McConnell on shaping a conservative court

Plus: New Jan. 6 subpoenas and Pence defies Trump in Georgia race

View this email online May 14, 2022 This week, we looked at new Jan. 6 House panel subpoenas, Biden on inflation and a big Pence endorsement in Georgia. Plus: a bitter primary in Oregon. The Big Picture: McConnell on shaping a conservative court Alex Wong/Getty Images Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell defended the U.S. Supreme Court's potential move to issue a ruling that would overturn Roe v. Wade and go against most Americans’ stand on abortion, saying in an NPR interview the court’s job is to interpret the law based on how the country’s founders wrote it. "So for the Supreme Court to, on any issue, to reach a decision contrary to public opinion it is exactly what the Supreme Court is about," he said. "It's to protect basic rights, even when majorities are in favor of something else." Democrats say the leaked draft Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe is a product of a decades-long effort by right-leaning groups and their allies in Congress, led by McConnell, to confirm justices who would restrict or eliminate abortion rights. McConnell insisted he’s not driven by any one issue but by a belief that the court’s decisions must be rooted in the intent behind the writing of the U.S. Constitution. After President Trump won the 2016 election, McConnell worked with the White House to nominate and win confirmation for three justices -- Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett –  who shared that philosophy, he said. Trump’s role was limited to signing off on the recommendations he received from White House counsels, according to McConnell. “I don't think he fundamentally knew much about this before he got elected, but I give him credit for [agreeing to] some really good recommendations,” McConnell said. He sidestepped a question about what he would do if his party regains control of the Senate and there’s another vacancy on the Supreme Court, saying he had nothing to announce and “we are going to see where we can cooperate."  McConnell acknowledged that abortion will be an issue in November’s midterm elections but said he thought it would be more of a factor in state contests. He predicted for congressional races the issue would be “a wash.” -- Deirdre Walsh, NPR Politics congressional correspondent Read More Newsletter continues after sponsor message ICYMI: Top Stories J. Scott Applewhite/AP Jan. 6 committee latest: The House select committee investigating the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol issued subpoenas to five House Republicans this week, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. All five had previously been asked to voluntarily appear before the committee and refused to do so. Biden on inflation: President Biden said fighting inflation is his "top domestic priority" in an economic speech at the White House this week. Biden said that while the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have contributed to inflation, lack of competition and inhibited access to materials is why prices have continued to go up. Abortion bill fails: The Senate voted down a Democratic-led bill that would effectively codify the right to an abortion in federal law. All Democrats supported the legislation except Sen. Joe Manchin, who joined all Republicans in opposing it.  Pence defies Trump in Georgia: Former Vice President Pence will rally for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp the day before the state's May 24 primary. Kemp faces a challenge from David Perdue, who has support from Trump. A bitter primary in Oregon: One of the country's most expensive and bitter Democratic primaries this year is in Oregon's 6th Congressional District. The new, blue-leaning district has seen party infighting, mysterious ties to cryptocurrency and a complaint to the Federal Election Commission. — Brandon Carter, NPR Politics social media producer The Shot: Darren Hauck for NPR Many voters with disabilities rely on a loved one or caregiver to return their absentee ballot for them.  As NPR Politics producer Barbara Sprunt reports, in January, a judge in Wisconsin's Waukesha County sided with a conservative legal group in a lawsuit and ruled that ballot drop boxes, which were widely used in the 2020 election, aren't permitted under state law and that voters must return their absentee ballots themselves.  "The envelope shall be mailed by the elector, or delivered in person, to the municipal clerk issuing the ballot or ballots," the statute reads. Many voters with disabilities — along with others who live in congregate settings, like those incarcerated or in nursing homes — say a strict interpretation of state law leaves them behind. "I do feel like I'm being punished just because I'm physically not able to put a ballot in a mailbox," says Stacy Ellingen, a regular absentee voter in Oshkosh. — Heidi Glenn, NPR digital editor Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from Vermont Public Radio (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: nprpolitics@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Politics emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy