OK, one more thing — it's about Al Franken – Yahoo! News
OK, one more thing — it's about Al Franken – Yahoo! News
We found one last nugget we want to tell you before we go silent. Here’s AP Television Writer David Bauder, who tracked down one of Al Franken’s old friends:
The next time he runs into his old friend Al Franken, James Downey hopes to learn some of the secrets of the U.S. Senate.
Not that Downey thinks there really are any. The “Saturday Night Live” writer just thinks it would be a fun thing to ask of the new junior senator from Minnesota.
The two men worked side by side on NBC’s late-night comedy show for 20 years, and now they largely communicate by barber. They share the same one, and leave messages saying hello to the other whenever they get their hair cut.
Downey said he’s reluctant to call his friend, since he always seemed to get him on the cell phone when Franken was about to give a speech. He hasn’t watched much of Franken in action this week at the Sotomayor confirmation hearings, but is no longer surprised to see him as a politician.
“He’s aged into it nicely,” Downey said. “He doesn’t even look the way he did when he was doing full-bore comedy. He just seems a little more serious stylistically. I can imagine someone who had no idea he had a previous career wouldn’t think about it all.”
Downey said he knew Franken would eventually win when he was a few hundred votes behind on election night. “We used to call him the Rasputin of comedy” for the way he wouldn’t stop when he wanted something done, he said.
It’s not that he ever thought he was working beside a future U.S. senator when they were tossing off gags for the “Church Lady” or two wild and crazy guys.
“He was always extremely ambitious,” Downey said. “But it was always directed toward appearing on TV or in movies. I bet he didn’t think about it either.”
-David Bauder, AP television writer, New York
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Fri Jul 17, 1:30 am ET
Long after her Judiciary Committee hearing, after the Senate debate and confirmation and, sadly, long past the day when Sonia Sotomayor departs the Supreme Court bench, the racial politics practiced here in Washington will go on.
A nation with its first black president will soon have its first Hispanic Supreme Court justice, and yet these and other breakthroughs don’t wash away the stain that makes “wise Latina” a potent political punch.
This is a town that plays the race card from both sides of the table, Democrats and Republicans alike. And so there was a knowing audience for Frank Ricci, a white firefighter from New Haven, Conn., who spoke to the Senate Judiciary Committee in steady, deliberate voice about how he was denied a promotion because of the color of his skin.
As Nancy Benac wrote for the AP, “He spoke … to frustrations that still ripple in an undercurrent across the nation.”
Until the next hearing … .
-Ron Fournier, AP Washington bureau chief
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Fri Jul 17, 1:30 am ET
Thanks for interacting with us on twitter. We asked this question:
“We’d like your help with a blog post: What have you learned about American politics and democracy from the Sotomayor hearing?”
Here’s what you said (with RTs and hashtags and the like removed):
bitterb: That a nominee can misrepresent fundamental legal doctrines & still be approved (Incorporation/Fundamental Rights)
jackantic: That The Show Must Go On, always, in the US Senate.
karmakimmie: I’ve learned that when you talk to senators, use small words and short sentences.
hololio2: Seriously, I learned that many senators and testfiers don’t understand that appellate judges rule on law, not social issues.
fmome: That simmering beneath the civility of the hearings, there are those on both sides of the debate that are intolerant and nasty (a)nd I’m not talking about the Senators, rather the people they represent. America still seems quite divided and nastily so.
edmondesq: The Sotomayor hearings taught me that political theater still means more to politicians than people do. That must change.
najahaje: Similar to Socialist country now
daelyn: It has reiterated the fact that we tend to waste a lot of time and money!
Winnowill: Knowing your Perry Mason episodes is a lot more important to these procedures than I ever would have thought.
alexromano: shows us how the people we elect look out for our interests in deciding one of the most powerful judicial positions in the US.
Mokurai: Nothing in the sotomayor hearing is new to me, except the name Jefferson [Davis] Beauregard Sessions III
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Fri Jul 17, 1:30 am ET
Lessons learned about democracy and politics from the Sonia Sotomayor confirmation hearing — both your take and ours. Here are ours:
ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. President Barack Obama won the White House and Democrats expanded their hold on Congress last fall. That made for an easy path for the Democratic president’s nominee. Sotomayor’s chances were never in serious danger. Obama wouldn’t have nominated someone who had major flaws that would lead to failure. And, Democrats now have a 60-vote majority — enough to thwart a GOP filibuster. Things would have been much different had John McCain won the White House. His close friend, GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, acknowledged as much, telling Sotomayor: “My inclination is that elections matter.”
