Garland is not a moderate. He ruled to uphold a Washington D.C. law banning possession of handguns that was later overturned by SCOTUS with Scalia writing the majority opinion.

I think Obama's team just researched possible candidates and sorted them according to the amount of glowing praise they received from republicans...

For all those asking why the electorate is so pissed at the GOP and "what do you mean they caved" watch what happens here. A lot of big talk but in the end barrachmed will have his justice

It won't be caving. The Senate's job is advise and consent. Historically that means if he's qualified and not too radical (either way) or doesn't have the 'live boy/dead girl' issue he should be confirmed. That is why Scalia, Sotomayor, Roberts et al had 90+ Yes votes. That is the price you pay for losing the presidency.
BTW as you said HRC would name a much worse candidate.

For me personally, that would be straw that broke the camel's back and the end of my association with the gop.

Exactly, most in the GOP praised this guy just last year. Now they ole Mitch says he waiting on the NRA to give their blessing. Such bullshit this politics is on both sides. Dems did something similar with Alito.

However, Scalia, actually wanted Kagen to be nominated.

Oh it absolutely would be.

and next time a vacancy comes up within 2 yrs of the president's term ending either the dems or gop will justify not moving forward. what a mess.

hear the guy and vote up or down!

exactly, vote no if you dont want him, but hear the guy. No one says you have to confirm him.

The Democrats talked of a filibuster, but Alito went through the nomination and confirmation process on a pretty standard timeline. The opposing party always puts up a fuss. It's their job to ensure that their interests are represented as well in the nominee's interpretation of the Constitution. I don't think we'll ever see a unanimous nominee again. Hard to believe now that Scalia was confirmed 98-0.

That was absolutely nothing like what the GOP is doing now by refusing to even consider or hold a hearing to vet a nominee. What the GOP is doing now is pretty unprecedented. The Democrats have talked shit, uttered ridiculous opinions, but never have they coordinated and taken this kind of action. Even Robert Bork received a hearing. I have no problems with vetting the candidate, disagreeing with his interpretations and qualifications and then not voting in his appointment. I do have a problem with refusing to participate in a Constitutionally mandated process.