Not This Day in History: September 17, 1986

The Democratic Policy Committee vote book summarizes debate on the nomination of Antonin Scalia to the Supreme Court in this way (in part): While some disagreed with his positions on some issues, especially women's rights, they found him intellectually flexible, and his judicial philosophy to be within the legitimate parameter of debate. Interesting. I mean, his positions are certainly within the legitimate parameters of debate today, but I think we're taking something away from the good Justice if we don't give him credit for moving those, er, parameters.

Also interesting is the fact that the Senate, on the date in question, held a cloture vote on the nomination of Justice Rehnquist to be Chief Justice. But wait, why would a cloture vote be needed?