Liberal groups vowed to fight the confirmation of President Trump’s Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh Monday night, but there’s little they can do other than apply public pressure on Republican senators and red-state Democrats.
If Democrats want to block Kavanaugh they have to stay united and win a few Republicans over to their side, specifically GOP Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Both have advocated for abortion rights.
Progressive groups made clear they plan to target Murkowksi and Collins throughout what is expected to be grueling confirmation battle. Before Kavanaugh, a D.C. Circuit judge, finished speaking during the nomination announcement at the White House, liberal group Demand Justice launched an ad against him.
“Call your senators and tell them to oppose Trump’s extreme nominee,” the 30-second ad states. “Stop Brett Kavanaugh.”
The Progressive Change Campaign Committee blasted Trump for nominating an “extremist” who will overturn Roe v. Wade, and healthcare for millions.
“So long as Senate Democrats stay unified, progressives will unleash more home state pressure than ever before in a Supreme Court fight — to ensure Republicans like Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski don’t break their promise to their constituents on issues like choice,” said Adam Green, co-founder of PCCC.
PCCC is running online ads in Maine and Alaska aimed at Collins and Murkowski and is organizing with NARAL pro-choice, Planned Parenthood, MoveOn, and more to apply public pressure to the Republican senators and Democrats who may be considering voting for Trump’s pick.
Not even an hour after Trump revealed Kavanaugh as his pick, PCCC and other activists rallied outside the Supreme Court to oppose the nomination. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., a potential 2020 presidential contender, joined them.
“Are you ready for a fight?” Sanders said to cheers.
The Feminist Majority PAC called Kavanaugh’s nomination a “blatant” attempt to “roll back some 60 years of women’s rights and civil rights” and warned that if he’s confirmed the “Trump Court” would threaten the Affordable Care Act, LGBT rights, and affirmative action.
“We are standing at the precipice of a turning point for human rights in America,” said Eleanor Smeal, president of the Feminist Majority. “This is the fight of our lives.”
