Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed to the Supreme Court
April 7, 2022 12:18 PM   Subscribe

The Senate has voted 53 to 47 to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the 116th Supreme Court justice. When sworn in this summer, Jackson will be the first Black woman to serve on the nation's high court.
posted by dancing leaves (72 comments total)

This post was deleted for the following reason: Poster's Request -- loup



 
Thank the mothergods. It’s about damn time.
posted by Silvery Fish at 12:24 PM on April 7, 2022 [41 favorites]


Excellent, and despite the posturing of Lindsay Graham and others, it's a bipartisan vote.

Now to appoint another half dozen like her to SCOTUS.
posted by Gelatin at 12:28 PM on April 7, 2022 [16 favorites]


Notwithstanding the horrific trollfest dumpster fire that was her confirmation hearing, she still got more votes than Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, or Clarence Thomas.
posted by The Bellman at 12:30 PM on April 7, 2022 [118 favorites]


Good.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:32 PM on April 7, 2022 [6 favorites]


Yes!
posted by Oyéah at 12:35 PM on April 7, 2022


Awesome!
posted by cmfletcher at 12:38 PM on April 7, 2022


And she was a public defender. We need people from the defense side on the court.
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 12:39 PM on April 7, 2022 [71 favorites]


What a miracle Georgia was last year.
posted by Heywood Mogroot III at 12:46 PM on April 7, 2022 [78 favorites]


Huzzah!
posted by orange swan at 12:47 PM on April 7, 2022


I don't know much about it, but I'm seeing multiple pieces written by Black women about the significance of her hair in the context of "professionalism" and racism:

Ketanji Brown Jackson and the Politics of Black Hair
Why Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Locs Are About More Than Just Hair
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s dreadlocks matter
posted by clawsoon at 12:56 PM on April 7, 2022 [25 favorites]


As Craig Ferguson used to say, "It's a great day for America, everybody! Yes it is!"
posted by /\/\/\/ at 12:57 PM on April 7, 2022 [17 favorites]


I am so happy about this. Her poise in the face of the most terrible questioning by Republicans makes her a hero!
posted by SPrintF at 12:58 PM on April 7, 2022 [13 favorites]


This is FANTASTIC news, and I heard it here first.

I am so looking forward to hearing her questioning and reading her opinions and just generally indulging my fandom.

Thank you for posting this, dancing leaves! I am beyond thrilled.
posted by kristi at 12:58 PM on April 7, 2022 [2 favorites]


I was worried for a second there. I saw some commentary about how Senators should have been required to be on the floor to vote, but Graham poking his head out of the closet is a nice punctuation mark.
posted by rhizome at 1:00 PM on April 7, 2022 [2 favorites]


I wish confirmation hearings weren't such a side show, and we had more judges on the high court so individual nominations weren't such a high stakes issue.

That said, I am so so happy for Justice Jackson, and hope her time on the court turns out to be as historic as her confirmation.
posted by the primroses were over at 1:07 PM on April 7, 2022 [6 favorites]


Excellent, and despite the posturing of Lindsay Graham and others, it's a bipartisan vote.

Maybe that comment was meant as sarcasm, but 3 Republicans is hardly a bipartisan vote and any framing of it like that plays into Republican and media messaging about "both sides".
posted by kokaku at 1:12 PM on April 7, 2022 [50 favorites]


i watched (err- on edit, "listened to" is better) it all, a real dogwhistle and pony show, one of the clearest moments of which was when senator tillis said his vote against the nominee was _not_ due to "the content of her character." (he did go on to say something other than the color of her skin, but by then the rhetorical damage had been done to my ear, and, i suppose, the ear of anyone else recognizing the phrase). an exceptionally poor time to invoke just those words of dr. king.
posted by 20 year lurk at 1:15 PM on April 7, 2022 [19 favorites]


Excellent. About damned time. And hopefully whatever security arrangements are in place for justices will go into effect for her as well even before she starts with the court.
posted by rmd1023 at 1:17 PM on April 7, 2022 [4 favorites]


Biden will probably get another pick and I definitely think it should be a woman. 'Cause then the court will be 5-4 women.

Assuming the Republicans don't pull any BS and even then, watching them fight against a female nomination will be just grand.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 1:28 PM on April 7, 2022 [9 favorites]


This is good.
posted by pracowity at 1:30 PM on April 7, 2022


Woohoo!

