The coming weeks may be brutal: The level of partisan rancor and performative outrage that we’ve seen over the timing of Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination may intensify during the confirmation hearings. And if that’s the case, the hearings will be more than just terrible TV. They will underscore the fact that the American people — and their senators — are sorely lacking in basic civic knowledge. There may be protesters from the gallery shouting, for example, that Judge Barrett hates women’s uteruses, and senators will likely be pandering to such unfounded criticism.
The coming weeks may be brutal: The level of partisan rancor and performative outrage that we’ve seen over the timing of Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination may intensify during the confirmation hearings. And if that’s the case, the hearings will be more than just terrible TV. They will underscore the fact that the American people — and their senators — are sorely lacking in basic civic knowledge. There may be protesters from the gallery shouting, for example, that Judge Barrett hates women’s uteruses, and senators will likely be pandering to such unfounded criticism.
