120 Comments
Mar 21, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

Hi Ari, Judge Jackson’s moment in time has arrived. Her lived experience speaks volumes. Some in the GOP who oppose her never talk about her eight years as a district judge. In the Washington Post, the judge said that she would address the defendant directly, by his or her name and not their attorney. She would explain every stage of the court proceeding. You never hear this kind of communication reported. Some defendants may not see their attorney till the day of the trial.

Some Republicans may fear a strong, educated black woman for this position. Her selection will not change the balance of the court. However, she may be on the bench for 30 years and that would give us hope that there will be a justice who will give new meaning to this court and institution.

Thanks for covering this historic day.

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I appreciate your coverage on Judge Jackson’s hearings. I am holding my breath that there’s no Democratic opposition. With her qualifications I would hope for some Republican support as well,however I expect partisan deterioration as that’s our new political life.

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The Court Is political: the Olympian image Roberts and others try to project is nonsense.

As Obama said, and Trump repeated -- elections have consequences.

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So true

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I think we need to face reality. Biden's"bipartisanship" idea is absurd.

Sad facts: just as a substantial portion of the Russian population supports Putin -- a substantial portion of our population supports Trump. The effect on "discourse" about anything, most certainly Supreme Court judges, is an outgrowth of those facts.

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Ted Cruz’ diatribe at the hearing today is such ridiculous partisan crap that is disgraceful! No wonder he is the most disliked man in Congress!

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The perfect foot soldier. I kept muting and unmuting him. Curious to hear his delusions and disgusted by them at the same time😳.

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Nice review Ari in your clear, concise and correct manner. Graham and Grassley were beyond ridiculous. Grassley had problems even reading his silliness and Graham was like a petulant child. My eyes will be on Manchin and Sinema. Sad that Congress has become so partisan that the GOP cannot see the importance and significance of diversifying the court. Judge Jackson is supremely qualified. Vice President Harris and Judge Jackson are beacons for all young girls to look up to proudly and to emulate.

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Mar 21, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

I am happy you are keeping us in the loop on this!! It is a very important nomination and we appreciate your work and insight, Thank You Ari🤵🏽‍♀️

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Based on the opening statements thus far it appears the majority of Democrats and the majority of Republicans have already made up their minds and that the hearings to come will be more for them to push their individual agenda rather than ask serious questions that would really allow the American people an opportunity to get to know what Judge Jackson really believes.

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Thank you for your coverage of this extraordinarily important moment for the United States of America and it's people. President Biden made the right decision to put forth Judge Jackson for the Supreme Court. Note: I don't feel that the term "Supreme Court" fits this particular court. I look forward with anticipation to your coverage of this historical event.

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Thanks, Ari! It’s unfortunate Judge Jackson had to listen to Republicans whine and lament about true questioning of their tainted, unqualified candidates they put forth for the Supreme Court. Their attempts to slander Judge Jackson via innuendo and subliminal messaging was nauseating. Lindsay Graham was the worst! It wasn’t surprising to him that Judge Jackson would possibly be the nominee. It made sense! So, my thinking is that his performance today, was really for the next SCOTUS opening, should one occur under Biden. Their histrionics need to stop!

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Thanks for the complete layout of Judge Jackson's qualifications and what makes her an unrefutably right choice for the Supreme Court. There is no reason, on earth, for anything less than a unanimous vote to approve Judge Jackson to the SCOTUS, outside of sheer anti-American sentiment. Vote yes! Then let's get a Native American Judge next!! Peace.

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Yes a Native American next! They were here before us and it was there land.

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My goodness Ari, you are awesome to multitask enough to get this newsletter out today! AND you’re going to be live on YouTube. Mad respect for what you do!🙏🏽🥰

There is nothing else to say about Judge Jackson’s qualifications. Enough said!✌🏽💯

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Mar 21, 2022·edited Mar 21, 2022

Thanks for the update Ari, I wasn't able to watch this morning. I'm sure the Republicans were trying their best to make fools of themselves.

