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RandySF

(59,039 posts)
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 09:03 PM Apr 2023

Dianne Feinstein digs in

Dianne Feinstein is once more displaying the stubborn approach that’s powered her storied career as pressure mounts on her to return to Washington or resign.

Confidants and top allies to the 89-year-old Democratic senator are rebuffing calls for her to not just temporarily remove herself from the Senate Judiciary Committee but step down from her job entirely before her term is up in 2024.

They argue her request this week to be replaced on the committee while recuperating from shingles should satisfy critics — at least for now. They view the calls for her to quit as laced with ageism, sexism, ideological disputes and unchecked political opportunism. And there’s considerable anger being directed at her detractors for not exercising patience during a difficult time while showing her the respect they think she’s earned.

“Ro Khanna has no influence on her whatsoever,” said one California Democrat granted anonymity to discuss the senator’s thinking, referring to the first sitting lawmaker who publicly called on her to resign. Feinstein “is not going to respond to pressure.”

The resolve bubbling up from Feinstein’s orbit adds yet more fuel to the Democratic Party’s combustible situation. The senator has been absent from Congress for nearly two months while dealing with her illness, which means the party can’t move some of President Joe Biden’s nominees through the Judiciary Committee. Aides say they still believe she will return when medically cleared to travel. But Feinstein so far has offered no timeline for when she will be back in Congress, prompting concern among fellow party members that she won’t really return at all.



https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/14/dianne-feinstein-digs-in-00092171

