Here’s how KBJ’s confirmation will help Biden…
President Joe Biden has been taking a beating in the polls and Congress. But the bipartisan confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court provides him with a much-needed reprieve and potential fodder for this year’s midterms.
The historical confirmation, which sees Jackson become the first Black woman to be nominated and confirmed to the High Court, is — to many Democrats — a lifeline the President needs to boost his approval rating and energize the party’s base.
Democratic lawmakers have for months said Biden could reverse his steadily declining approval rating by achieving more wins in Congress after signature proposals like Build Back Better had been stalled by moderate Democratic Senator Joe Manchin (W.Va.). Lawmakers have also pointed to his lack of action on campaign promises like canceling student loan debt.
But on Thursday, when Jackson was confirmed, Biden turned the tide, delivering on one of his most significant campaign promises.
After the vote, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters, “If I had to think of an adjective to describe all of us, it would be elated.”
Schumer added, “This has been a long, hard road as we try to get to greater equality, less bigotry in America. And there’s often steps backward but when you have a day like this, it inspires you to keep moving forward.”
Following the confirmation Senate Democrats also gave Jackson a standing ovation, with many acknowledging after the momentous occasion that it gave voters something to be excited about.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) acknowledged the effect Jackson’s confirmation would undoubtedly have on voters, “The polling that I’ve seen in Illinois suggests that our traditional base of support needs motivation. This will provide some motivation to many African-American voters who have been loyal to the party and expect us to produce and do things that are relevant. I think this is going to top the list.”
