Apparently many of you missed the part where he voted FOR two of Clinton's candidates, how astute.  Hummmm, let me see, does anybody thought he would actually vote for her???? let me guess he's part of the GOP??!!?  Hatch has caved in to the likes of the Party of NO, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, evangelicals, and the Tea Party brethren. He chooses to vote against Kagan in order to uphold the GOP's mission statement of "OBAMA MUST FAIL" instead of voting yes and then having to publicly apologize and grovel at the altars of Limbaugh, Beck, Palin, and the Tea Party. Oh yeah, you can count on Nebraska democratic senator Ben Nelson vote against Kagan, too. His voting record suggests he's an honorary member of the Party of No.  Hatch's idea of a justice that meets his skewed notion of an acceptable philosophy for a Supreme Court justice would be a clone of Scalia, Thomas, or Alito who he considers to be centrist judges. If he gets his way, God save America.  "Qualifications for judicial service include both legal experience and, more importantly, the appropriate judicial philosophy...'  Pure hypocrisy. A lot of past justices have less judicial experience than Ms. Kagan, and the "appropriate judicial philosophy" comment simply means he and she don't vote for the same politicians.  Hey Orrin, Baby – remember that saying , "NO" is contagious. We might all catch it in November.  Qualifications include previously serving as a judge and practicing law for more than 3 years. Ms. Kagan has neither of these experiences. She has said in her past that it would be okay for the Federal govenment to cutail civil liberties because it would likely not be enforced. She has admitted that her record, as sparse as it is, was results-oriented rather than dictated by law. The position of Supreme Court Justice is not a policital one, though it is highly politicized and that's what's occuring in the Senate and on this board. Anyone who focuses on her experience would say she is roughly as qualified as Harriet Miers was.  NRA, KKK, FASCISM, ARYANS = REPUBLICANS. You know if it walks like a , quacks like a, well, it's a REPUB  Did he really say General Kagan? Amazing!  "I have concluded that, based on evidence rather than blind faith, General Kagan regrettably does not meet this standard and that, therefore, I cannot support her appointment."  What I find amusing is comments that would lead us to believe that a single Supreme Court Justice had it in their power to make sweeping changes unbridled.  I suspect Senator Hatch is more concerned about his re-election campaign by voting against Ms. Kagan throws his ultra conservative followers some red meat.  Get rid of these career politicians who earn in excess of $174,000/year not to be of help to the common man/woman, but to lie in the pockets of big business and NGOs.  We could use their salaries to extend unemployment benefits for those who are losing such daily.  I would not vote for her after what she din in Harvard. She will become an activist judge causing division within our country.  It has become automatic now. President Obama proposes something like this SC nomination and certain Repubs are automatically againist it no matter the facts. Until the voters of their states wise up, that will continue to be a fact of life.  And we care about what this guy says because? Are we surprised? Another supreme court nominee made by President Obama. The rethugs must be having nightmares . . . at least I hope they are. Is he a member of the NRA or is he scared that they might come shoot his windows and maybe he and his family because he dares to go against a less than 20% of the population bunch of rednecks? gobpers are all cowards!  Boy the publicans are really grasping at straws. Did he vote against Roberts for "lack of legal experience???" And how often has he squeeled about not having an activist court. The man is so full of feces he may burst when Kagan is confirmed.  One down, 2,000 more to prosecute at the 2012 change of guard!  What a surprise! She is smart, quick, reasoned, young and a real threat to the bloated GOP male egos. What a coward is right. What a wimp. The GOP Party of NO is scary and the men in the party no longer can think for themselves without checking with FOX TV or Rush Limbaugh. I would like him to be ashamed of himself for the hosed down logic, he is peddling, but why waste the time.  The GOP better brush up their resumes, looks like they are going to need them.  Hatch, Boehner, Cantor, McConnell, well the list is just endless. . . good luck finding work in an economy that you ruined and are not assisting in getting back on track. Geez, once your unemployment benefits run out you might be in the need of some health care. . .oops, didn't think of that did you!!  You idiots! One set of rules for the Party of NO, your rules! Can't play by those and you take your ball and go home. Well, nobody is going to play with you there either! Have no idea how miserable your life will be when you are not a representative of the people any longer, but maybe you'll get your own reality TV show so we can all see how difficult you have made it on yourselves!!!  Hatch=Bush= GOP hack=just say No to everything.  I guess saying yes to Bush's every whim .......it is time to even things out.  What do you expect from a GOP they are are all haters of intelligent people  Betty White would make a better SC Justice than Elena Kagan. Thank you Senator Hatch for taking a stand, and requiring some actual experience in a nominee for our nation's highest court.  What's this? A republican't saying "NO"! I do not believe it! I really hope the president and the democrats are taking a tally of all the times the republican'ts say no. Even to some of their own legislation, if the president supports it, they will oppose it.  I know exactly what's going on. They are going to say no to everything from a jobs bill and extending unemployment benefits to a Supreme Court nominee. That way, come Nov. they can say "See, the democrats can't do anything. Elect us and we will get it done!" They want credit for doing nothing and will stop at nothing to say no, even if it hurts the American people.  Man, I hate racists, anti-semites, and patriarchal morons. Oh, I just described the Grand Old Panderers, add them to the list of things I hate. The Rebuplic Party panders to every big business and lobby there is – I hope the good guys win in the end.  I've studied the 2nd amendment for more than 30 years and have read the writings from our nation's founders and that the Supreme Court could TWICE rule 5-4 that the 2nd amendment refers to individuals is scary!  The ruling should have been 9-0. That we have 4 judges who twist the Constitution to fit their agenda is troubling.  Partisanship is the 4 judges who close their eyes to 200+ years of establsihed law. Partisanship is the 4 judges who would deny a person's most basic right to defend him or herself in their own home.  If Kagan reads the 2nd amendment with the eyes of activism, or any other part of the Constitution – she shouldn't be confirmed.  