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Dianne Feinstein digs in (Original Post) RandySF Apr 2023 OP
has anybody actually seen her in the last week? nt msongs Apr 2023 #1
Has anyone seen any member of the Senate? They're on recess. onenote Apr 2023 #16
... Sky Jewels Apr 2023 #2
So essentially vercetti2021 Apr 2023 #3
There are a lot of Biden nominees that have made it out of Committee waiting Senate action onenote Apr 2023 #18
As said. Hortensis Apr 2023 #33
She apparently Rebl2 Apr 2023 #4
Information is a pretty reliable anxiolytic. Plus, let's face it -- Hortensis Apr 2023 #34
The judge issue is a red herring Zeitghost Apr 2023 #5
we have 630 days of Senate control remaining dsc Apr 2023 #7
1%, really, that's your threshold of inconvienience? Zeitghost Apr 2023 #8
It would be one thing if we had a timeline dsc Apr 2023 #9
That's not how this works Zeitghost Apr 2023 #12
yeah it is like that dsc Apr 2023 #14
Excellent post. The judges are a total red herring. The same group didn't prioritize the Nixie Apr 2023 #10
Bernie Sanders wasn't on the judiciary committee. Sky Jewels Apr 2023 #29
See post #38. onenote Apr 2023 #42
This too. Frankly, I'd be worried if I heard Ro Khanna Hortensis Apr 2023 #43
You nailed it again, as always. This is the crux of it all -- these groups who Nixie Apr 2023 #46
+1000. "groups who fail at the ballot box trying another way to seize power." Hortensis Apr 2023 #51
What makes you think it will be a few weeks. This is just plain foolish. I find it sad that the Demsrule86 Apr 2023 #11
Judge Costa (5th circuit) announced his retirement over a year ago FBaggins Apr 2023 #47
Ro Khanna is trying to grab a senate seat without voters. I'm glad Feinstein sees through that Nixie Apr 2023 #6
I don't give a damn about the politics of this. It is a safe seat. I care only that we don't give Demsrule86 Apr 2023 #13
Yet I can remember the Pennsylvania primary and all the attacks on Connor Lamb. Nixie Apr 2023 #15
that isn't how that would work dsc Apr 2023 #17
I know it wouldn't work that way. It also doesn't work that Ro Khanna start a Nixie Apr 2023 #20
He should break the promise to name a Black woman dsc Apr 2023 #23
Agreed about the Boxer appointment and his promise. Nixie Apr 2023 #26
Well, Katie Porter's chance of being elected is very poor, Hortensis Apr 2023 #58
Well, Katie Porter's chance of being elected over formidable Hortensis Apr 2023 #59
OK it's 2 months for fucks sake ... 2 FUCKING M O N T H S nt GuppyGal Apr 2023 #19
Yes. I think Fetterman went out right after he was sworn in and just got back. Nixie Apr 2023 #21
He wasn't on the Judiciary committee and we still had an overall majority even in his absence dsc Apr 2023 #24
Yes, the Supreme Court was important, too, but look Nixie Apr 2023 #25
Sadly had Justice Ginsburg retired in Obama's first term, we might have avoided Dobs. I think Demsrule86 Apr 2023 #68
But that's because the Supreme Court was on the line yet Nixie Apr 2023 #78
Can you describe this "blockade" that Feinstein's absence allegedly has caused? onenote Apr 2023 #38
Those Judges were approved with Republican consent Marius25 Apr 2023 #65
You must be kidding. There won't be any more judges since they can stop it...and do we want Demsrule86 Apr 2023 #69
How do they stop the 18 judges that have been approved by Committee? onenote Apr 2023 #80
Really? There are 49 Republicans. There are, without Feinstein, 50 Democrats. onenote Apr 2023 #72
We're talking about the Judiciary committee Marius25 Apr 2023 #74
For the umpteenth time, there are 18 nominees already approved by Judiciary onenote Apr 2023 #79
Not two months. onenote Apr 2023 #39
Is this really HER hanging on? Or is it STAFF? Frasier Balzov Apr 2023 #22
Good point. The hardest, saddest thing I ever did was Phoenix61 Apr 2023 #32
Good for her not letting people bully her ripcord Apr 2023 #27
Because we totally need people who are nearly 100 in our senate Calculating Apr 2023 #28
I've seen posts on this site newdayneeded Apr 2023 #35
Maybe someone in their 90s enjoys their time by working. onenote Apr 2023 #37
Wow. Sky Jewels Apr 2023 #30
Shingles does not prevent travel. Full stop. Phoenix61 Apr 2023 #31
Are you her doctor? Are you anyone's doctor? onenote Apr 2023 #36
I'm not her doctor but I know bs when I hear it. Phoenix61 Apr 2023 #40
So do I. onenote Apr 2023 #41
She got shingles in February. Having had shingles I know that with treatment Autumn Apr 2023 #56
Shingles is not contagious. RandySF Apr 2023 #60
I didn't think it was either until I read up on traveling if Phoenix61 Apr 2023 #62
I don't buy the sexism angle madville Apr 2023 #44
The Byrd example doesn't actually make the point that you think it does FBaggins Apr 2023 #48
Either way madville Apr 2023 #52
You're missing the other side of the coin FBaggins Apr 2023 #54
I find it sad that we didn't learn our lesson from the Supreme Court Marius25 Apr 2023 #45
There is no "lesson" that applies here FBaggins Apr 2023 #49
It does waste valuable time to fill Judicial seats Marius25 Apr 2023 #50
Not really FBaggins Apr 2023 #53
I am appalled by her selfishness pinkstarburst Apr 2023 #55
Oh... someone is being selfish alright. But it isn't her FBaggins Apr 2023 #61
My brother had shingles. He missed a week from work. There is something else going on here Demsrule86 Apr 2023 #70
Is you brother identical to every other human in any other ways? FBaggins Apr 2023 #77
There are 18 judges awaiting full senate confirmation. How is her absence preventing them from being onenote Apr 2023 #82
True Democrats would support her against these sexist attacks. Lancero Apr 2023 #57
Nothing sexist about it. Marius25 Apr 2023 #64
The RW makes these exact same bogus attacks against Biden, every day. Lancero Apr 2023 #67
I disagree. These attacks are because Feinstein is 89 years old Marius25 Apr 2023 #73
Internalized sexism is a thing, yes. And of course, ageism is another reason for the attacks. Lancero Apr 2023 #75
Feinstein is 89 and prior to her illness, she missed fewer floor votes than several Democrats onenote Apr 2023 #81
True Democrat don't want the Republicans to get more judges and for what...she leaves Demsrule86 Apr 2023 #66
Nancy Pelosi was quite accurate as to why people are piling on Dianne right now. Lancero Apr 2023 #71
Absolute madness NotVeryImportant Apr 2023 #63
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion ripcord Apr 2023 #76

vercetti2021

(10,156 posts)
3. So essentially
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 09:24 PM
Apr 2023

Let all of Biden's judiciary picks be put on hold like Obama's was? I get being a firebrand. But this is hurting the country if we don't get judges in that are not federalist whack jobs.

onenote

(42,724 posts)
18. There are a lot of Biden nominees that have made it out of Committee waiting Senate action
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 10:26 PM
Apr 2023

and its not Feinstein's absence that is keeping them from being voted on. Specifically, there are 13 District Court nominees and 5 appeals court nominees that have been approved by Committee (including at least one approved without Feinstein being available). Indeed, during Feinstein's absence another 13 District Court nominees and one appeals court nominee have been confirmed by the full Senate.

