Three Democrats rumored to be exploring presidential bids in 2020 sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee, helping explain why Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation have become theatrical #resistance.
With all eyes on the committee, it’s a golden opportunity for ambitious senators to make headlines just months before the early days of the race. And the intensity of anti-Trump sentiments in their party makes those headlines especially alluring.
Sens. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., are all rumored to be considering 2020 primary runs. Harris and Booker in particular have had viral exchanges with multiple Trump nominees since the president took office. On the Intelligence Committee, Harris made news during questioning of CIA Director Gina Haspel and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, among other officials. Booker drew praise from progressives for lecturing Homeland Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen about President Trump’s alleged “shithole countries” remark earlier this year.
Both are popular with progressives and have a burgeoning talent for producing soundbites the media loves, even if they sound contrived to the rest of us. In that sense, the Kavanaugh hearings present an irresistible opportunity for the committee’s Democrats with 2020 vision to bank some memorable video clips and build favor with the base.
Expect the show to last all week.