Senator Limbaugh... er, Senator Hatch – votes No  Another republican who wants everyone in the US to think like he does. The term "appropriate judicial philosophy," means they want a judge who votes to only support big business and conservativism. He wants the courts to think exactly like he does.  Two words for you Orrin buddy...JOHN MARSHALL.  Big whoop. She's getting confirmed, so he's taking a safe politicized partisan position that keeps him in good with his base. Move along...nothing to see here...  Hatch had no intention of EVER voting for Kegan. He was in the NO column before the POTUS announced his Supreme Court pick. Who does he think he is fooling. People like Hatch cannot rise above their own politics or have any objectivity. They are stuck in a partisan war. And so, the party of No continues to say No. What a surprise.  To Frenchbuggler and the rest who post words of disgust on Hatch: Now is the time for action, not words. This is an example of outside interests and extreme wings of both parties demanding that the lawmakers tote their line at the expense of the american people. 1 million people with families are facing really hard times due to inaction by these fools. The time for words is done; These guys are doing real harm to real american people.  It is time for moderate americans to take back our country. Americans who believe that compromise for the good of all Americans is the right thing. Americans who just can't sit around any longer and speak on these forums and get ignored or vote and get ignored.  It's time to protest and protest vigorously the people who are making this country a country of extremes. Get in their face; confront and make them uncomfortable. It is time to stop this madness.  John Boehner is going to be caught in an aiport restroom tapping his foot.  Orin has been watching the fate of his buddy Bob Bennett. This barely qualifies as news. Shame he didn't feel the same way about Alito and Roberts who have been pretty darn active in creating their own laws, usurping the role of Congress. Funny how activist judges are only bad if you disagree with their rulings.  If she was a bush or any other republican choice<old hatch would have been a yes yes.  i still think the republican magic eight ball is still stuck on no.  Smells like moonbat in here.  "There is absolutely no doubt in my mind [the nominee] is qualified to sit on the highest court in the land. Moreover, [the nominee] seems to have the comportment and the temperament that makes for a good judge. [The nominee] is humble, personally decent, and appears to be respectful of different points of view. It is absolutely clear to me that [the nominee] truly loves the law." -Barack Obama ...He nonetheless voted AGAINST the nominee, John Roberts. Is Obama a political hack?  Who is surprised? not me. Hatch must continue the republican strategy of saying no. He could care less who is appointed but since he is a republican he must say no.The republicans must continue their hate filled messages in hopes of trying to get back in power. The country doesn't really matter to him, just the powerrrr.  Orenthal Hatch (who was named in honor of Orenthal James Simpson as a tribute to that great American who got rid of an adulterer and a Jew) also suggested nominating Glen the Nazi Beck to the supreme court since he has zookeeper experience which is what Hack says will enhance the court's white agenda.  I thought Kagan supported plural marriage?  Hatch does not know what he is talking about.  I am not surprised that someone like Hatch would oppose the nominee.  If on the other hand, a right wing zealot with no judicial experience were nominated, good ol' boy Hatch would be all for it.  Hatch and many of his silly Republican cronies are interested only in promoting the backward policies of their out dated party.  She is exactly the type of judge we need. The military's discriminatory policies did not play well on her non-discriminatory campus. Hatch would throw every homosexual under a bus if he could. The Republican parties religiously fueled homophobia has a filthy record in support of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters on the front lines of our wars, past, present and future. This policy is due to be erased in the very near future. To treat her reaction to pro-discrimination by the military and Republican party as a litmus test is discrimination in and of itself. Hatch's ideology is pulling his wagon. America is moving forward with or without Mr. Hatch or his small minded constituents.  kagan pre confirmation hearings "“The Bork hearings were the last hearings where a nominee was able to engage the Senators,” said David Yalof, a political science professor at the University of Connecticut. “But Bork lost. Candidates since have followed the anti-Bork blueprint. The Souter blueprint if you will: say as little as possible without the appearance of stonewalling and you will be successfully confirmed.”"  kagan during confirmation hearings " case by case, rule of law, ...."  Radical liberalism is ruining this country. Obama hates America and his every policy he has pushes will help cause the collapse of our once great Nation. Your 401ks will be toast, social security will be toast and every other bit of security you thought you had will toast. You left wingers are clueless idiots!!!!!!!!  I am not suprised because they oppose everything President Obama does. If any one is concerned about activist judges they should be concerned about Roberts.  Millions of voters out here in the real world oppose HATCH. He's so obvious in his prejudice and obstructionism. Can't stand him. He gets on my nerves. Be glad when ALL the old white male obstructionists are out of DC.  Hatch needs to get the hatchet. He has outlived his usefulness and is not in touch with the mainstream. Oh, does that sound like other members of his party?  I love that Repubs don't want people to legislate from the bench, unless of course it's for something they want and then it is ok. Hatch will vote no. Big surprise? Maybe that's why Boner tans so much. He doesn't want to be as transparent as the others. Sorry, Johnny. It doesn't work.  I don't believe it is wise for one (1) person (The President) to decide the one (1) nomination to the Supreme Court. The President should at least nominate two (2) then the Senate Vote and decide which one (1) will be evaluated. Also there should be strict requirements met, totally subjective, before anyone can be nominated.  Of course, the NRA has a gun to his head as well as all the other republicans – and you know who the republican party REALLY works for.  No surprise here. He's always been a GOP hack with tunnel vision. I can recall him falling over himself to praise Robert Bork when he was nominated, and Clarence Thomas as well - demeaning Anita Hill during her testimony on Thomas' sexual advances on her in the workplace.  I was willing to give Kagan the benefit of the doubt, but after reading the moronic rants by those who support her, I am convinced that she needs to be opposed by all legal means possible.  The more people like Hatch, Limbuger-baugh, Beck-****, Levin, Hannity, et.al. open their mouths, the more I am gald I left the Repuke-licans.  Of the three branches of government, the Supreme Court enjoys the highest respect and Congress enjoys the lowest respect. Thank you Senator Hatch, for re-affirming that fact.  