What Do Senate Democrats Think of Neil Gorsuch?

Senators from the Democratic party face a challenging dilemma as they navigate the confirmation process for Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. Their opinions on Gorsuch are complex, influenced by political ideologies, historical voting records, and current political affiliations.

Understanding the History

It's important to note that the stance of Senate Democrats on Neil Gorsuch is not solely determined by his personal beliefs or judicial decisions but also by their own historical voting records and political affiliations. In 2006, these same 12 Democrats voted to confirm Gorsuch to the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. During that time, notable figures such as Barack Obama, Joe Biden, John Kerry, and Hillary Clinton also supported him. If allowed to vote again, this would mean four additional votes in favor of Gorsuch's nomination.

However, the political dynamics have shifted, and some Democrats are now considering a "flip flop" or a double standard, voting against Gorsuch solely because Trump nominated him. This shift is indicative of a wider political polarization within the Democratic party, especially in the context of President Trump's nominees.

Democratic Response to Gorsuch Nomination

Nancy Pelosi, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, expressed strong opposition to Gorsuch's nomination. In a CNN interview, she stated, '…if you breathe air, drink water, eat food, take medicine, or in any other way interact with the courts, this is a very bad decision.' This reflects the overall sentiment among Democrats that Gorsuch’s rulings will consistently rule against environmental and public health protections.

Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, backed Pelosi’s sentiments by emphasizing that Democrats need to engage in multiple fronts: 'fight in Congress, fight in the courts, fight in the streets, fight online, fight at the ballot box' to combat President Trump's administration. This statement underscores the ongoing political struggles and conflicts within the Senate, particularly when it comes to confirming Trump's nominations.

Overreaction and Polarization

The swift and forceful opposition to Gorsuch’s nomination must be viewed within the context of a broader pattern of overreaction and political polarization. There are instances where some Democratic officials, like former Obama administration official Rosa Brooks, have even suggested extreme measures, such as military coups, to address political differences. These proposals, while extreme, exemplify the intense and sometimes irrational nature of the current political environment.

Given that Nancy Pelosi's opinions are reflective of the Democratic Party, and given her elected position, the statement on Gorsuch is a definitive representation of what Senate Democrats think. They believe Gorsuch’s rulings will consistently harm the environment, public health, and healthcare practices, such as undermining clean air, clean water, healthy food, and safe medicines.

The upcoming vote presents a significant test for Senate Democrats, as they must reconcile their historical support for Gorsuch with their current ideological stance. The outcome of this vote will continue to shape the political landscape, reflecting the broader societal divisions and the deep-seated ideological conflicts within American politics.

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