“You had one leader of the Republican Party call her the equivalent to the head of the Klu Klux Klan,” Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy said on CNN’s State of the Union. “Another leader of the Republican Party called her a bigot,” Leahy added, later explaining that he was making reference to comments by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
After Sen. Jeff Sessions, the Ranking Republican on the committee, referred to Sotomayor’s past involvement in the Puerto Rican Legal Defense Fund, Leahy again suggested that some Republicans were being unfairly critical of Sotomayor.
“I hope we don’t go back to the day when we used to have African-Americans up for confirmation and say ‘Yes, but you belong to the NAACP so, you know, we’re really suspicious of you,’” Leahy said CNN’s State of the Union.
“C’mon, stop the racial politics,” Leahy added.
Leahy remarks drew an immediate response from Sessions.
“Oh, c’mon, Pat. I’m going to disagree on that,” Sessions said.
“No but that’s the way it comes across . . . It comes across - if you belong to a group that tries to help Hispanics, help them in school, help them in other things, somehow you’re suspicious. The same arguments were used against Thurgood Marshall and others. I think it’s wrong,” Leahy said.
“I want to correct something,” interrupted Sessions. “No Republican leader said she was a bigot. You’ve overstated that. There’s nothing wrong with us asking her about the personal views about positions – legal positions – that she took as the member of an organization. That’s a normal thing to do. I don’t think that was unfair.”
From CNN Politics
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The Repug's are racist, and they know it...the great old men party is over!
Newt called her a racist, which is about equivalent of calling someone a bigot. But he did withdraw it. Bottom line is the GOP knows she's a decent choice, but are pandering to the Redneck Class.
“C’mon, stop the racial politics"
I didn't hear you speak up when the leader of your party (Obama) used race time and time again during the campaign. The statements this judge made were very concerning and rightly so deserve criticism. We're supposed to be improving race relations, but the statements made by the judget indicate this country will reverse itself in terms of discrimination. Is that what you want, Leahy? C'mon!
Give me a break, both parties play the race card when it serves them to do so. Both parties are playing politics with this obomination of Sotomayor
I agree with Leahy. After hearing the comments hade by both of my Kentucky Senators...Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning... I will not be voting got either of them in the next election and I strongly suspect that neither of them will be returning to the Senate given the current opinion of them by many citizens of Kentucky. They have both been here too long and its timefor them to leave and be replaced by Senators who actually represent the will of the people in this State.
When her record includes obviously racially motivated decisions (ie the New Haven firefighter case) it is certainly a valid line of questioning.
Regarding this remark by Sen. Jeff Sessions concerning SCOTUS nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor, " ,,, “I want to correct something,” interrupted Sessions. “No Republican leader said she was a bigot. You’ve overstated that. " Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Republican leader, Newt Gingrich, called Judge Sotomayer "a racist." Either Sen. Sessions has a selective memory, or he is dangerously delusional!
Sessions has ties to the KKK, he is the last person to be questioning anybody's ties to a organization.
I agree with Leahy. After hearing the comments made by both of my Kentucky Senators…Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning… I will not be voting for either of them in the next election and I strongly suspect that neither of them will be returning to the Senate given the current opinion of them by many citizens of Kentucky. They have both been there too long and its time for them to leave and be replaced by Senators who actually represent the will of the people in this State.
I am amazed at how uneducated the people who leave comments are. "Obama used race during the campaign" "the republican's are racist" I can go on and on about all the comments that I have read on CNN
Let me make something clear. 95% of you are clueless thats why the people in power get away with everything.
To Eric-30m-PUMA voted McCain,
HRC lost and Obama won – when are the PUMAs going to accept that fact and move on into the future with the rest of us?
Does Sessions really think he has fooled anyone. I am a white Male and do not feel the least bit threatened by 1/9 of the supreme Court. It's guys like Sessions that give us a bad name.
People who keep bringing up race are usually racists.
Jeff, you and your cohorts have been pounding the racist drum during the whole hearing. What other reason in the world would you have the poor little old firemen testify if you were not.
For Pete's sake, at least be man enough to admit to what you have been doing.
maybe if we get really racist, we will get it out of our system
If anyone knows racism and bigotry it is Sessions. Lord Almighty check out some of the statements from this man and then try to figure out why the citizens of Alabama send him back to DC....
He stated he used to like the KKK until he found out some of the members smoke pot...but then said he was joking
He said that he thought that the NAACP was unAmerican for forcing civil rights down the throats of people....
He told a black assistant attorney in Alabama to be careful how he spoke to white people...
HE'D know for sure....
Sessions is no more than Goober in a suit.
This seems to be the new trend by politicans , if you don't agree or fall in line with their party , you are a racist.
Overused term and it is losing it's meaning.
This idiot, no this blooming idiot play racial, sex and all kinds of politics during all of Bush nomination hearings and now has the gall, the unmitigated liberal gall to make such statements. HYPOCRITE. He should go do what Cheney told him to do. Such a stupid, partisan, hypocritical yet typical liberal, It just make me puke.
Every time the angry Republicans open their mouths it gives me another reason not to vote for them.
Ms. Sotomayor conducted herself very well and she will be confirmed.
The Republican party has fallen apart and the members are revealing themselves for what they really are....lying bigots out for nothing but themselves. And I was always taught it was a government for the people.
Unfortunately we're going to have to listen to their whiny voices till we can get the rest of them out of office.
I used to be a Republican, now I'm Democrat. I'll never vote for another Republican. They've shown their colors these past 9 months, when this country was in a state of panic. They're outstanding at pointing the finger....just too stupid and biggoted to come up with any solutions.
If I hear one more democrat play the race card I'm going to scream. Give it a break! It's 2009!
Someone PLEASE give me a concrete example of Obama using race during the campaign or now, overtly or subtly versus the many instances of racism and hate used by the likes of the opposition now and then. Palin then...Trihrt, McConnell, etc.
Also, tell me how white men are not influenced by the race, culture, gender, etc. For anyone to say that personal perspective does not influence our decisions is unrealistic. This woman is bright and ready for the bench but for those in opposition they can accept the change; removal of singular power by one group of persons. We are no longer a white man ruled society, but instead our government is moving toward representing all of us, white, black, brown (in relation to color) you know, such as is evident in most of America. Thank goodness.
This unbelievably hypocritical piece of dog puke, should go back and read his racist, bigoted, sexist comments concerning Bush nominees and then apologize to us all for the crap he and the rest of the dope smoking libs have been saying for 40 years and then admit that he should have done (and probably has) what Cheney suggested several years ago. All liberals are slimy, but Leahy and Boxer are among the slimiest, bottom dwellers on earth.
Sotomayor's America is our future. Thank God for that.
Micheal Jackson do say how long can live his life on colour ,
Republicans to this world a better place for all look at your heart first and live for the 21st century and beyound not the days Dogs were more respected as Human beings
Please go on confirmining SOTOMAYOR
If men were God ?
Leahy has got to be one of the biggest hypocrites in government. We are an idiot people that allow someone like him to have a position of power over us.
Make no mistake – The GOP was the one under the microscope during the Sotomayor hearings. The only thing they succeeded in was making themselves undoubtedly re-earn their racist, sexist, bigoted reputation.
Old whitemen need to know that there are people who are capable of doing more for the people and the country than they ever did for the last 200 years. They just need to let go, and accept the changes.
This country no longer belong's to the Old Whitemen who thought they knew it all.
Sessions needs to wash his sheet.
The day the conservatives quit playing racist politics is the day they stop pimping out Jesus to further their political agenda.
I believe most of our country has moved forward and is slowly coming out of the eight year Republican induced coma.
Hearing the squeals of those stripped of power is like hearing the Wicked Witch of the West moan as she melts into oblivion.
What a world....what a world.....
The only way we are going to get rid of the old racist republicans is to vote them out of office.
Come on everyone let's turn the rest of the red states BLUE!
I am a college professor and, as much as I try to maintain balanced discussions in my classes, my students always arrive at the same bottom-line: AMERICA HAS BEEN AND STILL IS RACIST TO ITS CORE. It is only in our future generations that there is any hope for this struggling country. But before that can happen, all the benighted bigots have to die-out. And that will take time. But it is already happening.
There was an article in my local paper (Wisconsin State Journal) how great it was that a judge in Rock County, Wisconsin was setting up a special court to handle non-violent criminal offenders who were veterans. The judge was a veteran and he was applauded for being able to use his experiences as a veteran to better understand and to properly sentence based upon those life experiences. Yes, life experiences are a factor in the application of law. (PS: I am a lawyer. The hearings were a travesty.)
The only senator that is talking about race or racist language is Senator Leahy.
There is no problem with bipartisan questioning of any Supreme Court justice nominee.
However, the questions that are asked need to be both, intelligent and relevent to the matter at hand. Several of the questions asked by the Republicans were ridiculous and insulting to Judge Sotomayor, let alone to any African-American, Hispanic-American, or Asian-American nominee who may have sat before them.
In the future, these US senators need to ask themselves, "Is this a question that I would even ask of myself? Secondly, many of the questions they asked are probably questions they need to ask of some of the senators of their own party that are currently embroiled in various scandals......Hypocrisy and double standards don't sit well with the American people right now.
Sessions has a past as a known RACIST, so he will never fail to label others. The GOP belabored the racist topic for three days and it left them looking like a big dirty sac
Karine.....The term 'racist' is not 'overused.' It is used a lot because there's a lot of racism in this country, and the world......It seems that those who protest about the term are more than likely the ones exhibiting traits thereof (if you know what I mean)......If you were not a racist, Leahy's comments would've rolled off you like water from a duck's back....Reflect on the past campaign, and Palin's remarks that drew racially tinged crowds......Consider comments Rep. Pete King continues to make......There are too many to list.....But my point is that racism does exist.....The word continues to surface because much of its dna remains dormant and needs to be exposed.......Peace....
Funny how Leahy takes offense when talking about the questions posed to his party's nominee but did he filibuster Miguel Estrada when that Hispanic was put up for a lower court position by the Bush admin.? Democrats didn't even let him have a vote because in leaked memos they were afraid he would be one step away from the SCOTUS. Take about racial politics if your own plate is clear! And how about Obama's campaign chairman saying he never saw Hillary crying for the black victims of Katrina and they should take that into consideration when they went to the polls? Don't talk about racism unless your own hands are clean. And maybe we should ask all democrats whether now any criticism towards obama or anyone else like Sotomayor are now considered racist? Seems if you disagree with them, that is what you are now branded.
Do any of you hypocritic liberals remember the Clarence Thomas hearings? The Democrats were a disgraceful at the time. Very remeniscent of the hatred spewed against Bush over the last 8.5 years. Enjoy your time now because your Party will implode in 2010 and 2012. Leahy is a typical example of partisan politics at its best. Don't put any credance is anything he ever says!
Joe is correct. Each side who make comments here are truly unenlightened. Both sides make excuses and then jump on the other side. I am embarrassed when I read the hate spewed by both left and right. You should all be ashamed. The whole world reads these responses. However, we are in deep trouble and none of you can see through your rose colored glasses.
Wise Latinas and white men are all Caucasians, so how can that be a racial issue?