Senator Orin Hatch is correct in opposing Kagan's confirmation. Kagan is just another radical liberal woman with total lack of experience, qualification, and has no depth of understanding of the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution. Her respnses have fallen short of a true candidate for the position on the Supreme Court. Kagan's resume does not meet requirements.  Kagan's past experience is purely Administrative and has offered her a convenient pathway to contacts who could further her career. Her position as Dean was not unlike the job obama held for 12 years, 'community organizing.' obama is also unqualified to be president.  Kagan is far too unsettled in her response to questions and has never been honest with her positions. Her answers to direct questions have been avoided and if answered, at all, Kagan is very tentative. She is extremely immature and far too cocky and arrogant ; Kagan seems to think this hearing is merely a charade.  Kagan should not be confirmed at all costs. She is one of obama's liberal groupies and certainly not the most qualified and experienced person available for the job. Doubtful that she would be chosen as the top choice from a well selected group of 8 other experienced judges. In comparison to Justice Sotomayor, Kagan doesn't come close to Sotomayor's background and experience for a confirmation and shows that she is highly unqualified and inexperienced.  Is anyone surprised by this? I mean really! Anyone? Does anyone expect any members of the GOP on the committee to vote yes? It's typical GOP politics from day one. Vote against anything and everything the President or the democrats try to do. Vote against helping the American people and help their money buddies in insurance, banking and oil. Hope and plot that the President and America fails, the new GOP.  Vote NO in NOvember to the party of NO.  I can only hope that HATCH supports a filibuster. Voting against her will not get it done. Obama should put a more moderate judge up for approval.  The DEMS forced out Bork back in the day and the Conservatives owe it to the country and their constituents to block this extreme liberal judge.  No one cares what Hatch has to say. She will be confirmed and all you lunatic right wingers who spout socialism or dictator every other word will just have to find something else to cry about.  I didn't know Orin Hatch wrote the Constitution, and therefore is the arbiter of deciding what the Supreme Court is supposed to do?  What Hatch doesn't want to understand is that ALL branches of the US Government are "activist". The Supreme Court, by it's very act of ruiling on a passed law or on a case, "change" the way we interpret a law – take the recent ruiling on handguns, and what it means for the Second Amendment.  Congress itself is activist (well, when it actually DOES something), by creating legislation that is not written in the Constitution – such as the Equal Rights Amendment.  As for Kagan 'undermining' the right of Free Speech – what was Orin Hatch's vote for the Patriot Act with it's illegal wiretapping? What a partisan fraud.  Here's the problem with Hatch. He voted FOR the two liberal judges on the court. He has NEVER not voted for any Supreme Court justice prior to President Obama's choices. So are we really to believe that this is not some other agenda? Justice Sotomayor had more time on the bench than Robert, Alito,etc, than ANY justice, and he still said no to her. To add, Kagan does NOT change the court. The retiring judge was mostly liberal.  I don't understand the GOP. I could see if one of the conservative judges retired, then pick your fight. BTW – ALL judges are activist. If not, then they wouldn't be labeled LIberal or Conservative. As Kagan has stated, the law (unfortunately) is up for interpratation. If not, then we wouldn't need the Supreme Court, would we?  It is proper to oppose Kagan. She is an activist in every form of the word. She does not support nor believe in the constitution. She does not believe in following the law. She will go with her "feelings" which would be completely against her sworn duty as a supreme court justice. She forced military recruiters out of the recruiting center and only allowed them back in when the goverment threatened to hold back 300 million for harvard. She lies. Sotomayor lied as well when she said she supported the 2nd amendment and the constition. The justices are supposed to follow laws. They are not supposed to make it up as they go. She should be opposed.  He's only applying the same standards Obama applied to Roberts. Obama can't have it both ways, even if he thinks he's king.  Sen. Hatch is afraid of any woman who has a brain and isn't afraid to use it. Kagen will be a welcomed addition to the Supreme Court, and will judge more fairly than Roberts, Alito and Thomas combined.  Who cares that Hatch doesn't support a liberal be placed on the Supreme Court. Why did CNN post this article? I would be surprised if Kagan got more than 3 Republican votes. And who wouldn't be? And who cares? She will be appointed, that's all that matters. If only Obama could get the opportunity to replace one of the 5 conservatives.  Only the most niave will believe that there is any logical foundation to voting against Kagan- especially after flattering Hatch's commentary. This is simply the "Party of No" carrying its anti-American agenda on and on and on. Hatch is a hypocrit.  Mr. Hatch needs more bran in his diet ... his eyeballs are turning brown.  The more frustrated and name calling you comment about stories like this the more closed minded you appear. If you read the story; he supported Ginsberg and Breyer, both liberal judges. The reason why he supported them is because when you're confirming a judge you are looking for an impartial viewing of the law, not a political mind or someone who has worked closely with political agents (such as Kagan) and they were two extremely talented and intelligent judges. This isn't about hating women, i.e. he voted yes on Ginsberg and this isn't because she's a left leaning judge because he has voted for them in the past. This is simply a no vote because he believes she is an activist and not someone who can view the facts of the cases and render an impartial verdict. Right or wrong, for better or for worse, no one can tell you how Kagan or for the matter any judge will rule, he is simply expressing his mind on an nominee not because of her race or political party.  He did vote for Judge Thomas. Kagan is a better qualified and an independent legal mind. There goes the judgement of this Senator. Double standards?  Obama did the exact same thing, for the exact same reasons, while he was a Senator.  Be careful whom you call "hypocrites", Liberal morons.  Orrin....you know it and I know it............Kagin has more class than you have or have ever had........not even close  Hatch is such a hypopcrite, represents the mormon cult that sent all that illegal mormon money to california to pass the hateful prop 8, the mormons and Hatch should take their hateful cult religion and stop sending their hateful meggages via young missionaries all dressed in white shirts and ties, Ms. Kagen is so well qualified and will make a great judge, now to get rid of the four that always vote for the conservative cause no matter what the vote, more money in elections from rich cooperations and a loaded gun in every pocket.  