Biden is absolutely correct--These hearings are a joke

[WI_DEM]

as he said on the Today Show. Because the nominees don't say anything. It's just become a big game on how not to say anything which might disqualify you. Biden said that perhaps it should just be debated in the Senate and just base the debate on the nominees opinions and writings over the years and then have a vote. I think he is right, we don't get anything except empty statements and posturing at these hearings. Not to mention staged events like Mrs. Alito's "break down."

[incapsulated]

1. I'm not even watching anymore

Just tell me if they filibuster, that's all I care about. I know the score on sAlito already.

[Jane Austin]

2. He's more responsible than most for the hearings being a joke.

If he would ask a succinct question, without all the mugging for the camera and speechifying, he could make the hearings a great deal more relevant and serious.

Then, if the candidate danced around the question, Biden should say, "Judge Alito, you are not answering my question. And I have to tell you that if you won't answer my quesitons, I cannot vote to confirm you."

Presto! The hearings regain their relevance and the burden lands on the candidate, where it should be, rather than on how good the Senators' questions are.

It's so damned simple.

Any Senator who can't see this needs to make way for someone who can.

[madmom]

3. If they don't answer questions nominations withdrawn! n/t

[Eric J in MN]

4. It would put the focus more on the nominee's record, where it belongs,

instead of on how nicely he says:

I can't answer that, because the issue may come before the court.

[Eric J in MN]

5. Did Biden say that this morning? (nt)

nt

[graywarrior]

6. It's a jack-off circus freakshow and the media whores are

creamining themselves all over tv. I won't contribute to it by tuning in. Dems got no balls anyway. Alito would get confirmed anyway without all this happy horseshit.

[KittyWampus]

7. You & He are dead WRONG. They're an opportunity to get nominee under oath

If Democrats can't use this opportunity to America's advantage... it still doesn't mean the process is worthless.

[stewert]

8. Try This.........

The Senate should pass a rule that if a nominee does not answer the questions they do not get a vote, plain and simple, answer the questions or no vote.

If they don't want to do that they should just cancel the hearings and put it to the floor for a vote.