What Ed doesn't realize is that we are living in an exceptional political moment, one in which the balance of the Court is at stake. As such, all precedent is irrelevant and special scrutiny is warranted in a way that I'm sure we can all agree is totally not self-serving.
Now I know what you're thinking: "Jeff, a cursory glance at the historical record reveals many other political moments just like this one. You're just making up a new rule out of thin air."
*smh* You poor dumb stupid dumby. What is it about "unprecedented" that you don't get?
*smh* You poor dumb stupid dumby. What is it about "unprecedented" that you don't get?
Also, the Senate is a co-equal partner in the appointments process and has a solemn duty to advise as well as consent. I know it must be frustrating, but this is how the Founders intended it.
Besides, can you imagine if some damning document came out while the hearings were underway? Democrats have a lot of respect for Kavanaugh. He's a great guy! It would be such a shame to drag him through a process that ultimately might not go anywhere.
Really, it's conservatives' own fault. If they hadn't made the SCOTUS such an important institution in our national politics, none of this would be necessary. But since the Congressional GOP insists on abdicating its Article I responsibilities, this is the sad result.
