Politics as Usual

Between now and Justice Alito's confirmation, we will be subjected to nothing but bitter partisan politics (with the occasional voices of reason here and there). And I don't plan to comb through those comments with any great attention to detail. It's all irrelevant--because it is concerned almost exclusively with the off-limits political questions. (Although it can be really interesting.)

But here's something worth noting. In 1990, Judge Alito was confirmed by a unanimous Senate for his position on the 3rd Circuit. He'll have no such luck this time. Consider the following from the never-hypocritical Ted Kennedy (who led the campaign to destroy Robert Bork, and once in a private elevator extended his hand to Bork, smiling and saying, "Nothing personal,"):

"If confirmed, Alito could very well fundamentally alter the balance of the court and push it dangerously to the right," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat.

Republicans pounced on the statement, comparing it with Mr. Kennedy's statement 15 years ago during Judge Alito's confirmation hearing to the 3rd Circuit.

"You have obviously had a very distinguished record, and I certainly commend you for long service in the public interest," Mr. Kennedy said then. "I think it is a very commendable career, and I am sure you will have a successful one as a judge."

--From the Drudge Report.