Heated Debate in US Politics Over Appointment of Late Ginsburg's Successor
Republican Rebellion Vote Potential Closely Watched
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The U.S. political sphere has entered a complex vote calculation over the nomination of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's successor as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. President Donald Trump insists that the Republican Party must make every effort to appoint a successor. On the other hand, voices within the Republican Party are calling for postponing the decision so that the next president can decide.
On the 19th (local time), President Trump expressed via Twitter that the nomination process for Justice Ginsburg's successor should proceed swiftly. Tagging the Republican Party, he said, "We are in a position to select a nominee that those who elected us will be proud of," adding, "Among these, the selection of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice has long been considered the most important task. We must fulfill this duty without delay!"
The appointment of U.S. Supreme Court Justices has been regarded as a highly contentious political activity in American politics. Not only do they handle important political issues and serve as the final court of appeal for general litigation cases, but in the absence of a constitutional court in the U.S., they also hold the power of constitutional review, influencing American society for decades. Moreover, since the position is for life, unless a justice dies or resigns voluntarily, even the president cannot replace them. For this reason, regardless of whether the president is from the progressive or conservative camp, efforts are made to appoint successors from within their own camp whenever a vacancy arises on the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Justices are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Currently, since the Republican Party holds the majority in the U.S. Senate, President Trump is trying to accelerate the nomination process for Justice Ginsburg's successor. Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and the Democratic Party argue that the nomination process should take place after the presidential election. Considering only vote calculations, it seems the Republicans could push through the appointment process despite Democratic opposition, but variables remain.
An unexpected obstacle has emerged. Republican Senator Susan Collins has expressed opposition to making a decision on Justice Ginsburg's successor before the November election. If two more senators join Collins in opposition, the vote would be tied 50-50. In addition to Senator Collins, Republican Senators Linda Murkowski and Mitt Romney are also seen by U.S. media such as Politico as potential voices advocating for the nomination process to occur after the presidential election.
Meanwhile, President Trump stated in a proclamation, "(Regarding Justice Ginsburg's passing) We mourn the loss of a pioneer not only in the field of law but also in our nation's history." President Trump praised the late justice for fulfilling her duties in court despite battling cancer, calling her "a fighter until the end."
President Trump highlighted Justice Ginsburg's efforts to secure women's equality and disability rights, saying, "Her legacy and contributions to American history will never be forgotten."
To honor Justice Ginsburg, he ordered the U.S. administration, military bases, and naval vessels to fly flags at half-staff.
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