Here’s what happened…
Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), has stated he would give President Biden’s Supreme Court nominee a “fair look.”
Although many conservatives have chosen to voice their opposition to Biden only considering Black women to replace Justice Stephen Breyer, McConnell is maintaining a measured approach.
During an event in Mayfield, Kentucky, McConnell told reporters that he would “give the President’s nominee, whoever that may be, a fair look,” adding that he wouldn’t predict as no one knew who the nominee is.
Despite being seen as leading critic and opponent to what he called President Biden’s “radical” and “reckless” agenda, McConnell has also invalidated the Democrat’s notion that he is a knee-jerk obstructionist by going to great lengths to work alongside the President on some issues.
In the past, McConnell has supported the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and cut a deal with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to raise the debt ceiling temporarily.
McConnell’s remarks on Biden’s nominee come as liberal activists have been calling for Biden to add more justices to offset the 6-3 conservative majority, which could be strategic to placate progressives.
On Thursday, McConnell also praised Breyer, a liberal justice, calling his career “distinguished” and noting that during his tenure he was one of the most “respected members of the Supreme Court.” McConnell then mentioned that “one of the things” he liked about Breyer was his vigorous opposition to “packing the court,” alluding to the very thing liberal activists are pushing Biden to do to balance the conservative majority.
He then said he would be examining nominees “as part of the confirmation process and making a decision later based upon who the nominee is.”
However, many believe McConnell will vote against Biden’s selection as he has already voted against three Black women Biden nominated to various circuit-court seats.
Alongside most Republicans, McConnell voted against D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson –– a current frontrunner for the Supreme Court nomination. He also voted against Judge Candace Jackson-Akiwumi and Eunice Lee when voting for their Circuit Court nominations.
