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Trump says overturning Roe v Wade 'certainly possible' with Amy Coney Barrett – live Trump says overturning Roe v Wade 'certainly possible' with Amy Coney Barrett – live
(32 minutes later)
President told Fox News ‘I think it will work out’ when asked whether Barrett, if confirmed, would be part of 6-3 rulingPresident told Fox News ‘I think it will work out’ when asked whether Barrett, if confirmed, would be part of 6-3 ruling
Joe Biden is speaking on the supreme court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett now – and you can follow a livestream at the top of this blog.
Donald Trump’s suggestion that he may not cede power if he loses the presidential election to Joe Biden is “a gift to our adversaries”, former national security adviser HR McMaster said on Sunday, though he added that “even taking about” the US military removing the president if necessary was “irresponsible”.
“I think what’s really clear for the American people to understand is the military will have no role in a transition,” the retired army general told NBC’s Meet the Press.
“In fact, even talking about it, I think, is irresponsible. And that’s maybe why, if you detect some reticence on the part of senior military leaders or those in the Pentagon to talk about it, it’s because it shouldn’t even be a topic for discussion.”
Nonetheless it is under discussion, as the US military deals with an unprecedented focus on its relations with political leaders and numerous senior figures, among them former defense secretary James Mattis, express public criticism of Trump.
McMaster said military participation in Trump’s famous St John’s church photo op on 1 June, for which peaceful protesters were forcibly cleared from around the White House, was “just wrong” and “more than unfortunate”.
“Some of the things the president said I think have been irresponsible,” he said.
But he added: “But oftentimes, the reaction to what he says is equally irresponsible. So I think all politicians have a responsibility of keeping that bold line in place.”
Donald Trump’s repeated refusals this week to accept the presidential election result unless he wins competed for attention amid the noise of Amy Coney Barrett’s supreme court nomination, writes Richard Luscombe. But on NBC’s Meet the Press host Chuck Todd was keen not to let that story, nor the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed more than 200,000 American lives, fall from prominence.
Todd pressed Roy Blunt, Republican senator for Missouri and chair of the congressional inauguration committee, on the president’s evidence-free statements that November’s election will be rigged and that mail-in ballots - trusted by dozens of states - were somehow fraudulent.
“I am concerned about this idea that somehow the election won’t be fair,” Blunt said, coming as close as he could to a rebuttal without criticizing Trump’s baseless comments.
“I think maybe the election will be complicated. The best place to cast a ballot is at the polling place on election day.”
Blunt also saw the likelihood of legal challenges from the Trump administration if he lost, a scenario given added exposure this week by the president’s push to confirm Barrett on the supreme court bench quickly.
But, he promised: “If the president is re-elected he’ll be sworn in on 20 January. If Vice President Biden is elected he’ll be sworn in on 20 January. At this point I’m chairing the inauguration, I look forward to seeing that happen.”
Todd also queried why no progress appeared to have been made in the Senate over a new Covid-19 stimulus package, in contrast to the speed Republicans were moving to advance Barrett’s nomination.
“It’s a huge mistake,” Blunt conceded. “To get back to school, to get back to work, to get back to better health we need a bill, we’re in very near agreement on all the Covid things that matter. What we’re not in agreement on is about a trillion dollars on other things.”
Cory Booker, Democratic senator from New Jersey who sits on the senate judiciary committee, said he would be pressing Barrett about the election outcome during the upcoming confirmation hearings.
“One of things I want to ask her is if she’ll recuse herself in terms of any election issues, because if she does not I fear that the court will be further delegitimized,” he said.
“The president has said he’s not going to honor the peaceful transition of power. That is a stunning statement and a betrayal of the oath to defend the constitution of the United States. It’s an anti-democratic thing to say.”
Another prominent Republican has said he will vote for Joe Biden in the forthcoming elections.
Colin Powell said earlier this year that he will vote for the Democrat candidate in November and now Tom Ridge, the former governor of Pennsylvania and secretary of homeland security under George W Bush, has given his backing to Biden.
Ridge said that Donald Trump “routinely dismisses the opinions of experts who know far more about the subject at hand than he does – intelligence, military, and public health,” in an op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer on Sunday. He added that Trump’s leadership means that “our country has paid dearly in lives lost, social unrest, economic hardship and our standing in the world.”
Ridge also voiced his disapproval of Trump’s attacks on mail-in voting. “Can you imagine any other president in our lifetime – or ever – saying something so dangerous and un-American?” Ridge wrote. “We are in the midst of a health crisis, when we should be doing all we can to help citizens vote safely, yet he continues to cast doubt on the sanctity of the vote.”
