Flashback: In 2007, Schumer Called for Blocking All Bush Supreme Court Nominations

SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D-N.Y.), July 27, 2007: “We should not confirm any Bush nominee to the Supreme Court, except in extraordinary circumstances. They must prove — (Applause) — they must prove by actions, not words, that they are in the mainstream rather than we have to prove that they are not. 

So in conclusion, in the end, these three questions provide the foundation for thinking about how we ensure that our court reflects what America wants rather than a diminishing clique of conservative ideology of — rather than what a diminishing clique of conservative ideologues wish for. There’s no doubt we were hoodwinked. I'll remind you of one particular striking passage from Justice Roberts’ confirmation hearings. Senator Graham asked him, quote ‘The idea of a dramatic departure under your watch from the Rehnquist era is probably not going to happen. Is that true?’ Roberts responded: ‘Given my view of the role of a judge which focuses on appropriate modesty and humility, the notion of dramatic departures is not one that I would hold out much hope for.’ 

Of course, now, only a short while later, we have a better understanding. There is no way to say it better than Justice Breyer, it bears repeating. It is not often, he said, in the law that so few have so quickly changed so much. And this somber judgment after just one full term of Roberts and Alito — this is just a prologue. Considering the constitutional harm and dramatic departures that are in store of those few are joined by one more ideological ally, we have to, in my judgment stick by the precepts that I’ve a elaborated. I will do everything in my power to prevent one more ideological ally from joining Roberts and Alito on the court. Thank you.” (Applause)