SEATTLE RED

Medved: Is Democratic Supreme Court frenzy really about timing?

Sep 28, 2020, 2:14 PM

Supreme Court vacancy...

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., joined by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., right, holds a press briefing on the Supreme Court vacancy created by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

In their furious reaction to confirmation plans for a successor to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Democrats insist it’s all about timing. But even if she’d passed, or resigned, two years earlier, would Democrats offer more cooperation in approving a successor?

Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh were both appointed years ahead of any presidential contest, but still drew near-unanimous Democratic opposition. Clarence Thomas provoked frenzied partisan attempts to defeat and discredit him, as did the esteemed Judge Robert Bork in 1987, though both votes took place more than a year before presidential balloting.

Meanwhile, Republicans made no similar attempts to destroy Democratic nominees, giving bi-partisan support to Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Stephen Breyer and, yes, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Why the contrast?

Democrats view the judiciary as a political branch of government — for enacting progressive reforms that lack popular support for legislative action. Their resulting politicization of the confirmation process makes the judiciary the target of narrow and destructive partisanship.

Listen to Michael Medved weekday afternoons from 12 – 3 p.m. on KTTH 770 AM (or HD Radio 97.3 FM HD-Channel 3)

Polyclinic Broadway mental health crisis center...

Luke Duecy

King County mental health crisis center renovation estimate more than doubles to $35 million

The estimated cost to renovate a former medical office building on Seattle's Capitol Hill into a mental health crisis center has more than doubled.

11 minutes ago

Jimothy (2)...

Julia Dallas

Jimothy Facebook page warns of death threats against deformed raccoon

Jimothy, the deformed Ballard raccoon turned national celebrity, has reportedly been receiving death threats.

57 minutes ago

President Donald Trump speaks in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House Monday, Nov...

Associated Press

Trump after meeting with Qatari PM says he believes war with Iran is militarily ‘effectively over’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters he believe the war in Iran “militarily is effectively over.” The president made a surprise visit to White House briefing room after meeting with Qatar’s prime minister earlier in the day. “Iran militarily is effectively over,” Trump said. “We’re just keeping it the status quo.” […]

1 hour ago

Bird Flu...

Julie Berg, KIRO 7 News

Bird flu confirmed in birds at Lake Tye Park in Monroe

The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife confirmed that avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is present in birds at Lake Tye Park.

1 hour ago

chipotle seattle taco time...

Charlie Harger

Study: Out of 960 Chipotles, the most praised one in America is in a former Seattle Taco Time

The best Chipotle in America sits inside one of Seattle’s strangest buildings, according to a new study.

1 hour ago

The MSC Seascape cruise ship is visible above the newly opened cruise terminal near 16th Street and...

Associated Press

FBI is investigating a possible homicide aboard a cruise ship out of Texas

HOUSTON (AP) — The FBI is investigating a “suspected homicide” aboard a cruise ship that returned to port after departing from Galveston, Texas, the agency said in a statement Monday. The FBI did not provide further details, saying the investigation was ongoing. The company that operates the MSC Seascape said the vessel has since resumed […]

2 hours ago

Medved: Is Democratic Supreme Court frenzy really about timing?