From the NY Times:
WASHINGTON — President Trump said on Wednesday that he wants to ensure confirmation of a replacement for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by the Nov. 3 election because he expects disputes over who won the White House to be resolved by the Supreme Court.
“I think this will end up in the Supreme Court,” Mr. Trump told reporters at a White House event on social media, adopting an argument for quick action made by his ally, Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas. “And I think it’s very important that we have nine justices,” instead of the eight seats currently filled.
The president again asserted without evidence that Democrats were trying to rig the election and said he wants a high court that will agree with him. “This scam that the Democrats are pulling — it’s a scam — the scam will be before the United States Supreme Court,” Mr. Trump said.
Five of the eight current court members were appointed by Republican presidents, including two by Mr. Trump. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who was appointed by former President George W. Bush, has on a few occasions sided with the liberals, which could potentially mean a 4-4 split.
Mr. Trump made clear he is counting on whomever he appoints for Justice Ginsburg’s seat to support him and that he wants to be declared the winner by an overwhelming majority if the results go to the Supreme Court.
“And I think having a four-four situation is not a good situation, if you get that. I don’t know that you’d get that. I think it should be eight-nothing or nine-nothing. But just in case it would be more political than it should be, I think it’s very important to have a ninth justice.”
— Peter Baker
Words fail me.
ReplyDeleteCould be worse, can still be worse, I suppose. Election fraud is less bloody than an October surprise in the form of a large attack on Iran to fuel patriotic frenzy.
ReplyDeleteE.m., you called this perfectly just the other day:
ReplyDeletehttps://davidappell.blogspot.com/2020/09/good-question.html?showComment=1600797074693#c4508707579561086890
Thomas, one thing that's been a little surprising to me is Trump's refusal to do anything militarily during his term. A point for him (and for the country).
ReplyDeleteDavid, search around and you will find Trump has escalated drone strikes in a bunch of countries, media is just too busy with his clown show at home to write about it.
ReplyDeleteTrump murdered a bunch of prominent Iranians and Iraqis, and his economic blockade on Iran where he prevents other countries from trading with Iran is essentally an act of war. You get the impression that he wants Iran to strike back so he gets an excuse for war.