CAFTA, Bankruptcy, the Energy Bill, and Roberts (by Matt Singer)

One of the interesting things happening out in Washington, DC, this year is witnessing how the religious right and Republican Party are doing their strange dance, embracing and then separating, flirting then criticizing.

But a steady drumbeat coming out Washington, DC, this year shows that the city really is now corporate-owned. Between the bankruptcy bill, the energy bill, and CAFTA, it's tough to think of three worse pieces of legislation that big business could seek. And now, they're looking to go after the Supreme Court.

And they aren't exactly hiding it, either.

Nathan Newman takes some time to highlight the National Association of Manufacturer's blog endorsement of John Roberts. In their own endorsement, they note that 80% of a federal court's caseload "involves issues with direct impact on manufacturers: torts, contracts, employment law, etc., not social issues."

NAM also pledges to fight for Roberts' confirmation just as they fought for the bankruptcy and energy bills and CAFTA.

Make no mistake about it, the indications of where Roberts will fall on social issues are mixed. His record on corporate issues is clear. He carries water for them and they are his clients of choice. Big business knows that and it is salivating, because it wants to achieve its 4th coup this year.

Just as the votes on bankruptcy, energy, and CAFTA couldn't really fall into place without the support of some Democrats, Roberts nomination is only assured if Democrats play ball.

But already, Dems like Senator Feinstein are making social policy, not economic policy, the litmus test for Roberts. That's not going to be a tough bar for this Administration. When it comes to cutting off their base on social policy to line up another win for big business, I'm thinking the Texas oilmen will cut a deal.

--Matt Singer

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