Trump narrowly won Pennsylvania in the 2016 election but trails Biden by 4.9% in the most recent polling.
Democrat senator Joe Manchin said he would oppose any efforts from his party to rebalance a conservative supreme court by adding more justices.Democrat senator Joe Manchin said he would oppose any efforts from his party to rebalance a conservative supreme court by adding more justices.
Some Democrats have posited a plan that – should they win control of the presidency, House and Senate in November – justices could be added to the supreme court. They would then presumably add liberal members to a court that will be 6-4 conservative when Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination is confirmed (something that appears all but inevitable). Another option that some have raised is requiring important pieces of legislation to get 60 votes in the Senate.Some Democrats have posited a plan that – should they win control of the presidency, House and Senate in November – justices could be added to the supreme court. They would then presumably add liberal members to a court that will be 6-4 conservative when Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination is confirmed (something that appears all but inevitable). Another option that some have raised is requiring important pieces of legislation to get 60 votes in the Senate.
During an appearance on CNN on Sunday, Manchin said that such moves would only exacerbate distrust in US institutions.During an appearance on CNN on Sunday, Manchin said that such moves would only exacerbate distrust in US institutions.
“That is not something that I would support. I can’t support that,” he said. “The whole premise of this Senate and this democracy experiment of ours is certain decency and social order that basically has been expected from us and especially from the Senate … now all of the sudden they’re going to say, ‘Oh you don’t have to talk anymore, you just have to have 51 votes and forget about the minority,’ well the minority has always played an important part in the Senate’s proceedings.”“That is not something that I would support. I can’t support that,” he said. “The whole premise of this Senate and this democracy experiment of ours is certain decency and social order that basically has been expected from us and especially from the Senate … now all of the sudden they’re going to say, ‘Oh you don’t have to talk anymore, you just have to have 51 votes and forget about the minority,’ well the minority has always played an important part in the Senate’s proceedings.”
Manchin is known for his willingness to work with Republicans and is a senator for West Virginia, which voted for Trump in the 2016 election. He is often called the most conservative Democrat senator.Manchin is known for his willingness to work with Republicans and is a senator for West Virginia, which voted for Trump in the 2016 election. He is often called the most conservative Democrat senator.
Jill Biden, the potential next First Lady if her husband Joe wins the White House in November, has decried the “chaos” Donald Trump has brought to America. Jill Biden, the next First Lady if her husband Joe wins the White House in November, has decried the “chaos” Donald Trump has brought to America.
Last week, Trump refused to say whether he would give up power peacefully if he loses the election, and has thrived on disrupting norms – and often decency – during his presidency.Last week, Trump refused to say whether he would give up power peacefully if he loses the election, and has thrived on disrupting norms – and often decency – during his presidency.
“This is Donald Trump’s America, this is the chaos,” Jill Biden said in an interview with CNN on Sunday. She added: “We go back to Joe Biden, we have calm. We have steady leadership. We don’t have all of this chaos in America.”“This is Donald Trump’s America, this is the chaos,” Jill Biden said in an interview with CNN on Sunday. She added: “We go back to Joe Biden, we have calm. We have steady leadership. We don’t have all of this chaos in America.”
Jill Biden also responded to reports earlier this month that Trump had called the war dead “suckers” and “losers”.Jill Biden also responded to reports earlier this month that Trump had called the war dead “suckers” and “losers”.
“If it is true, it’s pretty heartbreaking,” said Biden. “We should have a Commander in Chief who supports our military family, as Joe says it’s our one sacred obligation to take care of our military and their families.”“If it is true, it’s pretty heartbreaking,” said Biden. “We should have a Commander in Chief who supports our military family, as Joe says it’s our one sacred obligation to take care of our military and their families.”
The Senate minority whip, Dick Durbin, has said that Amy Coney Barrett’s ascension to the supreme court is all but inevitable and that Democrats can merely slow the process by hours or “days” at best.The Senate minority whip, Dick Durbin, has said that Amy Coney Barrett’s ascension to the supreme court is all but inevitable and that Democrats can merely slow the process by hours or “days” at best.
“We could slow it down perhaps a matter of hours, maybe days at the most, but we can’t stop the outcome,” the Democrat senator from Illinois said on ABC’s This Week. “What we should do is to address this now respectfully.”“We could slow it down perhaps a matter of hours, maybe days at the most, but we can’t stop the outcome,” the Democrat senator from Illinois said on ABC’s This Week. “What we should do is to address this now respectfully.”
