I believe that ending violence against women is truly a shared goal — one that is held by Democrats and Republicans, one that is upheld by men and women, and one that is desired by both government and by the private sector.

Today, I voted against confirming Judge John Roberts to the Supreme Court and I think it’s important to share why.

Though it was a difficult decision, and I hope he proves me wrong, I have serious doubts that Judge Roberts will fall into the category of the justices from Chief Justice Marshall to Souter, Kennedy, Ginsburg, and O’Connor, who look at the Constitution, quoting Marshall, as “a Constitution … intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs.”

On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee concluded its questioning of Judge John Roberts, nominee to be Chief Justice of the United States. Judge Roberts was followed by about 30 outside witnesses who testified for and against the nomination.

On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee resumed its questioning of Judge John Roberts, nominee to be Chief Justice of the United States. Senator Joe Biden continued to press Judge Roberts about his commitment to a Constitutional right of privacy. Judge Roberts had testified only that he accepts the right as does every other member of the Supreme Court “to some extent.”

An Op-Ed from Senator Biden appears in the Washington Post today calling on the Bush Administration to fundamentally change course in Iraq to salvage the situation.

On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee began questioning of Judge John Roberts, nominee to be Chief Justice of the United States. Senator Joe Biden picked up where he left off with his opening statement on Monday, noting that the confirmation hearings are the “democratic moment” in which Judge Roberts must tell the American people where he stands on the key constitutional issues.

Today Senator Biden questioned Judge Roberts on a number of constitutional issues. WashingtonPost.com has been live-blogging the event and has great summaries of the exchange.

Confirmation hearings for Judge John Roberts began today. Below is an excerpt from Senator Biden’s opening statement:

An .mp3 file of Senator Biden speaking on the floor of the Senate yesterday is now available.

On Tuesday, Senator Biden spoke at the New America Foundation’s conference, “Terrorism, Security and America’s Purpose.”