And thank you, Stephen Breyer, for thinking ahead selflessly.
posted by Bee'sWing at 1:33 PM on April 7, 2022 [20 favorites]


Yay!
posted by Karmeliet at 1:33 PM on April 7, 2022


I am very happy for her confirmation and hope she is able to play a powerful role in shaping precedent some day soon.
posted by jedicus at 1:36 PM on April 7, 2022 [1 favorite]


It's been a long
A long time coming
But I know a change gonna come
posted by kirkaracha at 1:38 PM on April 7, 2022 [7 favorites]


Maybe that comment was meant as sarcasm, but 3 Republicans is hardly a bipartisan vote

True, but the massive amount of pressure being put on both sides to never ever break party lines makes any defections significant.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 1:43 PM on April 7, 2022 [11 favorites]


Her poise in the face of the most terrible questioning by Republicans makes her a hero!

I posted a comparison of a bunch of angry/crying/boofing pics of the previous nominee on Facebook along with Ms Jackson's utterly cool, calm, and collected demeanor.

True accusations were made against him, false and absolutely contrived accusations were made against her. Yet he was allowed to exhibit some pretty extreme emotions but if she had frowned Republicans would have shit even more bricks.
posted by kirkaracha at 1:45 PM on April 7, 2022 [33 favorites]


Justice Jackson, if you please.
posted by kirkaracha at 1:45 PM on April 7, 2022 [40 favorites]


Dang, forgot to finish. The previous nominee's inability to control his emotions, in a confirmation in front of the United States Senate, was disqualifying. Her unflappable composure makes me believe she'll be an excellent justice.
posted by kirkaracha at 2:01 PM on April 7, 2022 [12 favorites]


At the very least several decades overdue this is a great step. Congratulations to our newest Justice!!
posted by riverlife at 2:09 PM on April 7, 2022


Justice Jackson

A superhero for our time. Needs a theme song and this one might work, just change it to "KJ"
posted by chavenet at 2:12 PM on April 7, 2022


Bend That Arc, Justice Jackson! Congratulations!
posted by effluvia at 2:15 PM on April 7, 2022 [5 favorites]


PROPER
posted by rrrrrrrrrt at 2:15 PM on April 7, 2022 [3 favorites]


Can we impeach Thomas now?
posted by Splunge at 2:19 PM on April 7, 2022 [46 favorites]


Maybe that comment was meant as sarcasm, but 3 Republicans is hardly a bipartisan vote and any framing of it like that plays into Republican and media messaging about "both sides".

I actually disagree. I think it's the same kind of rhetorical accurate-but-misleading trick the GOP loves to use all the time. What's good for the goose, as they say. This isn't a "both sides are bad" cheap message, it's an "even the GOP supports* her" message that inevitably will lend her a bit more credibility among the low-info class. Nobody can ever truthfully claim she was confirmed on a party-line vote. That's worth something.

*6% of GOP senators
posted by tclark at 2:30 PM on April 7, 2022 [23 favorites]


this shouldn't even be a big deal (or news) a competent, appropriate person was nominated to the SC and confirmed. just like it's supposed to be.

buuut...after the bogus non-confirmation of Merrick Garland and the nomination and confirmation of two people of questionable appropriateness (har). well, also yeah, first African American woman. ok its so great. I am excited to see her get to it and completely confident she will shine.
posted by supermedusa at 2:35 PM on April 7, 2022 [4 favorites]


I haven't really been following the confirmation process, but I was half expecting this to get derailed due to some partisan crap. Glad to see I was wrong! (well, half wrong)
posted by piyushnz at 2:49 PM on April 7, 2022 [1 favorite]


(well, half wrong)

47% wrong.
posted by clawsoon at 2:52 PM on April 7, 2022 [6 favorites]




Biden will probably get another pick

This is assuming one or more of:
an opening on SCOTUS between now and November
the Dems keep control of the Senate in November
Joe Biden wins second term and Dems control Senate for any part of that term
SCOTUS packing becomes a thing while Dems in control of Senate

I don't think the sum total of those things comes close to "probably"
posted by mcstayinskool at 3:02 PM on April 7, 2022 [21 favorites]


This isn't a "both sides are bad" cheap message, it's an "even the GOP supports* her" message

The GOP doesn't support here though, and that's my point. Three Senators with a sense of decency broke ranks. That's why I'm saying that calling it "bipartisan" is misleading. Sure, talk about how she has support from both parties, but let's not let the GOP pretend it is suddenly on the side of right after their appalling display during the confirmation hearings and their wide-spread support for white supremacy.
posted by kokaku at 3:18 PM on April 7, 2022 [8 favorites]


I think whether Biden get another pick comes down to who he’s replacing. I’m not sure Republicans will want to keep a seat vacant for the remainder of Joe’s term, if means operating without a solid conservative vote (ex. If Thomas drops out) If Republicans control the Senate, they may prefer to pressure Biden to send them a centrist-to-just-right-of-center candidate, instead.