The Republicans control the Senate, meaning Barrett’s nomination will almost certainly be passed before the 3 November election. Two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, may oppose nominating Barrett before the election and Durbin said that would mean “then we could have a different timing, perhaps a different outcome.”The Republicans control the Senate, meaning Barrett’s nomination will almost certainly be passed before the 3 November election. Two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, may oppose nominating Barrett before the election and Durbin said that would mean “then we could have a different timing, perhaps a different outcome.”
Durbin said he would approach the nomination process with respect. “I want to be respectful,” he said. “We disagree on some things. And in terms of participating in the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, I’ll be there to do my job.”Durbin said he would approach the nomination process with respect. “I want to be respectful,” he said. “We disagree on some things. And in terms of participating in the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, I’ll be there to do my job.”
The ever-eloquent John Kennedy, Republican senator for Louisiana and member of the senate judiciary committee that will examine Amy Coney Barrett’s credentials for the US supreme court, appears worried her confirmation hearings could be as rowdy as those that clouded Brett Kavanaugh’s controversial elevation two years ago, writes Richard Luscombe. The ever-eloquent John Kennedy, Republican senator for Louisiana and member of the senate judiciary committee that will examine Amy Coney Barrett’s credentials for the US supreme court, appears worried her confirmation hearings could be as rowdy as those that clouded Brett Kavanaugh’s controversial elevation two years ago.
“If my Democratic friends want to turn it into an intergalactic freak show, bring back the protestors with the genitalia-shaped headgear, I can’t stop them,” he said on Fox News Sunday.“If my Democratic friends want to turn it into an intergalactic freak show, bring back the protestors with the genitalia-shaped headgear, I can’t stop them,” he said on Fox News Sunday.
“I’m going to do my job. I think she’s a good nominee, but my job is to advise and consent. I’m going to probe her intellect, her temperament, her judicial philosophy, her character. I’m going to be sure she doesn’t think justices are politicians in robes.“I’m going to do my job. I think she’s a good nominee, but my job is to advise and consent. I’m going to probe her intellect, her temperament, her judicial philosophy, her character. I’m going to be sure she doesn’t think justices are politicians in robes.
“I want to be assured she’s not one of these justices that tries to rewrite the constitution to advance a political agenda that the voters won’t accept.”“I want to be assured she’s not one of these justices that tries to rewrite the constitution to advance a political agenda that the voters won’t accept.”
Kennedy knocked back a suggestion made by Michigan Democratic senator Debbie Stabenow moments earlier that Barrett, once seated, would vote to overturn the Affordable Care Act.Kennedy knocked back a suggestion made by Michigan Democratic senator Debbie Stabenow moments earlier that Barrett, once seated, would vote to overturn the Affordable Care Act.
“Sell crazy somewhere else. We’re all stocked up here,” he said. “Unless Debbie is clairvoyant I don’t think she knows how the nominee’s going to vote, or any other member of the United States supreme court.”“Sell crazy somewhere else. We’re all stocked up here,” he said. “Unless Debbie is clairvoyant I don’t think she knows how the nominee’s going to vote, or any other member of the United States supreme court.”
Fox host Brit Hume pressed Kennedy on Republican efforts to speed through Barrett’s confirmation just weeks before the presidential election, four years after blocking Barack Obama’s supreme court pick Merrick Garland for months claiming the next president should make the choice.Fox host Brit Hume pressed Kennedy on Republican efforts to speed through Barrett’s confirmation just weeks before the presidential election, four years after blocking Barack Obama’s supreme court pick Merrick Garland for months claiming the next president should make the choice.
“As far as I can tell, here’s the rule. When the Democrats are in charge of the process they do what they think is right, consistent with the constitution. When the Republicans are in charge of the process, they do what they think is right,” Kennedy said.“As far as I can tell, here’s the rule. When the Democrats are in charge of the process they do what they think is right, consistent with the constitution. When the Republicans are in charge of the process, they do what they think is right,” Kennedy said.
“I think that’s what our founders intended, I think our founders intended elections to have consequences and when they send people to Washington of a particular party they expect them to represent their vote. That’s been the tradition and the precedent.”“I think that’s what our founders intended, I think our founders intended elections to have consequences and when they send people to Washington of a particular party they expect them to represent their vote. That’s been the tradition and the precedent.”
Joe Biden got some literal heavyweight backing on Sunday when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson said he would be voting for the Democrat nominee in November’s election.Joe Biden got some literal heavyweight backing on Sunday when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson said he would be voting for the Democrat nominee in November’s election.
