Dianne Feinstein and Republicans: This saga has a strange new twist.
SlateNov 15, 2022
The Facts
Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), alongside other senior Republicans, signaled opposition to any attempts by Democrats to temporarily replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) on the Senate Judiciary Committee as she recovers from shingles.
Feinstein, 89, has been absent from Washington since February with the condition, leading Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to propose Ben Cardin (D-Md.) take her place until she recovers. Such a decision would require at least 10 Republicans to clear the filibuster threshold.
The Spin
Republican narrative
It's not surprising that Feinstein is no longer able to perform her duties as a Senator due to her age. There is no reason Republicans should cooperate with Democrats on their judicial agenda. There is no precedent for such a temporary replacement, and to give way due to moral duty would be extraordinarily dangerous in potentially allowing the Biden administration's judicial agenda to proceed.
Democratic narrative
Republicans have made it clear that they will not let Feinstein be replaced, even for a short period of time, as McConnell continues with his intention to exploit the befuddling Senate rulebook and prohibit judicial nominations from passing. Whether Feinstein resigns or is replaced, Republicans will no doubt continue their obstructionist ways.
Cynical narrative
Republicans and Democrats are attempting to take the moral high ground on the matter of Feinstein's absence which just so happens to align with their political desires. The reality is that both sides claim the other is playing politics in what is a difficult and messy situation.
