and the republicans take back the senate, and we end up with a bench, a federal bench full of clarence thomass and scalias, then the american people will see the consequences of that, and perhaps the republicans will pay for that in subsequent elections. but at the end of the day, this process is really just become a farce, and it is a disgrace to my profession far, frankly. >> professor, do you think this has some usefulness? >> yes, i do think there is that bit of a silver lining here. but let's be clear about what is really at stake. we are confining the discussion to judicial nominations, but in my view, now that the principle now that the precedent has been established that a similar minority can change the rules at any time, in any way, this is a slippery slope. thank you for being with us, that brings us to the end of this edition of inside story. in washington, i'm ray swarez. >>> welcome to al jazeera america. i'm del walters. these are the stories we are following for you. >> as on earth the united states is second to none. all men should dream dreams, your young men shall see vision