RACE IS STILL EXPLOSIVE. Sotomayor showed that people who have national ambitions must watch what they say over the course of their careers, lest their words come back to haunt them. “Wise Latina” — a phrase Sotomayor says was used to inspire — became fodder for Republicans to suggest that this Hispanic nominee was a racist. The reverse discrimination case of the firefighters in New Haven, Conn., pushed race even more to the forefront of this hearing and stoked passions among people of every political persuasion and ethnicity.
SENATORS MUST WATCH THEIR TONGUES. The cameras are always rolling. And senators are always in front of them. In this age of sound-bite journalism, in particular, that can make for a politically perilous combination. Context can be misconstrued. Tone can be lost. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., took some heat for a Ricky Riccardo riff. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., swore, kind of. And that kind of stuff can singe.
THE PUBLIC PROCESS ISN’T SO PUBLIC. From start to finish, the hearing is scripted. The questions senators asked, the answers Sotomayor gave, the testimony witnesses gave — everything was planned beforehand. And even the audience was skewed to the script. Most people in the room were part of the show — journalists, senators, aides, White House officials, lobbyists. Chairman Patrick Leahy noted that more than 2,000 members of the public attended the hearings. He didn’t say they were permitted into the hearing room on a rolling basis — and could stay in the room for only 20 minutes.
IT’S ALL ABOUT POLITICS. Senators had one eye on the witness table — and one eye on their home states. It’s a good bet that everything they said was intended for their audience back home — constituents who will vote on whether they keep their jobs or not. Both Republicans and Democrats were mindful — painfully so, it seemed — to watch their politics, particularly with Hispanics. They make up the fastest-growing minority group in the country, and, as such, pack a politically powerful punch. So, senators of all stripes walked a political tightrope, as they tried to make their points without offending Hispanics
Those are our thoughts. We asked your take on Twitter, and you responded.
That’s coming right up.
-Liz Sidoti, AP reporter, politics.
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Fri Jul 17, 1:30 am ET
We asked you to put your opinions down on “paper” and write collaborative editorials on MixedInk for or against Sotomayor’s confirmation. The site lets users to post snippets of text, and mix and match phrases with others whose views you share.
Dozens of you put fingers to keyboards, expressing thoughts that couldn’t fit in a 140-character Tweet. The final versions are taking shape — check them out and unleash your inner scribe before the deadline at 10 a.m. EDT Friday.
Then check back after noon EDT to see the final versions.
-Burt Herman, AP editor
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Beyond the hearing: path to confirmation
Fri Jul 17, 1:30 am ET
Sonia Sotomayor sat in the witness chair for more than three days in her quest to become the first Hispanic justice and third woman to take a seat on the Supreme Court. Through it all, she ducked and dodged her way through a gauntlet of questions, parrying with her answers — or nonanswers — to emerge unscathed.
By the end, she even had conservative Republicans singing her praises, though they wouldn’t commit to vote in her favor — yet.
So now what?
The Judiciary Committee scheduled a confirmation vote for Tuesday — and made that announcement even before public witnesses had finished testifying. But even though Republicans have said they won’t block Sotomayor’s confirmation, a committee vote might not happen then.
Any senator on the committee has the right to ask for a one-week delay on a confirmation vote. That means the latest it is going to happen is Tuesday, July 28. That gives Democrats almost two weeks to get her confirmed on the Senate floor before the chamber leaves for its summer break on August 7.
So what’s the chance that her confirmation fails? Barring a monumental surprise, zilch.
-Liz Sidoti, AP reporter, politics
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Thur Jul 16, 8:15 pm ET
The Judiciary Committee has adjourned Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation hearing after four days of testimony from the nominee and public witnesses — and four days of pandering to hometown voters by senators.
The committee still must vote on the nomination — slated for next week — and then the full Senate will have to vote. Democrats hope to wrap it up before taking off on summer recess in August.
So you legal addicts: Take a load off and get some rest.
-Liz Sidoti, AP reporter, politics
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From the newspapers: Biden’s lawyer helped shepherd nominee
Thur Jul 16, 7:18 pm ET
Los Angeles Times writes about Biden’s chief lawyer’s role in the Sotomayor nomination.
Senators out-talk Sotomayor 2-1.
The San Antonio Express-News writes that Sotomayor unites Hispanics.
The Houston Chronicle‘s Washington bureau chief’s tweets from the hearing.
Speak Spanish? Questions and Answers from El Nuevo Dia.
-Michael Giarrusso, AP editor
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Thur Jul 16, 6:50 pm ET
Wonder why Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy was toting around a camera while presiding over Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation hearing? Here’s the answer: he’s also an amateur photographer. He’s now showing off his own photos documenting the hearings.
