Cord Byrd: “as the administration searches for a new nominee for the Supreme Court, I hope the White House will not retreat to a…”

“as the administration searches for a new nominee for the Supreme Court, I hope the White House will not retreat to a political corner and choose a nominee who will only serve to divide the Nation and divide this Senate. I urge the President--hear me now--to select a nominee cut from the same cloth as the new Chief Justice of the United States--moderate in approach, steeped in thought and experience, and committed to the protection of the U.S. Constitution, which I hold in my hand. In partnership, the President and the Senate must do all that they can to avoid rancor and extreme partisanship. That begins with real consultation and a nominee who can bridge the gap between political philosophies. I found it noteworthy--I did--that questions about Harriet Miers' nomination came from Senators, organizations, and individuals from diverse political philosophies. It does not matter who is asking the questions about a nomination; these questions serve the long-term interest of the Nation, those people out there, the American people who are watching us through those lenses. Unfortunately, in this age of partisan politics dominating all else, questions too often are labeled as obstructionism. You remember that? Obstructionism. If you ask questions, you are an obstructionist. Get that, I say to these fine young pages. Nothing could be further from the truth. No.…”