Thread by @rolandsmartin

So let’s discuss what constitutional means as it relates to this @KBeds interview with @jaketapper. “Jake Tapper Repeatedly Grills Biden Deputy Campaign Manager on ‘Bizarre’ Dodging Over Court-Packing mediaite.com/a/knkfc 1/8

1. Is what the @GOP doing with the Barrett confirmation hearing constitutional? Yes. Does it run afoul of Senate customs? Yes.
2. When McConnell blocked #MerrickGarland, was that constitutional? Yes. Did it run afoul of Senate customs? Yes. 2/8

Do I get why @KBeds wouldn’t answer @jaketapper’s question? Yes. The @GOP wants “court packing” to be an issue in the final 22 days. Now, here is also what is CONSTITUTIONAL: those in power get to change the laws, rules, customs. If @senatemajldr can do it, @SenSchumer can. 3/8

Now @KBeds would never tell @jaketapper or anyone else this, but if Dems control the House and Senate, the Constitution gives them the right to change the composition of the Supreme Court. It was changed before and it can be changed again. Most Americans don’t get civics. 4/8

Now @KBeds would never tell @jaketapper or anyone else this, but the Arizona @GOP increased the number of state Supreme Court justices. The West Virginia GOP impeached the state Supreme Court after a scandal, moving it from Dem to GOP control. 5/8

In North Carolina, the @NCGOP tried to strip the powers of their state Supreme Court and move it to a lower court. In Pennsylvania, after a gerrymandering ruling by the state Supreme Court, the GOP there threatened to impeach Dem justices. Folks, elections have consequences. 6/8

So if Dems got control of the Senate, they have every constitutional right to add OR subtract Supreme Court justices. AND @JoeBiden had the right to change his mind. If @senatemajldr and @LindseyGrahamSC can do it on presidential election year confirmations, so can Joe. 7/8

Again, don’t expect @KBeds to say this to @jaketapper or anyone else, but if the Dems chose to do it, it is their CONSTITUTIONAL right to do so. And that is how you use power. If the voters gave it to you, USE IT, and damn the critics. 8/8