It might be a sexist viewpoint, but not racist.
Leahy and the Democratic Party always play the racial card. His comments are a joke. He his party and his President are all about race politics.
The Dems started out this nomination playing the race cards daring Replicans to vote against Sotomayor by saying if they did, it was because she was a latina women. That is racist.
What about John King's assertion that the White House requested only certain questions are asked. Senator Leahy was quick to make that correction leaving John with egg on his face. This man is so in the tank for the Republicans. I see it more and more each week.
Hey Leahy, why don't you tell Sotomayor to stop the 'racial Judging?'
This woman is a biggot. Appointing her to the court will be a huge mistake.
Thank you, Mr Leahy!
Conservatives have historically used the "divide and conquer" technique of accusing those who worked for racial equality as, in fact, being racists themselves becasue of their focus on a particular minority's plight, presumably at the expense of white people. They've also labeled feminists as "anti-men" and gays as "anti-Christian".
Its ironic...whenever their fist-firm lock on power is threatened conservative, straight, white, Christian men always claim that THEY, in fact, are the victims of bigotry. However, when they make decisions that ensure their own positions of power – regardless of how racist, sexist, or homophobic those decisions might be – it is chalked up as "objective".
Its no wonder that Republicans are scared to death of a Latina on the Supreme Court – they should be.
You can't say that this woman is not a racist. She's as much for her race as anyone is for theirs.
Susan from W Kentucky July 19th, 2009 12:54 pm ET
"I agree with Leahy. After hearing the comments made by both of my Kentucky Senators…replaced by Senators who actually represent the will of the people in this State."
Susan from S Illinois July 19th, 2009 12:51 pm ET
"I agree with Leahy. After hearing the comments hade by both of my Kentucky Senators…replaced by Senators who actually represent the will of the people in this State."
I hate it when people I agree wth are so blatantly just trolls. It hurts the credibility of their argument.
So the Republicans are not racist, but they are happy to insinuate that Sotomayor is, and that Obama is. Hmmm, methinks they protest too much..
And just how and when did Obama use race last fall to his advantage? Oh I know...blacks voted for him so he must be racist. Guess what, white males voted for Sarah because she looked good in those tight skirts and heels..are they sexist? (No, just suckers for a wink and a smile, I guess.)
The questioning of the judge was stupid because they went after her for a phrase in a speech, and admitted that her rulings, what counts after all, have been generally above reproach. White Republican men cannot stomach an intelligent woman (thus their overwhelming support of Palin) in any position of authority. Hillary would have had trouble winning because even Democratic men are threatened by her knowledge and abilities. Pat Robertson had it right....there is a thought process out there that white MEN built this country, and so have to remain in charge of everything or the world as we know it will end. And about time!
Jeff Sessions is a racist. He just wants to suggest that everyone is just like him. The Repub members are disgusting. He is also a half wit. He is not qualified to sit in judgment on an intelligent and experienced Latina, or anybody else. No wonder he could not get to first base in his hearings. He thinks that making truly outrageous allegations will give him good cover.
What are white men afraid of??? Most of the racist comments made on these boards are made by white men....I listen to C-SPAN alot and most of the racist HOGWASH that is espoused on their call-in show, the negative comments, are made by angry white men...what are YOU men afraid of....You are responsible for MOST of this Nations ills, most of the wars that are being fought around the world, and most of the World's death and destruction....it should be the people of the world that despise all of you, instead of YOU despising the rest of the world....and that includes white women, Black people, Latinos, Chinese, Muslims, Indians, children, and any other form of the human species....White men have made their bed...at least SOME of you have....and it seems that 95% of white (racist) men live and strive in the Republican Party.....what a waste of time and intellect....
July 19th, 2009 12:37 pm ET
The Repug's are racist, and they know it…the great old men party is over!
Mike, Syracuse, NY July 19th, 2009 12:52 pm ET
When her record includes obviously racially motivated decisions (ie the New Haven firefighter case) it is certainly a valid line of questioning."
What if NONE of the white firefighters had passed the same exam? Would it be OK with you then that the city of New Haven decided to pull the results and retest? This was not a racial case...it was a question of supporting the city's decision, which she did.
Sixty years ago Richard Nixon established the Republican practice of calling opponents communists. We shouldn't be too surprised to find his successors updating the label for our own times. The practice was reprehensible then, and remains so now.
I have never been a Republican, but there was a time when I at least respected them as honorable people with a different point of view. At that time they were constructive and reasonable, and they represented an important part of the American political dialog. That time for me is long past.
Most of the Republicans seem, to me at least, to be a bit "racist AND discriminatory" and when you look at the make up of the Jucidiary "Commitee"....not one black, hispanic, asian, American Indian, or female in the bunch. Shame on Arizona's Jon Kyle also.
Here! Here! Well said Senator Leahy. Obama is a genuis. He knows how racist they are. They only were being theirselves.
They were riding this respectable lady about what SHE said? Then they make comments like 'You got some splainin to do.'; 'We'll talk about that crack cocain thang.'; 'you voted against but another Puerto Rican voted for.'. They shot themselves in the butt as far as I saw.
Republican Party = Male, Pale and Stale (Racist White Men)
Why is anybody even listening to Gingrich and Sessions? They're Rush Limbaugh ditto heads. Let's talk about real issues, not just hear exaggerated hate sound bites from idiots.
Racism is all the GOP has left to stir their core followers.
Leahy...go do that thing that Dick Cheney told you to do the other year.
What Republicans and others fail to understand or conveniently cast aside is that Judge Sotomayor is Hispanic, therefore, her RACE is WHITE! There is no such thing as a Hispanic race, just check the birth certificates with your State Board of Health or County Clerk, they'll tell you. It is an ethnicity. So when they throw the race card into this, know and understand that as a White person, Sotomayor would be hard- pressed to condemn her own RACE.
Eric Holder call all of us out to discuss racist becasue he know it is a hot topic that needs to be discussed.
Oh yes, it's racist to bring up her preference for latinos. It's racist to bring up the cases that were overturned because of her preference to have latinos in positions for which they didn't qualify. Oh yes, it certainly is racist. For all you who feel that she is so fair, I certainly hope that you are latino if you have to appear in her court.
Larry,
I could not agree more. Too many in my former GOP have used these challenging times to play political games and pander to a xenophobic base to further their divisive platform on the American people–these actions reprehensible.
Sadly, Sen. Sessions is not being honest here, considering Republican de-facto leader, Rush Limbaugh, projected racist bigotry while ignoring his own racist politics. Enough.
Seeing as everyone is making up stuff here: Obama isn't really and African American....I have proof...he is an Anti-American. Race does not have anything to do with anything, there are good and bad people of every race...GET REAL...it is only an issue with those who are forwarding a soialist agenda.
I'm from Alabama, and Jeff Sessions is an embarrassment to himself and to the state of Alabama.
John King is not objective at all, he is definitely a
Republican and most of his comments are against
the Democrat which he is desperately trying to hide.
Even we Canadians can see throught this guy.
Wake up CNN!!!
Sessions, since I don't respect you, I won't call you senator sessions.
Sessions, Limbaugh the true republican leader called her a bigot. Therefore, you are lying when you say a republican leader did not call her a bigot!!
Sessions proved he is prejudice BEFORE the hearings. He said outright that he would not vote for Sotomayor. Only Sessions really knows his reason for that. It could be because his stance on civil rights is poor anyway. But to accuse Sotomayor of bias when Sessions already had pre-judged Sotomayor is more than ironic.
There is no hiding a racist. A Racist is a racist is a racist. PERIOD!!
It is incredible to me that Sotomayor had to win "conservative" approval at all. The Democrats won the most sweeping victories in decades and hold 60 Senate seats. The "ideas" of Nixon, Reagan and the Bushes are discredited.
Sotomayor resembled a long-abused hound cowering before its masters. After Graham read aloud anonymous criticisms of her, she should have read back the same kind of criticisms of him. The sight of the racist Sessions (rejected for judgeship by the same commitee he now sits on) browbeating her about racism was absurd. It is as if the plantation owners detect a rumbling among their human holdings and, fearing retribution, want to squelch it.
TO MIKE SYRACUSE NY
You forget to add that another member of the 3-member panel of the appeals court and 4 of the 9 mmbers of the Supteme agreed with her position , meaning that of a total of 50% of the involved justices did so!
And all were lily white!!!
The demorats are just angry that the republicans are going to confirm Sotomayor and not fight it as they had wished. Now they have nothing left but to try and make an issue out of anything. Sotomayor was questioned and last time I checked I thought that was suppose to happen when we appoint someone to a court for LIFE? Liberal's didn't get the big bru ha ha they wanted.
enjoy it while it last because it will all be over soon enough. "only the pure in heart will see God!" the dems have their share of racist: however, the repugs are the embodiment of the word. given the fact that even the blacks in the repugs party don't like minorities being minorities themselves should tell you all you need to know. the ole' white boy club in the senate and the house are staging a major political attack by race baiting in an attempt to turn all (whites) against minorities thus regaining political power through their majority in the population. these fellows are about to lose their minds and get a little closer to the edge everyday 'that black man' is in theit 'white house'. they can try and speak subtlely all they want it dosen't change a thing. they think this is their country alone and they should be the ones calling the shots, even though they took this land from the only 'true americans', the american indians.
I love it. The dems harp on how this woman is the first Latino to be concidered for the court, she blathers about how her ethnic background makes her able to reach a better conclusion than a white man, and everyone else is playing the race card? Give me a break folks, you can't have it both ways.
You morons think that O-bummers policies of spending trillions are going to solve all of the problems. When the dollar collapses and these fools don't have a solution the GOP will regain power. They have been counted out many times before and always come back strong. Sotomayor is a racist period. If she says something that i can't say the reciprocal of as a white man then it is racist and not different just because she is a minority. Wise Latina? I was married to a latina that wanted to have a herd of kids we couldn't afford. No wonder latins side with democrats. They need this to be a socialism because that can't make rational decisions about family size/
when it comes to racial politics, there is no one like Obama. This guy used race to get elected so shut up Mr. Leahy.
The most qualified judge in the United States Of America " Satomayor"
those opposing her should look hard on the mirrow and agree "Yes" she is better than many men wearing trousers!!! Long live the constitution, long live the supreme court. We need more satomayors on the bench!!
She is th eone that brought race into this Lehy. But you will all get a free pass because democrats are the only ones who are racist and get away with it.
What Sessions and team are doing only works if people follow them. We already know the regional southern party (the former Republican party) will get voters like "southerncousin" – whose comments are right from the scriptures of Rush the Wrong. However, if we simply don't take the bait. If we don't allow these people back in the senate or the house, their old, southern, white male ways will fade away with the old Dodge. The more they talk the more they sound bankrupt too!
I agree with Leahy. Sessions is an idiot, and a racist. His performance was disgraceful. He couldn't even form a complete coherent sentence and he's questioning Sotomayors credibility?
With the number of years she's spent on the bench, they wasted almost 2 days on the "wise Latina" comment. High school students would have done better research and asked more pertinent questions.
They treated her like the Puerto Rican maid as opposed to a Supreme Court nominee. In doing so, their strategy failed. They didn't belittle Ms Sotomayor – they belittled themselves. It showed the still ugly face of the gop, and reinforced why their numbers are dwindling.
