Thomas… ugh. Once again I repeat myself, how do these people ‘believe’ themselves into unaccountability? If I, or any of us, negate to enter correct information on taxes, let’s say I didn’t know, or my tax guy or my aide/loving husband missed it or any number of ‘innocent or not so innocent’ omissions, the IRS discovers the ‘mistake’ – Bamb! Fines and late fees for me and I fully expect to pay the consequences. Robert’s ignores every time* Thomas gets discovered doing the exact opposite of what he agreed to do when he became a Justice on the Supreme Court. Thomas fully expects all of us to believe his lame a$$ excuses and explanations-Wash/Rinse/Repeat.
*further more–it’s the ‘every time’ part of that entire paragraph that you should pay attention to…. EVERY TIME???? Dear God we are talking about a Supreme Court Justice. There should never be more than one time.
Just to note that the spotlight on Thomas’ latest misdeeds should make the reactionaries on the Extreme Court more circumspect in reviewing “Judge” Kacsmaryk’s order. At least, I hope so.
With the severity of the revelations of corruption regarding Thomas WHY aren’t the other justices making statements to the press! I believe if Thomas is so visibly breaking the law (and being a smart asss about it) it should be incumbent on the other justices to try to save the reputation of the court and call for an investigation, as their reputations are on the line as well! Doing nothing at all just reinforces the bad public opinion of this court! It also lends some credibility to trumpets who get away with these stunts over and over.
Damn, I wish someone, anyone, anywhere, and anytime would stand up and for once do the f’ing right thing! Stand up to the bullies!
Yes and YES. We’ve seen so much of the good ol’ boy cover up in the last several days we can certainly expect the worse from these lawless people.
Think of Tennessee where the Republicans in charge thoroughly believed that it was business as usual and they could do their worst and expel the two black men for (insert any reason here) and that no one would notice. Or that no one would be able to do anything about it.
OR the sheriff and from Oklahoma caught on tape talking about murdering the Journalist.
Or the police that allowed the 80 something year old to stay home after shooting the kid who accidentally went to his house to pick up his family members.
Well Expect the worse but realize that the whole world is watching these sh!t heads.
There are some bloody pissed off people- and that is good.
Apr 19, 2023·edited Apr 19, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Dominion's Dominion
Soon after CNN flashed its Breaking News chyron with the real breaking news that Fox and Dominion had settled, many of the talking heads were circumspect and honest about the outcome. While it was not the spectacle of Fox's humiliating defeat that many had hoped to see, it was probably the best outcome that we should have expected, and certainly better than we were entitled to.
Notably, though, former Fox employee and current CNN star Alisyn Camerota was apoplectic in her view that Fox had escaped accountability. It was a view she later played to her panel, with LZ Granderson accusing Dominion's owners, a venture capital firm, of caring more about their bottom line than our democracy. It was never Dominion's responsibility to stand up for and save our democracy. That's up to us.
Like it or not, Dominion's first responsibility is to maximize the wealth of its shareholders. The fact that they were able to expose Fox as they did in furtherance of that core objective is an unintended but hugely beneficial consequence. As we heard from Dominion's lead attorney, this is not the end of the story, as they still have other related cases pending. All of them just reset their starting points, at least in terms of Dominion's credibility. There are also other cases against Fox (e.g., Smartmatic) that just got a reset.
We should be grateful to Dominion and its attorneys for having the fortitude and determination to take on a formidable and unscrupulous foe. The fact that they made their case in the court of public opinion while wending their way towards a very favorable settlement was a gift that should keep on giving. The domino wall around Trump is starting to fall, and the currents are all moving in the right direction. Our democracy is stronger today than it was yesterday. Let's not be critical of Dominion for not finishing our job.
Agree: "of caring more about their bottom line than our democracy. It was never Dominion's responsibility to stand up for and save our democracy. That's up to us."
