Sanders pushes back on plans for Sotomayor to retire during Biden’s final days – Washington Examiner
Senator Bernie Sanders recently expressed his opposition to calls for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to retire in order to allow President Joe Biden to appoint a younger replacement before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Following Trump’s unexpected victory, some Democrats have been concerned about the potential for him to appoint additional justices, prompting discussions around Sotomayor, who is 70, stepping down. In an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Sanders firmly stated, “No, I don’t,” in response to whether he would support such a move. His comments come amidst ongoing debates about the future of the Supreme Court and the strategies Democrats might employ to maintain influence.
Sanders pushes back on plans for Sotomayor to retire during Biden’s final days
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) pushed back on calls for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to retire.
Following President-elect Donald Trump‘s shock victory on Tuesday, Democrats have sought to secure their power in any way possible. Some have responded to fears over Trump being able to appoint more Supreme Court Justices by suggesting that Sotomayor, 70, should retire before Trump’s inauguration so that President Joe Biden can appoint a new, younger justice.
NAMES SWIRL FOR TRUMP SECOND CABINET AS TRANSITION TEAM MEETS WHITE HOUSE
In an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Sanders gave little credence to the suggestion.
“No, I don’t,” Sanders said soberly when asked if he would support calls for Sotomayor to step down.
After a noticeably pregnant pause, host Kristen Welker asked if he had heard of talks of the justice stepping down.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW THAT TRUMP IS PRESIDENT-ELECT
“A little bit, yes. I don’t think it’s the sensible approach,” Sanders said.
The Vermont senator’s answers were noticeably brief and without further elaboration.
Sotomayor is the oldest liberal justice on the court — if she were to die during Trump’s second term, the president-elect would be able to appoint a conservative supermajority of 6-3.
People close to Sotomayor told the Wall Street Journal that she has no plans to retire anytime soon.
“This is no time to lose her important voice on the court. She just turned 70 and takes better care of herself than anyone I know,” one person said.
Sotomayor was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. She has been one of the most liberal on the country’s highest court.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...