During his first two years in office, President Trump has had much success with judicial nominations. In addition to placing two new justices on the Supreme Court, scores of other judges have been approved by the Senate. Since 2019 will usher in a shift in power as Democrats take control of the House, these appointments will serve as a “win” in the midst of the congressional deadlock that is sure to come.
On Thursday, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., the only black Republican in the Senate, announced that he would not support Thomas Farr, the president’s controversial judicial nominee. Reviewing Farr’s history, including a memo detailing connections to racially-motivated voter suppression, was enough to give Scott pause. He joins Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., in opposition, effectively killing Farr’s chance to be confirmed.
While a majority of Scott’s Republican colleagues and other members of the GOP question his final decision, I believe it should be applauded. If any doubts remain about a judicial nominee’s record or behavior, politicians on all sides should withhold support. The same applied to Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings. Even though some in the GOP wanted to confirm him regardless of a potential past, many others agreed that certain behavior would have disqualified him.
Back in July, both Scott and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., opposed the judicial nomination of Ryan Bounds over racial issues. Bounds’ college writing included criticism of multiculturalism and neither politician could support him with a vote. Some conservative commentators viewed this as a betrayal of sorts. But as with the rejection of Farr, this knee-jerk annoyance misses the issue entirely, and that is to the GOP’s detriment.
Overwhelmingly, black voters cling to the message of the Democratic Party. Democrats know this all too well. But the issue is about perception, not policy. When looking at the substance offered by both sides, Republican proposals are much more helpful to the African-American community. The GOP wants everyone to achieve personal success, make their own choices, and escape the clutch of government welfare programs. However, the current narrative suggests otherwise.
The Left has mastered the art of projecting full-blown racism onto the entirety of the Republican Party. Yes, alt-right elements do exist and they are made up of foolish individuals who push white nationalism. Without a doubt, these factions should be dealt with and criticized, never embraced. But this is hardly a majority on the Right. Despite this reality, the Democrats highlight the actions of the few and attach them to the whole. Because this perception dominates discussions of race within our country, the GOP must actively fight against it.
Scott is correct in refusing to support Thomas Farr due to lingering questions and potential past acts of discrimination. Republicans only worsen their already tainted image if they mock such a choice.
In her recent concession speech, Rep. Mia Love, R-Utah, emphasized the GOP’s disinterest and inability to work on the race issue among their own.
Republican policies are far better for minority communities than Democratic policies, but if the GOP refuses to stand firm on issues of race, why should black Americans consider leaving their political fold? If consideration is not given to them when matters of racism come up, then they’ll remain standing opposite of us.
Both Mia Love and Tim Scott have been standouts in the Republican Party, and some of that is due to race. While black Americans are more than welcome to join the side eager to help them succeed on their own terms, there is a reason they don’t.
The GOP must learn to truly reach out to the black community in word and deed. Sen. Tim Scott’s almost singular stand against his own party’s wishes, and the reaction to his decision, only serves to remind us that there is much work to be done.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a senior contributor at RedState.com.
