October 15, 2020 — Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court confirmation hearings began Monday. Yet depending upon when you tuned in by telecast, you may think you're watching a Democratic campaign rally versus an actual judicial confirmation hearing. Their decision to turn a judicial hearing process into a campaign stage is an affront to the confirmation process and an insult to the people of this nation.
Our Constitution calls for the President to appoint justices to the U.S. Supreme Court with the "advice and consent" of the Senate. It is an extremely serious matter of national significance and deserves the temperate respect of all involved. And while the overall confirmation hearings lack the vitriol displayed during Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s hearings, there are still some Democrats who need to take additional courses on the basics of civility and professional conduct. I'm particularly disappointed by the outrageous questions of Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono (Hawaii), who had the audacity to ask Judge Barrett whether she had ever sexually assaulted anyone. Specifically, Senator Hirono asked—in front of Judge Barrett's young children—"Since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors, or committed any physical or verbal harassment or assault of a sexual nature?" This is beyond the pale.
There is one favorable outcome arising from the hearing due to these political shenanigans, Judge Barrett has shown herself to be a woman with an exceptional legal mind who rises above her adversaries with tremendous poise and grace. By all accounts, Judge Barrett is highly credentialed and competent. Senator John Kennedy's (R-LA) statement following today’s hearing says it well. "After about 20 hours of testimony, I think any fair-minded person would have to conclude that Judge Barrett is imminently qualified. She is a very impressive intellect. She has integrity. She has a wonderful judicious temperament, and she has a very studied, disciplined judicial philosophy…she will be a great addition to the United States Supreme Court."
As I shared in a recent open letter to Christians, this election is for all the marbles. As we are witnessing right now, that most certainly includes the future integrity of our judicial system.