Sotomayor has been in agreement with her "conservative" colleagues in majority decisions something like 85 percent of the time. Contrast that with the record of Clarence Thomas, who now is coming down on the wrong side of 8-1 decisions on the SCOTUS! Who do you suppose is more out of touch?
I notice only republicans on John Kings "State of the Union" I quess he must be a racist republican bigot as well !!
Birds of a feather flock together and all !
Seems that being a Republican these days is largely about being suspicious, angry and defensive. As a former Republican I have to say they've lost me with this tantrum they've been throwing since they lost the election. Something's wrong when there is that much rage around a topic.
It's time to stop hiding behind all the bluster and get to work doing the country's business. Carry on a civil debate, don't veer off into this stuff appealing to emotion and fear and us-vs.-them.
come on, people. we need to get over this "racists" crap. libs should be ashamed of themselves CONTINUALLY hurling this out. remember high school?......it's not what is truth just how loud you say it. TIME TO IGNORE THE (R) AND (D) AND TIME TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT COUNTS!!! this goes for both sides. a change is a comin' indeed.
It is baffling how liberals can call a Republicans racists for stating the obvious biases that Judge Sotomayor has exhibited over her career. The questioning is a recall of her own words and her own actions evidencing her true feelings toward racial empathy that she is being questioned on. Anyone know how those two Black Panther idiots that got busted outside the voting precinct are doing? How about that poor (now retarded) Denny guy that those black thugs beat up in LA during the CA riots, or more lately what about the Jenna 6?
Smells like HATE crimes to me....question should be is I wonder how Sotomayor would call them?
Senator, questioning anyone's political or other affiliations is not racial, it's good due diligence.
Leahy should address Barbara Boxer condescension towards Mr Alford. Perhaps Holder, Jesse Jackson, Sharpton and Obama care to explain and/or englighten us if Boxer words to Alford qualifies her as a bigot. When are minorities going to wake up and understand the sinister nature of the leftists?
Everyone knows she will be confirmed. The Republicans are drawing the line in the sand to make a point. They want to paint Sotomayor as very liberal "BUT" they'll let her in anyway. The advantage they hope to gain is by trying to block the next potential nominee. That way they can say when the time comes that it's not about politics and they'll point to voting for her as proof.
No one should expect Sessions to have anything other than the utmost contempt for Sotomayor. Any look back into his history clearly shows his lack of concern for all humans that are not white.
Why don't you tell your president to stop Nominating Radical judges.
She is not radical with all she has said and done but asking her tough questions and talk about FACTS is radical politics?
Stop insulting our intelligence Mr. Leahy.
Have the republicans learned anything yet, as for Sessions, he is and always will be a prejudice ignorant white male republican, who makes me ashamed to say I voted for Republicans. It's a good thing he is not our president or we'd be set back 100 years. Jeff get a grip on life this is why we lost the last two elections. these old line Republicans think they are better than anyone and can't stand together with main stream America.
I always thought something was wrong with the Republican Party and he just confirms it.
I'd be glad to "stop the racial politics" except that Sonia Sotomayor is very much an advocate of playing racial politics.
If all the black folks, be them specially from the south have no sense of what their peers went thru and still are, then I suggest they watch the movie, "Shinandoa" (hope I spelled it correctly) they would not be even close to be republicans, namely Michael Steel, the RCC. "republican commitee chairman", Ron Christie, republican analyst, and many other black men that are affilieated to their salve masters, if beyond comprehension. I see many black people in this party that ensalve them and put them thru all inimaginable hardships and still follow them. There is no imaginable reason for this unless they are, mathoquists???? that like to be misstreated and enjoy it.??
I JUST CANNOT UNDESTESTAND IT, LEST COMPREHEND IT. From Puerto Rico with love, have a bueatyful day
I am a black conservative (not Republican) and I can't stand the race baiting that goes on between Democrats and Republicans. I wish that blacks would vote independent and put both parties out of business.
Let me see. An Afro-American president appoints a Hispanic to
the Supreme Court who touts herself as a "wise Latina" and
we're supposed to believe ONLY the Republicans are being race-
driven? Leahy...where were you when your party tried to ambush
an Afro-American named Clarence Thomas with an Afro-American
named Anita Hill? On vacation? Your party knows how to play the race
card. So don't play dumb. What goes around comes around, Leahy.
Sotomayor is the one that said she could make better choices than a white man. And not just once, but in 7 different speeches over several years in fact.
So she should put her money where her racist mouth is.
So dixie rethuglicants are racists and bigots – This is news?
What a big fuzz, about this "Wise Latina” comment.
Every person would do a similar comment in a similar situation,
unless you take this sentence out of context (in this case the context of her speech).
She even apologized for what may have meant for some people (republicans) still reinstating what she said in that speech.
Are republican, so insisting not to understand, even aware how much they are getting ridiculous ?
When I was a youngster, my grandmother had a saying, ' hows the kettle talking bout the pot?" I'm from Oklahoma and my children r from Alabama. So i believe i"m qualified from life's expierences to offer alittle input into this subject. Republicans r once again coming with a very devisive, again Defisive issue to seperate us as a people against each other to make us loose our focus on issues that truly effect as a nation. This nation's MORAL AUTHORITY has been comprimised. High unemployment, no regulation on Wallstreet, everything that has come as a result of that, poor folks starving, middle class loosing their homes, WAR. There's alot of folks out here whose voices in WASH. ani't listening to. This is about more then RACE and i'm BLACK. This is about ya'l listening in WASH DC. listening. Accusing Pres. Obama's selection to the court of being a racist is bout like saying Clarence Thomas could shine Judge THORGOOD MARSHALL'S SHOES!!!! 0, theres that life's expeirence's i alluded to at the beginning of this conversation. God Bless OUR PRESIDENT and those listening and wil VOTE!
I just loved the comments of Pat Buchannan, of the Rachel Moddow show when she challenge him about Supreme Court Justice nominee, Judge Sonia Sotomayor. He spew that Supreme Court Judges should all be white. His reasoning behind this bigotted, racist abbarration, was that the the Founding Fathers that wrote the Cosntitution were all white, hence, all Supreme Court Judges, should be all white. He is in the group of Lou Dobbs, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Newt Gingrich, John Bennet, Bill Ryelly of ABC, Joe Scarborough of Morning Joe and his sidekick, the lady I don't nor want to remember her name and many others that I have watche and heard over CNN, ABC and MSNBC, Ron Christie, and I have seen to my amazement Rev. Al Sharpton together with reps, like Mr. Boehener, and other republicans in news conferences, that make me wonder. If anything I believe that all black people in the USA, should be Democrats. But I can understand the envy, that they tried and did not succeed, because of their beligerant and unforgiving divisive nature of their speeches. unlike the unity speeches by our President Barack Obama. Again, with love from Puerto Rico, and have a nice day.
Senator Leahy is correct. From day one, some Repulicans have made racist remarks. Including: Ginrich and of course, Rush Limbaugh.
She is a good person and we have to stop this racial madness.
IMHO, Obama played the race card all the way to the White House, while dishonestly claiming McCain pulled race card. The dems playbook has always been whatever you do blame the other party first and your good to go. This is true of racism. Dems will try to stifle debate by branding you the scarlet letter R (racist) if you question, oppose or criticize a minority, Minorities have been exploited and subjugated by the left.
agree with this article. the only reason GOP losing their ground is b/c too many Jeff Sessions in GOP. his nuts senator i have seen in my life. he need to change his tune from 70's politics. its 21 century were diverse america then ever before.
Go die dinosaur right wingers.
Sessions? Whadday expect–he's an unreconstructed white "sutherner red neck" who would be embarassment outside of AL but reflects his voting constituency well. Any idea of where AL stands in educational level for voters?
I believe that all, all amrericans should unite behind the Healthcare overhaul program proposed by Pres. Barack Obama. It is very clear that those who like what they have, they will keep it and for those who do not have have the opportunity to purchase one that would bring the costs down, I can not see why it is so difficult to undestand. All constituents should get a hold of their representatives and push them to help approve this healtcare reform, for the benefit of all and not just a few. The Americans are lagging behind the rest of the world as far as healthe care is concern and equality for "ALL" its citizens, specially the poor. the underprivilage, these are the great masses. Rise your voices as one and demand that this health care reform be approve in Congress as well as the Senate, if not bypartisan, well, partisan, let be approved and have it on the Presidents desk bafore the middle of august, period.
The Democrats are the most racist people,its the attack and deflect all over again. Its Democrats first, what you say and do does not matter, Vote Democrat-Vote Democrat- Vote Democrat. The blacks, and hispanic will be far better off voting Republicans. At least your stimlus check will come in the form of a check to you! Not a payoff to the rich corporate elites. How much money did YOU get from the last one? Vote Republican and stay free!
Stop the racial politics? She was picked because she is Latino and Obama wanted to pander to the Hispanic community. As her record proves, she is a qualified judge but certainly not the most qualified judge in the land. So, who started it, Leahy?
Yes, I'm from Alabama, and yes, it's a conservative state, and yes, much of the time Sessions represents this state just the way he was elected to do. It would be illogical to expect him to suddenly change his stripes. However, it's been an embarrassment to watch him be the point man for the anti-Obama camp on this appointment. No doubt the fact that his seat is perfectly safe and he's not going to catch a lot of flak back home makes him an ideal mouthpiece for the hard right. But Sotomayor is eminently qualified for this job and while probably liberal, is obviously no wild-eyed radical. Sessions is only hurting himself; he should have passed this job off to someone else. With the economy, health care, the war, the stimulus packages, etc, there are plenty of opportunities for the GOP to play opposition party. Republicans need to choose their battles wisely, and this wasn't a wise choice.
Mike in Syracuse:
When her record includes obviously racially motivated decisions (ie the New Haven firefighter case) it is certainly a valid line of questioning.
--
You obviously have not done any research for yourself. She actually followed Supreme Court precedent in ruling the way she did. Then the Supreme Court overruled their previous decisions and set NEW precedent. How was she supposed to know the Supreme Court was going to overrule their previous decisions on that matter of law? If she had ruled any other way she would have not been following previous established precedent and been called a judicial activist for not following the Supreme Court. I'm sure you're not a lawyer but at the very least you could learn this for yourself instead of just regurgitating things you've "heard."
Larry,
Before you stated that Sonia Sotomayor will be confirmed, I feared she wasn't. Thanks for clearing that up.
OF COURSE she's gonna be confirmed the Democrats have the power to confirm her without a single Republican vote (which she is going to get by the way). This everyone knew from the moment she was nominated.
The Republicans emerged as the winners. The Democrat's ignorant assumptions, including thinking that Republicans would tear her apart in the hearings, backfired on them. They gave her a more fear hearing than the Democrats did with Roberts and Alito. Sotomayor could have even stated that she will let personal views change her vote and still get confirmed, but the Republicans even got her to clearify and change what she said.
So Democrats, with the failed attempt to damage the Republicans with the hearing, plus with all the continuing out-of-control spending that is adding even more to our nation's debt, the Democrats will see a backfire sooner or later, and the Republicans will emerge once again. My only hope is that Sarah Palin won't be our leader (she's not all that bright).