During McConnell's absence, it would only take 48 Democrats to confirm a judicial nominee.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
34. Information is a pretty reliable anxiolytic. Plus, let's face it --
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 08:20 AM
Apr 2023

who's likely to care more about getting liberal judicial nominees through -- someone who's spent her life working for democratic government and fighting to get things done despite judges appointed to block and reverse her work -- or people who're spending their lives on social media?

Btw, saw a cartoon yesterday about last words no one ever says, "I wish I'd spent more time on social media."

Zeitghost

(3,865 posts)
5. The judge issue is a red herring
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 09:50 PM
Apr 2023

Delaying a few picks for a few weeks is not consequential. This Congress is set for another 20 months, she's been down for a few weeks. If this turns into a longer term situation, we have plenty of time to act.


This is quite honestly, disgusting, divisive, misogynistic bull shit. The anti-DiFi posters here are spreading right wing talking points and dragging down a prominent Democratic politician.

So many here were rightfully defensive of Senator Fetterman as he battled his health issues, let's give our longest serving female Senator the same respect.

dsc

(52,164 posts)
7. we have 630 days of Senate control remaining
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 09:54 PM
Apr 2023

so each week is over 1% of the total time. She has given no timeline at all as to when she is expected to return. Even she says she needs a temp replacement on the Judiciary Committee which the GOP won't let us have. She needs to resign or find a way to show up.

dsc

(52,164 posts)
9. It would be one thing if we had a timeline
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 09:58 PM
Apr 2023

but we don't. It could be 1 week, 1 month, 1 year for all we know. Again, even she is saying she needs a temp for the Committee which leads me to believe we aren't talking a short absence. Assuming we nominate 100 judges in 2 years, that 1% is one judge, which district do you think deserves a Trump judge instead.

dsc

(52,164 posts)
14. yeah it is like that
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 10:14 PM
Apr 2023

they do some group hearings of judges but they aren't without limit. And each hearing takes a defined amount of time (5 minutes per Senator times 21 senators is 105 minutes per round at a bare minimum).

Nixie

(16,964 posts)
10. Excellent post. The judges are a total red herring. The same group didn't prioritize the
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 10:02 PM
Apr 2023

Supreme Court when it was on the line in a presidential election. Now they think they can use judges as cover to get control of a senate seat without voters, so their concern is off the charts.

Bernie's time away from the Senate wasn't questioned after his heart attack, either. And neither was his extensive time away questioned during his presidential campaigns. Feinstein has not had a heart attack, a stroke, or run for national office. It is very disgusting what is being done, and we all know it's to get control of her seat. Very sketchy.

Sky Jewels

(7,125 posts)
29. Bernie Sanders wasn't on the judiciary committee.
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 03:31 AM
Apr 2023

Neither is Fetterman. It is crucial we get as many confirmations as possible while we hold the Senate. That’s why people are angry and frustrated with this situation.

onenote

(42,724 posts)
42. See post #38.
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 09:40 AM
Apr 2023

People are angry and frustrated by this situation because they don't actually understand the situation.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
43. This too. Frankly, I'd be worried if I heard Ro Khanna
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 09:46 AM
Apr 2023
(or anyone else who allies with illiberal groups like Justice Democrats) had any influence on her decision. THAT would be a very bad sign.

Senator Feinstein's not too demented to understand that the agenda of his small faction in congress is different from hers, and more, that the Justice Democrat agenda is fundamentally extremely different from, and inimical to, that of the liberal Democratic faction, which includes a large majority of the progressive caucus.

Khanna and others are Democrats, of course.

But most Justice Democrats and those who ally with them are not Democrats. Most are openly anti- Democratic Party and have openly promised to destroy or take it over. There's a big divide among those over whether to work from within or without.

Vaulting ambition in radicals always doomed to fail to achieve the progress they claim to be committed to, but that's ALSO what these hostile, illiberal-leftists are.

The Senate will be back in session Monday. Saw a video of McConnell returning, looked frail and a friend was walking close for support; he's supposed to be there.

Nixie

(16,964 posts)
46. You nailed it again, as always. This is the crux of it all -- these groups who
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 12:03 PM
Apr 2023

fail at the ballot box trying another way to seize power. They are the same groups that were unconcerned about the Supreme Court when it mattered during a presidential election, and look how that has equated to an entire generation of young women with the abortion issue. The RW has been positioning for decades for these opportunities, and in a few short years these groups just hand them all this power.