The wrestler turned Hollywood star addressed the Republican National Convention in 2000, voted for Barack Obama twice and said he chose not to vote in the 2016 election. This time he says he is choosing Biden.The wrestler turned Hollywood star addressed the Republican National Convention in 2000, voted for Barack Obama twice and said he chose not to vote in the 2016 election. This time he says he is choosing Biden.
“As a political independent & centrist, I’ve voted for both parties in the past,” wrote Johnson on Twitter. “In this critical presidential election, I’m endorsing @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris. Progress takes courage, humanity, empathy, strength, KINDNESS & RESPECT.”“As a political independent & centrist, I’ve voted for both parties in the past,” wrote Johnson on Twitter. “In this critical presidential election, I’m endorsing @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris. Progress takes courage, humanity, empathy, strength, KINDNESS & RESPECT.”
Johnson tweeted a video of a recent conversation he had with Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris. During the clip, Johnson praised the pair’s leadership.Johnson tweeted a video of a recent conversation he had with Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris. During the clip, Johnson praised the pair’s leadership.
“You guys are both experienced to lead, you’ve done great things. Joe you’ve had such an incredible career, and you’ve led with such great compassion, heart, drive, and soul,” Johnson said. “Kamala you have been a district attorney, a state attorney, a US Senator. You are smart and tough. I have seen you in those hearings.”“You guys are both experienced to lead, you’ve done great things. Joe you’ve had such an incredible career, and you’ve led with such great compassion, heart, drive, and soul,” Johnson said. “Kamala you have been a district attorney, a state attorney, a US Senator. You are smart and tough. I have seen you in those hearings.”
Much has been made of Amy Coney Barrett’s Catholic faith following her nomination for the supreme court. Some have speculated it may affect her rulings on matters such as abortion and LGBT rights, while others have expressed disquiet about her membership of the secretive People of Praise group.Much has been made of Amy Coney Barrett’s Catholic faith following her nomination for the supreme court. Some have speculated it may affect her rulings on matters such as abortion and LGBT rights, while others have expressed disquiet about her membership of the secretive People of Praise group.
Barrett herself has said she will follow the law rather than her own beliefs, and she appears to have a supporter from a prominent Democrat, House speaker Nancy Pelosi.Barrett herself has said she will follow the law rather than her own beliefs, and she appears to have a supporter from a prominent Democrat, House speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“It doesn’t matter what her faith is, or what religion she believes in,” said Pelosi who, like Joe Biden and Barrett, is Catholic. “What matters is does she believe in the Constitution of the United States. Does she believe in the precedent on the Supreme Court that has upheld the Affordable Care Act? This is, again, directly related to a major concern of the American people, as it was in 2018.”“It doesn’t matter what her faith is, or what religion she believes in,” said Pelosi who, like Joe Biden and Barrett, is Catholic. “What matters is does she believe in the Constitution of the United States. Does she believe in the precedent on the Supreme Court that has upheld the Affordable Care Act? This is, again, directly related to a major concern of the American people, as it was in 2018.”
Pelosi was speaking during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday morning. She also said that Donald Trump is trying to rush through Barrett’s nomination before the supreme court hears a case on the Affordable Care Act in November.Pelosi was speaking during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday morning. She also said that Donald Trump is trying to rush through Barrett’s nomination before the supreme court hears a case on the Affordable Care Act in November.
“That is why he was in such a hurry,” Pelosi said. She added: “If you are a woman, we’ll be back to a time where being a woman in a preexisting medical condition.”“That is why he was in such a hurry,” Pelosi said. She added: “If you are a woman, we’ll be back to a time where being a woman in a preexisting medical condition.”
A central plank of Republican efforts to seat Amy Coney Barrett on the supreme court appears to be blunting Democratic criticism over her stance on the Affordable Care Act, at least if labor secretary Eugene Scalia’s appearance on Fox News Sunday is anything to go by, writes Richard Luscombe.A central plank of Republican efforts to seat Amy Coney Barrett on the supreme court appears to be blunting Democratic criticism over her stance on the Affordable Care Act, at least if labor secretary Eugene Scalia’s appearance on Fox News Sunday is anything to go by, writes Richard Luscombe.
Scalia, the son of the late supreme court justice Antonin Scalia, dismissed the importance of Barrett’s previous writings attacking chief justice John Roberts for his swing vote that upheld the constitutionality of Obamacare in a 5-4 vote in 2012.Scalia, the son of the late supreme court justice Antonin Scalia, dismissed the importance of Barrett’s previous writings attacking chief justice John Roberts for his swing vote that upheld the constitutionality of Obamacare in a 5-4 vote in 2012.
