The GOP's Favorite Democrat (Democrat Ben Nelson Helps Bill Frist Go Nuclear)

The Nation ^ | April 18, 2005 | Ari Berman

[rmgatto]

They shot his plane down.

[WillRain]

If Nelson has his way, Republicans may soon control the entire judiciary. Already Republican appointees hold a majority on 10 of the nation's 13 federal appeals courts.

And yet, the courts routinely rule in ways that support Democrat positions and undermine Republican positions.

Doesn't that put the lie to the claim that it's dangerous to put Republican appointees on the courts?

[syriacus]

nicknamed "Nellie"

Like Nellie Fox?

[samantha]

That is true in Vietnam,but not the one here in USA. I seem to remember that he crashed in the water in Gulf of Mexico? He went against his training for when these underwater escapes have to be accomplished and tore up the plane to get out instead of the simple (non destructive of Airplanes) way he was taught. He seemed to be a renegade type,and that can get you killed. B-1 Bob Dornan crashed twice also,but he is not what I call a renegade. Others may disagree.

[BobL]

"Is it possible to get a conversion out of Nelson?"

I'll say one thing - If Ben supports Bush on judges, and then becomes a Republican, he'll never have to worry about re-election in Nebraska again - and he would be a valid presidential contender.

If he doesn't do both, he may have trouble holding his seat (either in the Primary, or against a Republican).

He may want to give it some thought. Nebraska is VERY red.

[jimboster]

Bush wont ask for Nelson's vote unless he needs it. If there are enough Republican votes, Nelson won't be asked to give "cover" to Frist

[PhiKapMom]

Senators Allen and Coburn at the OK Convention asked everyone to start using the words Constitutional Option and lose the "nuclear" option. They were both emphatic that this will come about shortly and the judges will be confirmed.

[digger48]

Actually, IIRC, he was sitting in a plane on a carrier when another accidently dropped his payload on deck, and McCains plane was one that got whacked.

[gov_bean_ counter]

I say to my conservative friends, some day there will be a liberal Democrat president and a liberal Democrat Congress."

IMHO, this is an incredibly stupid statement, which fails to recognize the fact that the MSM has run interference for the liberal wing of the Democrat Party for decades. The libs are losing their "cover" as the MSM continues its determined march toward irrelevance.

[PeaceBeWithYou]

According to the Washington Post, John has crashed 3 planes, and was a "captive" for 5.5 years.

IIRC, the first one was during training in Corpus Christy Bay, the second one was onto the deck of a carrier, and the third was into Hanoi Bay.

[GenXFreedomFighter]

"I say to my conservative friends, some day there will be a liberal Democrat president and a liberal Democrat Congress." - Senator John McPain

Show some leadership, Senator, and do what is right for the country. You will be shown to be demonstrably right, and that won't happen for at least a generation. Sacrifice some of your popularity with the media for your country!

[Vigilanteman]

Nebraska is VERY red.

True, but Nebraska feels they have to elect one Democrat to congress so the minority has representation. They are kind of funny that way.

Since Nebraska has to have at least one Democrat in congress, wouldn't you rather it be a senator like Ben Nelson or Jim Exxon rather than one like Bob Kerrey?

[537cant be wrong]

excellent synopsis.

[Soul Seeker]

Awhile back there was a rumor that Nelson wouldn't be challenged for his seat. I have forgotton the specifics of the deal but I believe it concerned switching parties as his election drew near in return for keeping his seat in Congress. At very least bi-partisan cooperation in exchange.

So many rumors it is difficult to sort out Truth from fiction. If Nelson does support us on judges and proves a decisive vote I would say the rumors were true and his seat is "safe" from challenge from the GOP. To make doubly sure of that in an atmosphere where people are voting more partisan, I would suspect it likely he'd switch parties.

I'll say this, if this is more than panic'd thought on the part of the Dems I'd vote for him if in the state no matter if he had a "D" by his name. Few issues I'll do a crossover vote on any longer, but this would take courage that should be rewarded. Just as I hope to see Hagel, Chafee and later McCain booted out.

[BobL]

"Since Nebraska has to have at least one Democrat in congress, wouldn't you rather it be a senator like Ben Nelson or Jim Exxon rather than one like Bob Kerrey?"

I don't know. I'm Texan, I recognize Exxon's name, and that's about it with him.

But I did respect Kerrey as someone who was reasonable most of the time (and I ALWAYS respect someone with a Congressional Medal of Honor - something no doubt his 'cousin' in Massachusetts wishes he could have scammed). There's even talk today about Kerrey running for Mayor of New York - even as a Dem he would be way more conservative than Bloomberg - it's driving people nuts out there. What I'd really love to see is Kerrey run as a Republican (or Democrat) against Hillary - now that would be fun.

[PeaceBeWithYou]

Addendum

Third was into Truc Bach Lake.

[qam1]

It's also a stupid statement because if the Democrats had the Senate & Presidency and the Republicans tried to Filibuster a judge they would use the "Nuclear" option day #1

[lawdude]

". I have NEVER heard the story of how he got that reputation. Do you know?"

He crashed his plane on one of his only missions. I recall he never faced enemy fire but not sure about that. His daddy was an Admiral and the commies knew it. It is rumored (only) that he received some special treatment. A couple of his contemporaries have not been kind in their comments.

In any event, he is a raging head case, not to be trusted.

[BobL]

"It's also a stupid statement because if the Democrats had the Senate & Presidency and the Republicans tried to Filibuster a judge they would use the "Nuclear" option day #1"

...and this is the key. The days of bipartisanship are OVER, and the Republicans have to get it through their THICK HEADS. The last thing that the Dems are going to do, if they ever get the kind of control that they had in 93-94, is lift a finger to respect the Republicans. And these "bipartisan" Republicans will look like a bunch of IDIOTS.

[Sonny M]

There are stories of McCain being offered a release, and turning them down, and stories of McCain also turning down special treatment.

Weird as this may sound, everyone knows about McCain serving in Vietnam, Senator Hagel, whose politics has also often infuriated conservatives, and also served in Vietnam, can actually lay claim to being a war hero.

Hagel, helped saved his brothers life by pulling him out of a fire, while he (not chuck, his brother) was on fire, and being shot at. Hagel also has other decoratations, which he never mentions.