Amy Coney Barrett’s hearing kicks off with hypocrisy and healthcare | David Smith

Republicans sought to normalise her rushed nomination while Democrats maintained a laser-like focus on the future of Obamacare

  • Barrett supreme court hearing sets stage for partisan clash

That was rich. Senate Republicans, otherwise known as Donald Trump’s Praetorian Guard, lined up on Monday to pay pious homage to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the separation of powers and the halcyon days of political bipartisanship.

Related: What Amy Coney Barrett's likely confirmatio...

Amy Coney Barrett supreme court nomination hearings begin in Washington – live

During the break in Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination hearing, Trump urged Republicans to push their own healthcare agenda in their opening statements.

We will have Healthcare which is FAR BETTER than ObamaCare, at a FAR LOWER COST,” Trump said in a tweet. “PEOPLE WITH PRE EXISTING CONDITIONS WILL BE PROTECTED AT AN EVEN HIGHER LEVEL THAN NOW.”

We will have Healthcare which is FAR BETTER than ObamaCare, at a FAR LOWER COST - BIG PREMIUM REDUCTION. PEOPLE WITH PRE EXISTING CONDITIONS WILL BE PROTECTED AT AN EVEN HIGHER LEVEL THAN NOW. HIGHLY UNPOPULAR AND UNFAIR INDIVIDUAL MANDATE ALREADY TERMINATED. YOU’RE WELCOME!

We have reached the first break in Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination hearing before the Senate judiciary committee.

The hearing is scheduled to reconvene in about 35 minutes, when more members of the committee will deliver their opening statements.

Continue reading...