On the other hand, if one of the liberals drops out (or, maybe even Roberts) Senate Republicans would probably be happy-as-a-clam to let a seat go unfilled until a Republican is in the Oval Office.
posted by Thorzdad at 3:18 PM on April 7, 2022 [3 favorites]


This is a great day. We’re at a low point in the U.S. in many important ways, and this vote—this new Justice—is a good sign. Hopefully better days lie ahead.
posted by cupcakeninja at 3:32 PM on April 7, 2022 [5 favorites]


On the other hand, if one of the liberals drops out (or, maybe even Roberts) Senate Republicans would probably be happy-as-a-clam to let a seat go unfilled until a Republican is in the Oval Office.

Then we really get to test the "silence is consent" doctrine that was floating around last time hearings didn’t happen.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 3:36 PM on April 7, 2022 [2 favorites]


Biden will probably get another pick

Before the midterms?
posted by acb at 3:39 PM on April 7, 2022


let's not let the GOP pretend it is suddenly on the side of right after their appalling display during the confirmation hearings and their wide-spread support for white supremacy.

But it's not going to and it wouldn't make the slightest difference to anything if it did. But the framing of the confirmation vote probably does have some effect on how a fairly significant number of people feel about the rule of law.
posted by howfar at 3:42 PM on April 7, 2022


Justice Jackson, if you please're nasty.

FTFY.
posted by acb at 3:44 PM on April 7, 2022 [10 favorites]


I think whether Biden get another pick comes down to who he’s replacing. I’m not sure Republicans will want to keep a seat vacant for the remainder of Joe’s term, if means operating without a solid conservative vote (ex. If Thomas drops out) If Republicans control the Senate, they may prefer to pressure Biden to send them a centrist-to-just-right-of-center candidate, instead.

Merrick Garland was a compromise pick that Chuck Grassley, then Chair of the Judiciary Committee, agreed to let Obama put forth in lieu of a more liberal selection to fill "Scalia's seat".

Mitch McConnell will not let Biden fill any seat with anyone, period.
posted by Etrigan at 3:45 PM on April 7, 2022 [21 favorites]


True. And we know the other Senator Palpatine lived a good long time, but hopefully Mitch will not follow in his brother’s footsteps.
posted by armoir from antproof case at 4:06 PM on April 7, 2022


Haven't the Republicans been talking about impeaching President Biden as soon as they have the numbers, just because? That does not bode well for any sort of considered compromise.
posted by acb at 4:10 PM on April 7, 2022 [2 favorites]


Before the midterms?

Thomas was just hospitalized for an undisclosed illness. Far be it for me to wish him ill, but.
posted by Sublimity at 4:12 PM on April 7, 2022 [5 favorites]


Far be it for me to wish him ill, but.

I must confess I wished him ill.
posted by kirkaracha at 4:19 PM on April 7, 2022 [43 favorites]


Um, how come we have to wait for summer for her to be sworn in? I'm sure this is a dumb question but my brains are down the toilet at this time of the workday.
posted by jenfullmoon at 4:30 PM on April 7, 2022


The seat is not yet vacated. Breyer steps down in late June. Leads to this interesting thought experiment.
posted by migurski at 4:32 PM on April 7, 2022 [2 favorites]


As Craig Ferguson used to say, "It's a great day for America, everybody! Yes it is!"

***slaps camera***

Mhmmm...
posted by JoeXIII007 at 4:33 PM on April 7, 2022


Then we really get to test the "silence is consent" doctrine that was floating around last time hearings didn’t happen.

Like you, I would argue that the constitution requires an affirmative act by the entire Senate. Meaning an up or down vote on the record. It would have been hella super awesome if, after McConnell did his “No vote for Garland” bullshit, Obama sent a letter to the Supreme Court saying “Since there is no objection from the entire Senate on the record, Merrick is showing up on Monday so you can swear him in.”

Now, I can think of a dozen reasons it wouldn’t actually get Garland on the bench but it would have been something. More importantly, it would have forced the Republicans on the record and might even have resulted in an up or down vote. Obama accepted GOP obstruction as a checkmate because the constitution didn’t explicitly spell out how the process worked.

