Edit: this was not unanimous. I think people are confused because the motion to invoke cloture was reached by unanimous-consent agreement (at a previous date). This just means that everyone agreed not to debate anymore about the nomination and set a date for the vote, which was Tuesday, and which was 52-45.

Most Americans have very little idea of how their government works, so it is not surprising that this misunderstanding has spread so much; I've seen quite a few people saying he was appointed through unanimous-consent. Appointments are never passed through unanimous-consent agreements, they always go to vote.

[–] ratboy@hexbear.net 9 points 2 days ago

Ahhh I see; that makes sense. Ugh thats so disappointing how this stuff gets spread around even by USians who seem to have decently sharp political analysis. I think I probably have a somewhat better understanding of our government than the average person and I cant even decipher some legislation and the language used to explain the decision processes. Sad