McConnell should ask himself, “What would Schumer do?” if the roles were reversed and President Trump had a SCOTUS nomination to fill?
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It remains to be seen what McConnell will do on this matter. I fully understand that McConnell is persona non grata on FR. However, on the matter of Supreme Court nominations he scores a A.
He boldly blocked Obama from installing Merrick Garland in 2020, eventually giving the country Neil Gorsich instead. Next, he relentlessly maneuvered to ensure that Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barret were installed while Trump was still in office, in the face of toxic Democrat and media resistance.
I for one will always appreciate his efforts on those particular battles.
The issue comes down to minority power in the Senate and the differing philosophies by the two parties on how to wield power.
McConnell is wrapped up in tradition and the "sanctity" of the Senate. This is why he has a history of Democrats reneging on deals with him.
Schumer is all about raw power by any means necessary. Senate traditions are a useful tool to Schumer when he can use them to manipulate McConnell's behavioral tendencies, which for McConnell tend away from conflict.
Remember, when Lindsey Graham was saying that "elections have consequences" and that "Presidents have the right to nominate whomever they want," it was Schumer who said that ideology would be the main factor and that everyone was "outside the mainstream" during the Bush years.
That's why fighting for every advantage on the Judiciary Committee is important.
-PJ
You are right. I worry that his health may now preclude that previous toughness now.