#SCOTUS on Thurs seemed prepared to keep #Trump on the #Colorado ballot, expressing deep concerns about the ability of a single state to disqualify a candidate from seeking national office.

THAT IS NOT A CONSTITUTIONAL CONTEXTUAL REASON.

THAT IS #POLITICAL / “#OPTICS” RATIONALIZATION.

#Justices #Jan6 #Insurrection #democracy #Constitution #law #politics #SCOTUSstench

#Trump’s atty argued that the #Jan6 attack was a “riot,” not an #insurrection & said the #constitutional provision in question doesn’t even apply to the #president. He also argued #Congress would have to pass specific #legislation authorizing states to bar candidates from the #ballot. (No. The #14thAmendment already establishes the #law)

*Some* of the justices expressed skepticism toward those claims, suggesting that Trump’s lawyer was trying to parse the letter of the law beyond reason.

#law

The #justices’ questioning of the atty representing #Colorado was more pointed. Liberal & conservative #justices alike warned that if CO had its way in declaring #Trump ineligible, a single #state could decide for the rest of the #nation whether a presidential candidate is permitted to run. Justice Samuel #Alito said that would create an “unmanageable” situation.

#Jan6 #Insurrection #democracy #Constitution #law #politics #SCOTUSstench