Trump nominates conservative Amy Coney Barrett for court

I wonder whether and how the nomination will have effect on the ongoing presidential race. On the one hand, the choice and approval (if attained on time) can be interpreted as achievement for Trump. On the other hand, Republican-lean mainstream conservatives who may feel fulfilled with a fresh Justice in lifetime tenure, could end or switch amid the campaign.

Republican senators are already lining up for a swift confirmation of Barrett ahead of the Nov 3 election...

I bet they are, the gutless sycophants. Never mind what they would do if Hillary Clinton had become President and was nominating a liberal or even a conservative for the court.

“I think this will end up in the Supreme Court,” Trump said Wednesday of the election...

It does kind of sound like he thinks he's going to lose.

...adding, “And I think it’s very important that we have nine justices.”

It would be funny if any of those conservatives decided the election had gone Biden's way and that upholding the law was more important than loyalty to him. I mean, they've got jobs for life unlike those senators who are terrified of Trump's base voting them out.

Great choice. Her credentials are impeccable. There is no reason for any senator, Democrat or Republican, to vote against her.

so many Catholics on the supreme court. Who said pedophilia doesn't pay?

Joe Biden is a Catholic, lol.

I wonder whether and how the nomination will have effect on the ongoing presidential race. On the one hand, the choice and approval (if attained on time) can be interpreted as achievement for Trump. On the other hand, Republican-lean mainstream conservatives who may feel fulfilled with a fresh Justice in lifetime tenure, could end or switch amid the campaign.

I reckon that on the Republican side, the debate was whether to push through the new justice, which could have a very negative effect for them on the upcoming election but entrench right-wing extremist values in the supreme court for the next 30 years, or to wait until after the election, which is not looking hopeful for them in the first place, and they would lose that supreme court seat to a Democrat.

It seems they went with the former. And you can't blame them - for 20 years they've been doing whatever they want without repercussion. They impeached Bill for a private matter, they invaded Iraq based on lies, started wiretapping all Americans, colluded with the Russians to win elections, gerrymandering, voter suppression, 15 Benghazi investigations, refusing to confirm Merrick Garland and so on and so on. All without a day of reckoning.

America deserves what it's done to itself. Times are going to be tough in that country for the next few decades. The Canadians and Mexicans would be wise to consider building walls.

“I looked and I studied,

Meaning once again someone he paid did the reading for him ala UPenn.

Teleprompters in clear view. Trump's handlers are reining him in, don't want him ad libbing, going off on another rant about 'the others' trying to invade the suburbs and bring down property values.

You would question the judgement of a judge, that know she is being appointed by a criminal, Democrats could nationalize abortion as medical procedure, removing states from the abortion controversy

I bet they are, the gutless sycophants. Never mind what they would do if Hillary Clinton had become President and was nominating a liberal or even a conservative for the court.

Why? What is the point of continuing to bring this dead horse up into the conversation for TODAY?

Quit living in the past!

StrangerlandToday  06:48 am JST

America deserves what it's done to itself.

Yep - I think the rest of the world should write it off as a failed banana republic and learn to live without it just like individuals should learn to live without other things that are bad for us, like booze and cigarettes.

Times are going to be tough in that country for the next few decades. The Canadians and Mexicans would be wise to consider building walls.

I don't know - I think they should be humanitarian and accept sane refugees.

I don't know - I think they should be humanitarian and accept sane refugees.

Gotta keep out the rest of them though.

In the aftermath of the 2010 Haitian earthquake many American religious groups swept into Haiti and basically started abducting children. There is really no other way to describe it. They emptied the orphanages without adhering to any of the proper procedures or laws that would have allowed the Haitian government to check whether these children were truly orphans or had some existing relatives. Amy Coney Barrett has two of these adopted Haitian children. I think it's legitimate for the senate to look into this and examine whether someone for the highest judicial office respected the laws of another country or whether she was prepared to disregard them to satisfy her religious ambitions.

And the march backwards for the US is hastened

Noooooo, the president and the Senate are carrying out their Constitutional duty.

Most Catholic support abortion and birth control,

This nomination was what I had hoped for when Kavanaugh was nominated. Better late than never I guess. This will cushion the blow of the coming Harris/Biden administration. With six Republican nominated justices those that love America and revere the Constitution will have a cushion for the occasional Roberts swing to the Left.

Now wait and see how the misandry will flow in tidal waves from the Democrats. The religious hatred and belittling of the woman’s intelligence will be impossible for them to conceal. The only question is what will Schumer and his minions come up with to attack her with. I wonder if they go to the sexual predator well again? I wouldn’t put it past them after their performance during the Kavanaugh hearings.

This third Supreme Court nomination is why so many voted for him in 2016. Could you imagine what would happen to the Constitution should Putin’s buddy Hillary were elected? It’s chilling even to contemplate.

Trump called Christian belief BS, see how his still BS Christian, Biden has already the President,it will be confirmed on Nov 3rd at 9 pm Eastern standard time, when he wins Florida, save you the pain of voting

Wolfpack,Democrats have the impeachment option

WolfpackToday  07:18 am JST

This nomination was what I had hoped for when Kavanaugh was nominated. Better late than never I guess. This will cushion the blow of the coming Harris/Biden administration. With six Republican nominated justices those that love America and revere the Constitution will have a cushion for the occasional Roberts swing to the Left.

Never mind that if there is a Harris/Biden administration (as you put it) it'll be because that's what the American public has voted for and those conservative justices will no longer reflect the mood of the country? Perhaps democracy is less important for America than what conservatives think is good for it?