Khanna has even recently stated that he can hold a fundraiser with billionaire Republicans since he's a Bernie Sanders supporter and that means he supports higher taxes. That's not fooling anyone.

Agreed that Feinstein knows these groups and their agendas and that could very well be her reason for hanging on. She's not too out of it to see who is attacking her and what their motives are. Not to mention, can you imagine working for decades with a colleague like a senator from Vermont who then comes all the way across the country to campaign against you. That would be enough to make anyone dig their heels in. She beat them at the ballot box, so the seat is hers. She is not too out of it to see who is attacking her and she's not having it.

Great post, Hortensis.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
51. +1000. "groups who fail at the ballot box trying another way to seize power."
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 12:53 PM
Apr 2023

Political scientists categorize these LW groups as anti-democracy for that and other reasons.

Most are also illiberal in both ideology and temperament. I'm lifelong, hardwired liberal. I can practically smell those who pose as liberal/progressive while despising me and the liberal Democratic Party for it.

Sure they have a right to life, liberty to self radicalize and deceive as much as they want, and pursuit of spoiling and/or stealing Democratic elections. And free societies have to include all kinds. I'm liberal after all, and what on earth would be the alternative?

But belief in liberal representative democracy is about as close as I get to a religion. And I question the judgement and character of anyone who hangs with those who threaten it.

Demsrule86

(68,620 posts)
11. What makes you think it will be a few weeks. This is just plain foolish. I find it sad that the
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 10:07 PM
Apr 2023

Senator doesn't worry about the judges.They are so important. She is a great Senator but should retire for the good of the party and the Republic. Judges are just too important. And we have a tough Senate map and may lose it in 24. This would be a disaster.

FBaggins

(26,754 posts)
47. Judge Costa (5th circuit) announced his retirement over a year ago
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 12:12 PM
Apr 2023

The president just announced his pick to replace him a few days ago.

Did I miss your frequent posts criticizing the president for leaving the seat open for so long? Aren't judges "too important" not to?



Nixie

(16,964 posts)
6. Ro Khanna is trying to grab a senate seat without voters. I'm glad Feinstein sees through that
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 09:53 PM
Apr 2023

and I don't blame her for digging in. This article reinforces my impression of the situation and possibly why she ran for reelection when she might have retired. "They view the calls for her to quit as laced with ageism, sexism, ideological disputes and unchecked political opportunism." Amen, that's exactly what they are.



Demsrule86

(68,620 posts)
13. I don't give a damn about the politics of this. It is a safe seat. I care only that we don't give
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 10:13 PM
Apr 2023

the damn GOP more judges who will destroy our party and our Republic. Seriously folks need to consider what is important here. I have great respect for Senator Feinstein but she needs to resign.

Nixie

(16,964 posts)
15. Yet I can remember the Pennsylvania primary and all the attacks on Connor Lamb.
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 10:18 PM
Apr 2023

You were very vocal about your choice of Fetterman, and that is what other voters want, as well -- a chance to vote.

I can't imagine what would have happened had Connor Lamb come back and said Fetterman should resign after his stroke and Connor Lamb will choose his replacement.

dsc

(52,164 posts)
17. that isn't how that would work
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 10:23 PM
Apr 2023

if Fetterman were to resign Josh Shapiro would replace him per the laws of PA. Had he quit as a nominee the party as a whole would decide and that likely would have been Lamb. But Fetterman has given us a timeline, he will be back on Monday.

Nixie

(16,964 posts)
20. I know it wouldn't work that way. It also doesn't work that Ro Khanna start a
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 11:22 PM
Apr 2023

campaign to oust Feinstein from her seat, but he's doing it anyway. That was the point. Newsom, the California governor would apoint Feinstein's replacement, and he's on record as saying he would replace her with a black woman. Enter Khanna pushing Barbara Lee.

This is also based on Pelosi's observation of the political agenda against Feinstein. I agree with Pelosi.

dsc

(52,164 posts)
23. He should break the promise to name a Black woman
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 11:43 PM
Apr 2023

and name Boxer instead as a place holder. He can justify it by saying he didn't want to give any one candidate a head up. But unless Feinstein can start voting in committee soon, she needs to step down. We don't have time to waste here.

Nixie

(16,964 posts)
26. Agreed about the Boxer appointment and his promise.
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 11:57 PM
Apr 2023

I still agree with Pelosi about the political agenda at play.