Orrin Hatch, along with John McCain should really be the poster boys for term limits. Good people of Utah – why do you continue to vote for this guy? Haven't you had enough of his partisan dribble?  SPOKEN LIKE A TRUE REPUBLICAN. .... If you don"t have a legitimate reason for something, make one up. Why not? Your party fellows do it all the time. I do believe MR. Hatch that your time is running out . Time to move on. You can retire a very wealthy man. DO IT!  Amazing how anyone who does not agree with a liberal agenda is labeled as hater and racist.  With words like that liberals should first look in the mirror. All Hatch is saying is that judges should apply the law not create it.  Being a conservative I disagree with many of the opinions expressed here, but I fully support their expression.  Let’s all engage in dialog and not name calling.  I live in Alabama and Hatch is just as big a fool as Jeff Sessions is.  Both would vote against Jesus Christ if he were nominated to the Supreme Court by Barak Obama.  The Republicans are and always be the party of NO when it comes to a Democratic president.  Hoping many more will have the guts to follow Senator Hatch. She is simply the wrong person for the job.  BTW all those screaming "party of NO" ...did you READ the article?  I quote,'"the veteran Republican voted for every high court nominee in his long Senate career, including President Clinton's two liberal choices, Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer."  She is simply the wrong person for the job.  "It's just an other sign of blatant partisanship. Hatch cannot vote for Kagan, whereas Sen. Leahy had the grace to vote for Roberts." – Frederik  The article points out that Hatch did vote for judges that were nominated by Democrats – "the veteran Republican voted for every high court nominee in his long Senate career, including President Clinton's two liberal choices, Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer."  How is that record showing partisanship?  Now would you vote for someone who has a history of associating with the Communist Party and very far left groups? Heck would you even vote for someone who was the opposite? I wouldn't. To be a judge you must be non-political (save for when you personally vote for someone in a political race), non associated with any organisation, and very middle of the road. Not to mention, she did, in fact, break federal law at one point at Harvard.  Would you want that in a Supreme Court Justice? I wouldn't.  The Voters don't approve of you either Hatchie Boy.  All republicans need to oppose the progressive rubber stamp stump for the highest court in the land!  Okay, I'm not really shocked. Hatch was sure to oppose Kagan. She's not a right wing nutjob like Roberts or Alito.  So then , Roberts MET Hatch's criteria??? Apparently Kagan isn't enough of an "activist" in Hatch's mind to serve on the most "activist (less-than-supreme) court" to ever exist! Hatch is just another partisan POS from the shameful GOP.  A Republican voting against Obama's choice for the Supreme Court? What a surprise! Yet another Republican hack or Hatch? As an active senior citizen who is still working an 80 hour week by choice, it pains me to experience the continuous betrayal of American values of inclusion by fearful and selfish conservatives. Though, John Kyle truly takes the cake. Enough written.  It is amazing with the party that is in charge, the other party becomes the party of NO. It happened when the GOP were in charge then the Dems were the party of NO. But to most of the Dems that was OK. Turn around is fair play these days and with this attitude from both parties nothing gets done. All I know is that this country is on a downward spiral that I am not sure if we will be able to pull ourselves out. It is a time for big change.  Apparently, most of you have not read or listened to this interview. To say that it was a pitiful joke would be a drastic understatement. Even some of the Dems are having second thoughts about voting for her because of her answers (or lack of answers) and ego. She should not even be voted on much less affirmed for she is clearly not qualified. View the tapes...read the transcripts. Supporting her simply because she was appointed by Obama is just as partisan and close minded as those who do not vote for her for the same reason.  It's clear you didn't read the article, and are just here to badmouth Republicans like a Tolerant Liberal.  "Hatch also opposed the nomination of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, but before that, the veteran Republican voted for every high court nominee in his long Senate career, including President Clinton's two liberal choices, Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer."  The GOP is all about flip flopping these days. Hatch is supportive all the way, but apparently was instructed by Mitch McConnell to oppose the nomination of Kagan. The GOP is doing this a lot – negotiating deals with the Dems to make the programs more amenable to them and then they vote against it.  The Grand Obstructionist Party, AKA The Party of NO, is in full swing and is the only reason for the gridlock in Washington.  These clowns should be waterboarded.  Probably he will like Hitler in the court,I'm so disgusted with Repub;icans in general  So it's clear: The Tea Party wing nuts have gotten to Senator Hatch, too. So sad.  Frederic, does your hatred to all thing Republican made you blind? Had you read the whole article, you would have noticed that: "... voted for every high court nominee in his long Senate career, including President Clinton's two liberal choices, Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer".  I'm shocked! Shocked I tell you!  Slick move by Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch in during this he letting the rest of the Republican to get in line and VOTE NO on the nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. Very slick move!!!!!!!!  Hypocrite. Apparently he was not equally as concerned when he supported Bush's cleaning lady, Harriet Miers.  The party of NO speaks! Small and dwindling, the RNC is headed for the dustbin of history. I look forward to the November elections and the failure of the "Tea Party."  let me guess, because she's Jewish?  Wow! A lot of anger and hate on these posts, particularly from those who appear to be of a leftist bent. Throttle back people.  Hatch DOES want activist judges. He just wants them actively overturning past "liberal" precedent.  Well, at least we know that his poor judgment can't be blamed on not being "all ears" during the hearing.  It is past time for you to retire, Senator Hatch. You have consitently made me ashamed to be from the State of Utah. You blindly supported the fascist regime of Bush and Cheny including their condoning torture. You voted against health care reform. You oppose nominations to the Supreme Court who would bring balance to it as opposed to the extremely far right trend in the appointments by Bush. Please support Ms. Kagan and then turn in your resignation to the Senate.  