After a fairly lengthy statement on Scalia’s life and legacy, the president said, “I plan to fulfill my constitutional responsibilities to nominate a successor in due time”.
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“Some people say the Republicans are as bad as the Democrats, but in truth I’ve been there for 19 years, I’ve seen this, they started the politicalization of the court”, he said.
Jars of applesauce and bouquets of broccoli were left on the steps of the Supreme Court on Friday as part of a makeshift memorial for the late Justice Antonin Scalia.
Obama’s nominee could shift the balance of power on the court, which had five conservatives and four liberals before Scalia’s death.
Before they could begin to grieve for their beloved husband, father and grandfather, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announces that he and the Republican-controlled Senate will block anyone whom our president nominates to replace Scalia.
“Given our global security crisis and debt crisis”, he said, “the upcoming election will not only determine the direction of our country, but also serve as a referendum on the Presidency and Congress, and now the Supreme Court”.
The motion to approve the president’s judicial nomination can be voted on by the Senate and requires a simple majority.
As it stands, the vacancy already has consequences on pending court decisions because rulings that would have been decided by 5-4 votes will now end up as ties, which means that lower court rulings will stand. His name is being mentioned as a possible supreme court – Reporter: Yeah, possible nominee. “This should be someone who, in fact, is a consensus and whereby we can generate enough support to get a person passed”, he added.
Given the longevity of justices’ service times on the court, the decision of a new justice will affect the high court’s makeup for a quarter-century or more. It’s a day of history, tradition and remembrance at the supreme court.
Dubose said he is hoping that Obama can appoint a third Supreme Court justice before leaving office early next year.
Justice Antonin Scalia’s flag-draped casket was placed in the U.S. Supreme Court’s ceremonial hallway before a crowd of mourners that included somber and tearful colleagues, family members and former law clerks.
Earnest gave no clues about who Obama might pick but said the lengthy briefing materials included information about “some potential nominees” including career accomplishments and experience.
Earnest noted Obama would pay his respects by going to the Supreme Court building on Friday when Scalia’s body will be lying in repose, and Biden would represent the Obama administration at the funeral.
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Scalia will be buried after a funeral Saturday in Washington.
