Marathon Debate Fails, Energizes Democrats

As the U.S. Senate ended its marathon debate over judicial nominees, Ralph G. Neas, President of People For the American Way, had the following statement:

“The Republican strategy backfired. They wanted sympathy, but their theatrics generated only ridicule. They wanted to demoralize the Democrats, but in the end they energized the Democrats, and fostered even greater solidarity.

“What the American people saw in this 40-hour debate was this: Statesmanlike Democrats have approved 168 Bush Administration right-wing nominees, and blocked just a handful of the most extreme. Meanwhile, the public saw hours of debate that accomplished no change in outcome, while the pressing business of the nation went undone.

“This was a tremendous victory for the Constitution and for the American people. Courageous senators stood fast against right-wing nominees who would undo years of progress on civil rights and equality, religious liberty, protection of the environment, privacy rights, women’s rights and reproductive choice. It was a good night for those senators, and a good morning for the nation.”