A Modest Suggestion
The Republican Party had already morphed from "The Party Of No" to "The Party Of Crazy". But now, with the rejection of even hearings for Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, it has become "The Party Of Refusing To Do Its Job". The justifications of a "Biden Rule" are feeble: Joe Biden was making a hypothetical remark about circumstances that never actually arose. And Justices have in fact been confirmed in election years. (Anthony Kennedy was nominated in 1987 but confirmed -- unanimously -- in February 1988.) And if they won't do their job, why should any members of the GOP be elected to public office?
So let me suggest a fig leaf. Hold hearings on Judge Garland, but since so many members of the Senate are busy getting re-elected, postpone the confirmation vot until after the election. That way, if Hillary Rodham Clinton is elected, which is the most likely occurence, the Republicans can hastily confirm Garland lest President Clinton nominate someone not at all to their liking. If a Republican is elected, they can always vote to reject Garland, since they have a majority in the Senate.
The one flaw in this plan: the hearings are almost certain to reveal that Garland is a superbly qualified candidate.
So let me suggest a fig leaf. Hold hearings on Judge Garland, but since so many members of the Senate are busy getting re-elected, postpone the confirmation vot until after the election. That way, if Hillary Rodham Clinton is elected, which is the most likely occurence, the Republicans can hastily confirm Garland lest President Clinton nominate someone not at all to their liking. If a Republican is elected, they can always vote to reject Garland, since they have a majority in the Senate.
The one flaw in this plan: the hearings are almost certain to reveal that Garland is a superbly qualified candidate.