She is well qualified for the position. I’m glad to see a female chosen to be back on the Supreme Court

StrangerlandToday  06:59 am JST

"I don't know - I think they should be humanitarian and accept sane refugees."

Gotta keep out the rest of them though.

Absolutely - but if they love America so much I'm sure they won't mind not being allowed to go anywhere else.

Absolutely - but if they love America so much I'm sure they won't mind not being allowed to go anywhere else.

The main problem America has at the moment is people who are selfish to themselves above society. When society goes to crap, they'll be the first ones trying to get out.

Not much of a coincidence that those with anti-American sentiments are against Trump and this nomination, and no coincidence that they support Joe Biden.

I'm of the position that it's too late for America whichever candidate wins. There will be civil war in November. Neither side will stand for the other winning.

And I note that none of this was ever addressed:

for 20 years they've been doing whatever they want without repercussion. They impeached Bill for a private matter, they invaded Iraq based on lies, started wiretapping all Americans, colluded with the Russians to win elections, gerrymandering, voter suppression, 15 Benghazi investigations, refusing to confirm Merrick Garland and so on and so on. All without a day of reckoning.

The Republican party broke America. Trump called it a laughingstock, then made it one. Trump called other countries sh:tholes, and is turning America into one.

SerranoToday  06:58 am JST

colluded with the Russians to win elections

Mueller went out with a whimper.

Of course he did - the Republican senators were never going to convict their boss. Just like they won't dare to step out of line this time.

YubaruToday  06:57 am JST

Why? What is the point of continuing to bring this dead horse up into the conversation for TODAY?

Quit living in the past!

I was talking about a purely hypothetical scenario to illustrate Republican senators' double standards and hypocrisy, not the past....

I think Trump is a buffoon and an embarrassment however I support neither political party (or what they have morphed into). I would consider myself a classical liberal and definitely not a progressive. As someone who grew up in California in the 60s and 70s I long for the days people could actually talk to each other civilly.

Like many things associated with politics in the U.S., the process to nominate and appoint to the Supreme Court is broken. It has become a partisan nightmare on both sides of the aisle and it needs to be fixed. Look at the recent votes (all along partisan lines) and attempts by both parties to try to obstruct the process.

Whether we like it or not, Trump is carrying out his obligation to appoint a Supreme Court justice. I have been reading about Judge Barrett and regardless of one's political affiliation she is definitely a very intelligent woman. She graduated first in her class at Notre Dame and from what I have read she is very highly regarded within the legal community by people of different political persuasions. The biggest arguments against her appointment to the 7th Court of Appeals came from Senator Feinstein who argued she could not separate her Catholic religious beliefs from her duty as a Judge. Barret said she can. The only inconsistency they could find is Barrett once wrote a paper postulating that Catholics should consider recusing themselves from death penalty cases due to religions stance against the death penalty. I do not agree with all Judge Barrett's stances however she is certainly highly qualified for the position. Unfortunately she was nominated by Trump.

The American population has now become so divided that it is likely beyond repair without some extreme action or catastrophic event occuring. While Americans (and some non Americans here) are caught up in arguing over political parties, race, whether or not to wear a mask, etc. etc. etc. the elites of both political persuasions are cashing in big time. While we minions are arguing with each other about the political flavor of the month the wealth gap between the extreme rich and everyone else has widened exponentially during this pandemic.

We are now faced with the choice between a current President who is unfit for office and another man who is certainly in the early to mid stages of dementia and who is being encourage not to debate by Nancy Pelosi. My father had dementia by the way and I sincerelyfeel very badly for Mr. Biden.

hit the return key early....

To finish I agree with many posters above that the U.S. has fallen to a very low level. This is not only due to our current President but this situation has been ongoing for decades now and almost feels as it is being orchestrated by the extreme wealthy against everyone else. As an American citizen I find this is heartbreaking and very hard to watch from afar.

@Yrral: Wolfpack,Democrats have the impeachment option

I hope the Dems do it. Impeach Trump again. Impeach Kavanaugh then impeach Barrett. These efforts will of course fail as the Left can’t use the nuclear option on impeachment- it’s stated in the Constitution that it takes two thirds to impeach and remove. But by constantly talking about impeachment and stacking the court it just shows how craven and unserious they are about governing. Do it Yrral. Keep trying to burn it all down. The more hate from the Left the more it consumes and work’s against them.

those conservative justices will no longer reflect the mood of the country? Perhaps democracy is less important for America than what conservatives think is good for it?

The Supreme Court is supposed to reflect the Constitution, not the social whims of the nation. If you are worried about Democracy, then maybe you should be concerned that an unelected group of 9 elites have so much power over what happens. It wasn't meant to be this way.

commanteerToday  07:46 am JST

"those conservative justices will no longer reflect the mood of the country? Perhaps democracy is less important for America than what conservatives think is good for it?"

The Supreme Court is supposed to reflect the Constitution, not the social whims of the nation.

What about the whims of whichever party controls the White House and the Senate at any given time?

Mr. NoidallToday  07:25 am JST

"Not much of a coincidence that those with anti-American sentiments..."

I don't suppose it's ever occurred to you that reading these articles about endless partisan feuding over gerrymandering, the Electoral College, impeachment trials and Supreme Court nominations makes it very hard to form positive views about American politics.

Simon Foster: Never mind that if there is a Harris/Biden administration (as you put it) it'll be because that's what the American public has voted for and those conservative justices will no longer reflect the mood of the country?

