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US senators ‘grill’ Supreme Court nominee
STORY: US Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson faced uncomfortable questions in a hearing Tuesday, mostly from Republican senators. Jackson would be the first black woman in the US Supreme Court. The questions also dealt with the “Critical Race Theory”. Senator Ted Cruz asked Jackson about a children’s book about racism that is available at a private school of which she is a board member. “On page 33, the question is asked whether you can’t send white people back to Europe. That’s what 8- and 9-year-olds are given.” “Senator, I haven’t reviewed any of these books. They don’t audition for my work as a judge. And that’s what this is about.” Jackson also dismissed claims by Republicans that she had been too lenient towards defendants convicted of child pornography. “As a mother and a judge involved in these cases, I think nothing could be further from the truth.” Democrats praised Jackson’s commitment as a public defender. However, some Republicans did not like that she had represented prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. For them a question of fairness and compatible with American values. “That’s what makes our system the best in the world. That’s what makes us a role model.” Jackson was nominated for the lifetime seat by President Joe Biden in February to succeed retiring Liberal Justice Stephen Breyer. An appeal would not change the court’s “ideological” balance – it would still have a conservative 6-3 majority. But at 51, the court’s liberal bloc could be refreshed with a judge young enough to remain in office for decades to come. A simple majority in the US Senate is required for confirmation. With Vice President Kamala Harris casting the vote in a tie, Jackson would get the job if Democrats remain closed on the vote.
Ketanji Brown Jackson had to put up with uncomfortable questions, especially from Republican senators.