Despite political stunts and ad campaigns, their efforts to take away the voice of the American people and reshape the court for a generation have fallen completely flat:
- “They never said it was going to be easy. But the Democrats who are trying to force Senate Republicans to confirm Supreme Court nominee Merrick B. Garland are now confronting increasingly dismal odds of success a month after his nomination.” (Mike DeBonis, “Democrats Hit Brick Wall In Supreme Court Fight,” Washington Post, 4/14/16)
And USA Today reports that Democrats are coming up short in their efforts to target Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley:
- “Sen. Chuck Grassley emerged from his breakfast Tuesday morning with Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland unconvinced that he should act on President Obama’s nominee. ‘It has not changed my opinion (about holding a hearing), and I told him that,’ Grassley told reporters following the breakfast that lasted about 70 minutes.” (Christopher Doering, “Grassley Has No Plans To Hold Hearing Following Meeting With Garland,” USA Today, 4/12/16)
As Republicans stand firm, Democrats running out of tricks to attempt to reshape the court without hearing from voters:
- “With aides saying that more aggressive moves, such as a procedural vote to discharge Garland’s nomination from committee, are likely months away, the Democrats’ toolbox appears to be emptying quickly.” (Mike DeBonis, “Democrats Hit Brick Wall In Supreme Court Fight,” Washington Post, 4/14/16)
But don’t take it from us. While Democrat leaders are insisting that their political games are working, Sen. Angus King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, admitted Republicans are “holding pretty solid” in the face of the White House campaign to force Garland’s nomination.
One thing is clear: Despite Democrats’ best efforts, voters will have a say in the future of the Supreme Court – whether Democrats like it or not.