So you are for the direct politicization of the courts. The Left is so frustrated with the US Constitution that in their world court seats are akin to a presidents cabinet. Of course I doubt you would feel that way when Ambassador Haley beats VP Harris in 2024.

I've said all along Biden should skip the debates. They only serve as a platform for Trump to lie more. And as this election is a referendum on Trump's performance, the debates are unnecessary.

Strangerland: The main problem America has at the moment is people who are selfish to themselves above society. When society goes to crap, they'll be the first ones trying to get out.

Like when Leftists pledged to leave America if Trump were elected?

What the Left always fail to understand is that the American Constitution is constructed to conform with human nature. As we see with the BLM, people are selfish - they believe their lives matter more than others. When the chips are down people pull inward and protect their own. The Constitution is meant to balance and check self interest. Progressives and Socialists build systems that do not recognize this self-evident truth (see the riots in Dem cities this summer). Barrett will hopefully remain faithful to this basic truth and help stop the Dems headlong rush to fundamentally transform America.

WolfpackToday  07:59 am JST

So you are for the direct politicization of the courts.

I think the whole system of nominating, electing and appointing American judges is ridiculous actually, but direct politicization is pretty much what you've got at the moment.

Mr. NoidallToday  08:04 am JST

yes. The dems and the democratic media complex

I don't just form my opinions based on what "the dems" say.

It sounds like you’re really on our side. You should join.

Reading Trump supporters' online comments always puts me off the idea. It sounds a bit like joining the Scientologists, the Jehovah's Witnesses or any other cult of weird obsessives.

I bet they are, the gutless sycophants. Never mind what they would do if Hillary Clinton had become President and was nominating a liberal or even a conservative for the court.

Well, in our country the US, the President with the the same party affiliation has the Constitutional right to fill any vacant seat to fill it with any SC Justice he wishes.

It does kind of sound like he thinks he's going to lose.

Or Biden and his campaign think they will lose...

It would be funny if any of those conservatives decided the election had gone Biden's way and that upholding the law was more important than loyalty to him. I mean, they've got jobs for life unlike those senators who are terrified of Trump's base voting them out.

Naw, if the Dems were in the exact same position they wouldn't hesitate even for a second to put a progressive activist on the bench, but the great thing about this President and his bluff to Biden as the man now saying he will come forward with his possible future SC picks and that's fantastic because we will now see if Biden will choose a moderate (risky move, he'll alienate every radical Marxist for sure) or a strong progressive (that will push a lot of moderates and traditional Democrats in Trump's direction) Biden is in a bind now...oh, what will Joe do?

“I looked and I studied, and..."

You couldn't make this stuff up, but the barking star of America's "reality show" can and does, doing what he loves best: making appointments, issuing pardons, holding rallies and firing staff,... in a job he hates and nobody could do worse, where Trump's life-work balance isn't 9 to 5, but 95:5. After paying his masked "respects" to RBG, Trump disses her legacy, even before she is buried, with his pick of a doctrinaire extremist whom he views as no more than a "hail Amy" tool in his now depleted "tool box" to help him win re-election. ACB' appointment might, however, come with a hefty price for Mitch's Republican Senate and Trump's bid to salvage his place in history because, as the saying goes, we must be careful what we wish for. If the Dems make a clean sweep in November, they will want to redress the lopsided balance of Trump's packed USSC by introducing reforms to increase its size and, more importantly, to democratize a most undemocratic institution, by imposing term limits on the justices who will then get to hear one of Trump's favorite bylines: "YOU'RE FIRED!"

I don't suppose it's ever occurred to you that reading these articles about endless partisan feuding over gerrymandering, the Electoral College, impeachment trials and Supreme Court nominations makes it very hard to form positive views about American politics.

I don't think most Americans care at all what the rest of the world thinks about our elections, they can't vote, they can't change anything, they don't understand our system and they can't form an informed opinion, now they can give a personal opinion based on what they hear and watch and that's ok, but that's pretty much it. At the same time, it's great business and US politics brings a lot of clicks which is always good.

Please God save us from "Constitutionalists" such as Scalia and now Barrett. All they do is pretend to channel their inner Founding Father and then make the law up in any way they want. They are the most intellectually dishonest jurists in the country.

Amy - 3 names. The one w 7 kids (so that must means she loves them more than i love mine). The Law professor with the scant legal record.

The eye candy put on the court to take away your health care, over turn Roe V Wade and install Trump illegally.

All we need to know about her is she’s looked past Mitch’s hypocrisy and accepted a nomination of RGB’s seat.

she’s not fit to sniff RBG’s nylons.

Please God save us from "Constitutionalists" such as Scalia and now Barrett.

Yes, following the constitution and being a textualist is bad, so bad! Guess it's better the SC have a liberal political activist on the bench, eh?

This is an excellent choice. Another constitutionalist on the court will help ensure the core values of freedom and equality for all.

Now lets sit back and watch the leftist "feminists" embarrass themselves again while they try to destroy a woman's life and the lives of her children with misogyny like we've never seen before.

Hold on tight!

No person with integrity would accept a seat on the Supreme Court under the current circumstances.

Anyone who does is - by definition - unqualified.

I think Trump is a buffoon and an embarrassment

I have to agree that many times Trump acts like a buffoon and can be embarrassing. But he has put up 200 lower judges and will hopefully get a third over the finish line should the Republicans keep their wits about them. All in a single term as president. I just heard a positive bit of news - Senator Murkowski has said she will meet with Barrett and consider her for confirmation. I bet she flips and agrees to confirm- this nominee is just too outstanding to oppose.

