The more Samuel Alito says, the greater the chance that he'll say something controversial. The more an individual senator says, the greater the time he'll appear on television. Several Democratic members of the judiciary committee have opted for grandstanding over defeating Alito. In other words, they're hogging the camera and allowing Alito to cruise through his confirmation hearings without saying much. Party objectives and member objectives clash, and several key Democrats have opted for--surprise!--their own personal interests.

AnkleBitingPundits analyzed the Tuesday word count of Alito and his judiciary committee interrogators. The senator who likes to hear the sound of his voice the most? Joe Biden, who asked a thirteen-minute opening question. Biden uttered 78 percent of the words in his exchanges with Alito, who got in 22 percent of the words spoken--despite being the questioned and not the questioner. Next in line was the verbose Chuck Schumer, who spoke three words to every one word that came out of Alito's mouth. No doubt Schumer, accostomed to 10-1 ratios, is now complaining about Alito hogging the conversation. Republican Mike DeWine said 72 percent of words to 28 percent for Alito in their discussion. Ted Kennedy landed fourth place on this ignominious list, saying 69 percent of the words to Alito's 31 percent.

All of this has made the hearings quite boring, and almost unwatchable. Alito, like John Roberts, is far more interesting and intelligent than his examiners, one of whom I actually heard refer to the Alien and Sedition Acts in World War I.

The Senate ain't called the world's greatest deliberative body for nothin'. Senators know how to deliberate, pontificate, and speculate; proclaim, propound, and profess; soliloquize, verbalize, and sermonize...

One good thing to say: it's a rare opportunity for American non-legal eagles (like me) to get a glimpse of this process and of the big names all the pundits light into.

All you need to know about this is that Ted Kennedy is questioning this giant of jurisprudence. Nuff' said.

What a bunch of clowns these guys are. Right down to Fat Ted asking his questions of Judge "Alioto" and Biden's 12 minute question.

In lieu of breaking the law celebrating the LSD developer's centennial, you might try the "extreme" Chuck Schumer drinking game. Take a shot (or sip) every time Schumet says extreme. Drink plenty of water before hitting the rack though.

For Biden this is free airtime in anticipation of an '08 presidential run.

During the Roberts hearings I was impressed by the soft-spoken Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KA). He asked John Roberts if he valued the Americans with Disabilities Act, since it helps so many Americans who have disabilities live with dignity. Roberts of course said yes. Brownback then said he hoped Roberts would regard fetuses that have been diagnosed with diseases or defects as being entitled to protection under the ADA. Very deft.

Interesting bit concerning C.A.P. from Fox News:

"Former CAP members and Prospect staffers deny their work was racist or sexist.
'There were some of the older alumni who would wax nostalgic about the 'old Princeton,' but there was nothing in the magazine that opposed coeducation or women at Princeton,' said Hoover Institution scholar Dinesh D'Souza. 'The organization was critical of racial preferences, but that position was well within the mainstream of conservatism.'
D'Souza, who attended Dartmouth University as an undergraduate, was hired by CAP's board to helm Prospect. In fact, several Prospect's editors, including D'Souza and radio talk show host Laura Ingraham, had been hired after their work at the breakaway independent conservative newspaper, the Dartmouth Review.
D'Souza, author of 'The End of Racism,' said he did not recall ever hearing of Alito during his time at Princeton. He said it was entirely possible that Alito never saw one copy of Prospect, even though he was likely on the magazine's mailing list.
'Alumni are inundated with stuff they get from college. This was one of a barrage of materials. It's quite possible he signed up or someone else signed him up,' D'Souza said."

If CAP was wanted to keep minorities out of Princeton, why were D'Souza and Ingraham writing for their publication?

Excellent point, Ralph.

Jeremiah,

I was also pleased with Sam Brownback. If we could get Sam to run in 08, nominate Giuliani as his vice presidential candidate, see them win, and then hope to God Giuliani doesn't run in 2016, or if he does that he appoints conservative judges, we'd be set. During the 08-16 terms the president will be replacing at least 2 justices. Let's hope Hillary doesn't win, although I have a suspicion she will.

'Senators know how to deliberate, pontificate, and speculate; proclaim, propound, and profess; soliloquize, verbalize, and sermonize...'
Sounds like you would be a great Senator. All that hot air and shit that continually spews from your mouth fits your profile for a Senator perfectly. Are you going to run in 2006? I'm sure many Republicans will vote for you. Hell, they voted for Tom DeLay. Just goes to prove there's a sucker born every minute so your election to the Senate is virtually a lock. BTW, why do you hate America?
As always, fu*k you.