Don’t just complain about dirty pool — try a trick shot of your own.
posted by Big Al 8000 at 4:42 PM on April 7, 2022 [20 favorites]


About fekkin' time. ffs.
posted by freakazoid at 4:43 PM on April 7, 2022


Obama accepted GOP obstruction as a checkmate because the constitution didn’t explicitly spell out how the process worked.

I think there also wasn't time to let the process play out with Garland. If it's just after the midterms and Biden sends a nomination over there will be time to play out all of the posturing that will need to happen before the Executive branch can come right out and say the Senate isn't meeting its responsibilities.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 6:20 PM on April 7, 2022


I think there also wasn't time to let the process play out with Garland. If it's just after the midterms and Biden sends a nomination over there will be time to play out all of the posturing that will need to happen before the Executive branch can come right out and say the Senate isn't meeting its responsibilities

Nine months was plenty of time to let the process play out.
posted by Gadarene at 6:43 PM on April 7, 2022 [16 favorites]


So happy, and only wish it was sooner (and rather than a couple of others there, at least). I did a little dance at work, and have no regrets.
posted by datawrangler at 7:07 PM on April 7, 2022 [2 favorites]


I just came in tired and sore from working outside all day to find this post. Hooray! I immediately felt better.

I still have a bad taste in my mouth from all the BS interrogation they put her through, but Judge Jackson handled it so well.

Excuse me, I've got to go do a little happy dance.
posted by BlueHorse at 8:17 PM on April 7, 2022 [1 favorite]


This is wonderful news.
posted by nfalkner at 8:46 PM on April 7, 2022 [1 favorite]


My issue with "consent is silence" is that it then allows a majority party to confirm an otherwise unpopular judge by preventing all debate. Giving cover for Senators by allowing them to say "we didn't discover that during the confirmation"

It could have led to Justice Bork, and that is borked up.
posted by Ziabatsu at 11:49 PM on April 7, 2022 [2 favorites]


Congratulations to Justice Jackson.

Impeach Thomas.

Also...
At the time of this post there are 9 mentions of "GOP". It is time to stop using this time-saving acronym. They are no longer -- if they ever were -- grand.

Currently they should be referred to as the TFP -- the Tr*mp Fascist Party.
posted by Hey, Zeus! at 4:53 AM on April 8, 2022 [7 favorites]


My issue with "consent is silence" is that it then allows a majority party to confirm an otherwise unpopular judge by preventing all debate.

Yes, we definitely know that the august personages of the United States Senate would never utterly ignore the public evidence of, say, an alcoholic rapist with rage issues and shadowy finances. Or someone who was clearly prepped since law school by a cabal of billionaires to ascend to a lifetime appointment.

I’m done with “What if the Republicans figure out how to misuse this?” when the Republicans have shown over and over again that of course they’ll misuse it just like they misuse everything else. The answer isn’t to run away from power during the brief windows that we have it.
posted by Etrigan at 5:17 AM on April 8, 2022 [25 favorites]




Aww, I didn't learn whether she likes beer.
posted by sydnius at 7:21 AM on April 8, 2022 [7 favorites]


!
posted by xigxag at 8:53 AM on April 8, 2022


Currently they should be referred to as the TFP -- the Tr*mp Fascist Party.

"GOP" always seemed kind of post-plantation-y, I think bunching them together with Trump as "Republicans" or even "conservatives" cuts deepest. They should all be markers of shame though, and perhaps one day they will be. After all, they're going to have to celebrate him wall-to-wall when he dies, and I think there could be fruitful avenues of preparation that can make that as socially painful as it should be.
posted by rhizome at 10:33 AM on April 8, 2022


I have seriously considered starting a GoFundMe to pay for a vacation to Hawaii for her after the nonsense she was put through.
posted by madhadron at 12:19 PM on April 8, 2022


If they still called American conservatives “Tories”, after the Irish word for bandits, that would be even better.
posted by acb at 12:26 PM on April 8, 2022 [4 favorites]


My issue with "consent is silence" is that it then allows a majority party to confirm an otherwise unpopular judge by preventing all debate.

The current situation allows the vote to take place with no debate so I’m not sure it’s functionally different.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 10:42 PM on April 8, 2022


"GOP" always seemed kind of post-plantation-y, I think bunching them together with Trump as "Republicans" or even "conservatives" cuts deepest.

The term of art during the Civil Rights era was Citizens' Councils, "an associated network of white supremacist, segregationist organizations in the United States, concentrated in the South and created as part of a white backlash against the US Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling." Too genteel for the Klan.
posted by kirkaracha at 4:42 PM on April 10, 2022


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