Patrick Leahy actually said...

"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."

"I voted yes because I believed that he had what it takes to serve as an impartial, fair Chief Justice who would uphold the rule of law."

"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?"