Filibuster Gorsuch

Donald Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch to fill the vacant seat on the United States Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch does not belong on the Supreme Court—and not just because Republicans stole this seat by refusing to hold a hearing (let alone a vote!) for Merrick Garland, President Obama’s supremely well qualified and moderate nominee. Judge Gorsuch is a staunch conservative out of step with the American people.

SAMPLE CALL DIALOGUE:

Staffer: Senator Bob’s Office! How can I help you?

You: Good morning/afternoon. I’m a constituent of Senator Bob’s and I’m calling to ask what his position is on President Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court.

Option 1: Opposes Gorsuch for Supreme Court

Staffer: The Senator opposes the nomination of Judge Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.

You: Great! I’m so glad to hear that. I firmly believe that Judge Gorsuch’s record shows that he is an extreme conservative who is out of step with the American people and their values. I’m pleased to hear the Senator will oppose this nominee and hope they will do so with any other nominee with an alarming history of backing corporations and big donors against average people.

Staffer: Thank you for your message, I’ll pass it on to the Senator.

You: Great, thanks. And since Senator Bob is opposed to the nominee, will he do everything in his power to prevent Gorsuch from being seated, including using the filibuster?

Staffer: Well he hasn’t taken a position on Senate procedures [Or other word salad]

You: I appreciate that Senator Bob says he’s opposed, but I expect him to use the filibuster and every other tool available to him. I hope he demonstrates that he has the courage of his convictions, and I will be watching closely to confirm he does.

Staffer: Thank you for your message, I’ll pass it on to the Senator.

You: Thank you very much. I look forward to having the Senator do everything in their power to defeat this nominee.

Option 2: Supports Gorsuch for Supreme Court

Staffer: The Senator supports the nomination of Judge Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.

You: Thank you for letting me know that. Will the Senator publicly pledge that the Judge Gorsuch will only be confirmed to the Supreme Court if he receives a filibuster-proof majority (60 votes) in the full Senate?

Staffer: We haven’t reached that point yet in the process [Or other word salad]

You: Are you telling me that Senator Bob is open to using the “Nuclear Option” to end the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees? If that’s true, this is a shocking departure from centuries-old norms, and I’m worried that it could permanently damage the fairness and legitimacy of the Supreme Court This should be a simple question: Can you give me a yes or no answer on whether the Senator opposes the Nuclear Option?

Staffer: The Senator hasn’t taken a position on that issue.

You: Please let the Senator know that I expect him to uphold the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees. In the history of our country, every single justice to sit on the Supreme Court has received the approval of a filibuster proof majority. This is a vital check-and-balance in our democracy, and an important function of the United States Senate. Supreme Court justices enjoy lifetime terms, and they should not be selected on the temporary whims on on political party or the other. I will be watching closely what the Senator does on this issue and will cast my vote accordingly.

Staffer: I’ll pass that message on to the Senator.

You: Thank you.

Option 3: Wait and See

Staffer: The Senator is withholding their judgement on Judge Gorsuch until the nomination process has run its course.
If Democratic Office

You: That is disappointing to hear. Judge Gorsuch has a long track record of decisions that put corporations above regular Americans like me. He also has extreme views on campaign finance reform and women’s and worker’s rights, and he wants judges to be able to scrap environmental and labor regulations made by scientists experts to protect our health, safety, and financial well-being. I expect the Senator to take a firm stance on nominees, like Judge Gorsuch, who sit far outside the judicial mainstream.

Staffer: Thank you for your message, I’ll pass it on to the Senator.

You: Thank you. I hope Senator Bob will reconsider his position, oppose Judge Gorsuch, and work to defeat his nomination. But if he doesn’t, will he at least take a public stand that pledge against any threats to use the “nuclear option” to get rid of the filibuster?

Staffer: We haven’t reached that point yet in the process [Or other word salad]

You: Please tell Senator Bob that I expect him to take a strong stand in support of the filibuster, no matter how he decides to vote on Judge Gorsuch. In the history of our country, every single justice to sit on the Supreme Court has received the approval of a filibuster proof majority. This is a vital check-and-balance in our democracy, and an important function of the United States Senate. Supreme Court justices enjoy lifetime terms, and they should not be selected on the temporary whims on on political party or the other. I will be watching closely what the Senator does on this issue and will cast my vote accordingly.

Staffer: I’ll pass that message on to the Senator.

You: Thank you.

INDIVISIBLE ORANGE COUNTY

Blog

Read more about Gorsuch’s history at Indivisible Guide, then call your Senators today and tell them you don’t support Donald Trump’s pick for the Supreme Court.

SAMPLE CALL DIALOGUE: