Anyone who believes that anything in politics is a sure thing is woefully out of touch and gullible. So, I would never say that there is no chance that the Kavanaugh appointment is already a done deal. But, it is as close to signed, sealed, delivered as one can get in politics, and the fact that there is a credible rape charge won’t matter in the least.
That does not mean that Republicans are not squirming, as Ursalafaw notes, here.Reports indicate that Murkowski is “open” to delaying the confirmation until victim Christine Ford – now very much on the record – has had a chance to testify to the the committee. In case you have a fulfilling life outside of the daily grind of political news, the fact that we’re talking about only ONE Republican Senator (ONE!) “considering” delaying her vote, says all one needs to hear about the process. After all, the entire Republican party roared about the need to oust popular and effective Minnesota Senator Al Franken. Al Franken was not accused of raping anyone, nor did he have a lifetime position at stake.
But, when was the last time you recall Republicans feeling shamed by hypocrisy? Do not bother, because I cannot remember, likely because it surely goes back decades. Moreover, this is the “big one,” the appointment they’ve been awaiting for four decades, a chance to seal a conservative court for the next three decades. Republican hypocrisy could easily cost them the Senate in November, and it will not matter in the least. That is a trade they are more than willing to make.
There is simply no policy coming up in the next – presumably last – two years of the Trump administration worth it, including saving Trump from himself. This is the ultimate prize; the reason they’ve supported Trump in the first place: At issue is an unapologetic pro-business vote in all cases, and a man who desperately wants abortion gone as a civil right, along with MANY other civil rights that have ridden the Roe doctrine into existence. Murkowski and possibly Collins, will certainly act as though the political angst is driving them into serious consideration, and then both will favor a swift vote on Thursday, recommending Kavanaugh be seated. Lest you think no one could be more hypocritical, just last Friday Orinn Hatch said the vote cannot be put off based upon anonymous charges from near four decades ago. The accusation is no longer anonymous and it is back-up by notes from counseling done long ago. It is rape we’re talking about, as serious a charge – short of murder – in existence. It will not matter at all, see the reasoning above.
The pressure brought to bear on all Senate Republicans will be overwhelming. There will be whispers about the lack of career opportunities post political life for anyone voting against, a productively rich life versus a shunning that will put the Scientologists to shame. The prize is that big.
You (and I) will be tempted to think that it will cost Republicans the Senate in November and that may very well be true. The numbers are starting to align against them, they never factored in a loss in Texas on top of all this. But, Republicans likely believe that the House is surely gone, which near makes the Senate moot, as the House Democrats will have subpoena power. The Dems will have all that is needed to expose Trump and his crimes.
This is not just about abortion, it is about rolling back substantive due process altogether, the doctrine that has led to many many civil rights springing from the court since Roe. Yes, the value in pushing Kavanaugh through will sway national policy far more than a two year majority in the Senate. Putting a solid conservative majority on the court is the Republican raison de etre’.
Lest this article leave you despondent, I haven’t had the best couple months making political predictions. But, I am more confident on this one, because it rides solely on Republican shamelessness, hypocrisy, and political calculation, things you can take to the bank.
It is all just so awful. A credibly accused rapist, along with plenty of other baggage will get a lifetime appointment because Republicans feel this in their bones. They will fight the ultimate fight to keep a rape victim from testifying. Pause for a moment, appreciate the level of cynicism and misogyny implicit in such action. Yet, this is the party that hoisted Trump into the White House despite admitting to sexual assault precisely because Trump would nominate this type. Thirty years of a solidly conservative court long after Trump is dead is a no-brainer.. Via a Republican Senate, our nation continues its downward plunge.
TWITTER: @MiciakZoom
