Update [2005-9-23 20:8:45 by Armando]: From the diaries by Armando, with some additions. My reaction may surprise some folks, because I have been deeply critical of Leahy. I like that Obama is standing up for his fellow Dem Senator. Too often, Democratic elected officials spend time criticizing each other. I think they should find ways to express disagreement without going after each other. I think folks like us and advocacy groups are a different story. And I think, on the merits, Obama's comment is way off the mark. But still, I respect his impulse to defend a fellow Dem Senator.
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) released a press release yesterday stating that he will
oppose John Roberts' nomination to Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In it he is also
critical of "largely Democratic advocacy groups" that came down hard on Senatory Leahy following his announcement that he would vote for the nomination.
I was deeply disturbed by some statements that were made by largely Democratic advocacy groups when ranking member Senator Leahy announced that he would support Judge Roberts. Although the scales have tipped in a different direction for me, I am deeply admiring of the work and the thought that Senator Leahy has put into making his decision. The knee-jerk unbending and what I consider to be unfair attacks on Senator Leahy's motives were unjustified. Unfortunately, both parties have fallen victim to this kind of pressure.
I'm glad that he is voting against Roberts, but what exactly are we to make of his statements regarding advocacy groups? Is this some validation of those around here angry over single-issue groups? I don't think so. I think that it is posturing and that we shouldn't excoriate Obama for it, but at the same time we need to be louder than ever about our reasoning.