Comments about ‘Obama withdraws appeals court pick’

This demonstrates the compromise and "middle of the road" politics of the US. If the president proposes a liberal, the chance of getting through the Senate is reduced. But propose a middle of the road nominee and he/she will successfully receive Senate votes.

But politics is getting uglier each year. I would expect when the tables are turned and a Republican is in the White House again, and he/she presents a nominee to the Senate, that Democrats will block nomination simply to obstruct. I won't be surprised if/when this happens.

Re: David

Actually it already has, Harry Reid used the fillabuster on Bush nominees, mainly to the Federal Court. But I agree with you about "middle of the road". The requirement of 60 votes to override a fillabuster is a great check in our system that prevents appointments that are too extreme either way. It is especially important to keep the Judicial appointments from being to radical as they sit on courts for life. As for political appointees to the cabinet posts, maybe a little more leeway should be allowed as they will only serve as long as the President.