“It’s a red herring. It reflects frustration on the part of the Democrats as to how they might attack the nomination,” said Scalia. Barrett, who once clerked for his father, could contribute to a supreme court vote a week after the election that Democrats fear will overturn the ACA, if she is confirmed.“It’s a red herring. It reflects frustration on the part of the Democrats as to how they might attack the nomination,” said Scalia. Barrett, who once clerked for his father, could contribute to a supreme court vote a week after the election that Democrats fear will overturn the ACA, if she is confirmed.
Scalia went on: “There’s absolutely zero reason to believe that Judge Barrett is somebody who does not have views about the importance of health care. She’s a working mother to school age children.Scalia went on: “There’s absolutely zero reason to believe that Judge Barrett is somebody who does not have views about the importance of health care. She’s a working mother to school age children.
“She made the observation that it appeared the chief justice had bent over backwards to twist the language of that statute to save its constitutionality… that was the criticism a number of people made at the time. She will go where the law takes her. Her view of judging is that any personal views she may have on health care, or any other matter you can name, is not relevant to determining what Congress wrote and what’s in our constitution. Her authority derives from those documents.”“She made the observation that it appeared the chief justice had bent over backwards to twist the language of that statute to save its constitutionality… that was the criticism a number of people made at the time. She will go where the law takes her. Her view of judging is that any personal views she may have on health care, or any other matter you can name, is not relevant to determining what Congress wrote and what’s in our constitution. Her authority derives from those documents.”
Another emerging White House tactic appears to be playing up Barrett’s personal image over her views on abortion or healthcare.Another emerging White House tactic appears to be playing up Barrett’s personal image over her views on abortion or healthcare.
“She’s a beloved teacher, a very respected scholar, she has shown herself to be a thoughtful jurist and just a wonderful, warm admirable human being as well,” Scalia said.“She’s a beloved teacher, a very respected scholar, she has shown herself to be a thoughtful jurist and just a wonderful, warm admirable human being as well,” Scalia said.
“[She is a] mother to seven, mother to school-age children, she’s a very impressive delightful person. I think the American people as they come to know her are going to find her very admirable in so many ways.”“[She is a] mother to seven, mother to school-age children, she’s a very impressive delightful person. I think the American people as they come to know her are going to find her very admirable in so many ways.”
Donald Trump has returned to a familiar (and baseless) accusation against Joe Biden: that his rival for the presidency may be on drugs.Donald Trump has returned to a familiar (and baseless) accusation against Joe Biden: that his rival for the presidency may be on drugs.
“I will be strongly demanding a Drug Test of Sleepy Joe Biden prior to, or after, the Debate on Tuesday night. Naturally, I will agree to take one also. His Debate performances have been record setting UNEVEN, to put it mildly. Only drugs could have caused this discrepancy???,” wrote the president on Twitter on Sunday morning.“I will be strongly demanding a Drug Test of Sleepy Joe Biden prior to, or after, the Debate on Tuesday night. Naturally, I will agree to take one also. His Debate performances have been record setting UNEVEN, to put it mildly. Only drugs could have caused this discrepancy???,” wrote the president on Twitter on Sunday morning.
Trump, without any evidence, made a similar claim earlier this month during an interview on Fox News when he talked about Biden’s performance during debates. “I think there’s probably – possibly – drugs involved,” Trump told Jeanine Pirro on 12 September. “That’s what I hear. I mean, there’s possibly drugs. I don’t know how you can go from being so bad where you can’t even get out a sentence … ”Trump, without any evidence, made a similar claim earlier this month during an interview on Fox News when he talked about Biden’s performance during debates. “I think there’s probably – possibly – drugs involved,” Trump told Jeanine Pirro on 12 September. “That’s what I hear. I mean, there’s possibly drugs. I don’t know how you can go from being so bad where you can’t even get out a sentence … ”
It is a classic Trump tactic: make wild and ridiculous claims enough times about someone and eventually some people may believe it. The president has had to deny accusations about his own mental faculties recently. After speculation about his physical and cognitive health, earlier this month Trump was moved to deny rumours that a “series of ministrokes” prompted a visit to hospital in Washington last November.It is a classic Trump tactic: make wild and ridiculous claims enough times about someone and eventually some people may believe it. The president has had to deny accusations about his own mental faculties recently. After speculation about his physical and cognitive health, earlier this month Trump was moved to deny rumours that a “series of ministrokes” prompted a visit to hospital in Washington last November.
One sort of polling hasn’t moved much in the last week – majorities of US voters think the winner of the presidential election should pick the next supreme court justice, rather than the current president who is down in the polls and, with the help of Republicans who also face losing the Senate, jamming through a hardline conservative pick before 3 November.One sort of polling hasn’t moved much in the last week – majorities of US voters think the winner of the presidential election should pick the next supreme court justice, rather than the current president who is down in the polls and, with the help of Republicans who also face losing the Senate, jamming through a hardline conservative pick before 3 November.