Excuse me..? "Gay Ol Party..?" I'm gay, and I take offense at being tied to ANYTHING Republican  No surprise. His bosses Rush, NRA, etc told him to do it.  Naturally, Hatch opposes. That's what he does. Oh, I forgot; he supported Clarence Thomas with gusto. We have not forgotten those hearings in which Anita Hill was victimized.  I support Hatch on this. Kagan is simply not qualified to be a Supreme Court Justice. Then again, I would say no one on the planet really is.  Scared of the NRA, Hatch? But of course you are not in the pocket of these gun toting fools. Rank cowardice you midget.  Hatch saying no here. Imagine that.  What is "appropriate judicial philosophy?" Would love to here a definitive explaination of what this is. Can any of the conservatives on this blog provide enlightenment?  Anyone notice during the hearing when hatch was up he looked like he was going to keel over and his train of thought kept derailing funny as hell.  I think it's interesting that the implications from Mr Hatch's statement is that once a philosophy is established we (as humans) are stuck to that philosophy and will never grow or change throughout out lives. Which is to imply that we do not think and just act on precepts formed in our youth. He couldn't be more wrong and really misses the point regarding her intellegence and abilities of critical thought. He seems to judge her on a political agenda rather than as a legal scholar. I wouldn't think one would get to the position of Dean of Harvard Law without some respected and recognized legal credentials. Apparently his standards are one of agreeing with his ideology. Kinda reminds me of both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.  democRATS are the hyprocrites. How can you put a biased judge in the Supreme Court. She will just be used a stamp pad for Obama's socialistic agenda. America, wake up! This country is becoming a non-Christian, Islam-leaning, socialistic society.  Well....this isn't the first IQ test he's failed.  Or......maybe he has the IQ, but not enough courage to go against his NRA puppet-masters.  Dumb or cowardly, and many times BOTH....that describes today's [R] party to a 'tee'.  You consistenly make me ashamed to be from Utah, Senator Hatch. You supported the fascist regime of Bush and Cheney for 8 years including their condoning torture. You voted against health care and you opposed people who would bring intelligence and balance to the Supreme Court. It is long past the time when you should retire.  This is news? He is a Republican –> He votes "no". Simple.  Meh.... Both Pubs and Dems are Socialists now with their own personal agendas. Neither care about the freedoms given to us by the founders and the U.S. Constitution. Instead of further, and appropriately, separating ourselves from the rest of the world, we continue to look to them to solve our problems which they never have nor ever will experience to our degree.  If Obama endorsed beef, all Republicans would become vegetarians.  And he supported the nominations of Judge Scalia and Judge Thomas. Republicans (you see one, you see them all) believe that they can camouflage their agenda, hypocrisy, and dishonesty. Why not put your deceiful, scare tactics on hold, oh Pro-Life, Pro-War, Pro-Gun, Anti-Health Care, Anti-Immigration Reform Senator, and vote to give a hand to our unemployed sisters and brothers. What family values do you reflect,as you tacitly reject the values of Thurgood Marshall and wholeheartedly embrace the values of Rush Limbaugh?  ol hatch and sessions long for them good ol days of the 60's where they ruled. and the republicans ran the roost and were untouchable, they are the extremist right it is written all over their face. this country is in plantation mode. where the rich are hollering and crying foul but the truth is they are all well off. while the masses take the hit. the jedi principle. is "are you going to believe me or your lie'n eyes. if them safety desposit boxes could talk in the cayman islands they would shut this GOV'T down.  Orin Hatch has just been elevated a few notches in my book. Every decent American should oppose the left-wing loon Kagan.  In other words, Senator Hatch is voting as the NRA told him to! Wimp.  Maybe we can actually talk about the issues at stand in nominating Kagen rather than spewing out trite talking points against those rascist white republicans. Does the fact that Kagen does not believe in inalienable rights, says that the government can forcefully take away political pamphlets, or refuses to say if the commerce clause allows the government to mandate every American to eat their vegetables scare anyone?  But yea, lets just rip on Hatch for standing up for what he believes in and from defending our country from being more taken over by Washington. Republicans just want poor people to get sick and die!  From what I've seen and heard in the last year there is only one conclusion – Republicans are TRAITORS to this country, they would love to see the country fail, fail, fail, on all fronts. You hear that republicans – You are TRAITORS. You sellouts will sabotage anything and everything, keep going, people are watching.  Kagan is highly qualified. There are unfortunately no intellectual qualifications for United States Senators.  what iam looking for are corp. leaning judges like robert  Shouldn't someone serving on the Supreme Court at least have some judicial experience? I do not doube Ms. Kagan's education-it is stellar. To be a justice, you should have experience in a courtroom as a judge on some level.  two thirds of the bench is Catholic, and with the general, one third will be Jewish..fine cross section of Americana..  what do we have in here? a bunch of first-graders? looks like it by the type of responses and insults thrown about.  When this country was founded not all had judicial experiance so that they could have the different views from different backgrounds.  Here they're go again another big "NO" I think GOPer going to stay with the big NO in their life.  What a surprise - NOT!  If Hatch opposes her, she must be good.  Conservatives can no longer claim that liberals are the only ones who vote in activits judges.  The stench of fear in these republicans is palpable. I wonder if he ascribed the good person and a brilliant scholar when supporting Thomas to the bench or Alito or Roberts for that matter. Nah, he's afraid he'll follow Bennet model in Utah.  Politics seems to dictate your various stands. Once you are elected, the peoples best interest should be the dictating force and that means working TOGETHER. NO is not an option – MAYBE might be what is needed so that everybody can back away from politics as usual and work in concert to make America the best it can be. It can be nothing if it is polarized for purely political reasons. Nobody would dictate to me – no member of any party or corporation – if I was in your position.  Hatch is trying to ingraciate himeself to the hard right; he knows they own the gop now.  