Another Justice fast tracked

eelw

Diamond Member
Dec 4, 1999
9,026
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All the vacancies left by Obama, was it like the SCOTUS seat where Moscow Mitch refused to even consider starting the process? Or did Obama just not bother to put much effort in looking for judges?
 

ch33zw1z

Lifer
Nov 4, 2004
37,763
18,039
146
All the vacancies left by Obama, was it like the SCOTUS seat where Moscow Mitch refused to even consider starting the process? Or did Obama just not bother to put much effort in looking for judges?

This one isn't vacant. Moscow Mitch is just planning ahead
 

eelw

Diamond Member
Dec 4, 1999
9,026
4,340
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Not talking about any specific one. Just the hundreds (well claimed by Trumpity Dumpity) of seats that were vacant in 2017. Was there really that many or just another over exaggeration by the liar in chief?
 

HomerJS

Lifer
Feb 6, 2002
36,051
27,782
136
I hate the idea of packing courts but putting in a number equal to those Mitch anoints is the only option after Trump is out.
That's going to be the only solution. I've also wondered if the SCOTUS conservatives are deciding the last few cases strategically to blunt the idea Biden needs to add justices to the court if he is elected.
 

K1052

Elite Member
Aug 21, 2003
46,037
33,049
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And when the republicans are back in power they do the same thing. How long until the supreme court is larger than congress?

I think he means the lower federal courts. No reason at all we can't expand those and some good arguments that we should given how long it take routine cases to wind their way through the system.

Anyway the Republicans would certainly cry foul but I don't think anybody gives a shit any longer after the last 6 plus years of them pulling bullshit to stack the judiciary with their guys. Pack the lower courts, pack SCOTUS. Create a dozen new Dem senators by admitting the US territories and DC as states to prevent them from clawing back.
 
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fskimospy

Elite Member
Mar 10, 2006
84,006
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Not talking about any specific one. Just the hundreds (well claimed by Trumpity Dumpity) of seats that were vacant in 2017. Was there really that many or just another over exaggeration by the liar in chief?

It's a little bit of everything. Obama didn't prioritize them at first, then after they lost their veto proof supermajority the Republicans started filibustering everything in sight. Then the Democrats nuked the judicial filibuster and started filling seats, only to lose their Senate majority in 2014. After 2014 effectively all judicial appointments were blocked by McConnell.

So it was more Republicans than anything else, but Obama could have made it more of a priority when he had the chance.
 

fskimospy

Elite Member
Mar 10, 2006
84,006
47,965
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And when the republicans are back in power they do the same thing. How long until the supreme court is larger than congress?

Let them! If they do that then Democrats should disband the federal courts and reform and restaff them, thus clearing out all the Republican nominees entirely.

What you guys don't understand is that the system is already rigged and Republicans are rampantly abusing and politicizing the judiciary because they fear they aren't going to be able to win at the ballot box much longer. Democrats can either let them do this, or they can show them these choices have consequences.
 

Thump553

Lifer
Jun 2, 2000
12,673
2,425
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Judges need term limits.

Absolutely not, that is one of the main strengths of our government. Unfortunately the GOP Senate these days ignores their duty and votes in lockstep. The result is young, totally unqualified partisan hacks like this clown.
The voters have to decide whether they want the US government to collapse or not-the burden and obligation is upon us, the people. The Dems will have to regain control and nominate persons with real intellectual and judicial capabilities. Eventually the good will marginalize the bad, but it will probably take decades to flush out the toxic spill that McConnell/Trump have caused.
 
Nov 17, 2019
10,797
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Absolutely not, that is one of the main strengths of our government.
A judiciary that is independent is one thing.
A judiciary that is not accountable for their actions is quite another.

We're getting far too close to the second than the first.
 

senseamp

Lifer
Feb 5, 2006
35,787
6,195
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Democrats should end the filibuster and pack the courts on the first day they have all 3 branches, start with the Supreme Court.
 
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