Constitution Quote by Joe Biden
“I remember George Mitchell - I was doing the Clarence Thomas hearing, and there were 48 senators declared they were not prepared to vote for him at the front end. We could have filibustered that and stopped it. George and I - George was the leader at the time - took the heat from every liberal group saying, "No, no, that's not the way the system is supposed to work, since the Constitution - the president shall propose and the Constitution shall dispose, we're going to let them hear this."”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Clarence Thomas confirmation, 1991
The speaker recalls a political struggle where a minority used procedural tactics to block a nomination, emphasizing the tension between constitutional process and partisan pressure.
In simple terms: A political battle over a nomination highlighted procedural tactics and constitutional limits.
Key Takeaway
Recognize procedural tools but respect democratic norms.
Themes
politics
process
constitution
partisanship
leadership
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- legislative hearings
- political negotiations
- judicial appointments
Key Concepts
senatorial confirmation
filibuster
constitutional law
Questions to Reflect On
- How do procedural rules affect democratic legitimacy?
- When should minority rights be exercised?
A Different Perspective
Procedural tactics can undermine broader institutional trust.
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