President Barack Obama is no stranger to the double-standard. His entire career has been an exercise in political smoke and mirrors. Moreover, I agree with Senator Marco Rubio’s assertion that this POTUS is not incompetent, but rather ideologically purpose driven to be sure. The untimely passing of Justice Antonin Scalia only highlights how Mr. Obama unapologetically pivots in order to reconcile, and/or even justify his past political actions in the face of criticism.
Nevertheless, the Constitution is clear. The president “shall have power to, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate”, appoint a replacement to any vacancy on the high court, and no matter when during his term that vacancy may be created. The Senate however, using that same power of “advice and consent”, may also decline to confirm said appointee. Furthermore, and on the matter of consideration, “separation of powers” does play a role. And while the President of The United States is elected, so too is the Senate, those elections often reflect the mood of the people at the time. Thus the elected senate majority leader, can in fact decline to even bring the matter to the floor. Like it or not, here endith the lesson…