Anyway, time to finish our Netflix binge. Have a great rest of the evening.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
58. Well, Katie Porter's chance of being elected is very poor,
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 02:59 PM
Apr 2023

though, even if Boxer were willing to hold the seat temporarily. Breaking his promise would cost him (us) politically and also lose us the "incumbent" electoral boost for his appointee.

A lot of nothing to be gained by that move except campaign exposure for Porter, but she'd still be out of a job.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
59. Well, Katie Porter's chance of being elected over formidable
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 02:59 PM
Apr 2023

competition is poor, though, even if Boxer were willing to hold the seat temporarily. Breaking his promise would cost Newsom (us) politically, potentially VERY seriously, and it'd also lose us the "incumbent" electoral boost for his appointee.

A lot to lose and nothing to be gained except campaign exposure for Porter, but she'd still have to decide on her next direction -- campaign to return to the house in 2 years or...?

Nixie

(16,964 posts)
21. Yes. I think Fetterman went out right after he was sworn in and just got back.
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 11:26 PM
Apr 2023

He had everyone's blessing.

This is really disgusting to witness. It's very obvious that Khanna's motives are to try and snag a senate seat that his wing of the party couldn't win in a statewide election. I thought we cared about democracy around here. SMH

dsc

(52,164 posts)
24. He wasn't on the Judiciary committee and we still had an overall majority even in his absence
Fri Apr 14, 2023, 11:47 PM
Apr 2023

thanks in part to McConnell's absence for much of the same time frame. Judges are too important for us to allow a blockade.

Demsrule86

(68,620 posts)
68. Sadly had Justice Ginsburg retired in Obama's first term, we might have avoided Dobs. I think
Mon Apr 17, 2023, 07:39 PM
Apr 2023

Roberts would not have done it had there been one more vote IMHO. I adore Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
She was a pioneer for women, but I don't think her legacy is as good as it would have been had she retired...I know my millennial and GenZ daughters are bitter about this.

Nixie

(16,964 posts)
78. But that's because the Supreme Court was on the line yet
Mon Apr 17, 2023, 09:48 PM
Apr 2023

certain candidates didn’t emphasize that fact. We can’t blame the revolution’s lack of priorities about the Supreme Court on RBG. Had Hillary won, she would have picked RBG’s replacement, not Donald stinking Trump having a pick. Talk about bitterness.

Handing over the Supreme Court has screwed an entire generation, at least.

onenote

(42,724 posts)
38. Can you describe this "blockade" that Feinstein's absence allegedly has caused?
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 09:33 AM
Apr 2023

Because the Senate confirming 13 District Court judges and one appeals court judge during her absence doesn't seem like much of a blockade. Plus there are over a dozen judicial nominees that already were approved by the Judiciary Committee before Feinstein became unavailable -- her absence isn't stopping those nominees from being confirmed by the full Senate.

 

Marius25

(3,213 posts)
65. Those Judges were approved with Republican consent
Mon Apr 17, 2023, 07:29 PM
Apr 2023

Some of them were actually put forward as candidates by Republicans. I don't quite understand why we're nominating Republican Judicial picks, but...

Without Feinstein, none of our liberal picks can get through.

Demsrule86

(68,620 posts)
69. You must be kidding. There won't be any more judges since they can stop it...and do we want
Mon Apr 17, 2023, 07:41 PM
Apr 2023

judges that Republicans choose? I do not. Consider Merrick Garland and the disgraceful behavior of Republicans towards him.

onenote

(42,724 posts)
80. How do they stop the 18 judges that have been approved by Committee?
Tue Apr 18, 2023, 12:06 AM
Apr 2023

Last edited Tue Apr 18, 2023, 01:14 AM - Edit history (1)

In case you've forgotten, even with Feinstein absent (and with Fetterman absent as well), 22 judges were confirmed so far this year. Last year 59 judges were confirmed during the entire year. There are 18 nominees that have been approved by the Judiciary Committee but are awaiting a floor vote. We have 50 senators. The republicans have 49. How do you figure that there won't be any more judges?

You seem to have a misunderstanding of how the confirmation process works. Even if Feinstein is out for another month there is no reason that the 20 pending nominations can't be approved, although in reality, it probably would take more than a month to get them confirmed based on the pace at which Schumer has been bringing them to the floor.

onenote

(42,724 posts)
72. Really? There are 49 Republicans. There are, without Feinstein, 50 Democrats.
Mon Apr 17, 2023, 08:05 PM
Apr 2023

Even if one is absent, it's still a tie and Harris casts the deciding vote.