This election is huge for Dems. Stephen Breyer is now the oldest member of the court at 81. If they were to loose his seat to the Constitutionalists, the fundamental transformation crusade is over. The Dems will pull no punches to win in November. No underhanded scheme or dossier dreamed up by a Russian in a Dem think tank will go untried. Their allies in big business, the tech monopolies, and the Leftist media will wage all out war like nothing seen in American history. The special interests and the money will be too much ch for Trump to overcome.

No person with integrity would accept a seat on the Supreme Court under the current circumstances.

Anyone who does is - by definition - unqualified.

Now JT readers have the power to qualify a Presidential nominee pick? Wonder how many liberals on JT will be sitting on the Senate Judiciary panel? Oh, just heard Tim Kaine will probably give her a vote....interesting...

The total lack of discussion about Judge Barrett’s qualifications and experience is mind boggling (or numbing)

“Constitutionalist” as if the others weren’t.

As if that’s some form of ratified talent that only those blessed to be Scalia’s clerks (and Scalia was a hypocrite) possess.

She is not fit to sniff RBG’s nylons much less fill her seat and the fact that she’d accept a nomination in these circumstances is all we need to know.

Great job Mr President. Move it forward.

Amy - 3 names. The one w 7 kids (so that must means she loves them more than i love mine). The Law professor with the scant legal record.

A Legal record and rulings that displeases liberals, nothing new.

The eye candy put on the court to take away your health care, over turn Roe V Wade and install Trump illegally.

That's not going to happen and conservatives no that, however, late term a very good possibility that might stop and that would be a fantastic thing.

All we need to know about her is she’s looked past Mitch’s hypocrisy and accepted a nomination of RGB’s seat.

she’s not fit to sniff RBG’s nylons.

What?

Wolfpack,Democrats have the impeachment option

Convincing 2/3 of the Senate to vote to convict is the hurdle that makes impeachment a hollow threat. While a handful of Presidents have been impeached by the House of Representatives (Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton and now Donald Trump) none have ever been removed from office by the Senate. Samuel Chase is the only Supreme Court Justice ever impeached but the Senate acquitted him.

with Donald Trump announcing Amy Coney Barrett as his Supreme Court nominee, America ends up with not only a stellar justice, but will also expose the unlimited hate in the Democratic Party.

I would expect liberal feminists seeking equality and empowerment of women would get solidly behind the nomination of Ms Barret who has proved that women can 'have it all', a family and an amazing career.

The total lack of discussion about Judge Barrett’s qualifications and experience is mind boggling (or numbing)

What scares me is what a conservative majority could do to the US in terms of social policy. I am old enough to remember segregation (LA was one of the most highly segregated cities in the US and old Police Chief Parker was famously bigoted, our old home there had a covenant in the deed prohibiting its sale to "negros") and there is no way in heck I want to turn the clock back on anything. I certainly don't want religious dogma jammed down my throat by the government or see religious institutions allowed to engage in discrimination against non believers in the name of, cough cough, "religious freedom". There is no way the state is going to force our little boy (a wonderful late life surprise) to sit through prayers in a public school or be forced to sit through religious instruction, which are things are fear will come to pass in time, all in the name of religious freedom. And, no, as someone raised in the Catholic Church I don't necessarily trust having a Supreme Court dominated by devout Catholics. There needs to be some other religions and a pagan or two on the nation's highest bench!

I would expect liberal feminists seeking equality and empowerment of women would get solidly behind the nomination of Ms Barret who has proved that women can 'have it all', a family and an amazing career.

No, no, no. You don't understand. Only liberal women can enjoy that kind of respect!

She's a scary conservative. So naturally, she... a... nazi!

Yes, following the constitution and being a textualist is bad, so bad!

The founders of the US do not have the right to rule us from the grave which is what originalists are doing. Each generation has the right to live under the laws it finds acceptable. The right is using the Supreme Court to chain us all in backwardness. The rest of the world will go on and leave the US behind, laughing as we devolve into a theocracy. I want no part of that. Keep your religions to yourself and out of the government. Believe what you wish but you do not have a right to use your religion as a sledge hammer to curtail the rights and liberties of those who do not share those beliefs.

Now JT readers have the power to qualify a Presidential nominee pick?

He's not a man with any real competence in this area, so I think a lot of people are equally competent to express a view.

She will probably live another 40 years, so that ties up that seat on the Supreme Court for a long time.

Given how political it has become, it needs radical reformation.

@SimonFoster: I think the whole system of nominating, electing and appointing American judges is ridiculous actually, but direct politicization is pretty much what you've got at the moment.

The Dems have always used the country’s courts to push their culture war that cannot pass in legislatures. Virtually unregulated abortion, affirmative action racism in education, employment and contracting, normalizing illegal immigration, etc. All through courts when legislators wouldn’t go along with them.

To get these things they waged war against Judges Bork, Thomas, Kavanaugh, and over the next month Barrett.

@TokyoEng: The total lack of discussion about Judge Barrett’s qualifications and experience is mind boggling (or numbing)

Why talk about her intelligence and superb qualifications when you can attack her for being Christian, having too many children, adopting two Haitian orphans, and not being from Harvard or Yale. Dems don’t want women to be independent thinkers. Just like they don’t want black citizens to vote their conscience- if you don’t vote for them they try to tell you aren’t a real woman or not a real black or hispanic. This identity politics is destroying society. I hope Constitutionalist judges can stop this insanity before it destroys the country.

