Scalia died, he said this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president. That was in february of 2016. For the entire duration of 2016, the republican led senate refused to even think about president obamas nominee. They didnt hold meetings with merrick garland, they didnt hearings, let alone a vote. Republicans holding the seat vacate for over a year so President Trump could nominate a justice instead of president obama nominating one. Thats the remarkable and unprecedented way that donald trump got his first nomination for the United States Supreme Court. Well, now we have started the Battle Royale over President Trumps second nominee for the court. Just like the first one, the Gorsuch Nomination came with that unprecedented twist because republicans held open that seat so the democratic president couldnt advance a nominee, now with the second nomination, theres ans a historical unprecedented twist, too. Why did the president stick with kavanaugh . Because hes worried. T
Rallies, marches, protesters and counterprotesters outside right now. One gop operative telling cnn, quote, were prepared for an allout war. There is a lot to discuss right now. Gloria borger and dana bash are in washington. Cnn legal analyst Michael Zeldin is here with me in new york. Weve assembled a great group of people. Ariana, i need to start with you. Protests tonight outside the Supreme Court about this announcement. Whats the latest . Reporter well, absolutely. There are big crowds here tonight, and theyre getting bigger. These are bigger crowds than we get for some big decision days. For a while, they were being allowed to set up on the steps out there. Really, they understand whats at stake here and how much this building behind me is going to change with the new pick. Anthony kennedy was the key swing vote on issues like abortion, lgbt rights, affirmative action. Now hell be replaced with somebody whos younger and whos more conservative. Most of the protesters here are talk
Of identity politics is on full display. We will cover it all tonight, we see it every two and four years and you know what we see about republicans. You now know what we do in confirmations, they always gopu after everybody and we will have so much more. We will actually play it and remind you that they vilify political differences. They hope that you will, we and of the people will plainly buy into their lives. We will explain why all this matters because in 29 days, the choice is going to be clear. Do you want to mob rule or law order . Guilt by accusation or the presumption of innocence . Do you like identity politics that divides us or do you want a booming economy that works for every american, especially the forgotten men and women in this country . You get to the polls and 29 days, will you want to shock the world again in 29 days or will you get the government of pelosi, schumer, Maxine Waters that you deserve . Also tonight, stay tuned. Huge breaking news about the deep state
Conservative Federalist Society. Will one get the nod late today . We learned that judge Amy Coney Barrett is not in washington tonight or will it be someone you do not see, senator mike lee. When it comes to confirmation, will any republican senator vote no . Will any democrat from a red state vote yes . A number were invited to the announcement tonight. Their answer could say a lot, already the battle lines are being drawn. Now normally in the senate we have a process of advise and consent on the Supreme Court. In the old days, the president would consult with republicans and democrats in the senate on a qualified judge. And then after careful deliberation nominated jurors could get bipartisan support. What we have here is the exact opposite. Tonight, President Trump will announce his nominee to fill the Current Supreme Court vacancy. We dont know who he will name, but we already know exactly what unfair tactics the nominee will face. They wont be new and they wont be warranted. Well
White house ceremony that looked more like a victory lap last night. On behalf of the nation, i want to apologize to brett and the entire kavanaugh family for the terrible pain and suffering you have been forced to endure. I must state that you, sir, under historic scrutiny were proven innocent. Thank you. Every american can be assured that i will be an independent and impartial justice, devoted to equal justice under law. And gaining strength, Hurricane Michael, picking up speed and taking direct aim at the Florida Panhandle. The time to evacuate and heed the local warnings is now. Hurricane mike is going to be a devastatinging storm. And good day. Im Andrea Mitchell in washington with the big breaking news today. Nikki haley, one of the first cabinet choices are resigning in a move that surprised the white house and state Department Official officials al alike. But when did the president first know . He is not saying. Both he and haley are trying to smooth over the shakeup in the Sec