The New York Times and Siena College are out with a survey today, and it says 56% think the next president should make the pick.The New York Times and Siena College are out with a survey today, and it says 56% think the next president should make the pick.
Of that pick – here is Stephanie Kirchgaessner’s look at People of Praise, the secretive Catholic group to which Amy Coney Barrett belongs, of interest given a) how progressives fear her faith may colour her decisions on healthcare, contraception and abortion and b) how others respond that her faith should have nothing to do with her fitness, or otherwise, for high public office.Of that pick – here is Stephanie Kirchgaessner’s look at People of Praise, the secretive Catholic group to which Amy Coney Barrett belongs, of interest given a) how progressives fear her faith may colour her decisions on healthcare, contraception and abortion and b) how others respond that her faith should have nothing to do with her fitness, or otherwise, for high public office.
Donald Trump has said it “is certainly possible” that Amy Coney Barrett will be part of a supreme court decision overturning Roe v Wade, the 1973 ruling which made abortion legal in the US.Donald Trump has said it “is certainly possible” that Amy Coney Barrett will be part of a supreme court decision overturning Roe v Wade, the 1973 ruling which made abortion legal in the US.
“She is certainly conservative in her views, in her rulings, and we’ll have to see how that all works out but I think it will work out,” Trump told Fox & Friends Weekend in an interview broadcast on Sunday, asked about whether Barrett, if confirmed, would be part of a 6-3 conservative-liberal ruling “on a life issue”.“She is certainly conservative in her views, in her rulings, and we’ll have to see how that all works out but I think it will work out,” Trump told Fox & Friends Weekend in an interview broadcast on Sunday, asked about whether Barrett, if confirmed, would be part of a 6-3 conservative-liberal ruling “on a life issue”.
“It’s certainly possible. And maybe they do it in a different way. Maybe they’d give it back to the states. You just don’t know what’s going to happen.”“It’s certainly possible. And maybe they do it in a different way. Maybe they’d give it back to the states. You just don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Progressives and Democrats fear the Indiana appeals judge’s strict Catholicism and conservative views will colour any ruling on abortion rights. They also worry about the Affordable Care Act, which provides healthcare to millions of Americans. A Republican attempt to strike it down is due before the court on 10 November.Progressives and Democrats fear the Indiana appeals judge’s strict Catholicism and conservative views will colour any ruling on abortion rights. They also worry about the Affordable Care Act, which provides healthcare to millions of Americans. A Republican attempt to strike it down is due before the court on 10 November.
Republicans in the Senate are rushing to confirm Barrett before the presidential election on 3 November. Democrats oppose the timetable and are backed by extensive public polling which shows majorities saying the winner of the election should choose the replacement for the liberal justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died aged 87 last week.Republicans in the Senate are rushing to confirm Barrett before the presidential election on 3 November. Democrats oppose the timetable and are backed by extensive public polling which shows majorities saying the winner of the election should choose the replacement for the liberal justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died aged 87 last week.
But Democrats have few options when it comes to trying to stop or even merely delay Barrett’s confirmation.But Democrats have few options when it comes to trying to stop or even merely delay Barrett’s confirmation.
Trump has nominated two conservatives to the court already but it has not always ruled in his favour, with justices recently upholding LGBTQ rights in a discrimination case and going against the administration on immigration. The president told Fox he had been “surprised by some of the rulings that we’ve already had over the last year”.Trump has nominated two conservatives to the court already but it has not always ruled in his favour, with justices recently upholding LGBTQ rights in a discrimination case and going against the administration on immigration. The president told Fox he had been “surprised by some of the rulings that we’ve already had over the last year”.
“You know, you think you know somebody and then you get rulings federal a little bit different than you think could happen,” he said. “So you never know what’s going to happen. Mostly, I’m looking for somebody that can interpret the constitution as written. We say it all the time and she [Judge Amy Coney Barrett] is very strong on that. And it’ll be very interesting.”“You know, you think you know somebody and then you get rulings federal a little bit different than you think could happen,” he said. “So you never know what’s going to happen. Mostly, I’m looking for somebody that can interpret the constitution as written. We say it all the time and she [Judge Amy Coney Barrett] is very strong on that. And it’ll be very interesting.”
