Julian Bond: “I seem to recall that. I thought it was a very statesmanlike and accurate portrayal of the traditions of this body and…”

“I seem to recall that. I thought it was a very statesmanlike and accurate portrayal of the traditions of this body and the requirements of the Constitution, and I once again commend our colleague from Utah, who at that time was in a position where he obviously could have mustered 41 votes to block the nominee. It was the view of those of us who agreed with the Senator from Utah that we should not do that because the people of America elected a President who has--we know and he knows--the power to nominate judges. And it is necessary to maintain a well-staffed judiciary that we give prompt and up-or-down votes to these nominees.”