Thread by @nycsouthpaw

Would you accept that the Senate majority (i) holding open vacancies by refusing to vote *in any way* on Obama's judicial nominations at all and (ii) rapidly confirming Trump's nominees to those vacancies is, at least, contrary to the constitutional design?

https://twitter.com/wsteaks/status/1315012275837829120

A 2018 Senate minority report that makes the case in detail, and traces the pattern back to earlier presidents: courthousenews.com/wp-content/upl…

Another chart from that report:

Here, @jadler1969 reasonably argues that Dems share some of the blame for the way the Senate has departed from the constitutional plan. He helpfully quotes Rs making opposite arguments when they don't have the Senate, e.g. G. W. Bush: reason.com/2020/10/10/of-…

Mitch McConnell saying in 2003 that "what the constitution contemplates" is every judicial nominee should get an up-or-down vote. congress.gov/congressional-…