I don’t want to sound like an alarmist, but the fact is that we are just a war or a major domestic terrorist-related incident away from a potential crackdown on civil liberties in this country. Trump hates criticism; if presented with the opportunity to do away with it, you can be fairly certain he will take it.
His nominees have to be scrutinized with that in mind. If the crackdown comes, Sessions will be in the front lines. Will his legal experience and respect for the law outweigh his ambition, ideology, and investment in Trump’s success? I don’t know the answer to that, but there is certainly reason to worry about him that goes far beyond his inevitable “white is the new black” approach to civil rights issues.
Gorsuch, on the other hand, has a reputation for being an independent (albeit conservative) thinker and a man of integrity. His comments about Trump and the judiciary may just be a tactic, but, based on his history, I am inclined to think not. The Democrats consequently need to handle him with care. He should not be subjected to the politics of personal destruction, and he should be confirmed without rancor after the filibuster is extinguished.
One thing is obvious: don’t rely on Paul Ryan or Mitch McConnell to protect your rights if the day I fear becomes a reality. Their priorities are elsewhere.