Amy Coney Barrett:

-She’s a woman, so they can’t hire their usual fake sexual assault victims. 

-She has two black children, so they can’t smear her as a racist.

Taking early bets as to what the Democrats will cook up to try to stop ACB...

He's not a man with any real competence in this area, so I think a lot of people are equally competent to express a view.

He has a few professors and constitutionalists as well textualist advisors to ensure he picks the right Justice, so it's all good.

She will probably live another 40 years, so that ties up that seat on the Supreme Court for a long time.

Given how political it has become, it needs radical reformation.

And thankfully, her being appointed will do just exactly that.

From other sources:

Spotlight falls on secretive Catholic group People of Praise

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/26/amy-coney-barrett-supreme-court-donald-trump-people-of-praise

Sounds very much like SOCIALISM!

Also, speaking in tongues! Jesus, these people are nuts.

And liberty? Not for women.

As a non-religious person, I do believe there is a special place after death for nasty people. But before that, nasty people deserve jail time.

From other sources:

Spotlight falls on secretive Catholic group People of Praise

Yep, here we go.

What a horrible time to be a liberal in the USA.

@Desert Tortoise: The founders of the US do not have the right to rule us from the grave which is what originalists are doing. Each generation has the right to live under the laws it finds acceptable

The idea that basic civil rights are malleable is astonishing. The Constitution has been amended many times. As-long-as laws are within the boundaries of the Constitution each generation can adapt the laws to their needs. If Americans should come to the conclusion that the right to bare arms is not for them, they can amend the Constitution. The Left cannot win that way so they promote judges that will just ignore the Constitution altogether.

No the Founders do not rule anyone from the grave. They provided a framework that adheres to the nature of human beings and protects people’s basic rights to life, liberty and property. If you want to amend it, feel free to garner support for your proposed changes. The law and the Constitution is not for the whims of a single generation.

Excellent choice. She adheres to the constitution and she loves America.

Also, speaking in tongues! Jesus, these people are nuts.

They all feel the same about Atheists as well.

And liberty? Not for women.

She will be the 5th woman appointed to the SC, she's a professor, she's strong, she was an educator and she is a textualist you can't ask for a more qualified person that literally interprets the Constitution word for word. every liberal should want that. I know I sure do. She adopted 2 children from Haiti and has a child with Downs Syndrome. Democrats can't call her dumb or racist or against family values or against people with disabilities, so as to what and how the Democrats will attack her remains to be seen, but it's going to be hard for them, because the woman pretty much checked all the boxes and they just don't have any real ammunition to go after this woman, they can't go after her religion because it would make the Dems seem like her religion is a form of qualification and that would look bad on them, so what will they do? Not a lot....

@ohara: “I love the United States and I love the United States Constitution.” — Amy Coney Barrett

Those are the two reasons the left hate her.

This is so true. Hearing a public servant pledge their devotion to the nation and its founding document is inspiring. Barrett is the Lefts worst nightmare. A strong, independent, and accomplished female conservative judge who is exceedingly accomplished and a strong family oriented mother. She had it all and she isn’t a raving feminist loon. Barrett is a role model for women that there is another way to be successful in America and it doesn’t require you to sell their souls to Karl Marx.

People keep criticizing Biden but not the failure that is D Trump.

How does 200,000 deaths( due to Covid19) the selling off of publics lands, weakening environmental protection laws and a total disregard for working families make him the right choice for the future of America?

So far the left-minded people have been intentionally trying to attack her on being a Catholic. Biden and pelosi periodically and very openly remind the public that they are Catholic.

How does 200,000 deaths( due to Covid19)

Sure, forget all of the other underling pre-conditions, when you die each and every single time the reason for it is COVID-19

disregard for working families

make him the right choice for the future of America?

Sorry, but all the largest minority communities are governed by Democrats and driving through these communities how have the Democrats safeguarded working families?

No person with integrity would accept a seat on the Supreme Court under the current circumstances.

Anyone who does is - by definition - unqualified.

Article II

Section 2

Clause 2

The President shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.

bass4funkToday  08:31 am JST

I don't think most Americans care at all...

Why even bother replying then?

Why even bother replying then?

A lot of our liberal colleagues overseas seem to forget this constantly. If they could vote, I could understand, but they can't so...

she loves America.

She loves TRUMP'S America:

A country where you must do as Trump says; not as he does. Otherwise, you risk getting picked up in an unmarked van and taken away.

A country where Antifa is bad, but white supremacy and fascism is good.

A country where there are tax cuts for the rich, but the poor and middle-class get left behind.

A country where if you have pre-existing medical conditions, you will be made to suffer.

A country where there is no clear direction when a pandemic or disaster strikes; only lies and misinformation.

A country where the president doesn't care about bounties being placed on soldiers in the battle field, but admires despots like Putin and Kim Jong Un.

A country where making the president look good and touting so-called achievements are placed above American people's lives.

Biden and pelosi periodically and very openly remind the public that they are Catholic.

And yet, people like Lou Holtz says things like "Biden is Catholic in name only" or Trump claims Biden is not really a believer, even though Trump can't remember one verse he really likes, or can't even hold a Bible properly.

Anything to distract from the fact that 1,000 Americans died of COVID today, and the day before, and the day before that, etc., etc..

And our President says; "It is what it is"....

 As someone who grew up in California in the 60s and 70s I long for the days people could actually talk to each other civilly.

