Some Senate Democrats are frustrated that activists are frustrated with them over the fact that Mitch McConnell is steamrolling over them to confirm a record number of really bad, really extreme, really young judges to lifetime appointments.
"We're requiring, you know, all the time be used. We're requiring there to be several votes on each judge. That's why you have to win elections,” Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut told VICE News. "Here's what we can do to slow down judges: win in 2020. So all the folks who are grousing about the pace of judges, they should put all their effort into making sure that we win the majority in 2020." Yes, procedurally, there's pretty much nothing they can do anymore to stop the conveyor belt. But there's much that they can do symbolically. For example, not allowing any judge to be confirmed with Democratic votes. Make McConnell do it all on his own.
There's a glimmer of the possibility that Democrats are coming around to the realization that they blew it when they had larger numbers and more of a chance to fight McConnell. "We've learned a lot. I look back and I think we were pretty—um, um—we were much more gentle than we should have been," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, also of Connecticut, told VICE News. Yes, yes you were. "The judges can't be unseated, but there will be more judges and we can add judgeships," Blumenthal said. That's a start, anyway.
So here's a deal for you Democratic senators. We, the grumbly activists who do care very, very much about the state of the judiciary, will help you regain the majority in the Senate. Here's what you need to do when you have: be open to the possibility that you can unseat some of these judges. Be bold in exploring that possibility. Yes, add more seats. But also, remember judicial impeachment is a thing and there are some Supreme Court justices that fit the bill.
Also, take this as a lesson that McConnell is completely without principle and that he will do anything to make sure the country can't have nice things anymore. Get rid of the filibuster. Don't let him use it. Don't even think about reinstating it for judges. Not unless Democrats have 60 votes. We'll help you take back the Senate, but you have to use it. For us. Finally.
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