I’m going to keep this short. I just want to put this out there.
Senate Democrats have the means to prevent a vote on a Trump Supreme Court pick. They can refuse to enter the Senate and be seated for a vote on approving a Supreme Court justice. With the current math, if I have understood correctly it will work.
Here’s how: For the senate to take a vote, there must be 51 senators present. Right now, there are 51 Republicans and 49 Democrats. Sen. McCain is not expected to be present due to his illness. that leaves 50 Republican Senators to enter the Senate chambers.
If every single Democratic Senator refuses to enter the Senate chambers for a roll call and vote, the Republicans do not have a quorum, and can’t vote on a Trump nominee. Pence could only break a tie if there is a vote in the first place.
Let me enunciate clearly:
Every. Single. Democratic. Senator. Goes. Home.
No defections. No exceptions. No “brokered compromises” with a McConnell whose word is worth nothing. This is not the time for civility. This is not the time for decorum. This is not the time for “respecting the institution”, Senators. This is a time to give no quarter, to use every means available to prevent a Supreme Court for a generation that is deeply out of step with the values of the American majority
Now, maybe there are some House Rules wonks out there who may correct me or have something to add. If you’re going to argue with me, at least quote chapter and verse from the Senate rules in your comments. If I’m wrong, at least I tried.
However, if I am correct, and the Democratic Senators could prevent a vote, and do not, entering the chamber like sheep to powerlessly signal their disagreement, then i say:
You are not worthy of your office.
You are not worthy of the party you represent, of the people who elected you.
You were paid to throw the fight.
Senators, now is the time to restore our faith in you, in our republic, and our democratic institutions.