Today, Explained RBG’s seat
Sep 22, 2020
Ian Millhiser, Supreme Court correspondent for Vox, delves into the political turmoil following Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing. He discusses the urgency for Republicans to fill her seat amid an approaching election. The conversation highlights the hypocrisy of partisan tactics in nominations and the potential consequences of a new conservative justice on pivotal issues. Millhiser also explores the implications of court packing and what it means for a more representative democracy in the face of changing power dynamics.
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McConnell's Hypocrisy
- Mitch McConnell, who blocked Garland's nomination, now supports a vote weeks before the election.
- This apparent hypocrisy stems from McConnell prioritizing a Trump nominee over Obama's choice.
McConnell's Bind
- McConnell's 2016 justification for blocking Garland was dishonest, creating his current predicament.
- Democrats need four Republicans to defect to block the nomination, which seems unlikely due to partisan pressures.
Confirmation Timeline
- Supreme Court confirmations typically take 2-3 months, but this one might be faster.
- Some senators in tight races might prefer to postpone voting until after the election.