It's just simple math.

And have you actually looked at the votes on Biden's nominees? Do you actually think that of the 22 confirmed since January, all but three were secretly Republicans? Because of those 22, only three haven't gotten at least two Republican votes. And of the 59 Biden nominees confirmed in 2022, I believe only two were confirmed without Republican votes.

So I guess we should stop celebrating Biden's success in getting judges approved, eh?

 

Marius25

(3,213 posts)
74. We're talking about the Judiciary committee
Mon Apr 17, 2023, 08:10 PM
Apr 2023

Without Feinstein, it's 50/50 Dem/Rep which means Dems have to get Republican approval to move nominees out of committee. There is no tie-breaker. That means no liberal judges will be confirmed. Only judges supported by Republicans are getting confirmed.

onenote

(42,724 posts)
79. For the umpteenth time, there are 18 nominees already approved by Judiciary
Mon Apr 17, 2023, 10:30 PM
Apr 2023

Last edited Tue Apr 18, 2023, 01:14 AM - Edit history (1)

that are awaiting floor approval. Of the nominations that are still at the Committee, many haven't had hearings yet and Feinstein's presence isn't needed for hearings. In fact there is a hearing on several nominees scheduled for tomorrow.

Her absence isn't preventing the 18 nominees that already have been approved by the committee from moving forward. It isn't preventing hearings on a number of the more recent nominees that haven't had committee votes yet.

At some point, Feinstein not being able to vote in Committee might slow down the process, but we're nowhere near that point yet.

Those are facts. Plain. Simple, Verifiable facts.

onenote

(42,724 posts)
39. Not two months.
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 09:35 AM
Apr 2023

The first day on which Feinstein missed a vote was February 27. The last day on which the Senate held votes before going on recess was March 30. During that period there was a total of 18 days on which the Senate had votes.

That's hardly two months, fucking or otherwise.

Phoenix61

(17,009 posts)
32. Good point. The hardest, saddest thing I ever did was
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 05:11 AM
Apr 2023

care for my Mom as she died one brain cell at a time. It can feel like betrayal when you acknowledge where they are. I completely get the people around her wanting to protect her. Why wouldn’t they? She is truly a legend.

ripcord

(5,466 posts)
27. Good for her not letting people bully her
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 12:00 AM
Apr 2023

Hopefully she will run again in '24 just to give all her detractors the big middle finger.

Calculating

(2,955 posts)
28. Because we totally need people who are nearly 100 in our senate
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 01:34 AM
Apr 2023

It isn't even ageism at this point, it's just common sense that people in their 90s should probably retire and enjoy their remaining time.

newdayneeded

(1,955 posts)
35. I've seen posts on this site
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 08:22 AM
Apr 2023

that said pilots should be able to fly commercial jets well into their 70s. SMH!

onenote

(42,724 posts)
37. Maybe someone in their 90s enjoys their time by working.
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 09:30 AM
Apr 2023

It seems rather presumptuous of you to assume that once people reach a certain age they can't enjoy their chosen profession. Jane Goodall is 89. Should she stop working with chimps and sit around drinking fruity cocktails starting next year? Jimmy Carter is 98, has had various health issue for nearly a decade and has remained committed to doing the good works. Should he have stopped that work and taken up golf and gin rummy instead?

Phoenix61

(17,009 posts)
31. Shingles does not prevent travel. Full stop.
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 05:07 AM
Apr 2023

Once you are past the contagious stage, and she definitely is, you are free to travel anywhere you want. This bs of waiting for her doctor to clear her is just that, bs. IMHO, this disease process has had a profound impact on her cognitive abilities. When you have dementia, anytime you get ill you never fully recuperate. It’s sad and tragic and heart wrenching but it’s reality.

onenote

(42,724 posts)
36. Are you her doctor? Are you anyone's doctor?
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 09:23 AM
Apr 2023

Many DUers seem to enjoy playing physician. Hopefully you aren't one of them, but I have my doubts.

Phoenix61

(17,009 posts)
40. I'm not her doctor but I know bs when I hear it.
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 09:36 AM
Apr 2023

Hell, Jamie Raskin is undergoing chemo and he’s showing up to work!

Autumn

(45,120 posts)
56. She got shingles in February. Having had shingles I know that with treatment
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 01:21 PM
Apr 2023

it usually takes two to four weeks for the rash to heal completely.

