Politics with Nolan: Student React To Amy Coney Barrett’s Nomination

By Nolan Cleary, Managing Editor

As if 2020 wasn’t crazy enough. President Trump has announced his choice for the Supreme Court: Judge Amy Coney Barrett, just weeks before Election Day. If confirmed by the United States Senate, Barrett would replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who died last month. 

Barrett, who is a graduate and law professor at Notre Dame University is known for her staunchly conservative views, in contrast to the sharp liberal views of Ginsberg. It is believed she would swing the court to the right if confirmed, cementing a 6-3 supermajority for conservatives. 

However, many Democrats are crying foul over the process. Back in 2016 when Justice Antonin Scalia, known to be a right wing fire brand died, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to hold a vote on President Barack Obama’s nominee, Merrick Garland, citing that the replacement President should get to decide who fills the seat. Should Garland have been confirmed, he might have swung the court left, giving liberals a 5-4 majority. 

Now many Democrats are arguing that Republicans should wait until January for the next President, whether it be Trump or Biden, to fill the seat. However, Senate Republicans seem to be moving full steam ahead, as they plan to vote to send Barrett to the full Senate on October 22, likely with the intention of voting for her confirmation before Election. 

Savanah Shulkin is the Vice President of the Student Senate at Hudson Valley Community College. She says that the Senate should wait until a new President is elected to decide who will replace Ginsberg on the court. “I personally feel that her nomination falls far to close to elections. Not to take any political stance in the issue, I believe that the people should have the choice of the next justice through their presidential vote.” Shulkin said. 

“It seems silly to me that this appointment is not being handled in the same way that Merrick Garlands nomination was handled back in 2016, when the circumstances (in terms of time frame) are so drastically similar.”

However Nikita Padunin, a Hudson Valley student pursuing a bioengineering degree disagrees. “I think she’s a really good candidate for the Supreme Court. I personally can’t find anything negative about her.” Padunin said. 

Padunin believes Barrett’s nomination should take place before the election. “We need a Supreme Court justice right now. 20 extra weeks or days or months can slow down the process for our justice system. So I think we need to get a new Supreme Court justice as soon as possible so our justice system will not slow down.” Padunin says. 

Connor Danz, a high school student taking Hudson Valley classes, has similar feelings. “[Barrett] personally was my pick to be the next Supreme Court nomination.” Danz said. 

Danz also believes that Barrett should be confirmed before Election Day. “It is Trump’s duty to appoint a Supreme Court Justice.” Danz said. “Democrats keep liking to use the Obama example of what happened in [2016], but that was a completely different because the House and the Senate were Republican controlled. 

Danz did say the action may have been hypocritical compared to the reaction of Garland, but also believes Democrats have lacked consistency as well. 

“The Democrats were all in favor [of filling the seat] back then. That’s why I say it takes a hypocrite to know a hypocrite.” Danz said. 

Many Democrats are also worried about how Barrett could rule in upcoming cases. A current case involving the Affordable Care Act in on going within the Supreme Court. Barrett has previously expressed opposition to the law, and could be the deciding vote in that decision. 

Abortion is another issue that could come down to Barrett. In the past, she has expressed ardently pro-life opinions on the matter. 

There’s also the possibility that the 2020 election, similarly to the 2000 election could end in a Supreme Court battle. Many believe Barrett’s nomination in that sense could legally help give Trump a second term if the election results are uncertain. 

Shulkin says the most important goal for the court is representation. “I personally feel that the supreme court should (in the best way possible) represent the diversity of ideas and background that our country holds.” She said. 

Padunin says gun rights are an important issue in his mind. “I just want protection for the Second Amendment.” Padunin said. “Obviously abortion is a very hot button issue right now.” Danz said.

As Barrett’s confirmation hearing are ongoing, Democrats are hoping they can prevent a vote for Barrett before November 3, however they may out of options to stop her confirmation. 

Utah Senator Mitt Romney, a moderate, and Colorado Senator Cory Gardner, a vulnerable Republican running for re-election this year have both pledged to vote for Barrett’s confirmation, almost completely confirming Barrett has the votes to be confirmed. 

Joseph Stenard, an economics professor at Hudson Valley Community College weighed in on Barrett’s nomination. “Judge Barrett loves the United States and loves the Constitution.  RBG accomplished much for adult women and workers and ACB will build upon those accomplishments to recognize the marginalized and ignored members of our country.  She will apply the Rule of Law to all people – not just some people – and RBG would be proud of that.” Stenard said.