Nancy Pelosi: “in just a few short weeks, we will be electing a new President of the United States on Tuesday, November 7. This is the…”

“in just a few short weeks, we will be electing a new President of the United States on Tuesday, November 7. This is the centerpiece of our democracy, the election of a President. The President has his own powers according to the Constitution, but also the power of appointment of the third branch of government, the Supreme Court. So a great deal is at stake in this election: the presidency and the President's appointments to the court. If the next President appoints just one or two more justices to the court, and they do not support some of our basic fundamental rights, fundamental rights could be abolished or curtailed. The Supreme Court's decisions affect all aspect of our lives including basic civil rights and day-to-day pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. It is significant to note, I think, that no Supreme Court justice has retired in 6 years, the longest interval without a new appointment in 177 years. In the last 50 years, every President except one has appointed at least one justice, and 8 of the last 10 Presidents have appointed 2 justices. Court watchers expect several justices to retire soon, and, thus, the next President is likely to appoint several justices to fill these vacancies.”