After listening to Sessions of Alabama, Lindsey Graham of S.C. and Mitch McConnell of Ky during the Sotomayor hearings, it makes me ashamed to be a Southernor. All three of these senators behaved shamefully towards Judge Sotomayor. It is my sincere hope that the wives, sisters and daughters of these three "gentlemen" take them to task for their insufferable behavior. Shame – shame.
How about the Democrats fillibustering Miguel Estrada because they didn't want a Bush appointed Hispanic to the circuit court? The racist Democrat Party gets a pass when they blantley use racism to block a conservative appointee, then nominate a racist for supreme court.
When it comes to racism we all knows it still exist and the republicans know it well just recently another racist comment from young republicans were made against President Obama and just like before another republicans came back and apoligize for it, Say what you want thats one reason there is so much divide in washington over the presidents agenda the republicans can hide it from some and even some times but whats in the heart is going to show sooner or later, And with sotomayor the only main reason she will be confirm as far as the republicans are concern is because they wont more votes from Latinos in the 2010 and 2012 elections.
Sen. Jeff Sessions 's comment stating that had "Judge Sonia Sotomayor had vote with another judge who was also Latino regarding the firemen reverse discrimination case, then the out come would have been different. This comment actully shows Sessions is" just too stupid and biggoted to come up with any solutions" and he should have excused himself from the confirmation hearing. That satement from him was racist. He was implying Judge Sonia Sotomayor should have vote the same way that the other Latino judge voted instead adhearing to the law.
Judge Sonia Sotomayor, will be an excellent asset to the Supreme Court.
The republicans are racist. Period!
When will Americans realize that republicans are racist? And their fearless leaders (hannity, o'reilly, limbaugh, and the crew at fux news) lead the pack.
Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III
the name says it all
Conservative republicans are the scum of the earth, when they're not having sex with men in airport men's room, they're talking about the fault's of everyone who doesn't know the special handshake or job in this case. Sotomayor will be approved, she's earned the job.
Obama picked her for ethnic/racial/gender reasons.
At a time when you would think that Republicans would be looking for votes, everytime they open there mouth they drive me more towards the Democrats. They have no platform and no new ideas on how to solve our problems in this country. They are creating racial barriers at a time when we need to bring these barriers down.
I am a Southerner by birth and it was totally embrassing to hear these elected officials of the Republican Party using the racist language and overtones during the hearings. I still beleive the racism is alive and well especially in the South–the time has come to abolish it AGAIN!
The voter can make these changes–so why don't they? These old southern guys with their prejudices need to go.
I would like to know the machanics of withdrawing something you already said. How can you say you did not say what you already said? Is there someking of equivalent of an eraser in the brain that can achieve that? Or can you take away or erase, say a slap in the face to someone and say, " I am sorry I take that back", I like to know how in hell can you ever do that. My parents taught me that the best word is, that one that you don't utter. Newt Gingrich, said what he said 'cause he meant it, he's always been a racist, he is from the south, and what can you expect, of course I apologize to those who aren't, as I cannot suggest that all southerners are bigots, but a great mayority are, no doubt. This is reflected on people like Sessions, Jim Bunning, Mich, McConnell, Michael Steel, Tom Haschel, Pat Buchannan, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Lou Dobbs. John Bennet, Bill Ryelly, Sarah Palin, including the American Hero John McCain, the unborn in American soil, American. He was born in PANAMA, AND THIS IS NOT AMRICAN SOIL, AS OPPOSED TO HAWAII, A STATE OF THE UNION. To those that question the presidents born place. He was born in the State of Hawaii, the 49th State of the Union. No way Panama's McCain,
I am tired of the race card being played when it is in the best interest of whoever it will benefit. Race relations are worse now than ever and it is not because of the Republicans. It is because of the ignorant people who listen to the media and think they are the only truth around and those who take ignorant politicians at face value. I is especially disturbing that people spew venom about other people and lump them into one specific category. All southern people and republicans are not "dumb racist rednecks"; just as people from New York, New Jersey, and California are not shallow and ignorant of how the rest of the country lives. We are all from diverse backgrounds, with different values, and beliefs. Do not add to the ignorance because you are faceless and can talk a bunch of crap on the internet.
The only way to solve this bipartisan bickering is to change the criteria for confirming these judges. Instead of a simple majority, make it 2/3 or 3/4 of the Senate must approve of a Supreme Court nominee. That will ensure some sort of bipartisan compromise on the nominee that will hopefully lead to a Supreme Court full of moderates who will actually base their decisions on the facts of the case instead of their predetermined political stances (i.e. conservative or liberal)
By devoting so much time to one snippet of a statement in one speech, Republicans have proven that: they either
1. didn't bother to do any other research
2. didn't read the entire speech for context
3. had little interest in the candidate's judicial record
4. couldn't find anything of substance to oppose
I watched some of the hearings on C-SPAN and was amazed to hear the relevant and intelligent questions asked by Sen. Franken. I was especially impressed with his follow-up questions.
The national news media all reported only on one funny exchange about Perry Mason episodes. The public may have gained more insight from the serious questions.
I expect humor from the Daily Show, not from CNN and nightly news shows. So sorry to lose Walter Cronkite.
I sat watching the Sotomayor hearings, glued to my set as nearly every Republican let racially insensitive crap fly out of their mouths.
The GOP should invest in a time travel machine so they can all go back to the 1950's like they want.
Debby, NJ.
You are right on.
Democratic Senator Boxer sure did sound racist talking to Harry Alford the other day. And I read many racist posts by Democrats during the primaries so stop being hypocrites.
From the time the campaign started, until the present, the only people using the race card is the Democrats. If anyone dares to disagree, or question anything the Libs say, their only retort is "you are a racist". Let it rest. LARRY..you are not now and have never been a Republican. It just sounds good to say you once were. The Republicans will be back very, very soon. Barack Obama and his out of control spending and control agenda is the best recruiter of new Republican and Independent voters.
Susan from Kentucky... dont flater yourself. I'm a proud Blue Grass Kentuckian myself and never been stronger for Mr McConnell and Mr Bunning. To think they won't get back in just shows how displaced and sheltered you are in this state.
How long has Mitch been in and keeps getting more popular each time???
McConnell is one of the few who has the backbone to stand up against those socialists in Washington right now. McConnell has more respect then you will ever know, which shows how blind you are to the subject.
Before you reply to forums like this, please understand the topic! While there are some really good comments, there are many that just leave you searching for their meaning.. I see many defend their side, liberal or conservative, in the way that is tearing America apart. What is seen today as radical right was the radical left only eight months ago! Lets all just stop for a minute and understand what is at stake and apply some common logic when discussing politics. DB in NC
Mike, Syracuse, NY – OK, then start checking if there is any way to remove the 3 Justices that agreed with her on that ruling from the SCOTUS. There should be 4, but one of them is already retiring and is about to be substituted by her, regardless of any excuse you and the others that can't stand the fact that she's not WASP material might come up with.
Leahy should stope lecturing on racial politics to amke his poltical point.
Sessions' nominiation for a judgeship was rejected by a Republic Senate Judiciary Committee because they considered him a racist. I guess Sessions has forgotten about that.
Sessions and a number of other Republicans on the Judiciary Committee are acting like a bunch of juvenile bullys. They should be ashamed of themselves. What a bunch of hypocrites!
this woman is a racist thank god us republicans will still have the majority on the supreme court, god bless america and liberals leave the country if you do not like it, i am a republican and have got my son to be a republican, he sees the evil ways of liberals
Dems want to use the race card everytime it benefits them. They don't like it when they are called out on reverse racism. There are better choices then Sotomayor for a justice and Obama as president. Welcome to the third world.
The US is probably going to be a black-majority nation within a few decades. I think it's time to start talking nice.
Her nomination to the supreme court was based on a statement where she compared herself to a "wise Latina" and a white man. Not a black one. That was racist comment as far whites are concerned. And would have been a racist comment as far as blacks were concerned, if she has chosen the word black. She used color in her comments, and she wasn't about to paint the white house walls. She will be confirmed. The only thing I am asking, is I hope she does something with her hair, it looks like she never wash it.
It seems interesting to me that Senator Leahy used the words 'racial politics', since it has been made quite clear that the Sotomayor nomination was itself used to corner the Hispanic vote for the Democrats. This doesn't mean she is unqualified, in my opinion, I think she is more than competent for the SC. Still, it doesn't mean that the Republicans are the only ones playing 'racial politics.' Her ethnic group may have been one of many factors, but to deny that it separated her from other EQUALLY (not more) qualified candidates, making her the most attractive choice, is a fool's errand. There is nothing particularly wrong with that, but it still qualifies as 'racial politics.' Perhaps if Mr. Leahy had said the GOP was being outwardly racist, his argument would be more coherent, albeit significantly more politically costly than simple hypocrisy.
To Dave C in NJ: Spot on!
We just finished a presidential election where all we heard from Democrats was about race. The first African American this, decended from slaves, etc. Once again the media enabled double standard the Democrats are allowed to play.
The Republican party has a lot of problems and its hypocrisy and hate are among the major ones. They need to realize that hispanics and blacks are rising in prominence in our country and the day that the rich white guy could rule everything is ending. The party of NO is becoming irrelevant and will stay that way until they integrate their party.
The GOP just can't get over that they lost in November and they have not done the deep thinking to figure out why.
Judge Sotomayor stated during her confirmation hearings that the decision against the New Haven fire department was based on legal precedence. That is what judges do...interpret the law and follow precedence. Don't be so quick to call racism, unless you full understand how she came to a decision on that matter. She explained it ver well during her confirmaiton hearings.
I'm continuously amazed at the stupidity and lack of historical and political understanding by the bloggers on CNN. While I infrequent the site (they provide ease of use, but a horribly one sided slant), I leave every time depressed at the idiocy of the American people and how they can't think for themselves and only listen (god forbid they actually read anything) the mass media.
It's a legitimate question people...bigotry is not one way. Affirmative action is by itself a form of discrimination... judge by character, not race– period. While AA had its place in history, it is an outmoded concept that creates more divides that it rectifies.
Forget about racism and let us take a closer look at these many corrupt politicians.
A lot of them have been found out to be Tax dodgers ,cheaters and having been involved in many shady deals.
Where they held accountable and asked to resign , no not at all , they are still sitting on commitees and carry on with their selfserving and no one can touch me attitude.
Where is the outrage and shouldn't you expect better from elected Public Servants.
Most people know what's going on here: The republicans have absolutely nothing to offer on this or any issue, so they obstruct, obfuscate, and call names. Pitiful.
This guy is living in a wonderland. He does not know what is going on. Do not bring racism now. democrats have been racist all along including Barack Obama, the messiah. We cannot touch him because he is black. Besides, do you know that there is Muslim conference taking place in Barack's place in Chicago who are actually relevant to Al Qaeda. Barack Hussein Obama thinks that he has sympathy from Muslims and we are safe. Nobody is bothered with this but we do not want another 9/11. Patrick Lehy is a moron and so also Barack Obama.