Some dude on VPR went on quite a rant about how badly hurt Fox ‘News’ is. Can’t remember the name… but he said what Fox ‘News’ is in for: it’s like the old Karen Carpenter song “It’s only just begun”.
Thanks Robert! So much here to think about! Dominion made a business decision and I understand that. They missed an opportunity to defend democracy against those who seek to destroy it. I hope their uncovering the facts become blunt weapons in Smartec’s hands. Unfortunately as a private company they will make business decisions also. My heart dropped when I heard Dominion settled.
A report I heard suggests that Dominion made a *legal strategy* decision, not merely a “business” decision: Dominion’s prevailing in the jury trial was not guaranteed; and even if Dominion won, Fox could keep them in court, interminably, through appeal after appeal.
In this view, Dominion chose to “take the money and run” and get back to business. It has much to recommend it.
Beth, I believe you are on point. The settlement is probably better for us as well. It would seem that the Murdoch empire would drag this case out for years. As with so much these days, we need to accept that Dominion did what they see as the best financial and legal decision. As much as I hate the settlement it is better to move on with our energies continuing to focus on elections. We must win even the smallest local seats of government.
I understand that, they are a private business and have to protect it. Let’s just say what they accomplished was exposing who they (FOX) are. Although I never liked Ronald Reagan (he would be much preferred over Trump) he did say that “80% of something is better than 100% of nothing”. That what we have and it is still a step forward.
Dollars over dignity. I was indeed sad to hear the outcome of the ‘non-trial’ and ‘non-apology. This sure does give trampers more outrageous fuel. Won’t be able to have a conversation with my sister for another couple of months.
I felt the same way - at first. I also wanted a public apology from Fox Corp - broadcast as if it were a commercial on Fox "News" every hour on the hour for at least 6 months. And...similar admonitions from Carlson, etc. at the opening of each one of their "shows".
But...upon reflection, the Dominion settlement is a whopper. It is a great big case of a company admitting guilt. You don't offer 3/4 of a billion dollars unless you are afraid of further publicity during a trial. I predict there are discussions right now with Smartmatic - "what will it cost to keep Rupert and *ucker off the stand?"
And then there will be the shareholder suit. If viewership slips, if ad revenue begins to drop, watch for more disgruntled investors. Keep in mind, there is a seismic shift in TV viewing - away from cable to streaming platforms. Fox "News" ultimately may be doomed as the angry white guys head over to Newsmax and OAN - where the lies are layered with even more lies. Fox will need to be more restrained for fear of more law suits...the audience will not be thrilled.
Agree. Lawrence O'Donnell had an interesting take on it last night. I feel better - not vindicated (or even "redeemed" 🤮) - but definitely better. It's a for-profit corporation's job to preserve their business; it's our job to preserve/save democracy. Sure, a truthful statement from Fox would've been celebrated, but the show ain't over yet. Methinks Smartmatic will indeed be Smart.
Yes! Chris and Bruce Willingham deserve to hear from us with big thanks and gratitude for their work. I hope someone can give us their contact info. Thank you, Robert, for pursuing this.
Does it always have to come down to money! The Dominion / Fox "settlement" may allow both businesses to "survive" fiscally but it did NOTHING to support morals, responsibility and resilience in our society. It was too much of a risk that they'd get nothing if one or two members of the jury held out against either party. We would have had Murdoch and the FOX fomentators on the witness stand having to admit to the world that they put ratings over truth. Do schools still teach that George Washington could not tell a lie? Or has that been banned as politically incorrect and a lie itself. Do we have a moral compass any more? Certainly not in the MAGA party? Do Christians believe in Christianity and in the teachings of Christ like love thy neighbor or do they just believe they are holier than thou and hold their noses so high in the air that they'd drown if they stood out in the rain? Where is respect, responsibility and resilience? We must flock together and set an expectation of integrity, truth and caring about others. We need a WEllness culture rather than the Illness culture of ego and no accountability. We have a Bill of Rights that is being trampled on. Where is our Bill of Responsibilities? Let's write one! Let's have an unexceptional culture where we believe in freedom not just for ourselves but assure all of us have those freedoms WITHOUT exception! We, the People, ALL of us this time having the courage of protecting the rights and freedoms of ALL.
