Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) attempted to tarnish the reputation of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominee by constantly labeling her a Marxist, a baseless claim only because she’s a Democrat.
Is DuBose a Marxist?
‘Are you still a Marxist?’ Kennedy inquired of Melissa DuBose, Biden’s pick for a U.S. district court in Rhode Island, right at the start of her Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing, without any explanation.
A Firm Denial
DuBose, currently a state district judge, firmly responded, ‘I am not nor have I ever been a Marxist.’
Past ‘Marxist Phase’
Kennedy implied DuBose was lying about her secret Marxist beliefs, referring to a 2000 interview where she mentioned being ‘in my Marxist phase’ while working in a coffee shop.
Addressing Decades-Old Interview
DuBose clarified that the interview, conducted by an aspiring teacher 24 years ago, occurred when she was teaching civics and history in Providence.
Teaching Past Examined
She explained her deep dive into various political theories, including those of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx. DuBose also mentioned her unawareness of the interview’s publication, explaining why it wasn’t submitted to the committee.
Kennedy, however, seemed to dismiss her entire explanation.
Political Beliefs Under Fire
Kennedy pressed further, asking simply, ‘Are you still a Marxist?’ DuBose firmly denied it again, even as Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) echoed the same charge.
Repeated Denials
‘I am not a Marxist.“I do not espouse Marxist theory or ideology. I never have, I never will. I’m a very proud Democrat,’ she asserted.
Democratic Loyalty
Then, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) interjected, pointing out that even if DuBose had experienced a ‘Marxist phase,’ beliefs evolve over time, citing Kennedy’s own shift from Democrat to Republican.
Whitehouse Comments
Whitehouse’s remark, referencing DuBose’s long-ago interview and Kennedy’s political past, drew laughter in the room and visibly angered Kennedy.
A Heated Moment
Kennedy vehemently denied any Marxist affiliation, raising his voice to declare, “I’ve never been a Marxist! I’ve never been a Marxist! And I’ve never admitted I was a Marxist and then not turned a document over to this committee!”
Political Evolution
Kennedy’s political journey included an unsuccessful 1991 run for state attorney general as a Democrat, his election as state treasurer in 1999, a 2003 reelection, and a failed 2004 U.S. Senate bid.
Rise in the Republican Party
He switched to the Republican Party in 2007, getting reelected thrice as state treasurer, losing a 2008 Senate race, and finally winning a Senate seat in 2016.
Graham Lightens the Mood
The hearing took an awkward turn after Kennedy’s outburst, leading Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to attempt easing the tension with a quip, “Let’s agree on the following. A Louisiana Democrat is probably not a Marxist.”
Marxist Question in Senate
Previously, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) bluntly inquired, ‘Are you a Marxist?’ to Oregon district court nominee Mustafa Kasubhai during an October Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
No Praise for Marxism
Kasubhai’s response was clear: “No, senator. I have not praised Marxist ideas and I would disavow any other system than that would be supported by our U.S. Constitution and our laws.”
Questioning Judicial Record
The hearing’s partisan nature was epitomized by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) who pointedly critiqued Kasubhai:
“Your fellow nominees owe you a debt of gratitude, because many Biden nominees have been extreme, but your record is so far out of the mainstream that you have attracted virtually all of the questions,” he told Kasubhai.
Obsession with ‘race and sexuality’
Meanwhile, Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) accused Kasubhai of being ‘obsessed with race and sexuality.’
He stated “I mean you even go so far as to say that when race and sexuality and diversity and inclusion are at issue, we need a separate standard of proof in the United States, federal judiciary. How are litigants going to be able to trust you?”
Claims Denied, Again
Kasubhai firmly refuted these claims, unconvinced, he countered, “I just don’t see how you can be a fair-minded judge.”
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