President Trump Releases Supreme Court Justice Nominees; Raises Stakes Debates Ahead

President Trump unveiled 40 potential Supreme Court judges during a press conference on Wednesday. Trump was the first Presidential candidate to release nominees’ considerations during his campaign in 2016, which many believe worked in his favor. 

While speaking to reporters, Trump emphasized the importance of the contenders and urged his opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden, to release his list as well. Biden has yet to release names he is considering; however, candidates are expected to discuss their intentions concerning nominees in the future debates. 

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“Over the next four years, America’s President will choose hundreds of federal judges, and, in all likelihood, one, two, three, and even four Supreme Court justices. The outcome of these decisions will determine whether we hold fast to our nation’s founding principles or whether they are lost forever,” Trump said in the announcement. 

In May, Biden told reporters his current stance on pending nominees without divulging names. “We are putting together a list of a group of African American women who are qualified and have the experience to be on the court; I am not going to release that until we go further down the line in vetting them,” he said. 

Four years ago, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia passed away, leaving a vacancy on the bench. The opportunity was utilized as a bipartisan way to gain voters and party presence in Washington. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the oldest member currently serving, has recently been diagnosed with her second cancer in two years. Given the state of her health, Washington is anticipating an available seat in the coming months, indicating significant adjustments to the governing body.

On Sept. 27, Chris Wallace, anchor of “Fox News Sunday,” will moderate the Presidential debate at Case Western University in Ohio. On Oct. 7, Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief at USA Today, will moderate the Vice Presidential debate at the University of Utah at Salt Lake City. On Oct. 15 and Oct. 22, the last two Presidential debates will take place. All major news networks will broadcast the event from 9-10:30 p.m. EST. 

More information about the debate details can be found here.

Candidates are informing voters on critical issues regarding their strategy and implementation process. Recent polls indicate a tight race in November, and as both candidates release more of their intentions as president, the debates become more compelling to voters.