The proceedings regarding Ketanji Jackson’s case before the Supreme Court have been somewhat ordinary thus far. Senators have not studied any sections from Ketanji Brown Jackson’s yearbook, and she has not been accused of making up the gang rape claims that have been made against her. The Republicans, on the other hand, have kept their attention fixed on the meat of the issue, peppering KBJ with questions about her background and her approach to the law.
Even that, though, was too much for the people who supported her. They anticipated complete fealty to their choice as well as excessive praise of that individual. This is the complete antithesis of the way in which Democrats handled the cases of Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
Following that, the talking points were presented. One of them was regarding Senator Josh Hawley’s worry that KBJ is being too lenient against those who engage in child pornography. The White House used talking points to make the claim that he had previously voted for three judges who shared the same philosophy regarding how to sentence pedophiles. Despite the fact that Hawley was fair in her approach and kept it within the context of her record, the White House made this claim.
A novice reporter on ABC News made the mistake of attempting to repeat the talking points word for word in the hope of “getcha” Hawley. Things did not go as to plan.
1. WH gives “reporter” talking points
— Abigail Marone ?? (@abigailmarone) March 22, 2022
2. “Reporter” regurgitates talking points
3. @HawleyMO presses “reporter” on the facts of what she’s asking
4. “Reporter” stunned, has no idea what the facts arehttps://t.co/TTZzfIAXhs
I have lost count of the number of times that I have seen Republicans respond to a question like this, only to be greeted with replies that were weak. They continue to argue in circles before giving up. The majority of gotcha questions are founded on superficial assumptions that were established without doing any study, which is why Hawley’s solution to these questions is the most effective.
When the reporter discovered that Hawley was a hypocrite due to his votes for other judges, he was not satisfied with what he had discovered. It was delivered to her by the White House. Hawley instantly undermined her argument that it was “public information” by pointing her that it was false.
This is the appropriate response to a gotcha question. Inquire of the reporter about the talking points they intend to use. Inquire with them about the sources of their assertions. Inquire about the specifics that are required to support their query. In the event that they are unable to supply the specifics, a successful outcome is guaranteed.
The senator drew attention to the fact that Hawley was charged with the primary offense related to the incident. However, the White House, along with its devoted media allies, have not provided any details to prove that Hawley’s other judges were in agreement with KBJ regarding the sentencing for pedophiles. This is despite the fact that the White House has repeatedly claimed that the other judges in Hawley’s court were in agreement with KBJ. Even if they were, it makes no difference because of the two reasons given. These justices have not been elevated to the position of presiding over the nation’s supreme court. It is logical to anticipate that judicial nominees for lesser courts will not be subjected to the same level of scrutiny as candidates for the Supreme Court.
KBJ ought to be defended by those who defend her record based on the merits of the case. Give us the reasons why you believe she made the correct decision when it came to her liberal treatment of pedophiles. It is not necessary for you to turn to low-quality diversions with inferior sources, like as this one that is intended towards Hawley. It’s a breath of fresh air to see a Republican standing by, ready to challenge such a feeble plan.
The preceding is a summary of an article that originally appeared on Public Integrity Forum.