My memory of the "Gipper's" California of that time is a little different: the Vietnam War and anti-war demos, Berkley freedom of speech movement, Hippies vs "Straights", Frank Zappa and the "Youth Rebellion", Nixon and Watergate, "drugs, sex and rock'n'roll" and the "nazi" LAPD the model and harbinger of today's militarized police and security forces which operate with immunity and without accountability. When I remove my rose-tinted glasses, I still see the "Civil Rights" movement, but little "civil" talk in that era of rampant racism which just goes to show that the US with BLM, RBG, ACB and the San Andreas-sized fault-lines dividing Americans made even deeper and wider by a wild-card president is as polarized today as it was then. Allowing an impeached Potus to walk away scot free and stack the USSC with fake "originalist" judges who love to legislate from the bench is not the way to heal the nation where people can talk "civilly". ACB herself doesn't seem to understand that her appointment by a rogue president to the USSC will be seen as tainted unless she redeems herself in future by ruling against the appeal of "Individual Number 1", the convicted felon.

Time to stack the courts.

great!! a right-wing religious fruitcake on the Supreme Court....it's getting better every week....

@Desert Tortoise. Your concern is legitimate and I understand your feelings. It could be troublesome if the Court becomes out of balance in either direction. In this realm I agree.

Wolfpack replies to you above and he also has a valid point. The mechanism exists to amend the Constitution. However it seems the U.S. system is too broken (as I alluded to before).

Also remember the Constitution has been used several times to advance liberal causes. I am a “classical liberal” and as such I see the Constitution as a tool to ensure equality.

Regarding Judge Barrett; she is very well qualified (perhaps as qualified as any sitting judge). She says she won’t bring her religion into decisions but who knows? Remember what happened with Kavanaugh? His first major decision went against the “conservative” point of view.

The biggest issue the U.S. has in my opinion is we have lifetime politicians and money drives everything now. The system is really broken.

Finally although I do not support Trump I find the thought of Biden not debating to be reprehensible. If he cannot handle debating the sitting President then Biden should not seek the Presidency.

@Bass. I’m in Japan and I certainly can vote. I have my ballot in hand. I’m not sure I understand your post.

Time to stack the courts.

Will never happen.

I’m in Japan and I certainly can vote. I have my ballot in hand. I’m not sure I understand your post.

As do I and I wasn't referring to Americans, so you're good.

The Excited States of America is sadly going downhill at one hell of a pace, This is not a new thing but going on in plain sight for at least 20yrs, with the last 8years at full speed & trump now has it in over-drive......

What I say below is what I have been saying about CHINA for over 30yrs & still do now, but sadly this looks like its become applicable to the USA...........THAT is how insane things have gotten, so here goes.

Now sadly I think the USA can either EXPLODE, IMPLODE.............or BOTH!!!

This fall will be a REAL turning point for the US to see if it continues on as a country ........or something else entirely.......Yanks if you are NOT scared now..........YOU SHOULD BE!!! And the Repubs are about 85% responsible in my opinion, they have morphed into something UTTERLY UN-AMERICAN.....off the charts!!

Trump/barr are doing the Koch etal billionaire faction's bidding. They are cementing and even increasing the powers of America's 'elite' 'establishment'. What a surprising (not) 180 from 2016 when Trump and his followers (US and 'foreign') claimed he was going to smash the 'elite' 'establishment'. Trump's the best political tool the 'elite' 'establishment' have ever had.

although I do not support Trump I find the thought of Biden not debating to be reprehensible. If he cannot handle debating the sitting President then Biden should not seek the Presidency.

There are dozens of reasons Trump should not be seeking the presidency. He’s trashed the entire office. Debating him only validates him and gives him propaganda. It serves no use to America - trump won’t use facts or tell the truth. And it serves no use to Democrats - this election is a referendum on trump.

If Trump doesn’t want to play by the rules, then the Democrats shouldn’t play his game.

Time to stack the courts.

Will never happen.

Oh there’s a lot of things we thought wouldn’t happen. Recent times have shown otherwise.

The natural result of extremist move by the right is extremist moves by the left.

Now sadly I think the USA can either EXPLODE, IMPLODE.............or BOTH!!!

Yawn. That was supposed to happen about 5 minutes after President Trump took the Oath of Office in January, 2017. Instead Americans got the best economy in modern history, the fewest wars in modern history, and the best comedy in modern history as a result of the 4 year-long meltdown by the left.

That was supposed to happen about 5 minutes after President Trump took the Oath of Office in January, 2017. 

No silly, it was supposed to happen in January 2009!

*“The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.” -* Mitch McConnell

Time to watch a confirmation hearing so the democrats can make complete and utter fools of themselves in front of our Nation and the world.

Great choice, Mr. President!!

Strangerland. I disagree strongly with you on this. If Trump lies, expose and counter his lie. I do not like Trump however he is the properly elected President of my country of citizenship. It looks more like they fear Biden cannot handle the debate. If this is the case then he should not be n this position. The Democratic Party has people capable of dispatching Trump in a debate. Unfortunately they are not running for President. It’s a weak copout

If Trump lies, expose and counter his lie. 

it’s impossible for one person to be able to fact check him in real time.

Debating him legitimizes him after he’s made a mockery of the country. The people should vote on his performance. That’s what this election is a referendum on. Again the debates don’t serve the American people, only trump.

No silly, it was supposed to happen in January 2009!

Funny, I don't remember that.

I remember a lot of people who would later vote for Trump with lots of enthusiasm and Hope! for a guy who may end up in an orange jumpsuit next year now that he and Comey have been caught red-handed spying on Trumps campaign and using Russian spies.

