Progressive group criticizes Senate Democrats for supporting Trump's judicial nominees

A progressive advocacy group has announced plans to focus on two Senate Democrats and an independent senator for supporting several of former President Donald Trump's judicial nominees, pledging to invest over $1 million to pressure congressional Democrats into taking a firmer stance against the Republican leader.

The weeklong advertising effort, launched on Wednesday by Demand Justice, is aimed specifically at senators not facing reelection next year: Democrats John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, along with independent Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with Democrats. Josh Orton, the group's president, emphasized that this campaign represents just the initial phase, warning that additional pressure could target other vulnerable lawmakers and those with presidential aspirations unless they find their moral compass and stand up to Trump.

Our goal is to shift Senate Democratic behavior toward a more ethical approach and one that aligns politically with their base, Orton said.

The initiative comes in the wake of eight Senate Democrats including Fetterman, Hassan, and King joining Republicans to avert a government shutdown, a move that drew criticism from large segments of the Democratic base. Party leaders continue to debate the most effective strategy to counter what many perceive as Trump's authoritarian tendencies while preparing to recover from anticipated losses in 2024.

During confirmation hearings, Trump's second-term judicial nominees have largely avoided acknowledging his 2020 election loss or the violent events of January 6, 2021. Orton argued that Democrats should not provide bipartisan cover for judges unable to answer fundamental questions about these events.

The Democratic base is demanding a more assertive approach to challenge Trump, who has expanded presidential authority since returning to office in January. Meanwhile, party leaders are navigating the limitations imposed by Republican control of both the House and Senate, as well as the White House.

Fetterman has frequently faced criticism from the left for his strong support of Israel during the Gaza conflict and his willingness to oppose party consensus. He defended his record last month, noting that he votes in line with Democratic colleagues more than nine out of ten times. If Democrats have an issue with someone voting 91% of the time with the party, perhaps our party has a larger issue, Fetterman remarked.

Hassan defended her decision to reopen the government, citing constituent hardships and the low likelihood of Republicans agreeing to a better deal. She also expressed support for certain Trump executive nominees who are qualified or acting in good faith.

King was the only member of the Democratic Caucus to vote for a federal judge in Missouri who had previously worked on cases challenging abortion rights, later acknowledging that the vote was a mistake.

Author: Riley Thompson