I have never posted here before, although I have been reading for over a year. I have to say that I am highly disappointed by some of the comments I am reading. It doesn't make sense to abandon the Democratic party (assuming you are part of it) or to refuse to support othewise decent Democrats simply because they voted for cloture. The reason I say this is that Alito's confirmation was inevitable. There was nothing we could have done to stop it.
Face facts, only a couple of nominees who didn't withdraw have been stopped. Only one in my lifetime (Bork, I am in my mid thirties). The odds were never very good. Also, this system is basically designed to ensure that nominees don't answer the questions that could get them in hot water.
There was no bombshell scandal about Alito. Nothing to capture the public like Anita Hill did (and don't forget, Thomas got in with a Democratically controlled Senate) In light of this, I say we need to rally, not fracture the Democratic party. The Dems who voted for Alito are still better than the overwhelming majority of GOP'ers either in the senate or who would take their places if we abandon them. We can't just throw a temper tantrum and stomp our fee. We can accept the fact that we lost, as just about everyone with decent political instincts thought we would, take a quick breather, then get back to work. Now is not the time to fall apart.