Great comment, Cathy. Regarding the questions about Christians and Christianity, I am continually schooled on the “fact” that only those who follow the teachings of Christ are Christians; the others (the “holier than thou” you describe) are not real Christians and should not be considered Christian.
I truly believe that if this Extreme Court rules in favor of the Texas judge, Biden should ignore the ruling and tell the FDA to carry on! This should never have come before the Court. There is no standing! It’s a premise that would de disastrous for the creation and production of suitable drugs in this country. We cannot have rogue extremists deciding which products they will allow and which they will not. If Texas wants to keep drugs out of that god-forsaken state, that’s bad enough. But that’s their pigheaded decision. They do not have the right to shut down the FDA throughout the country! These justices know that. They act as if the decisions they are making are some sort of game. But, unfortunately, the pawn is always WOMEN! Tell me where that doesn’t smack of discrimination in every syllable of our vaulted Constitution! Who’s going to enforce a decision of this kind? Possibly only red states, who can’t be bothered to save children through gun control, but will take the time to find and punish such “criminals” as pregnant women seeking an abortion, LGBTQ parents and their children seeking healthcare, Americans who may aid and abet an undocumented immigrant, physicians who have taken an oath to “do no harm” who continue to care for their female patients. The red states are a police state. And maybe that will inspire more voters to “defund the police state” in their next elections! We are sick of being at the mercy of an unrepresentative Court that was “gerrymandered” to carry out a GQP agenda.
Thank you, Robert, for putting the Dominion case into perspective, and helping me put my feet back on the ground.
Reading your piece regarding the Oklahoma sheriff’s comment to the journalist’s recording, made me recall this Texas Tribune article of January 13, 2023.
This bone-chilling article highlights the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, a growing far-right group, claiming sheriffs have the power to override federal and state authority on matters from border enforcement to gun control to election security.
Apr 19, 2023·edited Apr 19, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
The OK story is horrific but, sadly, not surprising. According to Google, the paper’s address is McCurtain Gazette, 107 S Central, PO Box 179, Idabel OK 74745
Wherever she is right now, I hope Anita Hill is deriving satisfaction from the exposure of the character of Clarence Thomas. Bravo to courageous reporters, in Oklahoma and elsewhere!
As Jon Stewart said, Fox's business model is lying, and they just paid their liar's tax. I am somewhat heartened by the many pending cases against Fox and other extremist sites.
Robert may tell us that we should “treat the ruling for what it is—a broadside attack on the equality and liberty of women everywhere.” That is certainly true.
But, it is and the Supreme Court’s ruling will be a continuation of the assault on separation is church and state. Although I decided to stop my Atlantic subscription this headline (“The New Pro-life Movement Has a Plan to end Abortion: And It Does Care If American Voters Don’t Agree With It” by Elaine Godfrey - regretfully it is behind a paywall) says it all: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/04/pro-life-anti-abortion-roe-mifepristone-pill-ban/673763/.
As for InJustice Thomas, Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate and quickly offered a statement that he has full confidence in Thomas. The Republicans offer such wonderful circus fare every day in every way. Too bad they don’t offer governance instead of obstruction.
I believe it's President Biden. But, right now, with Senator Feinstein absent from the Senate Judiciary (which is the body that moves appointees to the federal court bench), absent, with
no support from republican senators for even a temporary replacement on
No, it's not Biden. Changes in the law would have to start in the House, and then be passed in the Senate. That requires a Democratic majority. And a Democrat in the White House to sign it. My guess is that Biden would be happy to do so. Until then the less said on his part, the better. It would become an inflammatory right-wing talking point.