Phoenix61

(17,009 posts)
62. I didn't think it was either until I read up on traveling if
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 05:43 PM
Apr 2023

you have shingles. It said when the rash is in the blister phase you can shed the virus. I guess like when you have an actual pox? They said it’s rare but since children too young to get the vaccine or someone immune compromised could be on your plane it is best to wait until after that phase.

madville

(7,412 posts)
44. I don't buy the sexism angle
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 10:13 AM
Apr 2023

People called for Robert Byrd to resign once he got above 90 and was missing time in the Senate around the time “Obamacare” was getting passed in 2009 and 60 votes were critical in the Senate.

FBaggins

(26,754 posts)
48. The Byrd example doesn't actually make the point that you think it does
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 12:21 PM
Apr 2023

Byrd was in a deep red state with a blue governor. Getting him to resign and be replaced by that governor was the best hope of retaining the seat.

No such consideration applies to Feinstein... though it's still political gamesmanship. Only this time it's within the party.

madville

(7,412 posts)
52. Either way
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 12:56 PM
Apr 2023

It was and is politically advantageous for the party and administration in both cases. Have never understood why some of these folks want to selfishly cling on until the very end, even to the detriment of the party.

FBaggins

(26,754 posts)
54. You're missing the other side of the coin
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 01:02 PM
Apr 2023

There’s someone who desperately wants to be a senator for life yet knows that they can’t win it in an open primary. The only path to power is convincing Feinstein that she must step aside now

Talk about “selfish”. At least Feinstein and her staff can say that the voters overwhelmingly selected her over and over again for decades.

 

Marius25

(3,213 posts)
45. I find it sad that we didn't learn our lesson from the Supreme Court
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 10:14 AM
Apr 2023

Personally I don't think it's Feinstein digging in, I think it's her staff who want to hold onto their positions.

FBaggins

(26,754 posts)
49. There is no "lesson" that applies here
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 12:24 PM
Apr 2023

Timing SCOTUS retirements relies on control of the senate and white house.

But there is zero risk that Feinstein leaving on her own terms will cost us a senate seat.

The only open question is which progressive democrat will replace her.

 

Marius25

(3,213 posts)
50. It does waste valuable time to fill Judicial seats
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 12:42 PM
Apr 2023

For example, the abortion pill ban was done by a Texas Federal Judge. It was immediately appealed to the 5th Circuit - the most conservative in the country. The 5th Circuit upheld part of that abortion pill ban. We are currently awaiting Feinstein coming back to confirm a Democratic Judge on that Circuit who might have struck down the Texas Judge.

Every day we're not confirming Judges is a day people are losing their rights.

FBaggins

(26,754 posts)
53. Not really
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 12:58 PM
Apr 2023

That same 5th circuit had a judge announce his retirement over a year ago and the administration just got around to appointing a replacement last week.

Obviously a few weeks of delay has little real impact.

Also - the ruling was unanimous. One more judge couldn’t have overturned the TX judge even if they made it onto the panel. And even if we got TWO onto that panel - the en-banc 5th is 2-1 Republican

pinkstarburst

(1,327 posts)
55. I am appalled by her selfishness
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 01:09 PM
Apr 2023

We don't have time to waste here. There is a good chance that we will lose control of the senate in 2024. The person in the CA senate seat needs to be AT WORK voting in Biden judges as fast as they can NOW so that we can get as many as possible confirmed, just like when republicans controlled the WH for four years, they pushed as many of their nominees through as they could. And now look where we are.

It is incredibly selfish of her to try to hang on to this if she can't come back NOW. I'm sorry, but she needs to consider that it isn't all about her, it is about the 330 million people who are depending on her vote, women and children who are losing their rights because of judges' decisions, LBGT people who are losing their rights because of judges decisions, disabled people, POC. Biden appointed judges have the power to make a positive impact and we need every one of them that we can get. Having Feinstein selfishly hold up the process is detrimental.

We may very well lose the senate in 2024. We may not retain control of the WH in 2024. We will fight hard to make sure we do, but for the next 1.5 years while we have control, our focus MUST BE on pushing those confirmations through. We can't get distracted by stupid remarks about ageism and sexism. That's not what this is about. This is about a 90 year old woman not coming to work and not being able to do the job and Biden judges needing to get confirmed.