Someone with Kentanji Brown Jackson's credentials should be an easy vote. But the fact that she was a public defender, and defending the people that the GOP don't care about, makes it easy for them to try and derail her nomination. Let's hope she puts them to shame.

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founding

You are so correct about the GOP's seeming lack of concern for the poor and non-white persons, tho they preach liberty and justice for *all*

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Hi Sandra, yes the "all" for the Republicans is only for their racist base.

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Thanks! I watched most of the opening statements. About what I expected. There has to be some retaliation by Republicans for the Kavanaugh hearings, so I expect it will get a little ( a lot?) ugly. But I believe cream always rises to the top. She has impeccable credentials, competency, and such a positive demeanor she will more than hold her own and not be baited. That’s what I’m betting on!

Looking forward.

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I agree with you that certain Republicans will try to find fault with Judge Jackson in retaliation of how Kavanaugh was questioned. As far as I’m concerned Judge Jackson credentials etc are far more superior than Kavanaugh.

I don’t think I’ll watch the entire process. I’ll await Ari’s summarization of the hearings

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I think too many Americans are hoping for a circus. I think that is sad.

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Wendy, I think most of us just want to return to sanity, but I hear you.

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Of course you might be correct. However, yesterday I became a tad annoyed when it appeared to me that the anchors that host prior to “The Beat” discussed 3/22 hearing as if they were promoting a wrestling match.

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I know what you are saying, it can be quite annoying. I think they hear it and deal with it (political issues) so much, that seemingly, they become detached and just go through the motions. It’s like any other workforce; some people internalize the work and put forth much effort, while others do nothing and emit junk.

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founding
Mar 23, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

Hiya Ari. Very late to the conversation. Just now getting a chance to watch the confirmation hearings and need a place to vent! Boy did I pick an hour to watch. Senators Cotton and Booker. Cotton was a vile, disrespectful bully. I don't know much about all of this, but he sounded inconsequential to me. I was in awe of Jackson and her composure. Her sighs said everything. And then, thank goodness for Cory Booker. His back and forth with her was real, honest and delightful in fact. This hour really helped me understand Jackson's character. I hope it helped those in the Senate.

Can't wait to hear and learn more from you during this busy week! Enjoy DC!

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Judge Jackson is immensely qualified. I want her on the Supreme Court.

If Kavanaugh was deemed acceptable with his unfit interview (you know he likes beer) there not any acceptable reason to deny the votes to promote Judge Jackson to the Supreme Court. She will bring a needed perspective to the court.

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Thank you! Is it beyond possible that Manchin could oppose this nomination? I want to think no but then again, I am discussing Manchin.

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author

Can't predict anything, but our reporting shows WH and Senate leadership currently confident about holding all 50

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I want the WH and Senate leadership to be right, but, I don’t trust Manchin to do the right thing.

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I'm with you, Wendy! Hard to trust Manchin after all he's put the country through.

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Well, as Yogi used to say, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.” I’m feeling good about it. I believe it’s a go.

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…Unless the wayward, Democratic senators discover she ruled against Energy Conglomerates or Big Pharma.

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founding

Keeping hope alive 🙏🏽 Black women, esp, are watching. 👀

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Very much so. Was especially proud of her today.

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Thank you

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I am not surprised that #45's party of bad judgement would want to try to find anything they could that would be bad about her. That is what they do. I think Judge Jackson is more than qualified to be a Supreme Court Justice. I think back to President Obama not allowed to nominate someone for that position when he still had 8 months in office but #45's group of friends allowed him to get 3 people voted in when he had much less time in office. Decent people need to take back this country and get it away from some of the Republicans still in Congress. I have seen more hatred and greed in this country than I can deal with.

Thank you for your reporting on this Ari. It is much appreciated.

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The person who perhaps knew the least about judicial prudence, gave us three justices—At least, McGahn did.

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