Thread by @jbendery

Good morning! ☕️ Today the Senate will vote to make this guy, Steven Menashi, 40, a lifetime federal judge. huffpost.com/entry/steven-m…

Not only is the Senate about to confirm Steven Menashi, who has a record of undermining and opposing civil rights, but it will confirm him to a US circuit court seat formerly held by Thurgood Marshall, a champion of civil rights.

Menashi has also never tried a case. Or argued an appeal. Or made any oral arguments in court. Or conducted a deposition. He also could not name for senators a single time when he observed a criminal trial.

So why is this guy about to be confirmed to a lifetime seat on a US circuit court?

He's a Federalist Society member who also happens to be Trump's White House legal aide.

Susan Collins is the only GOPer opposed to Menashi, which means he will be confirmed. I thought Lisa Murkowski might vote no. But no. Per her ofc:

"Sen. Murkowski has completed her evaluation & review of the Steven Menashi’s qualifications & will be supporting his nomination."

Anyway the vote is at 1:45pm. Enjoy! 🙃

Mitch McConnell was just on the Senate floor describing Menashi as "an impressive nominee" who "won major support" from the Senate Judiciary Committee.

LOL did he watch that vote?

He was voted out of committee, yes, but with wishy washy support at best.

Here is the "major support" Menashi got in his committee hearing.

"He's written some really weird stuff. He's different than I would have chosen. But I think he's led a consequential life." -- Lindsey Graham, the chairman

“Some of his views are eclectic and some of them I don’t agree with.... I’m going to vote for his nomination because I think his reasons are carefully, carefully articulated.” -- Sen. John Kennedy

(what?)

Sen. Chuck Schumer just railed against Menashi on the Senate floor.

"One of the most contemptible nominees to come before the Senate in all my time in this body."

"A disgrace to the seat once held by Thurgood Marshall."