Fact-Check Summary
The post inaccurately claims a “Constitutional Right” of the president to unilaterally appoint judges and U.S. Attorneys, which misrepresents the shared constitutional responsibility of nomination by the president and advice and consent by the Senate. The blue slip is a Senate tradition—not a law—that gives home-state senators input on federal judicial nominations, and its strictness has changed over time depending on Senate control. Claims that only Democrats or President Biden have eliminated blue slips are false; recent precedent shows it was Republicans under Trump who relaxed the rule for circuit court nominees. The statement that only Democrats can be confirmed is also misleading, as both parties have impeded nominees in different contexts through the blue slip process.
Belief Alignment Analysis
The language of the post is divisive and derogatory, using terms like “Crooked Joe Biden” and inflaming partisan hostility. It distorts democratic constitutional processes for political grievance and undermines public trust in institutions. By omitting context and employing hyperbole, the post fails to support civil, inclusive discourse or to respect the shared and procedural nature of federal appointments.
Opinion
The post exploits procedural disputes for partisan gain, mischaracterizing both American tradition and constitutional design. Factually, it ignores both parties’ long-term use of the blue slip to advance or block judicial nominees. Democratic values require respect for both presidential and senatorial roles; inflaming followers and eroding respect for due process contradicts democratic inclusion and public reason.
TLDR
The president does not have a constitutional right to unilaterally appoint judges; the Senate has always participated. The blue slip is not an outdated custom removed only by Democrats—it was first softened for circuit courts by Republicans during the Trump administration. The post is misleading and employs hostile rhetoric that undermines democratic discourse.
Claim: The president’s constitutional right to appoint judges and U.S. Attorneys is being overridden by the blue slip tradition, enforced mainly by Democrats, leading to only Democrats being confirmed in certain states.
Fact: The Constitution gives the president the power to nominate, but the Senate provides advice and consent. The blue slip tradition is a Senate practice, not law, and has been modified by both parties. Republicans were the first to relax blue slip requirements for circuit court appointments under Trump. Both parties have used blue slips to block nominees.
Opinion: The post inaccurately portrays the appointment process, ignores historical precedent, and deepens partisan divides through misleading and inflammatory rhetoric.
TruthScore: 3
True: Blue slips can impede judicial nominations, and their application has changed over time. The Senate plays a significant gatekeeping role.
Hyperbole: Claims that a constitutional right is “completely taken away,” that “only Democrats” can be confirmed, and the use of antagonistic language (“go to HELL,” “Crooked Joe Biden”).
Lies: The post’s assertion that only Democrats have eliminated blue slips and that the president’s unilateral right is being uniquely denied is false.