He wants to make a radical swap.
CNN analyst Bakari Sellers recently suggested that President Joe Biden could consider appointing Vice President Kamala Harris to the Supreme Court if Justice Sonia Sotomayor were to retire. Sellers shared this idea on CNN News Central, emphasizing that Democrats could use the time before the next inauguration to appoint another liberal justice, ensuring a progressive voice remains on the Court.
Host John Berman asked Sellers about the Democratic concerns that a conservative replacement for Sotomayor, the third-oldest justice, might alter the Court’s balance even further. Sellers proposed that Sotomayor should consider stepping down now so the current administration and Democratic Senate could confirm a successor. He referenced Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, noting the risks of remaining on the bench for too long. Sellers encouraged Biden to seize the moment, even if it means facing Republican opposition, suggesting that Biden appoint a new justice within the next ten weeks.
Sellers didn’t just hint at Harris’s qualifications; he explicitly highlighted her legal background as potentially suitable for the role, adding that the idea might cause a stir among political opponents. When Berman sought clarification, Sellers doubled down, stating he was intentionally aiming to spark a conversation, even if it created some political controversy.
Following the broadcast, Sellers took to social media to reiterate his point, adding that Justice Sotomayor’s resignation could prevent a significant ideological shift on the Court. He listed several vetted candidates for consideration, including Sri Srinivasan, Robert Wilkins, Michelle Childs, and Harris herself. Sellers noted, however, that Harris might face challenges securing votes from some senators, such as Joe Manchin.
While the discussion has stirred speculation, Sotomayor, who is 70, has not indicated any plans to retire soon. Likewise, senior conservative justices like Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have given no signs of stepping down, leaving such a scenario largely hypothetical at this stage.
