Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden asked the Senate to postpone voting on that nomination until after the US elections. November 3 in order to allow the people to make the decision.
At a press conference at the White House, the president highlighted Barrett's Catholic religion and presented her as a victim of attacks on her religious belief. Although, it is more likely Barrett's conservative approach to the law, particularly healthcare, that has elicited opposition from Democrats, not her beliefs.
"It's a disgrace," declared Trump, who promised that Barrett will be confirmed "very quickly."
Barrett's nomination to fill the vacancy of the late Minister Ruth Bader Ginsburg sparked a high-stakes election season battle over the confirmation of a conservative judge who is expected to tilt the court to the right when she reviews health care, access to abortion and other sensitive issues.
Biden directly asked his former colleagues in the Senate to "step back from the brink."
Biden urged Republicans in the Senate not to favor a controversy during an already tumultuous election year in a country that is suffering from the coronavirus crisis, economic difficulties and protests over racial injustice. If Trump is re-elected, his nominee must be put to a vote, Biden said, but if the Democratic candidate wins the presidency, he must nominate the next minister.
"It's time to reduce tensions," said Biden in Wilmington, Delaware.
Never has the appointment of a Supreme Court justice been ratified so close to a presidential election, and when early voting is already underway in some states. Republicans believe the dispute will increase voters' enthusiasm for Trump and Republicans in the Senate, who are in danger of losing a majority. Democrats warn that Barrett's ratification will almost certainly abolish health care protections for Americans when the court hears a case against the Affordable Care Act in the fall.
According to a national poll by the New York Times and Siena College released on Sunday, a majority of 56% of voters believe that the winner of the November 3 presidential election should nominate who will fill the Ginsburg vacancy, while 41 % pointed out that Trump must do it because he is the current president. Biden has said that he will nominate the first black woman to the Supreme Court, but has not named any possible candidates.