Yesterday I heard McConnell say Republican Senators would block allowing Dems to replace Feinstein on judiciary because he didn’t want them to be able to ram thru unqualified judges. I laughed out loud - that’s what he did in the trump years. Case in point: the guy in Amarillo TX
I don't understand how the senate minority leader can prevent the majority from replacing its own members on the Judiciary Committee. Such vacancies might occur due to death, disability, malfeasance or abuse of office, or other circumstance. If it is a Senate Rule that prevents filling such openings, it is one more anti-majoritarian anti-democratic rule akin to the filibuster, and should be repealed or ignored. The GOP should have the same privilege if it was in the majority; and so should a minority party as well. Perhaps other commenters or RH have greater insights into these dynamics (or would "shenanigans" be a more descriptive word?) they might share?
Thomas… ugh. Once again I repeat myself, how do these people ‘believe’ themselves into unaccountability? If I, or any of us, negate to enter correct information on taxes, let’s say I didn’t know, or my tax guy or my aide/loving husband missed it or any number of ‘innocent or not so innocent’ omissions, the IRS discovers the ‘mistake’ – Bamb! Fines and late fees for me and I fully expect to pay the consequences. Robert’s ignores every time* Thomas gets discovered doing the exact opposite of what he agreed to do when he became a Justice on the Supreme Court. Thomas fully expects all of us to believe his lame a$$ excuses and explanations-Wash/Rinse/Repeat.
*further more–it’s the ‘every time’ part of that entire paragraph that you should pay attention to…. EVERY TIME???? Dear God we are talking about a Supreme Court Justice. There should never be more than one time.
Just to note that the spotlight on Thomas’ latest misdeeds should make the reactionaries on the Extreme Court more circumspect in reviewing “Judge” Kacsmaryk’s order. At least, I hope so.
With the severity of the revelations of corruption regarding Thomas WHY aren’t the other justices making statements to the press! I believe if Thomas is so visibly breaking the law (and being a smart asss about it) it should be incumbent on the other justices to try to save the reputation of the court and call for an investigation, as their reputations are on the line as well! Doing nothing at all just reinforces the bad public opinion of this court! It also lends some credibility to trumpets who get away with these stunts over and over.
Damn, I wish someone, anyone, anywhere, and anytime would stand up and for once do the f’ing right thing! Stand up to the bullies!
Here I am to rain on your parade again, Jon. :-)
Expect only the worst from these scum. That way you can celebrate if it doesn't happen, and you won't be completely gobsmacked when it doesn't.
Cheers!
Yes and YES. We’ve seen so much of the good ol’ boy cover up in the last several days we can certainly expect the worse from these lawless people.
Think of Tennessee where the Republicans in charge thoroughly believed that it was business as usual and they could do their worst and expel the two black men for (insert any reason here) and that no one would notice. Or that no one would be able to do anything about it.
OR the sheriff and from Oklahoma caught on tape talking about murdering the Journalist.
Or the police that allowed the 80 something year old to stay home after shooting the kid who accidentally went to his house to pick up his family members.
Well Expect the worse but realize that the whole world is watching these sh!t heads.
There are some bloody pissed off people- and that is good.
We’ll see, probably later today.
Dominion's Dominion
Soon after CNN flashed its Breaking News chyron with the real breaking news that Fox and Dominion had settled, many of the talking heads were circumspect and honest about the outcome. While it was not the spectacle of Fox's humiliating defeat that many had hoped to see, it was probably the best outcome that we should have expected, and certainly better than we were entitled to.
Notably, though, former Fox employee and current CNN star Alisyn Camerota was apoplectic in her view that Fox had escaped accountability. It was a view she later played to her panel, with LZ Granderson accusing Dominion's owners, a venture capital firm, of caring more about their bottom line than our democracy. It was never Dominion's responsibility to stand up for and save our democracy. That's up to us.
