Specter: Kagan Did "Just Enough" to Win my Vote

AP

Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania wrote in a USA today op-ed today that Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan did "just enough" to win his support by agreeing that Supreme Court proceedings should be televised.

The largely critical op-ed said that Kagan "did little to undo the impression that nominating hearings are little more than a charade in which cautious non-answers take the place of substantive exchanges."

"Her non-answers were all the more frustrating, given her past writings that the hearings were vacuous and lacked substance," Specter wrote.

The senator, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Kagan gave "no meaningful observations" on court cases like U.S. vs. Morrison, which overturned the Violence Against Women Act, or Citizens United, which significantly changes the nature of campaign financing. He also criticized her resistance to questions pertaining to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act or the Sovereign Immunity Act.

"It may be understandable that she said little after White House coaching and the continuing success of stonewalling nominees," Specter wrote. "But it is regrettable."

The senator praised Kagan's position on cameras in the courtroom, however, noting that "the court is a public institution that should be available to all Americans."

Specter, who switched from the Republican party to the Democratic party in 2009, voted against Kagan's confirmation as President Obama's solicitor general last year.

The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Kagan's nomination next week, and then send the nomination to the full Senate for approval.

Kagan is expected to be confirmed, but Sen. Jeff Sessions (Ala.), the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, told the conservative magazine Human Events today that "the filibuster is not off the table."

[republicanblack]

Of course A Spector is gonna confirm Kagan, he's out. What does he stand to gain from holding up someone who is clearly qualified according to our constitution. She is of age and good character, what else do we need. I am sure he has some last minute things he would like to get done, so he's gonna vote him in. Now the real question is what the heck is up with Kagan's skirt suits

http://apleblog.com/2010/05/19/kagans-skirt-suits/

[nicmart]

What else do we need? Erudition, intellect, respect for property rights, opposition to the imperial presidency, insistence that politicians adhere to the strictures of the constitution..." A crafty turnip could be confirmed today.

[tapittwice]

Spector is right, Kagan and other hopeful supreme court nominee's should be more forthcoming in their respective answers to the Senate, especially with respect to controversial decisions, which are the real reason these future supreme court judges are selected in the first place! But I also agree with stormerF3 as well, it's too bad this observation had to be made by a man of such low moral and ethical character as Arlen Specter who is indeed a toad!!

[USWGO]

Kagan will further give Obama dictatorial power do you want that? Do you want our soldiers and Veterans to sacrifice for nothing? Do you care about your republic anymore or do you side with the Terrorists Obama is apart of? Obama is a terrorist and I can prove it. Theres government documents suggesting that Obama has the power to assassinate Americans citizens, and documents stating that Obama is carrying the executive orders that Bush executed. Obama is another copy of George Bush.

[artmerkl]

I can't believe anyone in their right mind would suggest civil war -- get real uswgo.

[USWGO]

It is only a last resort if Obama goes fourth with first killing 2 year olds and then comes after us. Obama is no different then Hitler and if he keeps up with his neo hitler-ism then we have to secede from the union and if Obama decides to kill us for not wanting to obey federal government stupid laws anymore then civil war is the last resort ONLY if the federal government sends troops after the states that secede from the union.

I am not suggesting violence but I don't want to die in a Concentration camp or forced labor camp. last thing we need is another Hitler! Espoecially Obama having dangerous treasonous opinions. In fact a Clinton top official says that only a terrorist attack would save Obama so these people including Obama is so scary they support terrorist attacks to revive the falling approval rating.

Obama is not different then Hitler because Hitler burded the Parliament building to suspend the reich Constitution in germany the same will happen by Obama, Obama could try attacking the capital to suspend the legislative branch and give Obama dictatorial powers.

orly Taitz is even suggesting succession from the Union.

[USWGO]

Kagan is just another Obama power grab to take control of all three branches of government. Obama has complete control with the Executive branch with all the communist and genocidal czars, he has control of the legislative branch by putting in all the fake democrats (They are not democrats they are socialists pretending to be democrats) so Obama has complete control over the legislative branch, and with Elena Kagan bending over backwards to want Obama Obama will have complete control over all three branches of Government which is a danger to our civil liberties and will end the Constitution forever however the way to fight this is NOT with violence but with seceding from the Union so if Obama topples the federal 3 separated power branches then states need to secede from the union to make Obamas Tyrannical dictatorial powers obsolete.

If Obama decides our secession is illegal and tries to violate our sovereignty with military then we need to fight the federal government under acts of war by the Obama Administration if he is against state secessions.

Civil war would be the last resort against a neo Hitler. First peace and if that fails and Obama wants to have his way with us by force then defense and militias are our last hope to defend this broken republic.

[afmcalax]

These are the truly scary, irrational people that the conservatives in the Republican Party court. Ever since America had the audacity to elect a black president, their heads have been threatening to explode. It is sad that commentators for Fox and the Confederate leaders of the Republican Party in Congress continue to fan this fear and loathing to gain credibility with this ever increasing irrational base.

As President of course he has total control of the Executive Branch ... that is how it is actually laid out in the Constitution. The Democrats are in control of both houses of Congress because of their election victories in 2006 and 2008. This also is in accord with the Constitution as the politicians that garner the most votes get to represent the districts and states. Just because you do not like the outcome does not mean this has some kind of communistic overtone. Finally the Supreme Court is still 5-4 majority for the Bushites. Kagan does not alter that number at all. People like USWGO really need to get a firmer grasp of reality. Their reactions are more like that of a potential terrorist than a patriot.

[stormerF3]

Like we care what the hell you think Specter,your gone please leave quietly,and stop all the dribble. You should not even get a vote you toad.