Trump was famously reported to have said he was “saving” Barrett “for Ginsburg”. But he told Fox that in meetings with Barrett before her unveiling on Saturday, he “didn’t discuss certain concepts and certain things.Trump was famously reported to have said he was “saving” Barrett “for Ginsburg”. But he told Fox that in meetings with Barrett before her unveiling on Saturday, he “didn’t discuss certain concepts and certain things.
“And some people say you shouldn’t. I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t. But I decided not to do it. And I think it gives her freedom to do what she has to do. She has to make rulings. But I think she’s going to make a lot of people very proud.”“And some people say you shouldn’t. I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t. But I decided not to do it. And I think it gives her freedom to do what she has to do. She has to make rulings. But I think she’s going to make a lot of people very proud.”
The supreme court fight is one thing, of course, and the debate and the election another. Another, lest we forget, is the coronavirus pandemic, which as of this writing has infected more than 7m people in the US and killed more than 200,000. There was of course no social distancing and not much mask-wearing at the White House for the introduction of Amy Comey Barrett, nor at Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania rally later on.The supreme court fight is one thing, of course, and the debate and the election another. Another, lest we forget, is the coronavirus pandemic, which as of this writing has infected more than 7m people in the US and killed more than 200,000. There was of course no social distancing and not much mask-wearing at the White House for the introduction of Amy Comey Barrett, nor at Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania rally later on.
Worrying reports of cases ticking back up in states which relatively speaking got a handle on things are common. Here’s the AP on New York:Worrying reports of cases ticking back up in states which relatively speaking got a handle on things are common. Here’s the AP on New York:
Here’s a report from Nina Lakhani and Amanda Holpuch, on the challenges facing a key New York industry: restaurants.Here’s a report from Nina Lakhani and Amanda Holpuch, on the challenges facing a key New York industry: restaurants.
Joe Biden, we are told, will speak about the supreme court at 12.15pm ET today, from Wilmington, Delaware.Joe Biden, we are told, will speak about the supreme court at 12.15pm ET today, from Wilmington, Delaware.
Last week, in the aftermath of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, the Democratic candidate spoke powerfully, appealing to Republican senators not to rush a replacement through.Last week, in the aftermath of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, the Democratic candidate spoke powerfully, appealing to Republican senators not to rush a replacement through.
That didn’t work, and yesterday, during the unveiling of Amy Coney Barrett in the White House Rose Garden, Biden perhaps previewed today’s remarks and the thrust of his campaigning on the issue as he focused on highlighting the danger he and other progressives say the new justice will, if confirmed, pose to healthcare access.That didn’t work, and yesterday, during the unveiling of Amy Coney Barrett in the White House Rose Garden, Biden perhaps previewed today’s remarks and the thrust of his campaigning on the issue as he focused on highlighting the danger he and other progressives say the new justice will, if confirmed, pose to healthcare access.
CNN reports that Barrett could be confirmed by mid-October. Election day is 3 November. On 10 November, the court is due to hear yet another Republican attempt to destroy the Affordable Care Act, the Obama-era law which extended health insurance cover to millions of less well-off Americans.CNN reports that Barrett could be confirmed by mid-October. Election day is 3 November. On 10 November, the court is due to hear yet another Republican attempt to destroy the Affordable Care Act, the Obama-era law which extended health insurance cover to millions of less well-off Americans.
Donald Trump, meanwhile, has spoken to Fox & Friends host Pete Hegseth about his supreme court pick, in an interview broadcast on Sunday.Donald Trump, meanwhile, has spoken to Fox & Friends host Pete Hegseth about his supreme court pick, in an interview broadcast on Sunday.
“Mostly, I’m looking for somebody that can interpret the constitution as written,” Trump said. “We say it all the time and [Judge Amy Coney Barrett] is very strong on that.”“Mostly, I’m looking for somebody that can interpret the constitution as written,” Trump said. “We say it all the time and [Judge Amy Coney Barrett] is very strong on that.”
He also bragged about his undoubted legacy, a makeover of the federal court system orchestrated by Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, and to some extent by Don McGahn, Trump’s first, beleaguered but resilient White House counsel.He also bragged about his undoubted legacy, a makeover of the federal court system orchestrated by Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, and to some extent by Don McGahn, Trump’s first, beleaguered but resilient White House counsel.
“By the end of the term, we’ll have almost 300 federal judges and court of appeals judges, which is a record. So we will have had a great impact on the court system going forward,” Trump said. The actual number is around 200, but there’s time.“By the end of the term, we’ll have almost 300 federal judges and court of appeals judges, which is a record. So we will have had a great impact on the court system going forward,” Trump said. The actual number is around 200, but there’s time.