Hatch disappoints me, simply because he has reached across the aisle before – and he knows she will make an excellent jurist – just not a conservative, "interpret the Constitution as it was written when women and Negros were property" jurist, which is all the white, old, male GOP wants to continue running the country. Look out – minorities rule in less than 10 more years! And I'm not talking the dumbass, white-wannabe Clarence Thomas-type of minorities, either.  O. Hatch needs a reality check. How in this world can this be? He can support Sarah Palin with all her faults but an educated scholar does not meet his standards. My guess is his standards are "very low"".  The usual plot is Hatched: filibuster till you get your way. Meanwhile, Senator Reid, have you heard of the wonderful salad herb we have in Florida? It's called dumbcane.  OK, and how was this really surprising? A conservative from "UTAH" won't support a progressive......."NO" should be the campaign slogan for every Republican in November.  First, of course he was fine with Clinton's choices. It was OK to be a moderate Republican then. Gotta be far right now to pander to your base.  Second, how was she blocking the recruiter's access? As I understand it she only told them they had to use a different office than the one they wanted.  Third, no where does it say you have to have judicial experience to be a judge on the Supreme Court. Technically, they could nominate me if they so chose.  Heck, at this point Jesus himself could've been nominated by Obama and the GOP would have a hissy-fit.  WOW – what a surprise! The angry very old white guy (career govt worker) says NO to supporting our President's nomination for the Supreme Court (and everything else) ~ "wonder if he's a republican?"  Do the repubs realize that anyone can go back and see that the repubs have voted NO on everything that Obama has tried to do or promote? Even if previously it was their idea or part of their platform. Of course the real question is do the repubs even understand what their actions, or lack of actions, mean?  Remember that the Taliban hates women....oh yeah...and America getting the Olympics....  How in this world can this be? He can support Sarah Palin with all her faults but an educated scholar does not meet his standards. My guess is his standards are "very low"".  Corporations Rock! They allow the producers to support you fat lazy people that enable Obama and his daddy bill ayers to kill this nation.  If it was a rep. appoint candidate, the dems would oppose no matter what. Nothing is done for the good of the country. everything is done to keep votes for the next election  A communist on the supreme court , Obama would be thrilled!  Insert SHOCK here..........What a surprise............Don't you love how these Repubs say this yet when Roberts and company do exactly what they said they wouldn't do.....that's fine...........What a bunch...  I have always disagreed with Senator Hatch on policy matters, but unlike some of his fellow conservatives I thought he was more open to supreme court nominees like Elena Kagan.  Hatch was best friends with the late Senator Ted Kennedy so I thought that some of Ted's liberalism might have rubbed off. They even sponsored legislation as co-sponsors.  I have a feeling Hatch is worried about the 2012 election since his colleague Senator Bennet was defeated in the primary by right-wing extremists  Hey all you Commies .... Obama voted agains Alito, does that make him a hack?  Experience is an important requirement for a job you are applying for. Look at the terrible current situation the US economy is in because we elected a Present with no governing or leadership experience. Look at the current President leadership on the oil spill. Do we want another idelogicial person selected to a position for life, who do not have the right experience. Let's first give her an appoiuntment to the lower court where she can gain some ecxperience before appointing her to the highest court in the land  Oppose all you want, Sen. Hatch. She will, however, be confirmed.  Didn't Hatch vote affirmative to confirm Elena Hagan as Solicitor General? So, why the NO vote now?  Hatch is almost as orange as Boehner; they probably have side-by-side tanning beds!!  I unfortunately live in utah and i HATE it. i was born and raised in Iowa I wasn't born to hate anyone who was a different race than me. I have seen ample hatred here in Utah . Utahns discriminate against anyone who isnt white, rich or Mormon. I remember moving here when i was 22 years old and after i graduatefd from a tech school. I got a job working at a Mall that no longer exists and because i was a Smoker i was fired because the 3 mormon girls said that if they didnt fire me they would walk and my manager at the time fired me because she couldbnt afford to lose 3 employees The Mormon girls were pissed that i got a Smoke break and they chose not to take breaks.  I oppose anyone who teaches hated and bigotry.  Hmmm imagine that Hatch the Hack will vote no. He would prefer a Repuck candidate so they can condemn your property for big business. a Repuck that will allow big business or foreign governments to buy American elections oh thats right Robert and Alito all ready have done that or one that uses The N word to describe our president when he's in his own home just like the rest of the racist republicans from the south that cannot stand that we have a black president  Good for Senator Hatch... and I'm a registered Democrat! Kagan has played too cute by far. We don't have the slightest idea of what she really believes. If the few opinions by her we see are to be believed, however, she is a dangerous radical that would undermine the First Amendment. Good grief. people, didn't Bush's Patriot Act teach you anything. Obama and his crew haven't gotten rid of it, they have strengthened it! Obama is a fanatic and he and his allies are attacking the Constitution, undermining the middle class, wrecking our economy, outsourcing our jobs, inflicting hordes of illegals upon us. His Administration hasn't kept even one campaign promise - remember re-opening NAFTA and other trade agreements? How about no amnesty for illegals? How about ending job outsourcing? They lie, routinely, about everything., too. Who actually believes that unemployment is under 10%? They manipulate the numbers! The SGS number is 23%. European economists estimate our unemployment at *above* 25%! Obama has managed to make Bush look good.  After watching Kagan's confirmation hearings, I have to agree with Senator Hatch. I would not want her to be on the supreme court bench. She is too political and she is an activist. and for those of you who are "shocked" that a Republican will oppose a liberal judge, he did vote for Ginsburg and Breyer, very liberal indeed!!! not all is about being a Republican or a Democrat.  No surprise here. Kagan is smart, moderate, Jewish and someone who won't favor big business over everything else. That means she will get only a few Republican votes since there are only a few sane Republicans left in Congress.  Any senator that does support her appointment and votes for her is a frigging idiot and as anti American as the creep who nominated her.  BeverlyNC, You are an ignorant fool. You can lean too far right and too far left and you're doing the latter here.  