Any Quote by Robert Byrd
“And the president is all wrong when he maintains that a nominee should have an up-or-down vote. The Constitution doesn't say that. The Constitution doesn't say that that nominee shall have any vote at all. There doesn't have to even be a vote.”
About This Quote
Constitutional text does not specify voting rights for nominees, suggesting flexibility in interpretation.
In simple terms: The Constitution is silent on nominee voting.
Question assumptions about constitutional requirements.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- senate voting
- judicial appointments
- constitutional debate
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Should we rely on tradition or strict text?
- How can we ensure fair nominee selection?
Ignoring the silence may lead to overreach.