If you’re wondering what all this has to do with why Republicans vote for Trump, here’s a report on what the Republican grandee James Baker thinks about that kind of thing, which has persuaded him to keep voting for Trump despite everything Trump has done to his party, and the abuse Trump threw at George HW Bush, Baker’s closest friend whose feet he rubbed while he died:If you’re wondering what all this has to do with why Republicans vote for Trump, here’s a report on what the Republican grandee James Baker thinks about that kind of thing, which has persuaded him to keep voting for Trump despite everything Trump has done to his party, and the abuse Trump threw at George HW Bush, Baker’s closest friend whose feet he rubbed while he died:
Trump also discussed Tuesday’s debate, telling Hegseth he had been preparing every day and saying: “When you’re president, you sort of see everything that they’re going to be asking.Trump also discussed Tuesday’s debate, telling Hegseth he had been preparing every day and saying: “When you’re president, you sort of see everything that they’re going to be asking.
“And they may disagree with you, but we’ve done a great job. We created the greatest economy in history. And now it’s coming back. We closed it. We saved millions and millions of lives by doing what I did. And now we’re bringing it back.”“And they may disagree with you, but we’ve done a great job. We created the greatest economy in history. And now it’s coming back. We closed it. We saved millions and millions of lives by doing what I did. And now we’re bringing it back.”
… and welcome to another day of politics in the US, which in this instance means the fallout from Donald Trump’s nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the supreme court, to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and also the countdown to the first presidential debate, on Tuesday. A countdown and a fallout and it’s not even 9am: the news is explosive these days, after all.… and welcome to another day of politics in the US, which in this instance means the fallout from Donald Trump’s nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the supreme court, to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and also the countdown to the first presidential debate, on Tuesday. A countdown and a fallout and it’s not even 9am: the news is explosive these days, after all.
In terms of what’s moving, obviously the polling isn’t yet in terms of what effect Barrett’s nomination, a strict conservative to replace a liberal lion, might have on the presidential race. An ABC News/Washington Post poll out today has Biden 10 points up nationally and the New York Times and Siena College make it eight – which is nice, but as Rick Wilson likes to say, national polls mean nothing. Remember who won the popular vote by nearly 3m in 2016? Not Trump. Remember who won the presidency? Not Hillary Clinton.In terms of what’s moving, obviously the polling isn’t yet in terms of what effect Barrett’s nomination, a strict conservative to replace a liberal lion, might have on the presidential race. An ABC News/Washington Post poll out today has Biden 10 points up nationally and the New York Times and Siena College make it eight – which is nice, but as Rick Wilson likes to say, national polls mean nothing. Remember who won the popular vote by nearly 3m in 2016? Not Trump. Remember who won the presidency? Not Hillary Clinton.
The swing state polls show Biden ahead in some, and razor-thin margins in others. Look at Florida, Ohio, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and so on. Keep looking. Whatever Trump might tell you about how he’s going to win New York, or even Virginia where he rallied on Friday night, look where he was rallying on Saturday: Pennsylvania. Not surprising.The swing state polls show Biden ahead in some, and razor-thin margins in others. Look at Florida, Ohio, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and so on. Keep looking. Whatever Trump might tell you about how he’s going to win New York, or even Virginia where he rallied on Friday night, look where he was rallying on Saturday: Pennsylvania. Not surprising.
Anyway, here’s a sampling of our coverage of the Barrett announcement, for which the White House Rose Garden was tricked out to recall the nomination of RBG. David Smith’s Hamlet-infused sketch, which noted the trolling, follows at the end of this post. Otherwise:Anyway, here’s a sampling of our coverage of the Barrett announcement, for which the White House Rose Garden was tricked out to recall the nomination of RBG. David Smith’s Hamlet-infused sketch, which noted the trolling, follows at the end of this post. Otherwise:
Our full reportOur full report
Spotlight falls on secretive Catholic group People of PraiseSpotlight falls on secretive Catholic group People of Praise
Amy Coney Barrett: what will she mean for women’s rights?Amy Coney Barrett: what will she mean for women’s rights?
What happens next?What happens next?
More to come, including more links to polls and remarks from Joe Biden about the supreme court, from Delaware at lunchtime. I also think people should find it as funny as I do that at present the Guardian US Spotlight section features few talking heads, but plenty of stories about buildings and food. Post-punk gag.More to come, including more links to polls and remarks from Joe Biden about the supreme court, from Delaware at lunchtime. I also think people should find it as funny as I do that at present the Guardian US Spotlight section features few talking heads, but plenty of stories about buildings and food. Post-punk gag.
Here’s David’s sketch. It’s worth a moment of your time.Here’s David’s sketch. It’s worth a moment of your time.