If she isn't replaced, those Biden judges won't be confirmed. Do we want those positions to be Trump or DeSantis judges instead so that we can say "oh how lovely, we let Feinstein carry out her term sitting at home never coming back in to work, but we weren't sexist or ageist!" I just can't even with some of the people here...

FBaggins

(26,754 posts)
61. Oh... someone is being selfish alright. But it isn't her
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 04:11 PM
Apr 2023

We may lose the Senate over 20 months from now. She’s missed a couple of weeks worth of votes.

You’re ridiculously misguided on how senate confirmations work. Acting like her absence is going to cost us loads of judges makes no sense at all.

Ifshe’s still out months from now you might have a point… but not any time soon.

The real deadline is the upcoming primary season. This is the third time that someone has tried to manufacture a way to get her to give up her seat before the voters have a chance to replace her. It’s unseemly in anyone but unacceptable in anyone who wears the label “Democrat”

Demsrule86

(68,620 posts)
70. My brother had shingles. He missed a week from work. There is something else going on here
Mon Apr 17, 2023, 07:47 PM
Apr 2023

in terms of her health. We need to get as many judges approved as possible. I suspect California politics are the issue here and it is horrifying to me that anyone would think that is more important than getting judges.

FBaggins

(26,754 posts)
77. Is you brother identical to every other human in any other ways?
Mon Apr 17, 2023, 09:46 PM
Apr 2023

I had it and didn’t miss any time at all… but Shingles can be much more serious the older the patient is… and can certainly create significant effects for months.

horrifying to me that anyone would think that is more important than getting judges.

And it’s laughable to me that anyone thinks that’s the trade-off (“immediate replacement or we lose judges”)

We could easily pause the conversation for three months and revisit it… and not lose a single judge because of it. But every month that goes by makes it less and less likely that our mystery senator-in-waiting loses the game.

onenote

(42,724 posts)
82. There are 18 judges awaiting full senate confirmation. How is her absence preventing them from being
Tue Apr 18, 2023, 12:14 AM
Apr 2023

Last edited Tue Apr 18, 2023, 01:13 AM - Edit history (1)

confirmed?

There are around 18 additional judges that haven't been voted on at the Committee. Many of them haven't even had a committee hearing yet -- a necessary step before they are voted on by the Committee. Her absence has no impact whatsoever on those hearings. One is scheduled for tomorrow. In March, one was held when not only Feinstein was absent, but Chairman Durbin himself couldn't' attend because he'd tested positive for COVID.

At some point in time, Feinstein's absence could begin to have an impact on the judicial nomination/confirmation process. But that time is not now. And she might well be back before it comes. She is entitled to the same opportunity to recover that has been accorded other members of the Senate who have missed votes because of illness.

Lancero

(3,011 posts)
57. True Democrats would support her against these sexist attacks.
Sat Apr 15, 2023, 01:26 PM
Apr 2023

So the amount of overlap between certain, shall we say, voting groups demanding she resign isn't much of a surprise here.

Lancero

(3,011 posts)
67. The RW makes these exact same bogus attacks against Biden, every day.
Mon Apr 17, 2023, 07:35 PM
Apr 2023

We defend the man, but abandon the woman.

Nancy Pelosi was 100% correct as to the nature of these attacks.

 

Marius25

(3,213 posts)
73. I disagree. These attacks are because Feinstein is 89 years old
Mon Apr 17, 2023, 08:09 PM
Apr 2023

and her absence is causing a lot of problems.

Even Klobuchar said it's going to be an issue. Is Klobuchar sexist too?

onenote

(42,724 posts)
81. Feinstein is 89 and prior to her illness, she missed fewer floor votes than several Democrats
Tue Apr 18, 2023, 12:10 AM
Apr 2023

including Sanders and, of course, Fetterman. She actively participated in Judiciary Committee meetings. Indeed, her vote was essential to getting many nominees through the committee.

I'd love for you to expand on, with specifics, the "lots of problems" her absence has caused thus far and is likely to cause over then next month or two.

Demsrule86

(68,620 posts)
66. True Democrat don't want the Republicans to get more judges and for what...she leaves
Mon Apr 17, 2023, 07:33 PM
Apr 2023

in 24...and there is not a certainty that she will ever be back. We could lose the Senate in 24. The map is tough for us...so we might not get any judges in a Biden second term and that is madness. And believe me, this would not help with Sen. Feinstien's legacy.

ripcord

(5,466 posts)
76. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion
Mon Apr 17, 2023, 09:25 PM
Apr 2023

But then only ones that matter come from DiFi and the California voters.

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