I'm a horrible person, because OMG Obama can nominate Scalia's successor. This will change EVERYTHING.

We said the same thing here, Nora! Those Texas hunting trips are dangerous.

Wishes for peace and comfort for his family, with a side of popping champagne corks for the health of the Supreme Court. Can't say his influence will be missed.

The question is Consuela, how much hell will Obama have to go through to get his choice approved? Sigh.

The question is Consuela, how much hell will Obama have to go through to get his choice approved? Sigh

Yeah, apparently Congress can just refuse to even consider an appointment. However if they do, Obama can make an interim appointment without Congressional consent, which is good for 2 years or until the next President comes in.

Only the Senate has to approve a SCOTUS appointment, so this fall's election just got more important. If the Democrats can tilt the balance in the Senate, we can get another progressive on the bench. But we'd need a filibuster-proof majority.

I'm wondering how much delay they can put on an appointment. They can't delay the inauguration for a full year, can they?

Wishes for peace and comfort for his family, with a side of popping champagne corks for the health of the Supreme Court.

Which is what I'm thinking. Sympathy for those who loved him--there's nearly always someone--and perhaps they should avert their eyes from the celebrations.

I'll probably rot in hell, for my first thought being that Cheney must have shot him in the face, since Scalia was at on a hunting retreat at the time of his death.

Prettttty sure that's not why you're going to rot in hell.

Only the Senate has to approve a SCOTUS appointment, so this fall's election just got more important. If the Democrats can tilt the balance in the Senate, we can get another progressive on the bench. But we'd need a filibuster-proof majority.

Oh, wait, I'm wrong. Because the Senate will be in recess, and the incoming Senators won't show up until the inauguration. Feh.

I'll probably rot in hell, for my first thought being that Cheney must have shot him in the face, since Scalia was at on a hunting retreat at the time of his death.

Paul had the same thought.

However if they do, Obama can make an interim appointment without Congressional consent, which is good for 2 years or until the next President comes in.

Oh! I didn't know this. Interesting. With Obama's current attitude he might just do that.

there is already a twitter thread on Hillary nominating Obama. Also? Cruz has come out against any nominations until after the election.

This is nothing in comparison to my head cannon about Bowie and Rickman (and maybe David Hartwell too) giving Scalia the side-eye in the afterlife right now.