-Julie Hirschfeld Davis, AP reporter, Congress
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Thur Jul 16, 6:11 pm ET
Looks like the threatened 1 a.m. EDT vote might have been a bit of motivation for senators to cut a deal to avoid voting at such an unpleasant hour. We’re told that negotiating is taking place now (on a bill unrelated to the confirmation hearing) because really, no one responsible for congressional business enjoys it in the wee hours.
That means (stay with us here) that the committee is likely to trudge through the final two panels. Best estimate from our knowledgeable source: “7:30, tops.”
-Laurie Kellman, AP reporter, Congress
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New Haven firefighters tune out Sotomayor hearing
Thur Jul 16, 5:36 pm ET
Frank Ricci’s firehouse in New Haven was not exactly captivated by his appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Some firefighters said they watched the hearing on TV briefly, while others said they were too busy testing hoses on a hot day.
Some said they were sick of it after six years — and that’s about all they would say. The city has ordered firefighters not to talk about the case.
Shortly after Ricci spoke, two firefighters were nearly asleep watching “Mad TV.” A military channel had been on earlier.
-John Christoffersen, AP correspondent, New Haven, Conn.
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Friends with the FBI — director that is
Thur Jul 16, 5:23 pm ET
Former FBI Director Louis Freeh has quite a different perspective than most witnesses on Sonia Sotomayor. He’s actually seen her in the courtroom.
Freeh was a judge in federal court in Manhattan when Sotomayor arrived at the court in 1992. He said there was a tradition that the second newest judge had to mentor the newest judge. So he said he sat in her courtroom during trials and helped her review opinions. His conclusion: she has “enormous judicial integrity and commitment.”
About a year later, Freeh was nominated by President Clinton to be FBI director, a post he held until 2001.
-Larry Neumeister, AP New York-based federal court reporter, Washington
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Thur Jul 16, 5:16 pm ET
Fresh off winning the Cy Young Award as the American League’s top ace in 1994, David Cone found himself at the White House a few months later making another pitch: Trying to help end the players’ strike that had wiped out the World Series.
The baby-faced righty was part of a small group that met with President Bill Clinton and was a key player throughout the negotiations, representing major leaguers at the bargaining table. At one point, players and owners even agreed to shift talks from Washington to New York to accommodate his wedding.
Cone testified today in support of Sotomayor, who ended the baseball strike in 1995.
“A lot of people both inside and outside baseball tried to settle the dispute,” Cone said. Her key ruling forced owners and players back to the bargaining table and ultimately brought Major League Baseball back to the nation.
“With one decision Judge Sotomayor changed the entire dispute,” he said. “I believe all of us who love the game — players, owners and fans — are in her debt.”
Cone lost about $570,000 of his $2 million salary because of the walkout. It may have cost him a little more, too — two weeks after the strike was settled, his hometown Kansas City Royals saved money by trading him away.
Cone retired in 2003, leaving with credentials that got him on the Hall of Fame ballot last year. He won 194 games, was a five-time All- Star and played on five World Series champions. He pitched one of only
15 perfect games in modern baseball history, and once tied the then- National League record of 19 strikeouts in a game.
Now 46, Cone remains popular with fans as a broadcaster for the New York Yankees.
-Ben Walker, AP baseball writer, New York and Laurie Kellman, AP reporter, Congress
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Thur Jul 16, 5:03 pm ET
Everything in the Senate revolves around votes — and there’s one at 1 a.m. Friday EDT.
What that has to do with the Sotomayor hearing: It might continue into the night until all public witnesses have been heard because senators have to stick around anyway for the vote. Another reason: If at all possible, senators would like to head home Friday rather than sit in committee.
No decision on timing has been made, according to a knowledgeable person. So, once again, stay tuned.
-Laurie Kellman, AP reporter, Congress
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Vote next week, if Dems have their way
Thur Jul 16, 4:54 pm ET
Democrats are wasting no time now that Sonia Sotomayor has passed her confirmation hearing test in good condition.
Public witnesses for and against Sotomayor were still testifying when Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy’s aides announced that it had scheduled a confirmation vote on her nomination for Tuesday. But while Republicans have said they won’t block Sotomayor’s confirmation, a committee vote might not happen then.
Any senator on the committee has the right to ask for a one-week delay on a confirmation vote. Scheduling the vote for Tuesday means that the latest it is going to happen is Tuesday, July 28. That gives Democrats almost two weeks to get her confirmed on the Senate floor before the chamber leaves for its summer break on August 7.
-Jesse J. Holland, AP reporter, Supreme Court
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Hispanic firefighter was labeled as Uncle Tom and traitor
Thur Jul 16, 4:30 pm ET
Benjamin Vargas had a tough decision. He was one of only two Hispanics who scored high enough on a promotion test for New Haven firefighters, and city officials threw it out because too few minorities scored well.
