Republicans will treat Obama’s Supreme Court nominee like an undocumented immigrant
Mar 17, 2016, 6:31 AM | Updated: 6:51 am
In 1997, Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, left, who won't meet with Judge Garland, had nothing but praise for Obama's Supreme Court nominee. (AP)
(AP)
Politicians are always telling us how America is a place where, if you have talent and work hard and play by the rules, not matter who you are you can get a shot.
You might not succeed, but you can get a shot.
However, both Republican and Democratic parties have suspended that rule when it comes to presidential appointments.
Related: Just who is Obama’s nominee for Supreme Court?
Democrats and Republicans in the Senate seem to agree that Merrick Garland would make an excellent Supreme Court Justice. For now, however, Republicans will treat him pretty much like an undocumented immigrant.
And President Obama knew they would, but nominated him anyway. So how do we know which side of the argument to take?
In 1992, then Senator Joe Biden seemed to agree with what is now the Republican view.
“Action on a Supreme Court nomination must be put off until after the election campaign is over,” Biden said.
In 1997, Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, who now won’t meet with Judge Garland, had nothing but praise for him.
But the most confusing comment came from Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader who keeps repeating the reason he’s not giving Garland a hearing.
“Let’s let the American people decide. Give the people a voice in filling this vacancy.”
When I heard that I ran out to my mailbox to check for my Supreme Court ballot – nothing! Just a bunch of fliers from candidates promising to give me my country back.