Discrimination????? The constitution says that we are all created equal right....But this nation TOLERATES that over 5 million AMERICAN CITIZENS are DENIED the right to vote for the office of the president of the USA, but are OBLIGATED to go and die in wars that the same president will oder them to go to...Ask Judge Sotomayors family that lives in Puerto Rico, how it feels....
Equality...what an illusion......
John King should have felt right at home with Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III, they have so much in common.
The republicans always want to appeal to the worst side of human personality. Their "pointed" and "veiled" questions did nothing but exemplify, you are a minority first and foremost, then we consider your accomplishments. Sessions is unreal and should be impeached.
GET ER DONE ALABAMA!!!
When are we going to learn, in this country, that Republicans are the most bigoted in the world, and think that they are all lilly-white country club members with better insight on everything than the rest of the world. We simply need to stop talking to them and, eventually, they might all die off for lack of oxygen or interaction.
Republicans are out for their own pocketbooks and the heck with everything and everyone else. If a Republican tells her cares about you... he lied.
Southern Strategy is an open secret. Even you GOPers know it. I've watched it for 35 years, and I agree with Leahy.
It's 2009. Put a lid on it, already!
Silly Repubs, only the Dems can play the race card when they need to make a point!
What we witnessed during the Sotomayor hearings was a group of old southern white men desperately trying to hang on to the past. Sessions and Graham were right out "Mississippi Burning".
Look at the past Supreme Court nominations. How can a Democrat ever raise the racial card on the questioning of a Supreme Court nominee after the Clarence Thomas circus. How do they get away with outrageous statements like these?
The close-minded types who don't understand something often resort to belittling, criticizing, and name calling. You might think this problem only lies with the lower-middle-class redneck types, but they're the unwashed republicans that make up the majority of the party. Unlike the intellectual conservative, who doesn't wave a flag around and scream about somebody taking away his guns, they will leave religion to the psychos and fanatics. However, there are very few of them left. Colin Powell and Ted Roosevelt come to mind. As you can see, not many. The loud mouthed unwashed will scream and yell and call them names, like RINOS.
A SMALL minority of all races are bigots but most Republicans are just in the pockets of big business. There concerned Sotomayor may favor the small individuals over big business. They need to create controversy to divert attention of average Americans away from realizing that there priority's rest with Corporations. Which would not be a vary Popular platform.
Calling all Republicans racist is not fair.
Oh good grief. A Latina says she could, from her experiences, make a better decision than a white man and the Republicans become a bunch of drama queens. Considering the guff other non-white male Americans and women have suffered at the hands of white males over the history of this country, you would think these babies would take this with more grace. No a white man can't say the same thing because white males have been a thorn in the side of other Americans for centuries. White women fared little better until the civil right movement and Affirmative Action. Let it go and let's move forward in this great country.
Republicans make blantant and subtle race-based appeals to a subset of white people. They have for the past 40 years we are all just smart enought to see it for what it is.
Old white GOP politicians will continue to do this. It's all they know.
Asians, Latinos, Blacks, and some whites will always remember what these race-baiting politicians said, how they acted. I didn't live in South Carolina but I still remember Susan Smith, 20 years later. I didn't live in Boston but I still remember Charles Stuart. We don't forget GOP.
The only way your are going to overcome your reputation is to stop race baiting and even then it will take a generation to purge it from our memories. Republicans will spend 20 years in the wilderness.
It's truly time that Americans discuss racial predjudices more openly, also ethnic differences. We are all Americans...that said, Newt, you're a philandering scoundrel who has no place in this forum. Darryl, you're just dumb...and need to learn how to spell.
What do you say about a woman who throws out a test because too many people of one race past? She is a racist. New Haven mayor Destafano hired a racist covicted felon to be his fire commisioner who brought him votes. Why is it that the Democrates can be as bigoted as they want and still be considered equal rights advocates. Look up Rev Boise Kimber
"This idiot, no this blooming idiot play racial, sex and all kinds of politics during all of Bush nomination hearings and now has the gall, the unmitigated liberal gall to make such statements. HYPOCRITE. He should go do what Cheney told him to do. Such a stupid, partisan, hypocritical yet typical liberal, It just make me puke."
Gee, that added a lot to the dialogue.
I don't know when the writer went to school, but it must have been before the Teachers taught that a subject and predicate must agree (Not: It just make me puke)...and I'm 72 years old!
jeff session is a hipocrite !! i want CNN to Do a Story on him and bring up the fact about the Marion 3 lawsuit.. also that session was denied by his own republican the position to be in the supreme court by 9-1 because of racism!!!! i want to see cnn cover that story eh?
what is really concerning to me is not the comments that Judge Sotomayer made (if you listen/read the entire speech the comments are pretty innocuous), but rather the several judicial decisions she has made that have been overturned by the supreme court. Yes she has impecable credentials, but when it comes to rendering decisions based on the current interpretation of the constitution, the supreme court has sad several times that she has gotten it wrong.
Sessions is an embarrassment.
Whoever would vote for that man is a lost cause.
What's funny about joe's comment is that he calls the rest of us morons, except by using improper punctuation to do it.
And that's why the people in power get away with everything.
Debby,
The Republican party is over? You'll be begging for us in another year. Well, maybe you won't. You are from Jersey, you are too used to liberal entitlements. Get a freaking job.
Dems play the race card ALL the time. They have been practicing racial identity politics forever, and CNN, NBC, ABC, MSNBC, Huffpo, and CBS never calls them on it.
Keep enjoying the ride Libs, your day is coming soon when you start begging for the 3rd Bush to run.
Obama, and his ilk are a joke.
one more thing. TOM is obviously a racist because he brought up race.
Race is all the old school repubs have left in their hat. They've demonstrated time and time again that theyre NOT a voice of the people but rather just pull up the tired political tactics theyve been using for decades to generate support.
Theyre so deep in the special interest groups and corporations pockets that those are the only ones their speaking for today.
Sessions is nothing more than a racist cracker and Graham ought to go hat in hand to Judge Sotomayor and apologize for the condescending and rude tone of his remarks. The world is leaving these guys behind and they can't stand it, they just can't stand it.
Conservatives engaging in racial politics . . . . say it isn't so, no way! Let's not let 200 years of American History get in the way of their new and improved politics!
Since all Republicans seem to be racists according to this message board, that automatically makes all Democrats homosexual. Homocrats.
HOMOCRATS! HOMOCRATS! HOMOCRATS!
Latinos will vote up to 90 percent in favor of Obama in the next election if he decides to run again.
That's called a smart politian, for nominating a Hispanic American to the Supreme Court. Latinos are 50 million, we will be 142 million by the year 2050, that's the Census Bureau.. the Republican Party is sealed to dissapeared, mark my words. It's a political party that refuses to change and understand the new demographic trend.
Sorry GOP, RIP!!!!!
Larry: I used to be a Republican, now I'm Democrat. I'll never vote for another Republican. They've shown their colors these past 9 months, when this country was in a state of panic. They're outstanding at pointing the finger….just too stupid and biggoted to come up with any solutions
Just reverse that–I used to be a Democrat, but now I'm an Independent who will never vote for a Democrat. You and your idols–Obama, Pelosi and Reid–have shown your petty, tit-for-tat true colors as well, to the detriment of our country. According to you, any person who doesn't agree with you is either a bigot or a racist or BOTH, right? If I'm a racist today, YOU MADE ME ONE with your attitudes. The GOP may be known as the Party of NO, but you Democrats should be known as the POE–Party of Entitlement.
Ah well, white people are screwed again.
Everyone knows that the GOP are the descendants of the American Slave Masters. They have never left their plantation philosophies and most likely never will. You Either support their Far Right wing brand of totalitarianism or you are against it.
Sessions... Where do the Republicans get these devisive people. I keep hoping for someone intelligent showing up in the republican party. I don't think they can recover until they completely collapse.
We need more independants with real morals. Men and women who don't live in a "C-Street" brothal.
Take a really good look at who Sen. Jeff Sessions is... look him up on wikipedia... this guy is something else! He is consistently on the side of divisive, oppressive and hate-filled political opinions that it is scary that he is still elected to office. He represents a real dark and evil side of American politics... the fact that someone such as him can still hold his opinions and public office at the same time is a deep shame.
How come this piece doesn't mention Jeff Sessions' past racial issues that in fact kept him off the federal bench in the 80's?
They don't call them Repukes for nothing!
It's amazing how terrible both parties are!
It never ceases to amaze me. I watch the news when I am not reading it and when I am not working. When my tv is on, so is the news. When my radio is on, so is the news. In the two years that I have been listening and watching these media outlets, I have never not once heard any Republican or Independent FIRST invoke race into any conversation about the candidates and or the campaigns/agendas. The ONLY time race has ever been mentioned, part or parcel, in a conversation/debate was when a DEMOCRAT first did so. The only reason why the Dems do this is because they really really really NEED the American people, namely minorities, to FORGET that the Democrat Party is the Party of Slavery,...always was and always will be. As long as they have a voice, they will continue to brainwash the uninformed and illiterate, the people that hear with one ear and only get abc, nbc and cbs on their tv's. As long as the Dems are in control they will contiue to control what 66 million people listen to and watch on tv. The next time we will ever hear two sides to the story and value the oppositions view will be in 2010.
The GOP is as always totally screwed up.
They are a bunch of irrelevant, boring, out-of touch, compromised,
unsophisticated, corny, southern bozos, that nobody wants to see,
let alone listen to. Palin, Limbaugh, Mcconnell, Rove, Gingrich,
Sanford, etc. Please go away.
The Republican's on the panel brought up race over and over again – it's amazing they're saying now they didn't. Disgusting.
Nobody called the blacks racist for voting en masse for Obama. Because it t served their bias.
And the bias is gender-based, unfortunately.
A 1/2 black man is Ok but a woman? Not in 2008. In 3008. Maybe.
Oh, right, the GPO is playing racial politics. Obama and the clowns in the Democratic Party have foisted Sotomayor off on us, a Latino woman, and that has nothing to do with racial politics. They shove a ruthless partisan hack like Holder as AG, who happens to be black, and that isn't racial politics. The justify outsourcing 40 million jobs, bringing in hordes of cheap Indian and Chinese IT workers that displace U.S. workers as a part of their mutlicultural-globalization nonsense and that has nothing to do with racial politics. When 80% of voters do not want any sort of amnesty granted to the 20 million or so illegal workers, want them, in fact, rounded up and shipped back to Mexico, the Democrats are dead set on thwarting the will of the voters and handing them our jobs because they think it will lock in the Hispanic voters and that has nothing to do with racial politics. Give me a break.
Every time politicians in my declared party open their mouths, it gives me another reason not to vote for these clowns. Democrats have always been and continue to be the biggest, most offensive and consistent racists anywhere. Look at Obama-he used racism to get himself elected and look at the the fools that fell for it. Demos are typically the most hypocritical as well although the repubs aren't far behind. Let's see. Sen Bobby "KKK" Byrdie. Sounds pretty racist to me. If some of you demos out there had any brains then you would be dangerous. What have you done to my party!
