I agree with you there’s no evidence Kennedy’s decisions were corruptly influenced by his son’s relationship with Trump. As we know, on issues besides abortion and sexual orientation he has been an ardent supporter of the Courts radical turn economic issues, labor, pol money.
2/ But I don’t think this is the end of the story. If you know Trumps reliance on Deutsche Bank, the relationship with Justin Kennedy was a critical one. He also had a close relationship with Trumps children, and various vulnerabilities. There’s little question ...
3/ in my mind that was a key driver of what seems to have been a real rapport and closeness between the President and the Justice That I at least was not aware of. And the WH cannily used that relationship to help grease the skids for Kennedy’s departure.
4/ There’s nothing wrong in itself about that of course. It’s definitely true that Kennedy is over 80 and his retirement has been rumored. I am curious why he seems to have already recruited clerks. But I have less of a sense of that.
5/ In any case, you don’t need to be a Democrat to see that DJT poses distinct and direct challenges to the rule of law in this country. Those challenges may soon come to the court. It’s actually difficult to imagine they won’t.
6/ Kennedy could have stayed for two more years. He certainly could have stayed past the midterm election. So I think I have at least learned a lot more about who Kennedy is by this decision. Given the stakes I see no reason not to kick the tires on this decision & relationship.
7/ The Justices son was the President’s banker (really the only one who’d cut him checks) and has a close relationship was his family. Given the gravity of the situation, no crime in wanting to know more about that.
8/ As Rick said, most likely it was just a key part of buttering Kennedy up and appearing to his ego. But I’m curious about the butter.
