Why is the author whining about republicans trying to block presidential nominations? Did democrats and even our sitting president do the same exact thing to the previous administration? Aren't many of the vacant seats leftover from that era. Come on, stop whining about something when the other guy does it when you not just accept it, but even encourage it in other circumstances, you hypocrite.

What's the point of even having this debate when it seems clear that the typical Republican/conservative supporter wouldn't be able to recognize the subtle, yet important differences between a gentle caress and a vicious punch in the face? <link> Who's hypocritical, again? Why don't you find one example of a Bush nominee, supported by his or her home-state, Democratic senators, who was intentionally delayed by the Democratic senate, regardless of obvious bipartisan support?

Did democrats and even our sitting president do the same exact thing to the previous administration?

Simple and short answer ... "NO".

The vast majority of Bush's nominees went through without a wimper, even though during Clinton the GOP had been more obstructionist.

Essentially the GOP escalates the judicial nominating process everytime. Particularly when they realize they are a minority of the population.

So whatever happened to the Gang of 14? I thought there was a deal in place - the minority party retains the ability to filibuster judicial nominations, in exchange for not abusing the privilege on routine appointments. Did that go out the window when the parties reversed their positions? Perhaps it's time to start talking about nuclear options again.

The GOP side of the Gang of 14 lost some of its members in the last election...

Actually, your post should be titled "unfair is unfair" since you are describing Republican tactics to delay and obstruct presidential nominations for the only the purpose of hamstringing a sitting president. Yes, if the Republicans, or Democrats, or anyone, thought that a presidential nominee would be a disaster for the country, they should try to stop it using the legal means at their disposal. But the Republicans in congress (I'm still registered as one) will go nuclear on nearly every presidential nomination for pure partisan reasons.

This is bad for the country. Are they saying that literally nearly every nominee which Obama has put up would be so very bad for the country, are so at odds with everything American that they need to obstruct them? Of course not. They just don't want Obama or any Democrat, to succeed on anything.

The Repugs are frightened because, back when Bush was President, they helped create a monster of unfettered executive power. Obama has been disinclined to use that power, but it's there, and it frightens the mean little men who created it. Well, in the words, of Dick Cheney, fuck them. They had a chance to let the past die and get on with things, and they don't seem able to do that. Let them die with the past.

demo did it even more the hispanic tx judge gave up after more than an yr waiting to have a hearing

Oldhat, although you have most of your facts wrong, I believe you are speaking of Estrada. For the record, a number of Clinton nominees were never acted upon, or even had a committee hearing, for about six or seven years. I don't think Estrada comes close.

The entire Republican play book since at least Rove has been to shriek that every Democratic candidate and program Endangers the Republic! They are constantly at DefCon4, and they are losing credibility even with some of the more partisan Republicans.