I consider myself as much as a fire-breathing liberal as the next, and have flirted with communism in my personal life to offset the disgust pushed into culture by the GOP/BUSH era, so I'm of clear conscience when I say this Sotomayor brought it on herself. She made that speech,what did she expect. An over reaction from the Right Wing?.. why, that never happens....
Obviously she's played the race card for her own benefit in the past so now others want their turn for their reasons and so on an on till the next generation, like myself, just look at all these people on both side and think what in the blankitiy blank wise Latina, Rush Limbugh/Imus livin nonsense are these people up to and when will it finally end? I'm so sick and tired of hearing about race, yeah us youngers owe a great debt , whatever shut up already, both Democrats and Republicans, you make yourselves out to be holy than thou on something NOBODY EVEN CARES ABOUT ANYMORE.
After the Democratic Primaries, no party can claim to be racially tolerant. The Democrats dished it out with as much fervor, if not more so, than the Republicans. It's a good thing that I, as a black man, finally realized that people can say whatever they want; it only becomes meaningful if I recognize it. Learning to ignore stupidity and concentrate on living good has been a life-changing event for me.
It's still the "Swift-boat" campaign. Go after an opponent's strengths, not weaknesses.
Imagine old Republican white guys from Dixie quoting Martin Luther King to an Hispanic woman who grew up in the projects in the Bronx.
What's funny is that the Democrats in the South all became Republicans when the Civil Rights Movement raised its scarey head....
Incredible!
Strange, considering that today's Democrat party is the national repository of grievance politics. This is also the same Senator who said that to oppose Eric Holder for AG was to be on the wrong side of history.
Contrary to liberal hysterics, the GOP usually has to be dragged kicking and screaming into the mildest exercise of identity politics. The difference here was that the Ricci case was such an egregious example of anti-White racism that the Repubs were forced to take a stand.
Now if the GOP were to actually stand up for the interests of their working- and middle-class White base, things would get mighty interesting.
There's a nice, toasty spot in hell especially reserved for Jeff Sessions.
Talk about the LAST person who should be bringing up anyone's racial affiliations...
This is a side show to take our eyes off the real issue that will most affect ALL of us in the future. And that is that Obama's and the democrats budget tripled the deficit. We now spend 53 cents of every government dollar to pay off the national dept. Why would anyone under 35 ever vote democrat ( or republican for that matter).
Leahy is the one playing racial politics here.
So I guess it is bad now for the republican party to defend their point of view.
This is why America is fed up with group of racial bigots.
The Republican party has dwindled down to simply the party of the rump confederacy. Hopefully, as the the old confederacy continues to shrink so will the backward Geezer's Old Party.
Overall, it appears that most GOP lawmakers, and even some Democrats, have a rather low opinion of the people who voted them into office. I watched much of the Sotomayor hearings on CNN and I have to agree with Leahy. The sarcasm spewed by the GOP senators on the panel was embarrassing. Well, if they think that represents the people of this country, they'll find out when they next stand for re-election.
I for one, who used to vote my conscience, will vote against the GOP next time around. And I suspect others will too.
The Republicans are trying to go to an old playbook, racial division, at a time in their history when fresh ideas are lacking. However, if they can move in a more libertarian direction and REAL small government, not the spin of small government while creating record deficits, they can have electoral success again. Ending the spending on building and maintaining an Empire, with bases all over the world, reducing the budget for militarism which now is more than the rest of the world combined, stopping the support of the global arms industry (which is a post WWII phenomenon) and heeding Ike's warning about the Military-Industrial-Complex, will make them a great party again. It will happen. The question is in two years or fifty. If they don't the Democrats don;t have to work very hard and that's always dangerous.
Let's face it, Sessions is a redneck racist from way back, what makes him different is he is an educated redneck.
It's time for Sessions and those of his ilk to be replaced. The world is changing, and he and his brand of politics don't fit anymore.
Joe
Please explain to me how Obama used racism. Giving a speech on race is not racism............It was truely needed at that time........How do you think the muslim americans felt during the elections..........Playing the fear card that Obama is a muslim did not come from the Dems......examples please.
"judget"? Eric, eric, eric... When you're trying to defend your party against the charge of racism, maybe its not a good idea to use sexist language while you're doing it. The term, I believe, is judge, for both men and women.
Well Pat, you already know she is wiser than you are because she is a Latina woman and she cannot distinguish between the words emminent and imminent so I guess that leaves you pretty far down on the totem pole in terms of judgement and smarts so you will have to excuse me if I chose to ignore your conclusions.
Dems are accusing Republicans of "racial politics?"
That's so cute and pathetic at the same time.
Hey Mike,
That's not what the case was about. Read up a little and get less republican talking points.
The case was about the limits of a city's power to change their hiring practice, nothing more nothing less. She wasn't ruling on "reverse racism" as so many of you put-upon white folk like to repeat.
If a city is afraid they are going to get sued because of their hiring practice, can they, or can they not change those hiring practices? That's it. That's all she ruled on.
Republicans were so concerned with the cool ,analytical and very intelligent Sotomayor's possible capacity for "empathy", even while they rely on our "empathy" to absolve Governor Sanford's maudlin and emotional affair with a "soulmate", his derelection of duty, and his damp and weepy reconciliation with his God and maybe his wife.
One party government is the goal here and the Dems will say and do ANYTHING to stay at the feeding trough. Senator Lehey is a race-baiter, appealing to the lowest common denominator. He’s a schoolyard bully who enjoys throwing bombs and lighting fires, only to watch the lefty loons pile out of the woodwork. Snap out of your comas before it’s too late!
"I am deeply troubled" is the quote that Sessions on and on and on kept repeating during the hearings. I believe that a majority of Americans, who turned into the sessions lead by Sessions should be "deeply troubled" by the hypocrisy that this leader of the Republican party continued to pronounce. There may be a place for this type of politics in America – mostly because our system does allow dissenting and all views to be heard (a good thing among the world's political systems). However, the more and more key Republican leaders keep talking true nonsense, the longer and longer Democrats and non-Republicans will continue to remain in power. I am quite glad that I do not live in the jurisdication for which Sessions would have been my elected leader. Quite glad at that.
Finally someone judging the GOP on the garbage that they try to present as factual record when it is really all lies, and should be addressed as such.
The new racism: If you don't think like a white male republican, you are a racist.
It's interesting to see that, yet again, people are blind to their own bias. Sessions and the rest of the GOP seem to have no problem with the older white male bias that has dominated the US Supreme court for the last couple of centuries. It is sad to see what used to be a great party stoop to the level of inflaming Joe the plumber types with the idea that the only reason they can't get ahead is because of women and minorities.
Every time that Leahy calls Sessions a bigot, Sessions gets more votes in Alabama.
Eric30mPUMA
Please explain how President Obama used Racism.............examples please.
Larry, like most libs, has no idea.
She should NOT be appointed to the Surpreme Court because her track record shows:
RACISM
PERSONAL AGENDA
HER 'FEELINGS OR DESIRES" over the constitution.
She is racist, socialist and not fit for our highest court!
Even with these to be know the libs continue to drink at the fount of Obama the muslim. How sad!
Got health care?
LOOSE LIPS LEAHY SAYS STOP??????
Give me a break. This guy crucified Alito, Roberts, Bork, etc etc. etc.
He is a HYPOCRITE!
Is there anybody left in the Republican party that isn't a racist? The party has gone south in so many ways. I used to belong to it when they stood for something other than waving the stars and bars and cross burning.
Excuse me, I left out a few. There is that gun crowd who, like Jacob Schaffer of Fayettesville Tennesee, think the second amendment gives them the right to kill their wife, kids and in-laws. After all, you're not a crook until you pull the trigger, right Republicans? And once you pull the trigger, why stop? After all, putting him to death will bring them all back. And it serves his wife right for not being armed at the dinner table, right? I mean if she can't smell an ambush from her husband coming, what kind of American is she?
For the love of G. W. Bush, eh?
Ridiculous. At least the Republicans didn't make anyone cry. Remember that....Asking relevant questions is what the American people want.
I am a black hispanic – and I felt that her statements about "...then a white male" was appalling. If we hispanics and blacks want to lift ourselves up, we have to stop with this double standard of speak. My parents always said, "hold yourself up to a higher standard and never be a victim and people will see not your color but your accomplishments." Sotomayors' comments were racially motivated and anyone who doesn't hear or see that are fooling themselves. I am ashamed of her – she does not represent ALL latina females. RN from MD
Obama didnt play the race card, he faced it straight on(his speech on race in philadelphia is an example) he was responding to the threats and racial slurs, and unjust mudslinging by people at the mccain-palin rallys. You want good examples of good ol racism, refer to the people that attended these rallys that were screaming out "lynch him" and calling him a "terrorist".
There were some very insensitive questions and comments made that, if you substituted an African American equivalent, we would deem very racist.
In addition, some of the comments about her temperament were sexist.
Why is it still okay in 2009 to be racist towards latinos and sexist towards women?
...And I thought most politicians were different here in the U.S. but there's not much difference between them and politicians in 2nd and 3rd world countries... of course, is not all of them but sadly for all of us, this ones let themselves to be noticed...
don't we all realizeevery thing is now considerd racial.congress must stop bickering and get down to real business2?we do not realize its our money thy waste every day.we are what is considered lower middle class wecan't pay all our bills but are not elegible for any aid.stop arguring over this judge and get to work!
I admonish EVERYBODY TO GET A DICTIONARY AND READ THE DEFINIONT FOR "RACIST" and RACISM"!!! I'm a certified English and Language Arts Teacher and was trained by the best to RESEARCH FIRST to get my facts crystal clear before making blanket or any type of statements. I am also certified in Social Studies, Early Childhood, and Middle School Education and have an earned Masters in Education Administration and Supervision. Remember also, it it far better to allow people to believe you to be dumb and ignorant than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!! Go forth and educate yourselves. INSTILL THIS CONCEPT IN YOUR CHILDREN. Maybe then America will return to the highest levels of educational ranking in the world as before. For your homework assignment ladies and gentlemen: Research the United States' current standing as it pertains to quality of Education. – Miss Barbara, M.Ed.
Speaking of racial politics, apparently it is quite alright if the 'whites' get picked on, and I cannot see in these interviews where race is a factor, and believe that Leahy is just bringing it up because he is trying to stir up
trouble when it just isn't true. I don't know how you 'good' liberals can possibly defend this behavior from him.
Apparently, it is 'racial' to even ask SS any questions that might 'offend'; I notice she is pretty good, like all libs, in not giving answers, but dodging, like the liberals do, rather than give a direct reply, when asked 'point blank'.
The usual GOP rhetoric is getting stale. I guess calling others names beats facing the issues of morality and stupidity within their own ranks. Sessions is a real nut case without any reservations about attacking windmills. Graham is really weird in his Sotomayor praise one second and condemnation the next. Maybe all these GOP guys cheat on their wives to simply avoid valium.
However, racism is horrible applied to any race. Even the playing field, but objectively seek the best. I don't have any racial prejudice or standards to a good fireman or policeman. If no blacks qualify or no whites qualify then they simply didn't meet standards. Good luck next time. Hire the best.
The Republicans are no worse than the Dems during the Miguel Estrada and Chief Justice Roberts hearings.
