Staff Reports
The final months of Joe Biden’s presidency are shaping up like a sad rerun of a bad sitcom, with the GOP writers forgetting their lines during a crucial scene. As it stands, a core aspect of Biden’s legacy involves a cavalcade of lifetime judicial appointments that some prominent Republicans managed to avoid entirely. The absence of key GOP figures, like the aforementioned Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and the ever-tanned Marco Rubio, at a crucial confirmation vote has left many scratching their heads—and a few others furiously shaking their fists at the screen.
While Biden’s henchmen—err, nominees—slipped through the Senate like thieves in the night, Republicans who did drag themselves to work were understandably miffed. The palpable frustration from those who showed up, particularly North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, underscores the farcical nature of the situation. With only a handful of legislative days left, the urgency was evident, but not enough to motivate some senators to cast a vote or two.
We got outworked by the often lazy D’s! We can’t let this happen again!
Democrats Push Through Biden's Leftist Judicial Nominees After Multiple Republican Senators Fail to Show Up via @WestJournalism https://t.co/paw07K2ENA
— Angry One (@AngryFromBirth) November 20, 2024
Louisiana Senator John Kennedy, a man capable of delivering cutting remarks sharper than a razor blade, expressed that his agitation reached heights rarely seen, labelling it a “12” on his frustration scale. His critique of Biden’s nominees, especially those banking on their cinematic education as a qualification, hit home. Kennedy’s clever mash-up of seminal judicial figures was almost overshadowed by the maddening reality that a full contingent of Republicans was needed to stave off the far-left judicial strain festering on the circuit courts.
A key takeaway from the debacle is that there could have been real wins for the Republican Party if they had rallied together. According to analysis, at least one nominee—Magistrate Judge Embry Kidd—might have been nixed had the GOP turned out in full force. Instead, Kidd, with a rather dubious judicial track record, sauntered into an important position on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. This appointment is particularly disastrous for states like Florida and Alabama, as the consequences of these judicial decisions will ripple down the years.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis didn’t mince words in his online commentary about his fellow Republicans’ lack of presence. He lamented the lost opportunity to install a Trump-friendly judge, chiding that the Senate Republicans’ absence has left current and future generations to deal with leftist ideologies held by lifetime appointees. DeSantis’ call to action resonates with many conservative voters, reflecting a broader frustration that the GOP isn’t doing enough to protect its base.
Donald Trump had his thoughts about the matter and laid it out, urging Republicans to “Show Up and Hold the Line.” His call became an electrifying rallying cry for those who bemoan the squandering of crucial moments to secure potential victories. While Vance did make an appearance after the proverbial horse had already left the barn, that last-minute effort couldn’t undo the earlier mistakes. The damage was done, and Kennedy’s declaration that the absent votes led to missed votes captures the absurdity in the high-stakes game of confirmation—one where every seat is crucial in shaping the judiciary’s future.
