After meeting Tuesday with Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said he had “serious concerns” about President Donald Trump’s pick and that he refused to answer some questions.
“I thought there was a deliberate strategy to duck the hard questions,” Schumer told reporters on Capitol Hill.
Schumer said it was “deeply, deeply troubling” that Gorsuch declined to answer questions about certain topics he felt Gorsuch may have to rule on as a Supreme Court justice.
Given Trump’s attacks on judges both on the campaign trail and as President, the Democratic leader said “the bar for a Supreme Court nominee to prove that he can be independent has never been higher.”
Schumer said he asked Gorsuch “straightforward and direct questions that would demonstrate whether he could clear that bar.” He said he asked Gorsuch whether a “Muslim ban” would be unconstitutional, referring to the President’s executive order temporarily barring immigration from seven majority-Muslim countries. Schumer said he also asked about the Emoluments Clause, which prohibits Presidents from receiving payments from foreign governments and is often referenced with regard to the conflicts of interest Trump’s family business empire presents.
“He refused to even say what the framers thought about that clause,” Schumer said.
“This President is testing fundamental underpinnings of our democracy and its institutions,” the Democratic leader added. “These times deserve answers, and Judge Gorsuch did not provide them. I have serious, serious concerns about this nominee.”
Schumer also said that Gorsuch should have to earn 60 votes in the Senate in order to be confirmed. If Democrats refuse to support Gorsuch’s nomination, Senate Republicans may try to change the rules and eliminate the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees.
For Schumer to say this at this point is sure to have the wingers howling. Chuck’s mind is made up. Gorsuch’s hearings are going to be a nightmare for him as the Senate Dems pick him apart piece by piece. He’ll still get confirmed eventually, but, I hope, damaged enough, like DeVos, to be irrevocably tainted.
Go, Chuck. He is setting the stage to being opposed to Gorsuch on policy and substance, not just spite (but revenge is so sweet). Can’t wait to hear the epic kvetching from the Emperor Hypocrite, McConnell. Chuck even voted against Hypocrite’s wife for Secretary of Transportation!
Unfortunately, they know no shame nor taint, witness Exhibit A, Clarence Thomas. AND his Tea Party wife. Remember that grinning People Magazine cover? I sure do.
I agree, but, if nothing else the record must be established for history and the historians.
When Gorsuch is confirmed he will forever wear the illegitimate jacket, a stigma that won’t go away in his lifetime. His legacy is already written.
ETA: I’m hoping for a 52-48 vote.
@carolson I’m still hoping RV enthusiasts Thomas and Alito will meet up out on that glorious open road — head-on at 70 mph.