Only democrats can bring up race and call people racists. They own the issue. And I agree with comments earlier – Obama is still playing the race card these days – just as he did in the campaign. Just as many racists and bigots in the democratic party as in the republican party.
Unlike Larry, I would never vote Democrat. If my long deceased grandfather, who worked on the railroad, belonged to a union and voted Roosevely were still alive, I'd probably weaterbaord him until he renounced his party affiliation. Bunch of class envy, money envy, self-righteous, smug knuckleheads.
Jeff Sessions is about as racially sensitive as CNN is a honest news organization. C'mon, John King is no one's honest broker.
CNN, just who is in charge of the Ticker? Your bias is showing big time, but then you already know that and don't care! I have tried to post to many of the health care articles on the Ticker, only to find it closed after mid-range double digit comments. In looking at nine articles in the last two days about health care, they had 36,43, 58, 60, 65, 73, 88, 139 and 153 comments when they were closed. Could it be the SCATHING negative comments about ObamaCare from both Democrats and Republicans that you don't want the public to know about? We're not stupid...far from it!
Why don't you have a set policy of 200 or gee, I don't know, how about let every Ticker article go to to 300 like you do when it's Palin Bashing Time, huh? Grow up and do your job! Better yet, go back for a refresher course of Journalism 101 and bone up on what journalism is SUPPOSED to be. Sheesh! As a journalism student in the late 70's, I never thought I'd see the day when what was once a respectable (yet low-paying) job has sunk so very, very low. A biased media is never good for any country, no matter what party a person belongs to. I believe that the big networks are the closest thing to a state run media, the likes of which we have never seen before. Sad indeed, for America.
Has anyone said anything about her being a member of LA RAZA ,known as THE RACE.One of the most discrimmating groups there is.Of course not.
I am going to tell you that if she is put on the supreme court,she will do everything in her power to discrimmate against white people.Just look on how she voted against the white firefighters case.
Fellow American, we have NOT seen anything yet. This is the Republicans new fight. Race. Fox News and (R) politicians have been blaming minorities for everything since the election, i.e. economy, N1H1, you name it. Then they fought the hate crimes bill. Look at Fox News personalities call for vigilanti-ism. Also, during the election having people show up to Palin rallies holding monkeys and shout, "Kill him" and "Linch him". If anyone reall paid attention to the Tea-baggers, you will understand the theme here. Add these factors up and we should be very scared of the future.
JOE:
Let me make something clear. 95% of you are clueless thats why the people in power get away with everything.
Gingrich holds no position of power in the GOP.
The democrats always yell "racism" every time someone dares asks questions about a minority nominee. Heaven forbid someone may have qualms about some of Sotomayor's statements and rulings!
This nonsense does not warrant a comment!
How can she get the job on her own merits when it took affirmative action to get where she is? Does she call it fair being placed ahead of more qualified people?
@ joe,
THANK YOU
It is actually a little scary reading some of the opinions on here. This great country has survived and prospered despite populous opinion and will continue to do so thanks to those of you with some common sense.
Mr Newton Leeroy Gingrich did in fact call her a racist which was very disappointing.
However, he is also the man that allowed Rupert Murdoch to own major media outlets as a foreigner in the US. He did so by special exemption when he was speaker of the house. That was the most un-american act I have experienced as an adult. So I suppose he know longer has any credibility with "thinking" versus reactionary Americans!
I get a great big laugh at Leahy and the Demo's who respond to your column. Leahy calls Republicans names, yet, Sotomayor spent 4 days in front of his committee. The Demo's dragged out Thomas's hearing 4 weeks, brought in a witness to slander him, and make a disgrace out of the hearings.
Then you read all the Demo's emails here, and all you find the Demo's are racist and defaming with theri comments about Republicans. I bet 95% of the Demo emailers here are in fact a bunch of sissy's who sound tough but would run behind Sotomayor's skirts if they had to back up what they say man to man.
***Newt called Sotomayer a Racist ***
*Newt - wanted to discuss the terms of the divorce while I was recovering from my surgery." – Jackie, his first wife.
*Newt dead beta Dad
*Draft Dodger And a Hypocrite!!!!!
If DEMS want the GOP to stop accusing good people of being racist when they clearly are not, I suggest they make the first move.
Race bating has become the DEMS favorite game to play. Please enjoy a little more of your own medicine. It's an asinine game that doesn't serve the nation well, but you taught us all how to play.
These republicans again! Somebody needs to put them back on track.You can never get my vote again.
If a white man made a statement that q white man would make a better decision than an hispanic women or a black man or whatever he would be called racist and would not even be considered as a justice but an hispanic women can say something a hispanic women can can make a better decision than a white man she is not a racist and her critics are crucified. Both comments are wrong. One more thing why are the Dems upset with what the GOP thinks unless they too are concerned about her comments.
Now listen closely; if you do not bow down to everything the demo's and Obama want you are racist period. If you try to find out information about something before you agree or vote to it you are racist. Somebody help; this country is going down the tubes. Guess I'm racist.
I love how liberal memory is so fleeting. Sotomayor was NOT the first Hispanic nominee to the Supreme Court. She won't be the first hispanic on the Supreme Court, Either. Justice Benjamin Cardozo was on the SC for 6 years.
Also, Emilio Garza was a top choice for George Bush's nomination to the SC, but he wasn't nominated due to the DEMS threatening a filibuster.
The Republicans aren't even going to filibuster, yet they're labeled as racists. But when a Republican nominates a hispanic, and the Dems threaten to filibuster, there's no accusation of racism. How the heck is that fair or right? It isn't, its hypocrisy!
Senator Leahy cannot have it both ways. Do you remember the Clarence Thomas hearings? As Judge Thomas stated....this was a high tech lynching !!! And who can forget what the Dems did to Judge Bork? Are you kidding me? If anything, the GOP has been soft on Sotomayor. ......way too soft in my opinion. If a Republican had said some of the things this lady has said in the past....he would be lynched by the Dems. Stop whining Leahy !!!!!
You want to talk racism? The black community, which is by far Democrat, perpetuated the largest, single episode of racism by electing Obama to the Presidency just because he's black? Go back under your rock Leahy.
These comments are sad. People don't study, or even refer, to the issue at hand. Be it left or right, they fall back to their sides talking points, reciting them like robots.
Is it any wonder that George Washington warned against having political parties at all?
Party first is the new American battle cry.
Notfooled July 19th, 2009 2:27 pm ET
Sessions, Limbaugh the true republican leader called her a bigot. Therefore, you are lying when you say a republican leader did not call her a bigot!!
_ you sir are llying to yourself if you truly believe that limbaugh is a republican and a leader at that. Of course you believe this because the Dems told you to believe it. You are just one of 66 million people who can not seem to think for yourself. When, and if, you are able to grow enough brain cells you might realize that there are ALWAYS two sides to a story. Perhaps then you will be able to see things for what they really are. Until then, continue to follow your leader off the cliff.
First, Sotomayor made this a racist nomination by saying, "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would, more often than not, reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life". My question to that statement would be, how does that make you interpret the Constitution of the United States better than a white male?
Secondly, she was, quite obviously, the first to bring race into the mix, so please, quit saying it is the Republicans that are being racist. That to me is the pot calling the kettle black. There is no group more racist than a minority, period.
hey southerncousin,
you are obviously afraid that your fat old white a## is no linger going to be in power.
To spew such hate and cast all lberal folks who care about America's future as "dope smoking" liberals just shows how ignorant you are.
America will be a better place without you. If you don't like it here you could always go to the great democracy that Bush set up in Iraq. I am sure they will know what to do with you there!
So first CNN reports that the GOP doesn't like her... then they report that they're embracing her.... now they're racists? hhhmmmm unbiased reporting at it's best I guess.
Benj. Cardozo was a Sephardic Jew and though ancestry was Spanish/ Portugese, was not considered an Hispanic.
Typical RepubliCAN'TS. Always sending out school safety boy road guards to keep America in the Dark Ages. Sotomayor is not pure white so they want to deny her equal opportunity. Viva la Revolucion. Obam-Biden 2012!!!!
Senator Leahy forgets that Republicans have nominated a Hispanic for the Supreme Court and that The Democrats Torpedoed the nomination by threatening a filibuster over "ideas" the nominee had that could make his decisions not within the scope of the law (sound familiar).
The incredible,the incredible ,shrinking republican par-ty.
We concur with Leahy. No remark, regardless of the circumstance or context, should become defensible, if there is a racial epithet attached to it like a virus. The wise Latino wisecrack by Sotomayor is a case in point.
Sessions' complaint is without merit and he knows it.
He knows for example that Justice Souter, the man (and G.W. bush appointee) who Sotomeyer is being vetted to replace, supports the Second Circuit panel decision on Ricci v. DeStefano.
He also knows that the decision was based on a well established test stemming from a 1999 Second Circuit case involving a Nassau County police entrance exam.
He knows that the plaintiffs were predominately white.
And he knows that Sotomeyer was only one of three judges on the Second Circuit panel, the other two were white, and that it was a unanimous decision by the panel to support the original district court's decision. It is frankly impossible that Sotomeyer's Hispanic background could have influenced the decision in this case.
Unfortunately he also knows that this has been made into a "conservative talking point" and that his controversial arguments are going to be played out in the media (like CNN) where he can prey on the general public's ignorance about the Ricci case and score some political points for the Rednecklican party.
I'm just a typical white person, as obama would say, and I think both parties should stop screwing around and get back to work. I don't care if you have a D or an R after your name, but if you are an Incumbent, you are out.
This is just so much liberal whining. Whenever a Liberal has an objection to a conservative, their nattering is deemed "Asking the hard questions." But when the tables are turn, the liberals start wailing that they're being "picked on" by the "unfair Republicans."
Sorry folks, this is politics. Can't take the heat? Get out of the kitchen.
And yes, I believe a racist has no place being on the Supreme Court of the United States. And yes, when someone deems their race and gender to be naturally superior to that of another, then they are indeed racist and sexist. And there's absolutely NO room for that kind of bias in our nation's highest courts. PERIOD.
I just read an older CNN ticker entitled:
Jackson: Black leaders want to engage more with Obama
I guess Leahy's call doesn't apply to Jesse Jackson, eh?
Maybe Jesse Jackson didn't get the Leahy memo!
Or are racially motivated democrats exempt? Something to think about!
Yeah, I'm pretty much disgusted with just about everything coming out of the Republicans these days....and they wonder why they've got the problems that have in their party.....I just think it's people starting to wake up, frankly.
She said that a latino woman is better prepared to make decisions than a white male.
This is a racist statement. Don't kid yourselfs folks. White people should hold others to the same standards that we hold ourselves.
Racism isn't good, even when the offender is latino.
I'm so sick of hearing about Affimative Action. Tell me, where is it written that if a minority and a caucasian compete for the same job caucasians are ALWAYS more qualified? Where is it written that white people are more intelligent?
"You want to talk racism? The black community, which is by far Democrat, perpetuated the largest, single episode of racism by electing Obama to the Presidency just because he's black? Go back under your rock Leahy."
Jack, the black community has been solidly Democratic for decades. If Barack Obama received a higher percentage of the black vote than past Democrats, those additional blacks were either first time voters, or, they came from the few black Republicans that are left.