He could join a group of white firefighters suing the city, or he could side with others — including many minorities — who wanted the results thrown out.
He joined the lawsuit and says others labeled him as an Uncle Tom and a traitor to the Hispanic community.
“I received lots of criticism,” he said testifying to the Senate Judiciary Committee. “I’ve got a thick skin.”
Judge Sonia Sotomayor was part of a three-judge panel that rejected the lawsuit. Last month, the Supreme Court ruled for the firefighters, and Sotomayor has faced harsh criticism for her ruling.
Vargas said he was proud of the Hispanic background that he shares with Sotomayor, but that the ruling was unfair and un-American.
“This is what America is all about. You work hard,” he said. “We’re the greatest country in the world. … You rise and fall on your own merits.”
Vargas said the Supreme Court decision makes him believe that things are getting better. “We’re going the right direction now.”
-Michael Giarrusso, AP editor
New Haven, Conn. firefighters Ben Vargas, right, and
Frank Ricci (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
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Short white guys — and others — welcome
Thur Jul 16, 4:30 pm ET
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., seemed to try to have it both ways on diversity as he spoke to Frank Ricci, the New Haven, Conn., firefighter testifying about the controversial reverse-discrimination case.
The senator professed his belief that judges should be chosen on merit — but then claimed that considering diversity was “a standard way of operating in political circles.”
“I know that Republicans sit down and think … let’s make sure we let the whole country know the Republican Party is just not a party of short white guys,” said Graham, himself a short white guy.
He seemed to try to explain himself later, saying: “What I wanted to tell the country is Republicans very much do sit down and think about political picks and appointments, in a political sense, to try to show that we are a party that looks at all Americans and wants to give an opportunity. That is just life, and that is not a bad thing.”
-Larry Neumeister, AP New York-based federal courts reporter, Washington
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The docket: coming up in the fall
Thur Jul 16, 4:43 pm ET
The Supreme Court has released the cases that Sotomayor and her eight colleagues will hear on her first day of the next session if she is confirmed to the Supreme Court. The three cases the Supreme Court will hear on Monday, Oct. 5, will be:
MARYLAND V. SHATZER: A case in which the Supreme Court will clarify how long a suspected criminal’s request for a lawyer during police interrogation should be valid. The court will hear Maryland’s appeal of a decision throwing out child molester Michael Shatzer’s confession.
Shatzer asked for a lawyer almost three years before admitting to the abuse.
MOHAWK INDUSTRIES V. CARPENTER: A case where the high court will decide whether a party may immediately appeal a discovery order to disclose materials said to be covered by the attorney-client privilege.
SOUTH CAROLINA V. NORTH CAROLINA: A fight between those two states over water in the Catawba River. South Carolina says North Carolina is taking more than its equitable share of water out of the Catawba.
-Jesse J. Holland, AP reporter, Supreme Court
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Thur Jul 16, 4:30 pm ET
It’s that time of day when we ask ourselves: How much longer is this hearing going to take? Early guidance is that the Judiciary Committee might not hear from all three remaining public witness panels today. Stay tuned.
-Laurie Kellman, AP reporter, Congress
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Thur Jul 16, 3:57 pm ET
Leave it to Sen. Arlen Specter to ask the question everyone wants to know: “Do you have any reason to think that Judge Sotomayor acted in anything other than good faith in trying to reach a fair decision in the case?”
The Pennsylvania Democrat asked that of New Haven firefighters Frank Ricci and Benjamin Vargas who joined other plaintiffs in a racial bias lawsuit against the Connecticut city.
Ricci’s microphone briefly went out, but here’s what he said: “That’s beyond my legal expertise … This is our first time we’ve gotten to testify about our story so I can’t comment.”
Did Specter get Vargas to go any further? Not so much. “I would have to defer to the same response. We were invited here to give our story, and we wanted to focus on that,” Vargas said.
Sotomayor was part of a three-judge panel that ruled against the firefighters. That ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court, and opponents have been highly critical of Sotomayor’s decision in the case.
-Laurie Kellman, AP reporter, Congress
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Thur Jul 16, 3:57 pm ET
Think Sen. Lindsey Graham’s previous comments during the Sonia Sotomayor hearing have been colorful? Think again.
The South Carolina Republican just cussed when addressing firefighter Frank Ricci. “I appreciate how difficult this must have been for you to bust your ass and study so hard” and still be turned down for a promotion, Graham said.
“You probably did not get the day in court that you deserved,” Graham added. “Please do not lose sight of the fact that not so very long ago, the test was rigged a different way.”
-Laurie Kellman, AP reporter, Congress
Sen. Lindsey Graham (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
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