Claire McCaskill announces she will not support Gorsuch, citing his 'stunning lack of humanity'
In a brutal post published Friday on Medium, Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill (Mo.) announced she would not support President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch. McCaskill's announcement came a day after The Kansas City Star published leaked audio of McCaskill warning Democratic donors that blocking Gorsuch could be detrimental to Democrats' chances in the 2018 midterm elections. McCaskill, who is up for re-election in 2018, has faced intense pressure to confirm Trump's pick, especially in her home state, where Trump won by 19 points.
McCaskill wrote Friday that while she is still "not comfortable with either choice" and "very worried about ... what the future will bring," she could not bring herself vote in favor of Gorsuch:
In a direct appeal to her constituents, McCaskill argued that Gorsuch "does not reflect the promises that Donald Trump made to Missourians" to drain the swamp and "look out for the little guy." "The president who promised working people he would lift them up has nominated a judge who can't even see them," she wrote.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
So far only two Democrats — Sens. Joe Manchin (W.Va.) and Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.) — have said they will support Gorsuch, despite Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-N.Y.) push for Democrats to block an up-or-down vote on Trump's nominee. Republicans need the support of six more Democrats to avoid a filibuster.
Read McCaskill's full explanation for her vote on Gorusch at Medium.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
When will mortgage rates finally start coming down?
The Explainer Much to potential homebuyers' chagrin, mortgage rates are still elevated
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Women are getting their own baseball league again
In the Spotlight The league is on track to debut in 2026
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Giant TVs are becoming the next big retail commodity
Under the Radar Some manufacturers are introducing TVs over 8 feet long
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published