So it looks like the Supreme Court is going to go more Conservative and Liberals heads are exploding.
Why did this happen? It all goes back to 2013 and Harry Reid. You remember him right? He was the Democrat Senate Majority Leader.
The Democrats were getting tired of the Republicans blocking Obamas appellate court nominees using the filibuster. Harry decided it was time to change the rules and make it so you only needed a majority to approve the judge instead of 60. Note this was only for non-SCOTUS judges but it changed the rules nonetheless.
Fast forward to 2017 after Mitch McConnell refused to put Obama’s nominee, Merrick Garland, to replace Antonin Scalia to a vote. He claimed it was because the president’s party and the Senate’s party were opposite and so did not have to put it to a vote. And legally that’s correct although I’ve always thought it wasn’t the best way to “get along” with the opposite party. No reaching across the aisle if you will.
Once Trump took office in 2017 he nominated Neil Gorsuch who was approved on a 54-45 vote. Three Democrats actually voted for him. Next up was Brett Kavanaugh. He was approved with one Democrat voting for him.
Fast forward once more to September 18, 2020 when Ruth Bader Ginsberg, a liberal, died. She was a great person who advanced the rights of many women. Note that she did NOT vote on Roe Vs. Wade as she was not a SCOTUS judge then.
Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to replace her and it looks like they will fast-track the vote to get it done by election day.
I would prefer they allow whoever is elected president to handle this as does the majority of other Americans. It’s something like 55% of the population would prefer that. But because of what Harry Reid did in 2013 the Democrats have nobody but themselves to blame.
As Barak Obama liked to point out, “elections have consequences”.
Sure, they can always blame the Republicans and of course they are. But if you believe the Democrats wouldn’t have done the exact same thing I have some land in Florida I would like to sell you.
Comment by Don — Tuesday September 29, 2020 @ 11:37 am