In
this New York Times Op-Ed, Vice
President Joseph Biden outlines his experience in being involved in nominating
nine justices to the Supreme Court during his 36 years in the Senate. He
stresses that in each of these instances the nomination process adhered to the
Constitution. He feels strongly that the Constitution plainly states what politicians
need to do after Justice Scalia died. Biden is also saddened that the
opposition will not even consider a nominee until after the fall election. He sends
a plea to Republican leaders to “take a step back
and think about what they are doing.” He implores them to uphold the oath they have
taken as members of Congress, especially “if they love the Senate as much as I
do.” Do you think that Biden’s words will sway any Republicans to change their
minds? How do you predict this stalemate may end? How might the outcome of cases
that the present justices are deliberating on change now that Justice Scalia
has passed away?
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I think Biden's message might be able to change a few Republicans' minds, but not enough. Most Republicans will probably continue to refuse to even consider a nominee. Unless a key Republican leader is swayed, the stalemate will likely continue, indefinitely. However, if Obama proposes an independent, moderate nominee, Republicans might be willing to at least consider him / her. Without Scalia, the Court might not be able to decide the outcomes of any cases. A majority is needed to make a decision, and without Scalia, a 4-4 tie is possible.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Julia in that Joe Biden's words may only sway a few Republicans but not enough to actually allow Obama to appoint a nominee. These would be the Republicans who would be willing to approve a moderate or independent nominee. However, especially in this state of despair due to the chaotic election, the GOP is not going to give up it's chance to have control over something that could increase their authority and restore its reputation.
ReplyDeleteBiden's words will most likely not sway Republicans, as their intense rivalry with Democrats, and more so with President Obama, has prevented them from getting doing much that is bi-partisan, such as selecting a Supreme Court Justice.This stalemate will end in the nomination of a Justice, as what is currently happening is completely unprecedented, and must end sometime before it blows up in their faces, tarnishes their legacy, or both. There will creating your be more ties in voting, especially in polarizing cases, as a very conservative voice has been removed.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Biden's words will have much effect on the Republicans in the Senate. I don't see the Republicans compromising at all to end this stalemate, as they don't want to appoint a democrat. The outcome of cases can be majorly effected due to the possibility of a tie.
ReplyDeleteBiden's words most likely won't have much effect on Republicans. They are so against Obama and his opinions that giving in to letting him choose Scalia's replacement seems almost impossible for the GOP majority to agree on. With this stalemate, the SCOTUS will definitely see problems in passing anything while there exists a possible 4-4 tie.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Biden's words will help much because the Republicans seem to firm in their decision. There seems to be a much larger gap between the two parties nowadays then there was in the past. If the Republicans do manage to hold out, then a decision will be made in November based on who the next president is. The only way this stalemate would end is if the Republicans were convinced any future choices were worse. I believe that many cases might become ties, upholding the lower court's decision. I also think Kennedy's decisions will continue to have impact.
ReplyDeleteBiden won't do anything to sway Republicans. The only thing that might change their minds is the opinion of their voter base. With the majority of Republicans believing that the Senate should at least vote to confirm a nomination, I think the Senate Republicans will agree to vote in the coming months. We have already seen a case go 4-4 in the Supreme court. More split decisions will place increasing pressure on the Senate.
ReplyDeleteBiden won't sway the Republicans. As much as the senate respects him they are going to toe the party line. And I don't think a specific case will change their minds either because their best option is to keep doing what they are doing. I do think though in the coming months the republicans will come around and hear the nominee.
ReplyDeleteBiden won't sway the Republicans. As much as the senate respects him they are going to toe the party line. And I don't think a specific case will change their minds either because their best option is to keep doing what they are doing. I do think though in the coming months the republicans will come around and hear the nominee.
ReplyDelete