Patrick Leahy actually said...

"One doesn't have to have the same political beliefs or ideologies as a judicial nominee to recognize their integrity and intellect."

"I contrast that with Republicans' treatment of then Judge Merrick Garland. We're still waiting today for Republicans to explain on the record what kind of substantive concerns they had with Merrick Ga..."

"You know, any time I had an opportunity to argue a case at an appellate level, I don't think I ever thought about who nominated or appointed the judges I was before."

"What do you say to people who say you're soft on crime or even anti-law enforcement because you accepted your duties as a public defender?"