Amy Coney Barrett wouldn't sit out any Supreme Court case on a contested election
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett has indicated she believes the Supreme Court was wrong on two high-profile cases, one recognizing a legal right to abortion and the other upholding the Affordable Care Act, and she evidently told Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) on Wednesday she believes the Supreme Court was correct to step in and stop a recount in Florida in 2000, controversially ensuring the election of George W. Bush. Coons told reporters he raised Bush v. Gore with Barrett in a phone call, and she had a "different view of that case" than he does.
Bush v. Gore is relevant now because President Trump, who nominated Barrett, has made it relevant. "I specifically asked her whether she would recuse herself from any election-related case because President Trump has publicly said that he wants her seated on the Supreme Court in time for the election so she can rule on any dispute," Coons said. "She made no commitment to recusal." That's a hard no, ABC News' Terry Moran reports:
Republicans are rushing to confirm Barrett, cementing a 6-3 conservative Supreme Court majority, and although several GOP senators are out with COVID-19, they are expected to seat her before the election.
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.
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
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Why India's medical schools are running low on bodies
Under The Radar A shortage of cadavers to train on is forcing institutions to go digital
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Magazine solutions - November 22, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - November 22, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine printables - November 22, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - November 22, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published