Franken's first public role as Senator. On the Judiciary Committee re: Sotomayor.

[pinto]

He was a little awkward, but set his point of view squarely in the framework of three equal branches of federal government, and the role of the SCOTUS as the final arbiter of the rule of law and individual rights in our country.

Along the way he made a nod to the "judicial activism" talk. Said he was opposed to it, as well. Noting that the Congress legislates and the Executive carries out that legislation, he said he was concerned that Supreme Court decisions "of the last few years" had usurped both functions.

It was a good come back to the RW memes expressed earlier, I thought.

Did well, imo.

:kick:

[madaboutharry]

1. I don't think he was awkward at all.

I think he did a fine job.

[Ian David]

2. That's Al's standard delivery. He pauses when he talks. n/t

[pinto]

4. Didn't realize that. He made some good points and, more importantly, Sotomayor did as well.

She noted the role of the law and precedence in the legal system, the constitution, as well as her bona fides. Simply, with little fan fare.

[harun]

3. I think he did awesome.

[pinto]

5. I liked how he set the picture in the realm of three equal branches of government.

They all know Sotomayor will be confirmed, these speeches aren't about that.