Before Garland was nominated:
"(Obama) could easily name Merrick Garland, who is a fine man," -Hatch, Utah Republican
Garland had a "distinguished legal career" - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Republican.
"An intelligent, experienced and even-handed individual," according to former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating a Republican who found Garland's work on the Oklahoma City bombing case particularly notable and inspiring.
"Last April, in Oklahoma City, Merrick was at the helm of the Justice Department's investigation following the bombing of the Oklahoma City Federal Building, the bloodiest and most tragic act of terrorism on American soil," Keating wrote to then-Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole in 1996, according to the Congressional Record. "During the investigation, Merrick distinguished himself in a situation where he had to lead a highly complicated investigation and make quick decisions during critical times. Merrick Garland is an intelligent, experienced and evenhanded individual."
(Obama) could easily name Merrick Garland, who is a fine man," Hatch said in Newsmax, adding later, "He probably won't do that because this appointment is about the election."
After Garland was nominated:
"His nomination doesn't in any way change current circumstances," he said. "I remain convinced that the best way for the Senate to do its job is to conduct the confirmation process after this toxic presidential election season is over."
After a Trump loss seems inevitable:
“I promise you that we will be united against any Supreme Court nominee that Hillary Clinton, if she were president, would put up,” - John McCain, implying that Garland will be blocked.
The reputation of the USA in the world (cont)
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