Learn what an originalist is versus a 'liberal' judge. One is appropriate for the SCOTUS, another is not.  Mr. Hatch is running scared and kow-towing to the teabagging morons(mormons?) that ran Bennett out of the Utah GOP–he's afraid he'll be next!  Not a surprise from Orange Hatch...loser  Why is it that in so many of these "opinions" all that one sees are just a lot of name calling and not much in the way of constructive thoughts?  This is not a surprise. I don't recall Hatch particularly liking Justice Sotomayor, either.  And are we surprised? He is opposing President Obama, not her.  "The law must control the judge; the judge must not control the law. I have concluded that, based on evidence rather than blind faith, General Kagan regrettably does not meet this standard and that, therefore, I cannot support her appointment." Sen. Hatch - enough said.  We need to hold all Supreme Court nominees to a higher standard by requiring that they have judicial experience. She may be a good person, she may share political ideologies but do these qualify her as the BEST person for the job. That is like saying a physicians assistant should be hired as a surgeon because he/she desires to improve someones health. Nice person, good intentions but no experience. I only want someone with a proven track record and good results operating on me.  Come on people, don't be so shallow. Dig a little deeper into her qualifications and raise the bar. This is too important.  Get rid of the GOP party and USA will be a better country. Democrats will concentrate on the people while the GOP cares more about big business. In the end, GOD don't give a rat-ass about how much money you have. He cares about how you treated his creations.  Wow! A senile old, bigoted, racist Republican opposes a Democratic nominee. That's really Earth shattering news!  What a big DICK Oren Hatch is..  General Kagan??? really he said that? i know this white trash racist doesnt sync well with the majority of the country, and has a few screws lose, but General really??  Interesting too me how all these white-male republicans have so many RACIST faces. What a joke, she will still be on the bench.  In the last decision the supreme court made, it was 5 for and 4 against. I find it troubling that 4 of the judges voted against the Constitution that they are appointed to uphold and enforce. We don't need another one that will oppose our law of the land. Orrin Hatch is correct, we don't need another radical in our highest court, we have too many already in our Government, and we will try to rectify that come November.  look in the mirror if you want to see a loser......the tall skinny guy slips anutha one by the hapless and feckless obstructionist party of no...what else ya got senator??????....lollol.....  GL, how is Hatch's decision racist? Thanks for once again throwing race into an issue where it has no business. Just like a liberal to call a Republican a racist just because they disagree with YOU because you can do no wrong and you're opinion is what everyone should follow. What a hypocrite you are you POS. Go bury yourself under a rock. Better yet, move to France with all the rest of the socialistic idealogues you agree with. Next time you want our military to fight for you I hope they say "everyone but you since you don't agree we should even exist." People like you make me sick. You can thank the Republicans you're not speaking German, Chinese, or having to walk around with a copy of the Koran.  I can guarantee you if Jesus Christ were nominated for supreme court justice these wingers would definately vote against him. I hope I don't have to explain why.  @Bev C John Roberts and Sam Alito are not activists and John Roberts did not lie in his testimony to get onto the court and i challenge you to produce proof of your accusation. the fact is that Sam and John ENFORCE the law as written. If you don't like the law, it is CONGRESS'S job to change it, not the courts. they understand that... the liberal justices don't. Look no further then the latest ruling on gun control. The liberal justices said the second amendment doesn't protect our right to own a gun. What part of "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" do they not understand?  The people from Utah need to put this dinosaur out to pasture. That's our problem with our government. There are too many dinosaurs holding this country back. Welcome to the third world compliments from the backward thinking dinosaur politicians. People of Utah vote this bum out!  Hatch to oppose Kagan nomination: it was decided the moment Justice Stevens announced his retirement.  On June 17, 1999, Clinton nominated Elena Kagan to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Orrin Hatch never scheduled her hearing, effectively ending her nomination.  11 years later, this is the same Orrin Hatch who rejects Elena Kagan on the basis of lack of ‘legal experience and appropriate judicial philosophy’!  I am sure he took his stand after getting direction from Rush and Glen.  Bravo Mr. Hatch. Thank you for standing up for what you believe in. Or as the liberals like to say "being an obstructionist." Its funny how you're an obstructionist if you're a Republican but simply standing up for what's right if you're a Democrat. If only the liberals would see the hypocricy in their attitudes.  I wish I could say Republicans don't do the same but alas such is our political system and the power of special interests and lobbyists.  Kagan does not meet "the standard I have always used for judicial nominees". Yeah, that is confirm conservative activist judges like Roberts but vote against whoever the Democrats nominate, regardles of, gender, color or judicial view. It's just an other sign of blatant partisanship. Hatch cannot vote for Kagan, whereas Sen. Leahy had the grace to vote for Roberts.  What a shock! A Republican opposing a great and better qualified candidate than the Republican hacks who sit on the Court now???  Republicans oppose EVERYTHING that makes America better, move forward, and actually helps the People. They are the Corporation Party and bow to them to receive all their million dollar campaign bribes.  Then, like Boehner, they have lots of time to go tanning, play golf, be in the bars by 5 PM, and sit around making up lies to tell the media the next day. They have NO work, offered NO solutions, have NO leadership, and NO integrity. All Republicans know how to do is whine, criticize, and push the NO button.  Hatch once used to be a honorable man who worked with Ted Kennedy and other Democrats to make our nation better. Now he and McCain have betrayed us and will do and say anything to have our country fail.  Don't worry about voting NO to all Republicans in NOvember. They will all have jobs lined up with the big corporations they already work for today.  Who really cares about this idiot, Hatch? Let them all nosedive into the abyss and the world would be better off!  I actually agree...though I don't believe you need 'legal' experience to serve....but you do need 'real' common sense, a good understanding of the Constitution, and no record of being a liar.  