Like it or not, Dominion's first responsibility is to maximize the wealth of its shareholders. The fact that they were able to expose Fox as they did in furtherance of that core objective is an unintended but hugely beneficial consequence. As we heard from Dominion's lead attorney, this is not the end of the story, as they still have other related cases pending. All of them just reset their starting points, at least in terms of Dominion's credibility. There are also other cases against Fox (e.g., Smartmatic) that just got a reset.
We should be grateful to Dominion and its attorneys for having the fortitude and determination to take on a formidable and unscrupulous foe. The fact that they made their case in the court of public opinion while wending their way towards a very favorable settlement was a gift that should keep on giving. The domino wall around Trump is starting to fall, and the currents are all moving in the right direction. Our democracy is stronger today than it was yesterday. Let's not be critical of Dominion for not finishing our job.
Agree: "of caring more about their bottom line than our democracy. It was never Dominion's responsibility to stand up for and save our democracy. That's up to us."
Some dude on VPR went on quite a rant about how badly hurt Fox ‘News’ is. Can’t remember the name… but he said what Fox ‘News’ is in for: it’s like the old Karen Carpenter song “It’s only just begun”.
Appreciate your pointing out A. Camerota is a former Fox employee. Had no idea; explains a lot.
Thanks Robert! So much here to think about! Dominion made a business decision and I understand that. They missed an opportunity to defend democracy against those who seek to destroy it. I hope their uncovering the facts become blunt weapons in Smartec’s hands. Unfortunately as a private company they will make business decisions also. My heart dropped when I heard Dominion settled.
A report I heard suggests that Dominion made a *legal strategy* decision, not merely a “business” decision: Dominion’s prevailing in the jury trial was not guaranteed; and even if Dominion won, Fox could keep them in court, interminably, through appeal after appeal.
In this view, Dominion chose to “take the money and run” and get back to business. It has much to recommend it.
Beth, I believe you are on point. The settlement is probably better for us as well. It would seem that the Murdoch empire would drag this case out for years. As with so much these days, we need to accept that Dominion did what they see as the best financial and legal decision. As much as I hate the settlement it is better to move on with our energies continuing to focus on elections. We must win even the smallest local seats of government.
They also have 6 pending lawsuits against related parties to the Fox suit, per Dominion's lead attorney today. They are not done yet!
I understand that, they are a private business and have to protect it. Let’s just say what they accomplished was exposing who they (FOX) are. Although I never liked Ronald Reagan (he would be much preferred over Trump) he did say that “80% of something is better than 100% of nothing”. That what we have and it is still a step forward.
Dollars over dignity. I was indeed sad to hear the outcome of the ‘non-trial’ and ‘non-apology. This sure does give trampers more outrageous fuel. Won’t be able to have a conversation with my sister for another couple of months.
I felt the same way - at first. I also wanted a public apology from Fox Corp - broadcast as if it were a commercial on Fox "News" every hour on the hour for at least 6 months. And...similar admonitions from Carlson, etc. at the opening of each one of their "shows".
But...upon reflection, the Dominion settlement is a whopper. It is a great big case of a company admitting guilt. You don't offer 3/4 of a billion dollars unless you are afraid of further publicity during a trial. I predict there are discussions right now with Smartmatic - "what will it cost to keep Rupert and *ucker off the stand?"
And then there will be the shareholder suit. If viewership slips, if ad revenue begins to drop, watch for more disgruntled investors. Keep in mind, there is a seismic shift in TV viewing - away from cable to streaming platforms. Fox "News" ultimately may be doomed as the angry white guys head over to Newsmax and OAN - where the lies are layered with even more lies. Fox will need to be more restrained for fear of more law suits...the audience will not be thrilled.
Agree. Lawrence O'Donnell had an interesting take on it last night. I feel better - not vindicated (or even "redeemed" 🤮) - but definitely better. It's a for-profit corporation's job to preserve their business; it's our job to preserve/save democracy. Sure, a truthful statement from Fox would've been celebrated, but the show ain't over yet. Methinks Smartmatic will indeed be Smart.
