Republicans will have no incentive to change their bullying behavior if Democrats remain spineless. Joe Donnelly must pay the price for supporting Neil Gorsuch.
In these times where GOP politicians are failing America existentially, it is imperative that Joe Donnelly and any Senator supporting Gorsuch is primaried. The following was tweeted from Senator Donnelly’s account a few minutes ago.
Joe will support the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. https://t.co/1XmDlOBc40 pic.twitter.com/xOmuVlKaOX
— Archive: Senator Joe Donnelly (@SenDonnelly) April 2, 2017
”I have said consistently that part of my job is to carefully review, debate, and vote on judicial nominations, including nominees to the Supreme Court,” Joe Donnelly’s tweet said. ” … l believe that he is a qualified jurist who will base his decisions on his understanding of the law and is well-respected among his peers.”
But that is not the point. No one doubts Gorsuch’s qualification. As I mentioned in my post when Senator Joe Manchin came out in support of Gorsuch,
The issue is that unlike the Republicans, the Democrats have two legitimate reasons to do all that is necessary to block Neil Gorsuch. First, it is not wrong to fight against filling a stolen Supreme Court seat. Doing so permanently corrupts our Democracy by implicitly acquiescing to said corruption.
Second, it is becoming more and more evident that Donald Trump was likely elected knowingly with an assist from Russia or folks working under the direction of Russia’s Vladimir Putin. As such one cannot allow what would be purported an illegitimate president to appoint a Supreme Court Justice, a life long position.
It is true that the Republicans may destroy the filibuster to force Gorsuch’s appointment. But that is likely what would have happened for any nominee, Gorsuch’s or anyone’s going forward. By standing up now, Democrats show that they have a spine. The consequences are no different that what it would have been if they showed no spine. Showing spine will keep their supporters envigorated.
The grassroots in Indiana must stand up now. Find a primary candidate that is ready to actively engage all Indianans to let them know they will be of and for the people. Gorsuch’s corporate bias must be used to activate both Progressive and a segment of Trump voters.