Opinion

Republicans were not extreme obstructionists

Posted July 22, 2018 1:00 am

Make no mistake, Conservatives and most Republicans were as upset with the Obama presidency as liberals and most Democrats are with the Trump presidency. However, as Mr. Obama pointed out, elections have consequences and one of those is the duly elected president's right (and duty) to nominate Supreme Court candidates.

The difference between then and now is that Republicans did not embrace the extreme obstructionist posture that Democrats have chosen as their mantra de jour. As proof, I cite the recent confirmation votes for the extremely liberal and activist jurists (Kagan and Sotomayer) nominated by Mr. Obama. Few conservatives or Republicans were happy with these choices, but yet nine Republicans voted to confirm Justice Sotomayer and four Republicans joined the Democratic block to confirm Justice Kagan.

Today Senate Minority Leader Schumer is urging all Democrats to oppose President Donald Trump's nominee and Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin has suggested that red state Democrats sacrifice their careers (re-election hopes) and do "the right thing" by voting against confirmation. Could the difference and decline in civility and common courtesy be more striking?

Martin Dettmer

Wheaton

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