It's a for-profit corporation's job to preserve their business; it's our job to preserve/save democracy
Jess Craven has actions ( Extra Credit and Resistbot Letter) we can take regarding “Justice” Thomas.
https://open.substack.com/pub/chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions/p/chop-wood-carry-water-412?r=fqsxl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Oklahoma😡…happening in a rural county. Most likely he’s a “constitutional” sheriff like ours here in
our populous Fl county. His lawyers claim he’s allowed to say whatever he wants, in the course of his duties,even it’s “false or malicious”.
Let’s help Donna Deegan win big and give DeSantis yet another reason to go apoplectic !
He can say whatever he wants but he’ll be held accountable for it too.
Yes! Chris and Bruce Willingham deserve to hear from us with big thanks and gratitude for their work. I hope someone can give us their contact info. Thank you, Robert, for pursuing this.
Gumshoe reporting. Memories of Woodward & Bernstein following the money. They deserve our congratulations (if not a Pulitzer) for breaking this story.
Does it always have to come down to money! The Dominion / Fox "settlement" may allow both businesses to "survive" fiscally but it did NOTHING to support morals, responsibility and resilience in our society. It was too much of a risk that they'd get nothing if one or two members of the jury held out against either party. We would have had Murdoch and the FOX fomentators on the witness stand having to admit to the world that they put ratings over truth. Do schools still teach that George Washington could not tell a lie? Or has that been banned as politically incorrect and a lie itself. Do we have a moral compass any more? Certainly not in the MAGA party? Do Christians believe in Christianity and in the teachings of Christ like love thy neighbor or do they just believe they are holier than thou and hold their noses so high in the air that they'd drown if they stood out in the rain? Where is respect, responsibility and resilience? We must flock together and set an expectation of integrity, truth and caring about others. We need a WEllness culture rather than the Illness culture of ego and no accountability. We have a Bill of Rights that is being trampled on. Where is our Bill of Responsibilities? Let's write one! Let's have an unexceptional culture where we believe in freedom not just for ourselves but assure all of us have those freedoms WITHOUT exception! We, the People, ALL of us this time having the courage of protecting the rights and freedoms of ALL.
Great comment, Cathy. Regarding the questions about Christians and Christianity, I am continually schooled on the “fact” that only those who follow the teachings of Christ are Christians; the others (the “holier than thou” you describe) are not real Christians and should not be considered Christian.
Amen, Ally!
Cathy, it's very frustrating that I can only push the 'like' button once for your comments. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much , Gus, for your kind and encouraging words! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I truly believe that if this Extreme Court rules in favor of the Texas judge, Biden should ignore the ruling and tell the FDA to carry on! This should never have come before the Court. There is no standing! It’s a premise that would de disastrous for the creation and production of suitable drugs in this country. We cannot have rogue extremists deciding which products they will allow and which they will not. If Texas wants to keep drugs out of that god-forsaken state, that’s bad enough. But that’s their pigheaded decision. They do not have the right to shut down the FDA throughout the country! These justices know that. They act as if the decisions they are making are some sort of game. But, unfortunately, the pawn is always WOMEN! Tell me where that doesn’t smack of discrimination in every syllable of our vaulted Constitution! Who’s going to enforce a decision of this kind? Possibly only red states, who can’t be bothered to save children through gun control, but will take the time to find and punish such “criminals” as pregnant women seeking an abortion, LGBTQ parents and their children seeking healthcare, Americans who may aid and abet an undocumented immigrant, physicians who have taken an oath to “do no harm” who continue to care for their female patients. The red states are a police state. And maybe that will inspire more voters to “defund the police state” in their next elections! We are sick of being at the mercy of an unrepresentative Court that was “gerrymandered” to carry out a GQP agenda.
Shades of Andrew Jackson.
Simon Rosenberg interviewed Donna Deegan this week and posted this recording and more info on how to help! https://simonwdc.substack.com/p/my-discussion-with-donna-deegan-our?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
I was on the call and it was a terrific interview with Donna. I immediately made a donation to support her efforts.
