I do not agree with Senator McConnell's rule that an opening on the Supreme Court in a presidential election year should be filled by whoever wins the election that year. Oh yeah, that was the rule last election. Since that no longer works for him, he has a new rule this election. Does anyone doubt that he would go back to his earlier rule if that worked better for him? Or make up a new rule?
As I have suggested before, I would like laws that require some kind of bi-partisan vote on Supreme Court justices.How about requiring a super majority of 60 votes with at least 10 votes from outside the majority party?
But that is for the future.
If Trump wins the election, he can nominate the next justice. But...Since I believe Republicans stole a Supreme Court justice from President Obama, if they insist on forcing a Senate vote either before the election or after the election if Biden wins, then it is time to play hardball like the Republicans.
If Biden wins and Republicans insist on confirming a new justice this year, I suggest that Democrats declare that they will impeach this justice as soon as they can. I don't believe they need any justification other than that seat on the court was stolen.
I know that opens the possibility that Republicans will do the same when they have a chance, but they show no principles now. They will always do whatever suits their current needs. Precedent be damned. Norms be damned. Principles be damned. So what do we have to lose? You have to stand up to bullies.
The hope is that Republicans will understand we can treat governing like a death match or we can try to govern with the understanding that for the good of the country we must try to work together.
