1 week Ago
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) isn’t keen on some Democrats ’ idea for shoring up the Supreme Court before President Joe Biden ends his term in office.
During Sunday’s episode of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” the progressive politician said he thinks forcing Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to retire early and allow Biden to appoint a new liberal justice is just impractical. When host Kristen Welker questioned Sanders about whether reports of “behind-the-scenes” party discussions about Sotomayor stepping aside were true, he was quick to shut down the idea. “Is that something that you would support, do you think she should step down?” Welker asked.
“No, I don’t,” Sanders said, shaking his head softly. The Vermont senator continued to dismiss the scheme when asked if he had “heard any talk” about having Sotomayor swap her seat on the bench with someone younger. “A little bit, yes,” Sanders admitted before adding, “I don’t think it’s a sensible approach.
” WATCH: Sen. Bernie Sanders says the idea that Justice Sotomayor should step down so President Biden can appoint someone younger before he leaves office is not a "sensible approach." @kwelkernbc : "Have you heard any talk of this?" @BernieSanders : "A little bit, yes.
" pic.twitter.com/jwVIvBmvym On Sunday, sources close to Sotomayor told The Wall Street Journal that the 70-year-old Supreme Court justice has no plans to retire any time soon.
“This is no time to lose her important voice on the court,” one insider said. “She just turned 70 and takes better care of herself than anyone I know.” Even if Sotomayor was willing to bow out, confirming her replacement before the end of Biden’s term would likely be a tall order.
If Democrats were unable to confirm someone in Biden’s last 71 days in office, President-elect Donald Trump would be left to make the appointment, leaving the court with an overwhelming 7-2 conservative majority. Appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009, Sotomayor was the first Latina to ascend to the role of Supreme Court justice. Don't let this be the end of the free press.
The free press is under attack — and America's future hangs in the balance. As other newsrooms bow to political pressure, HuffPost is not backing down. Would you help us keep our news free for all? We can't do it without you.
Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you.
Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you.
Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. As the most senior member of the court’s small liberal flank, which also includes Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sotomayor serves as the minority’s de facto leader.
Related From Our Partner.