Write postcards to voters for Donna. www.postcardstovoters.org :-D
Thank you, Robert, for putting the Dominion case into perspective, and helping me put my feet back on the ground.
Reading your piece regarding the Oklahoma sheriff’s comment to the journalist’s recording, made me recall this Texas Tribune article of January 13, 2023.
https://www.texastribune.org/2023/01/13/constitutional-sheriffs-texas/
This bone-chilling article highlights the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, a growing far-right group, claiming sheriffs have the power to override federal and state authority on matters from border enforcement to gun control to election security.
The OK story is horrific but, sadly, not surprising. According to Google, the paper’s address is McCurtain Gazette, 107 S Central, PO Box 179, Idabel OK 74745
Thanks, Paul. your internet sleuthing skills are better than mine!
Idabel is also the County Seat
The courthouse is at 108 N Central
Wherever she is right now, I hope Anita Hill is deriving satisfaction from the exposure of the character of Clarence Thomas. Bravo to courageous reporters, in Oklahoma and elsewhere!
As Jon Stewart said, Fox's business model is lying, and they just paid their liar's tax. I am somewhat heartened by the many pending cases against Fox and other extremist sites.
I did not know about the Oklahoma story. Yikes! Thank you, Robert.
Morning, Lynell! I had a dear friend (from Oklahoma) forward that story to me a day or two ago. Good grief!!!
Afternoon, Ally! Good grief is right!
Robert may tell us that we should “treat the ruling for what it is—a broadside attack on the equality and liberty of women everywhere.” That is certainly true.
But, it is and the Supreme Court’s ruling will be a continuation of the assault on separation is church and state. Although I decided to stop my Atlantic subscription this headline (“The New Pro-life Movement Has a Plan to end Abortion: And It Does Care If American Voters Don’t Agree With It” by Elaine Godfrey - regretfully it is behind a paywall) says it all: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/04/pro-life-anti-abortion-roe-mifepristone-pill-ban/673763/.
As for InJustice Thomas, Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate and quickly offered a statement that he has full confidence in Thomas. The Republicans offer such wonderful circus fare every day in every way. Too bad they don’t offer governance instead of obstruction.
What exactly is keeping the brakes on expanding the court?
I believe it's President Biden. But, right now, with Senator Feinstein absent from the Senate Judiciary (which is the body that moves appointees to the federal court bench), absent, with
no support from republican senators for even a temporary replacement on
Judiciary, no one will be
appointed to any bench,
until the Feinstein problem is resolved.
No, it's not Biden. Changes in the law would have to start in the House, and then be passed in the Senate. That requires a Democratic majority. And a Democrat in the White House to sign it. My guess is that Biden would be happy to do so. Until then the less said on his part, the better. It would become an inflammatory right-wing talking point.
Mr. Mathes, didn't President Biden say he didn't believe in packing the court though? Or, was that back in his senate days?
Biden is against expanding the Court.
That’s something we should really push him on. I know Professor Lawrence Tribe has tried and tried.
We would need to create a carve out the filibuster and control both chambers of Congress.
Yesterday I heard McConnell say Republican Senators would block allowing Dems to replace Feinstein on judiciary because he didn’t want them to be able to ram thru unqualified judges. I laughed out loud - that’s what he did in the trump years. Case in point: the guy in Amarillo TX
I don't understand how the senate minority leader can prevent the majority from replacing its own members on the Judiciary Committee. Such vacancies might occur due to death, disability, malfeasance or abuse of office, or other circumstance. If it is a Senate Rule that prevents filling such openings, it is one more anti-majoritarian anti-democratic rule akin to the filibuster, and should be repealed or ignored. The GOP should have the same privilege if it was in the majority; and so should a minority party as well. Perhaps other commenters or RH have greater insights into these dynamics (or would "shenanigans" be a more descriptive word?) they might share?