Funny, I don't remember that.

That’s why I posted the proof for you:

*“The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.” -** ***Mitch McConnell**

Strangerland; I am one of those American people of which you speak. The debate would serve me. If Biden does not debate I won’t vote for him (and not Trump either). It would allow the “American” people such as me (yes we can speak for ourselves) to see Biden’s ability and capacity to handle such a debate.

Strangerland; I am one of those American people of which you speak. The debate would serve me. If Biden does not debate I won’t vote for him (and not Trump either).

As long as you’re not voting for trump.

Here's a question. A genuine question to those advocates of MAGA.

Can you tell me when was the last time America was great? What is the benchmark you're aspiring to?

Thanks in advance.

@Wolfpack. I do not agree with you often and sometimes strongly disagree but I fully support what you wrote below. I almost never use upvoting or downvoting but I upvoted your comment because of the statement below. As I stated before almost all civil rights advancements in the U.S. (many are liberal ideals) used the Constitution to argue for such advances.

The idea that basic civil rights are malleable is astonishing. The Constitution has been amended many times. As-long-as laws are within the boundaries of the Constitution each generation can adapt the laws to their needs. If Americans should come to the conclusion that the right to bare arms is not for them, they can amend the Constitution

@weasel: your post is perhaps the best of all of these

Instead Americans got the best economy in modern history

Conservatives like to believe in Trump's lie that he inherited a broken economy. He didn't. Obama turned inherited a country in recession and quickly turned it around. Trump just continued that growth.

https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/feb/06/donald-trump/no-economy-didnt-suddenly-get-strong-under-donald-/

Seven children! That woman is a saint!

Trump hailed Barrett as “a woman of remarkable intellect and character,” saying he had studied her record closely before making the pick.

We all know that Trump's "study" of her record and character was a 10 minute video.

This choice will have no impact on my vote. My US ballot arrived yesterday.

If Biden does not debate I won’t vote for him (and not Trump either). It would allow the “American” people such as me (yes we can speak for ourselves) to see Biden’s ability and capacity to handle such a debate.

Biden cant even campaign without “putting a lid” on his schedule early afternoon - if I

indeed hes active at all on any day.

This isnt how a US president can function.

Yawn. That was supposed to happen about 5 minutes after President Trump took the Oath of Office in January, 2017. Instead Americans got the best economy in modern history...

Patently false. By every measure; GDP growth, deficit (lack of), job growth, Bill Clinton's economy was far better than Trump. Trump can't even beat Obama's GDP numbers - unless you count this last quarter where GDP contracted at minus 33% - the largest contraction since the Great Depression. That's your record Donald...

The Trump economy is a huge smoking hole - 8 million unemployed with the largest US deficit n history....

Trump is bankrupting America just like he did with six of his companies...

Conservatives like to believe in Trump's lie that he inherited a broken economy. He didn't.

Oh yes, He did.

https://www.newsmax.com/Reagan/2016-Elections-Hillary-Clinton-Barack-Obama/2015/05/05/id/642698/

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/weekly-standard/obamas-historically-bad-economy

Debating him legitimizes him after he’s made a mockery of the country.

Biden’s behavior has been bizarre since he got the Dem nomination. He avoids press conferences, will not take questions in uncontrolled settings, and now there are numerous Democrats encouraging Biden to avoid the usual presidential debates. He has been making numerous stupid statements including lecturing blacks on which of them can be considered black.

It’s pretty obvious that most Dems do not think Biden is up to the job. I don’t even think Biden himself does. In all of his speeches and ads he comes off as humorless and lecturing. Harris is even assuming that it will be her administration.

Trump was absolutely terrible in his debates with Hillary. He was winging it on every question. Despite the fact that Biden took five draft deferments he always acts the tough guy - even challenging a questioner in the primaries to a push up contest. And has anyone noticed how oddly the Biden camp has been acting these past few weeks. He has been declining to engage with the press and has notified the press at 9am and 10am the past two days that he has no additional campaign activities for the day. Maybe his strategy is to stay on the sidelines and let Trump punch himself out - figuratively speaking. But it’s an unprecedented campaign strategy that’s for sure

If Mrs. Barrett gets confirmed, she had better get used to life under Trump. At least she would have a lifetime employment because if she says one thing Trump disagrees with, he will stop at nothing to demean and insult her. After all Trump puts himself first, party next, and then country (at least the parts of America that he likes). Then again, Trump might not be re-elected anyway, since I've been seeing a lot of videos showing registered Republicans ranting and throwing away their support for Trump. A lot of them voted for him in 2016, but are not making the same mistake again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRjfGfvNHVk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSyznc6eqp0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_fYrykccPA

ACB in her acceptance speech says "she loves...the Constitution..."

The obvious question pops up: why then does a god-fearing Catholic show so much respect for an immoral, godless individual like Trump, an impeached president with a long 50+-year disreputable CV replete with fraud, malfeasance and other "crimes and misdemeanors", some yet to be revealed, and who, if he has ever read the US Constitution, certainly doesn't understand its contents. As Potus he has on many occasions broken his oath of office and de facto trashed the constitution she loves. Following this logic ACB's "honor" has already been besmirched and tainted by accepting her appointment from an egregiously reprehensible character who might yet one day appear before her bench.

Trump/barr are doing the Koch etal billionaire faction's bidding.

And the Democrats and the Marxists have big tech, Hollywood, Styer, Soros and Bloomberg who are trying to buy the election and who's being investigated as we speak.

