And just like that…
And just like that, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson will be the next nominee to sit on the High Court. All the Democratic senators support the nomination, and last week, Susan Collins (R-ME) announced that she would be voting in favor of Judge Jackson’s confirmation. That was really all she needed from the Republican side, but both CNN and Fox have announced that Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Mitt Romney (R-UT) will be voting for her confirmation. After all his bluster and harsh words, the Republican that Democrats thought they could count on-Lindsey Graham-is a hard “no.” Who cares? Graham ceased being a real senator the moment he started kissing Donald Trump’s ass. He does not exactly carry a lot of weight anymore. The news of Murkowski and Romney, however, must have Joe Biden dancing a jig. He can now claim another bipartisan victory.
Murkowski was expected to vote in favor of the judge because she voted in her favor for the appeals court; however, Murkowski warned that her vote should not be assumed because of the way she voted the first time. Romney is quoted by Fox: “After reviewing Judge Jackson’s record and testimony, I have concluded that she is a well-qualified jurist and a person of honor.” He went on to say that she “more than meets the standard of excellence and integrity.” Murkowski was equally as complimentary, detailing: “My support rests on Judge Jackson’s qualifications, which no one questions; her demonstrated judicial independence; her demeanor and temperament; and the important perspective she would bring to the court as a replacement for Justice Breyer.” Judge Jackson held her own, even as she was mercilessly grilled by some of the more hardcore Republicans in the Senate, including Josh Hawley, Lindsey Graham, and Ted Cruz. Murkowski mentioned that behavior, and she said that she “rejects” the behavior of various senators who want to make the process political.
Earlier this week, the Judiciary Committee deadlocked on moving forward with Judge Jackson’s confirmation strictly along party lines. This is shameful. If a candidate is qualified for the judiciary, she should not get caught up in partisan squabbling. It’s not a good look for anyone, and it certainly does nothing to help us bring our country back together. Republicans didn’t help matters with their ridiculous questioning of Judge Jackson. The Independent reported on the “most ridiculous questions” asked, including bringing up Judge Robert Bork, who was rejected by the senate over 30 years ago. Then, Lindsey Graham delivered a speech, telling Judge Jackson that no one would be asking her where she goes to church, how she raises her children, and how she believes in God. The Independent reported that the next day, Graham broke that promise by asking: “What faith are you, by the way?” *Sigh* Republicans. What can you do about them? They are so out of touch, but it really doesn’t matter what they think or say; we are about to have our first Black female Supreme Court justice. It is way overdue.
Shirley is a former entertainment writer and has worked in the legal field for over 25 years