chief Justice in place before then.

Considering the comments made by various Democratic Senators and those on the Left, the process could last for days.

For example, Democratic Senator Charles Schumer of New York says the nomination of John Roberts to be chief justice "raises the stakes" in making sure America knows Roberts' views. Schumer says Roberts has a "clear obligation" to make his views known fully and completely at those hearings. They had been set to begin tomorrow, but there could now be a delay.

Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid agrees that the stakes are higher, and says "the Senate must be vigilant."

Now the race factor is going to be used as a tool to delay the confirmation process. "When Roberts' record on civil rights is reviewed inside the Judiciary Committee, it's going to sound more jarring post-Katrina than before the hurricane," said Democratic consultant Jenny Backus. "America was reminded about the big issue out there that has not been openly addressed by the administration economic disparity based on race."

Not to be out done, former Clinton press secretary accused President Bush of not being prepared for the possible passing of Chief Justice Rehnquist. "This is about who will run the Supreme Court for the next generation and it looks like they rushed a decision together in a way that doesn't look that thoughtful," said Joe Lockhart, press secretary in the Clinton White House.

It appears the Democrats will do their best to extend the confirmation process, with their ultimate goal to derail the confirmation of Chief Justice John Roberts.

© Paul Craft