They are cementing and even increasing the powers of America's 'elite' 'establishment'.

But Dems trying to overhaul our education system, trying to stop people from worshipping, trying to abolish the 2nd amendment and abolish the EC and want to stack the courts and in a very nutty case stop people from driving cars and in a place like California will further push people with money out of that crazy state, so why are these people that claim they love America not leaving people alone to live the way they want?

What a surprising (not) 180 from 2016 when Trump and his followers (US and 'foreign') claimed he was going to smash the 'elite' 'establishment'.

I will say this to your point where I fault Trump, the man when he took office should have fired every single Obama holdover then he would have been able to do a better job at tackling the establishment, he didn't and that always ticked me off that he didn't do that and here we are.

Oh yes, He did.

No, the Lehman shock happened in 2008, not in 2016. Obama inherited a mess and quickly turned that mess around. In Obama's eight years, there has never been a recession. Two consecutive quarters of negative growth counts as a recession. There never was that in Obama's tenure. So, it is false.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/blog/rnc-live-coverage-day-2-schedule-speakers-livestream-n1237883/ncrd1238123#blogHeader

https://www.rawstory.com/2020/02/paul-krugman-debunks-trumps-bogus-claims-about-the-obama-economy/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckjones/2020/02/01/trumps-economic-growth-is-slower-than-obamas-last-3-years/#7a241ca54fed

It's kind of the claim that Trump said he inherited an empty pandemic stockpile and no playbook. Which would be false.

Can you tell me when was the last time America was great? What is the benchmark you're aspiring to?

America has always been great, still is, it's the politicians that suck!

If Mrs. Barrett gets confirmed, she had better get used to life under Trump. At least she would have a lifetime employment because if she says one thing Trump disagrees with, he will stop at nothing to demean and insult her. 

No, because thankfully, she's not Garland and she's not Roberts.

@weasel: This whole appointment nonsense should be highlighting a very obvious fact that's being completely ignored. When the fate of 328 million folks rests in the hands of fewer than 10 - something should be telling you that too much power resides in the hands of too few folks.

Terrific observation. How the government - including the courts - acquired so much power is obscene. The power should be in the hands of the states and the people themselves as prescribed in the Constitution. The federal government has involved itself so much in the day to day lives of the people it’s suffocating. It takes a lot of rules and regulations to micromanage every aspect of the economy and society. This control intensifies the effort to influence these levers of power resulting in floods of money into lobbying and special interest groups. If the government did not have so much control there would be no need for this massive waste.

No, because thankfully, she's not Garland and she's not Roberts.

But if she ends up being intelligent like his former aide, Miles Taylor (who actually speaks in complete sentences) who put country before party, then he might fire her. The only people he seems to keep employed are yes-men and women, or those who scream like banshees, or his family members.

Again the debates don’t serve the American people, only trump.

And if it wasn't Trump then according to your logic it would only serve a different republican candidate?

She will be pushed through and I think she will interpret the constitution fairly regardless of party.

But if she ends up being intelligent like his former aide, Miles Taylor (who actually speaks in complete sentences) who put country before party, then he might fire her.

He can't and what on Earth are you talking about ROFL! Funny!

The only people he seems to keep employed are yes-men and women, or those who scream like banshees, or his family members.

Ahhhh, that's why Pelosi jumps when AOC speaks, you might have a point there.....

This isnt how a US president can function.

Trump - “if I were president I wouldn’t have time to golf”

Biden’s behavior has been bizarre since he got the Dem nomination. He avoids press conferences

And he’s still winning because this election is a referendum on the incumben.

now there are numerous Democrats encouraging Biden to avoid the usual presidential debates. 

Trump avoided the usual release of his tax returns. Who cares what used to be usual.

I hope Biden doesn't do the debates, just helps Trump.

And if it wasn't Trump then...

It is trump.

No, the Lehman shock happened in 2008, not in 2016. Obama inherited a mess and quickly turned that mess around. In Obama's eight years, there has never been a recession. Two consecutive quarters of negative growth counts as a recession. There never was that in Obama's tenure. So, it is false.

Record unemployment all 8 years.

Stock Market/Dow stayed below 20K all 8 years.

Interest rates zero (0.0).... all 8 years....nothing earned on savings.

Food Stamp recipient record high all 8 years.

Importing oil from ME.....and Gas prices --- record high all 8 years.

The picture of the economy of the great nobel laureate.... that was his magic wand.

Record unemployment all 8 years.

Not for Blacks or the private sector.

https://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/why-obamas-presidency-didnt-lead-black-progress-10380.html

Flabbergasting to see some on the left twisting and turning to actually try and justify Biden not debating Trump. A new low.

Blessed Be the Fruit - Under His Eye.

What rabbit hole did I fall into? Who spends all day debating back and forth American politics on a Japan Today comment section? Trump sucks. Democrats also suck. Whichever foot the shoe was on both Republicans and Democrats would try to ram through a Supreme Court nomination. The difference is Republicans control the Senate now as they did in 2016. This is politics. Have a great day everyone!

religious zealots have so much influence.

Not in blue States.

Keep your wacky ideas out of our courts, please.

So let’s hope Feinstein can restrain herself from bringing religion into the hearings.

Good. Trump missed the opportunity to split the Latino vote in Florida by picking Barrett instead of Lagoa.

Focus, focus, focus on the election now - don’t be distracted.

Win the presidency, take back the senate and then can pack the court, strip the federal courts of juridiction... always been constitutional but now also fair return.

The Manchurian candidate presidency can still be undone.