As leader of the GOP in the US Senate, McConnell’s announcement came as no surprise to many, although Jackson will probably not need his vote. McConnell claimed on Twitter on March 24 that his decision was non-partisan. Some say it may be due to another bias. Kentucky Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks to reporters after a luncheon with Senate Republicans at the U.S. Capitol March 22 in Washington. The senators answered a series of questions, including the progress of the affirmative hearing for Supreme Court Justice candidate Ketanji Brown Jackson. (Photo: Drew Angerer / Getty Images) “I went to the Senate to consider Judge Jackson’s candidacy with an open mind,” McConnell tweeted March 24. “But after studying the candidate’s record and watching her performance this week, I can not and will not support Judge Jackson for a lifetime in our Supreme Court.” Jackson was questioned about her electoral record and sentencing practices during three days of confirmation hearings. Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz examined Jackson on critical race theory, which Jackson said was unrelated to her job as a judge. Cruz used the children’s book “Antiracist Baby” to ask Jackson if he thought babies were racist. New Jersey Democratic Sen. Corey Booker applauded Jackson for her resilience and grace during the interrogation and her accomplishments. She wept over the judge as she stressed the historical significance of her candidacy. “I see my ancestors and yours,” Booker said. “You won this position. You deserve. “You are a great American.” McConnell also opposed the Senate vote on the final day of the affirmative hearings, citing Jackson’s non-binding response as to whether he would support a plan to add four seats to the bench. There are currently nine judges of the Supreme Court. Jackson said the question is beyond “the right role of a judge.” “I thought this would be an easy softball for Judge Jackson, but it was not,” McConnell said. “The candidate suggested that there are two legal aspects to the issue. He testified that he had an opinion on the matter, but did not share it. “ The story goes on Only Congress can extend the court through legislation. Some Democrats have pushed for change. McConnell also disagreed with Jackson’s lack of published lower court opinions last year. Jackson, who has been on appeal for just one year, reportedly posted two, while other recent candidates posted hundreds before their nominations. Nearly 6,000 people responded to McConnell’s tweet. Also liked by more than 45,000 people. Some respondents accused the Republican of lying about his impartiality. Many said they were not shocked by his decision. When Conservative Judge Antonin Scalia died in February 2016, McConnell led the Senate Republican to block the election of President Barrack Obama, Merrick Garland, without a hearing. McConnell argued that it was too close to the November 2016 presidential election to continue the process. Experts believe McConnell did not want the Democratic president to nominate a liberal. McConnell, however, hastened the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett of former President-elect Donald Trump less than two months before the 2020 presidential election. Many suggested that racism was a factor. More than a dozen Twitter users responded to McConnell’s tweet with a photo of him accepting a placard in front of a Confederate flag. The photo was allegedly taken at a Sons of Confederate Veterans event in the early 1990s. Senate Democrats reportedly hope for a full vote on Jackson’s ratification next month. It takes 51 out of 100 votes to be approved for the bench. There are 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans in the U.S. Senate, and as wildcard, Vice President Kamala Harris has a tie. Although it is unclear whether Jackson will garner any Republican support, West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, a keynote speaker in the Senate, announced March 25 his intention to vote for Jackson, which according to strong indication that he will get the entire Democratic vote.