The Black community is solidly Democrat not because of black candidates, but because they saw the GOP welcome disgruntled southern whites with open arms after LBJ signed the Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts in 1964 and 1965. Blacks have certainly voted for white candidates when that was the only choice. Where is the racism?
I think Obama's election has meant the end to the kit glove treatment that many blacks have enjoyed in our society for the past decade or so. Time for blacks to put up or shut up. I believe mainstream White America has grown tired of Jesse, Al and the NAACP dog and pony shows.
Boo Hoo I bet the Dems didn't attack Clarence Thomas did they. All candidates for this job go through this.It is part of the right of passage.
I find it fascinating that the people that are calling Judge Sotomayer a racist are themselves racist. People that voted for John McCain and that racist Palin only because they did not want a Black man as president. You hypocrites are unbelievable!
Danny J,
I suggest you look up the word "Hispanic" before you blast democrats and jews- Jusice Benjamin Cardozo was Sephardi Jew and Portugese- he was NOT Hispanic in contemp. terms- as Portugese is not considered hispanic... Also I'm starting to believe that the same five people (on both sides democratic and republican) are writing the bulk of these they are starting to sound alike (the comments)
Hello Nevada,
I would hope that anyone who has led a life filled with a multitude of experiences (rich) would, more often than not, make better decisions than someone who has not. The problem is not that she believes that a Latina woman will make better decisions than a white man, but that she cannot paint an entire group with one brush. There are many white males that never go outside their comfort zone to learn about others, but I suspect the same can be said for some Latina women. We all need to learn more about our differences and our similarities.
You can't be racist if you are a member of a minority. After all, we are victims. Democrats can't be racist. They are the only good people. We all know that the Repubs are the party of the white devil. They have gotten rich off the backs of the minorities. It's time for them to pay. Raise their taxes to pay for my health care. I need to get my ailing mother across the border so she can get medical treatment she can't get in Mexico. Ha Ha and now you whities are going to have to pay for it! Go Obama. From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.
CNN – perhaps the article should read:
Leahy TO Sotomayor : Stop The Racial Politics...
Instead of;
Leahy on Sotomayor: Stop The Racial Politics....
Typical liberal behavior; when one of their own commits an unfavorable act...it's overlooked, or biasly justified with some warped sense of reasoning....She made nice for the cameras and the congressmen; period. She's a radical, a liberal and a poor judge.
What? You've got to be kidding? White men from the Republican party have been bashing hispanics? Who would have ever thought such a thing?
By the way, who is Pat Buchanan? What political party does he belong to? He surely couldn't be a Republican, could he?
This is not racist what so ever but ms. sotomayor is not qualified to be on the Supreme Court if you listened to the hearings she seemed like she changed her mind constantly about things she has said and quite frankly she doesn't appear to want to adhere to the constitution moreover she seemed to want to make laws instead of rule on the laws in place.
If the Republicans have to use raced based attacks then what does that say about the Republican Leadership? That they really don't have any leadership and have to resort to insults and degrading attacks to try and strip a person of their individuality. The GOP should realize that the days of the Grand Old Party is over with. This is 2009 and the values associated with the Grand Old Party can longer keep pace with the reality of the modern world and that reality is that the internet and communication is now at the center of the world where old world values and politics are no longer needed. This is how progress works.
CNN – Take a poll of how many women and people of color in the US found the GOP's handling of the Soto hearings racial, sexist, and generally offensive. That would be a massive amount of people.
Why is it racist to question her beliefs and actions while a memeber of a particular group? Why is discussion such a bad thing now. I believe most of the Republicans have conceded she will be elected, so where's the problem? If they disagree with her beliefs or opinions, they are entitled to that. Isn't that the reason we hold elections? Wasn't one of the complaint about the last administration that there was no dissent, no opposing opinion? I guess the lesson is it's okay to be like that as long as it's your opinion.
Racial politics played a key roll in Obama gaining the democratic nomination and then the presidency. It also helps explain why most people in power, democrats and republicans, will not call this guy out on his radical behavior. We all suffer when race is used to sway our decisions.
Republicans would never bash hispanics, would they?
BTW, who is this Pat Buchanan I keep seeing on MSNBC. Which political party does he belong to?
Why are more politicians concerned with party loyalty rather than country loyalty. It seems to me that our representatives do injustice to those of us who are a majority of the Unied States (middle class and poor people). I am disgusted with all the negative remarks from some media people and elected officials (republican and democrat) who continue to complain but offer no real suggestions to help our country. Any intelligent person can understand why we need to do the right thing to improve our greed driven health care system. I hope that the people of our country wake up from the deep sleep we seem to be in and understand that we are not being well served by our representatives when their interest are lying in bed with the very people they should be protecting us from.
You have to be kidding. A Democrat is accusing the Republicans of being harsh??? What nominee did the Democrats let slide through?? The Democrats have an unbelievable ability to re-write history. I just can't stand it.
Keahy should resign. He is a career beauracrat and one of the worst partisan boors in DC. He has filibustered Republican nominees in the past, and has bad mouthed anything from the GOP. Leahy is a reverse bigot and racist and he has been trained by Pblamo to race any way he can. A donky would do a better job than Leahy. He could return to the mountains of Vermont
NevadaGeorge: read the whole comment, not just the cherry picked section. Thank you. (Anyone else sick of hearing about this stupid comment in light of the abuse this woman was put through last week?)
I found the whole process offensive, as a woman, and it made me cringe. After it was done, I felt battered for Judge Sotomayor, emotionally. I don't understand how the media could talk about how respectful the Republicans who questioned her were. They were condescending, bullying, and bigoted. And these are our representatives, folks. Kind of makes you proud, huh?
i am black and white and arab and aisian and spanish and european. who can I whine to?
I would like to remind both the Republicans and especially the
Democrats that we Independents are now the largest voting
group in the country. I personally am very concerned about
SSs ability bo be an impartial SC justice.
It's laughable when a republican says that Democrats can't think for themselves. There hasn't been a new idea from the GOP camp since Ronald Regan.
@Jack – not so fast. I'm white. I not only voted for Obama, I volunteered during his campaign, and most of the people I worked with there were white, right here in suburban Atlanta. It's only a small cross-section of the whole country, but kind of blows your theory.
Aw, come on. Republicans would never bash or disrespect hispanics, would they.
BTW, would was this Pat Buchanan guy who gave a speech at the 1992 RNC convention? And who was this guy "Jose" he kept talking about? He didn't seem to like this "Jose" fellow very much.
Sessions is a DOLT! You can see why he didn't make it through the process years ago. And Gingrich has the eloquence of the creature of his first name – a Newt!
I am still trying to understand why , blacks votin g for Obama is racism. Blacks have always voted for whites. Whites vote for whites. Blacks vote overwhelmingly Democratic regardless of the candidate's color. Saying that all blacks voted for obama because he is black is not true. As for Clarence Thomas, if you were to poll blacks, he is not a favorable brother because of his ideology. He garners little support in the black community. Just because one is black does not mean he IS BLACK.
Gee yet another blog slamming the Republicans. Give it up CNN, MSNBC has a corner on the socialist lib market.
First off I'm a Republican and I am neither old or racist!!!! It saddens me that one group of people chose to be so divisive and hate filled as the people who claim to be the most tolerant. What you practice is not tolerance. It is the most hate filled, vile sewage I have ever heard in political discourse. And 99% of it comes out of the Democrat party.
Strange that a party that claims to be for minorities will put down a black Republican. Yet let someone sy anything disparaging about a black Democrat and that person is labled a racist. The same goes for Republican women, they are put down and called stupid. Yet if a Democrat woman is talked about that way the person is a sexist.
Talk about hipocracy!!!
I have heard all of this over and over again and I still can't find the bigotry in her comment about being a wise latina women. This was a self description. Like "strong black woman" . was it a secret that she was latina? I'm so over it. people will pick anything apart to find dirt. I guess they just don't have enough dirt of thier own to wallow in.
can we move on now? this is starting to give my a palin headache.
NEWT needs to move to a third world dictated country and see how long his mouth over runs his ass .before he gets it shut .
he must think everyone has forgotten about all the crap he pulled while being speaker of the house . most every thing he says about the Judge is a mirror of his own ideas of humanity
another simple jerk of jerks
The Republicans are so worried that she might have an "agenda." Take a look at Chief Justice Roberts. i believe in every criminal case before the Court since he has been Chief Justice, he has sided with the prosecution. No agenda? Give me a break.
Judge Sotomayor should have stood behing her liberal views the same way that Justice Robert stood behind his conservative views during his confirmation hearing. Democrats are just a bunch of cowards. When Republicans know they have enough senators to vote on something they don't bend to democrats. Democrats had enough votes to confirm Judge Sotomayor had republicans decided to vote against her. It doesn't matter who voted, she would still be a Supreme Court Justice. Democrats had no reason to bend for the republicans because their votes are worthless. They can't even fillibuster. They were just talking the talk. Cheap talk, that's all.
Next time, I hope democrats will nominate an activiist liberal judge who can stand for all liberals just as republicans nominate activist conservative judges who stand for all conservatives. I think liberals need a voice in the Supreme Court as well.
It is funny when all the republicans were following George Bush off a cliff, the rest of the country woke up and saw the hypocrisy of the GOP. Now out of power, Sessions and Newt and the rest of the party have turned to" do as I say but no as I do".
Leahy is dead WRONG.
It is Sotomayor who, HERSELF, has introduced RACIAL POLITICS, as well as the person who supports such.
Sotomayor should NOT be confirmed, for she is NOT telling the truth about her True Opinions and says ONLY what she 'thinks she should say to be Confirmed.'
Plus, Sotomayor did NOT answer ONE QUESTION.
How does one KNOW WHO SHE IS AT THIS POINT??????
She revealed NOTHING ABOUT HERSELF.
Sotomayor avoided and evaded all Pertinent and Important Questions posed her.
Sotomayor is Completely Unqualified to be on the Supreme Court.
Sotomayor should NOT be confirmed.
Sotomayor has by her own inadequacy shown to the World that she is NOT qualified.
Plus, her Temperament is Not suitable for a seat on the Supreme Court for life.
It was quite the spectacle watching a bunch of well off Republican old white guys lecture an accomplished Latina woman about racism and racial politics. What's amazing is they had no idea how stupid and out-of-tough they looked. I'd be embarrassed for them all if I hadn't already expected it.
Senator Leahy is right about not judging people by their race and treating them fairly. But I think that he should take a good look in the mirror before he opens his mouth.
I guess he would rather have people forget the shameful way that nominees in the Bush administration were treated by democrats.
Judge Sotomayor was treated very gently in comparison. I do not care about her gender, race, religion. I only care about other cases of hers that I have read about. For instance, the one that really upsets me is the opinion that she gave in the case of the New Haven firefighters. That was absolutely shameful and disgusting. Those men were denied promotion for one reason and one reason only and that is their race. So what is Senator Leahy talking about when he says that he hopes that we don't go back to make decisions on race. That is what Judge Sotomayor actually did.
Wonder what the pugs would have done if the democrats had pounded and flamed alito and roberts the way they are flaming and slurring Sotomayer.