And this is new HOW? Everybody needs to stop giving attention to these racist fools.  Retire Hatch – you are a disgrace!  Senator, you are disloyal to the United States! What little respect I ever had for you is now gone.  And to think, after all these years, Orrin Hatch is still not a smart man!  By the way, the NRA can suck my root!  Now that is a surprise! Once again the Gay Ole Party is the party of NO. Any woman with a brain which functions properly and is articulate is a threat to the GOP!  Even if every Republican opposes her, which is very possible, they would still need 10 Democrats to jump ship. That's pretty unlikely, especially given how close the "blue dog" Democrats (e.g. Jim Webb, Bob Casey Jr.) are with Obama.  She probably has it in the bag.  I am SHOCKED I tell you! Absolutely SHOCKED that a Repuke is going to vote against a nominee from Obama:):) SHOCKED!  How can such a beautiful state as Utah have bred such intolerant, closed-minded and easily bought (and frightened) politicians as Hatch? Oh, wait....they're Republicans.  Look at Alito and Roberts: Aren't they legislating from the bench? HYPOCRITE!!!!  He is a coward and is scard of the NRA group of hate and evil.  Kagan doens't meet the big business connection qualifications.  Unless you can walk on water and your name is Jesus Christ and you support and uphold the Republican agenda a Republican will not vote for you.  They are ALL judicial activfists...it just depends which side you are on. Another case of "Shoot the thief but shoot him in the pants...he stole my coat."  Hatch is pandering to the right-wing lunatics in the GOP. It's truly sad to see what has become of the Republican party. If you're not pure, if you don't say "no" to everything that the President proposes, you're not a Republican anymore.  Thank you Sen Hatch for standing up to your principles. Kagan is not a good candidate for a life time appointment to the SCOTUS. Thank you again!!  Good! This Progressive Communist needs to be FILIBUSTERED and REJECTED. She'll be 10 times worse than the liar Sotomayer. If leftists like this get a majority on the USSC then this country is TOAST!  No? Sen. Hatch just now started saying No under President Obama. Coincidence? "No"  Well Senator Hatch, you must not have had any standards to be met when you supported Alito, and even less when you supported Roberts!  Those were at least thoughtful comments.  John Boehner is going to make a wonderful Speaker of the House in January, 2011.  Finally, someone telling it like it is. Needs to add that even though she tried her best to mask it; she is going to legislate from the bench.  Just look at who owns his state and the bagmoney he takes,it tells the whole story for this scumbag.  how about the fact that Roberts lied to the judicial commitee when he was nominated? he's not an activist? he said one thing at his confirmation hearing and has been doing quite another since then. Hatch, you and your cronies are such hypcrites!  How did I know that this is what Orrin Hatch would say? I can almost tell what most repug's will say before they open their hatch. The party of no, they are full of themselves.  All republicans should oppose this lunatic liberal piece of crap!  Mr. Hatch is falling into step with the Zombie Party called the Party of NO. Once again all that comes out of their mouths is "NO." They disgust me!  This is news how? Sen Hatch is stuck in 1957. He, and most of his colleagues, would oppose Gandhi if he were nominated by President Obama. He has become as irrelevant as most of his party...the party of NO. No solution, no hope, no vision, no compassion, no sense......  Oh, but he will vote for Robert's and Alito. The biggest Judicial activists in the history of the court. The partisanship is almost laughable, if it wasn't so sad!!!!!  Does anyone really care what Hatch has to say? He's another long-term career politician who's responsible for the mess we're in. It's time to send these old fools to their Senior Care Centers and get them out of politics!  after listening to what she did to the soldiers at harvard i would not vote for her...  "Qualifications for judicial service include both legal experience and, more importantly, the appropriate judicial philosophy," Hatch says in a statement. "The law must control the judge; the judge must not control the law. I have concluded that, based on evidence rather than blind faith, General Kagan regrettably does not meet this standard and that, therefore, I cannot support her appointment."  But then why did you support Alito?  Well of course he's going to oppose her. She has proven she's intelligent, reasonable and can think for herself. That's a threat to the Republicans and Conservatives.  Guess you couldn't expect Hatch to just be honest and admit that if he voted for Kagen that Rush Limbaugh and the Tea Party would be after his hide.  Ya Think?? Thank u Orin Hatch.  Repubs seem to be voting NO a lot these days w/ and for teh most part w/ good reasons but this is a real NO VOTE NO BRAINER. There must not have been many experienced liberal judges out there.  Surely there was one or two.  Is it possible that the NRA, which clearly does not support Kagan, influenced Sen. Hatch's vote? Will other repubs under the NRA "payroll" follow suit? The NRA has already posted that they would not further endorce any candidate that supports her in 2010 or 2012. A coincidence? I think not!  Orin Hatch. Once an idiot, always an idiot. Vote the bum out and start with a clean slate for the senate job from Utah.  I guess she didn't have the big business credentials, right Hatch?  If you don't see the world thru my narrow minded misogynistic perverted Jesus loving white man way, you don't have the qualifications to be a judge, right you dirty old man?  What about Roberts' judicial activism now that he's on the court? Oh right–that doesn't count because he's a conservative. I know that Hatch is doing this for reelection purposes, but it's still pretty cynical.  But Clarence Thomas (completely unqualified) was OK and John Roberts, who lied through his teeth about respecting precedent and is now legislating from the bench, was OK too? Another Republican hypocrite.  Are the righties going to threaten to remove Hatch as well from Utah? Watch-out for those backstabbers in your party that will remove you for even speaking with those radical Democrats...let alone shaking hands with Barry.  If Kagan were a Republican nominee, Hatch would support her without question.  How many Supreme Court justices did not have "legal experience" - whatever that means.  Retire Hatch – you are a disgrace!  You mean qualifications include being a far right wing judicial activist Republican nominee, Mr. Hatch. Your partisanship is showing, sir, as usual. Maybe you should stop pretending to be anything other than the standard games-playing Partisan Republican Hack that you are.  Coward, he is scared of the NRA and won't admit it, at least Kagan was Honest.  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[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/07/02/art.hatch0724.gi.jpg caption="Sen. Orrin Hatch announced Friday that he will not support Elena Kagan's nomination to the Supreme Court."]Washington (CNN) - Utah Sen.