It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
Feinstein, Fetterman Hospitalizations Could Spell Trouble for Democrats
Feinstein, who at 89 is the nation's oldest sitting senator and the longest-serving female senator ever, announced last month that she would not be seeking another term in office.
Despite frequent speculation that Feinstein would step down due to concerns about her advanced age and health, the senator said that she expects to finish her current term, which ends in January 2025.
Fetterman's health has been under scrutiny since before he took office, having suffered a serious stroke in May 2022 that became a frequent topic of discussion for supporters of Pennsylvania Senate Republican candidate Mehmet Oz during the election campaign.
With Republican Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho and Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon also away from Washington in recent days, the current balance of power in the Senate stands at 48-48.
Vice President Kamala Harris has already been called into action three times this week to break ties to confirm two of Biden's judicial picks. As the Senate is continuing to consider Biden nominees, the vice president's tie-breaking vote will remain crucial until the return of Feinstein or Fetterman.
Sarah Binder, political science professor at George Washington University's Columbian College of Arts and Science, told Newsweek on Thursday that the deadlock could slow the confirmation process or force Democrats to focus on nominees with bipartisan support.
"Slim majorities are always challenging, but especially so in today's Senate," Binder said. "There are not many legislative measures on tap in the Senate, but Democrats will feel the pinch of a tied Senate whenever they try to confirm a controversial nominee."
"In those cases, Democrats will need Vice President Harris back in the chair to break a tied vote to cut off debate on a confirmation vote," she added. "That might slightly slow down Democrats and encourage them to focus on nominees who have some support from across the aisle."
originally posted by: ketsuko
a reply to: nugget1
Doesn't matter with Feinstein. Newsome will make a safe appointment.
originally posted by: putnam6
originally posted by: ketsuko
a reply to: nugget1
Doesn't matter with Feinstein. Newsome will make a safe appointment.
Go watch Barrack hold up Fettermans arm they thought he would at least outlast Biden
originally posted by: Irishhaf
What a train wreck we have become with everyone obsessing over their party, rather than what is best for the nation as a whole.
originally posted by: carewemust
originally posted by: putnam6
originally posted by: ketsuko
a reply to: nugget1
Doesn't matter with Feinstein. Newsome will make a safe appointment.
Go watch Barrack hold up Fettermans arm they thought he would at least outlast Biden
I thought Barack at least had street smarts. He's not aware of the large growth pressing on Fetterman's brain stem?
originally posted by: sarahvital
originally posted by: carewemust
originally posted by: putnam6
originally posted by: ketsuko
a reply to: nugget1
Doesn't matter with Feinstein. Newsome will make a safe appointment.
Go watch Barrack hold up Fettermans arm they thought he would at least outlast Biden
I thought Barack at least had street smarts. He's not aware of the large growth pressing on Fetterman's brain stem?
a teratoma.
originally posted by: carewemust
originally posted by: sarahvital
originally posted by: carewemust
originally posted by: putnam6
originally posted by: ketsuko
a reply to: nugget1
Doesn't matter with Feinstein. Newsome will make a safe appointment.
Go watch Barrack hold up Fettermans arm they thought he would at least outlast Biden
I thought Barack at least had street smarts. He's not aware of the large growth pressing on Fetterman's brain stem?
a teratoma.
Fetterman's neck growth is a "teratoma"? Oh my.