Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is kicking off the Senate confirmation hearings for President Donald Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, by advising Democrats to avoid treating her like they treated Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
“We’ve taken a different path at times, Bork, Thomas, Alito, Kavanaugh. I hope we don’t take that path with Judge Barrett,” Graham said.
He added, “She doesn’t deserve that. I don’t think it makes this hearing any better. The American people, I believe, would not deserve a repeat of those episodes and the Senate Judiciary Committee’s history.”
Graham addressed his Democratic colleagues and acknowledged they have worked together, but they have also had “some fights” within the committee.
He told them they “have every right in the world to make your case.”
Watch his comments below:
Sen. Lindsey Graham says he hopes the Amy Coney Barrett hearing doesn’t go down the same "path" as Brett Kavanaugh:
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) October 12, 2020
“She doesn’t deserve that… The American people, I believe, would not deserve a repeat of those episodes.” pic.twitter.com/mE03IFfc8V
While Graham predicted Republicans have enough votes to confirm Barrett, he recognized she must answer questions from the committee.
“I think I know how the vote’s going to come out, but I think Judge Barrett is required for the good of the nation to submit to your questions and ours,” Graham said.
He continued, “This is going to be a long, contentious week. I would just ask one thing of the committee, to the extent possible, let’s make it respectful, let’s make it challenging, let’s remember the world is watching.”
Graham said he is still “pissed” about how Democrats treated Kavanaugh in 2018 over decades-old sexual assault allegations, as IJR previously reported.
“When it comes to Republican nominees for the Court – they get slaughtered,” Graham told Fox News Radio in September.
He went on, “I’m tired of this crap.”
Barrett will likely face questioning on topics, including her stance on the Affordable Care Act and abortion.
Senators will have a chance to question Barrett on Tuesday and Wednesday. The hearing will conclude on Thursday with outside witnesses testifying about her record.