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Old White Cis-Male Biden demands progressive Supreme Court.
At the LBJ library in Austin, Biden, our twice-elected president, vows action while facing inevitable conservative resistance.
Published July 29, 2024 at 6:31pm by John C. Moritz
Biden Uses Civil Rights Anniversary to Call for SCOTUS Reform, Slam Trump
Austin, Texas – In a powerful speech at the LBJ Presidential Library, President Joe Biden used the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act to call for radical reform of the Supreme Court. Biden, interrupted by applause, demanded an end to lifetime appointments, proposing term limits and an ethical code for justices. He slammed the Court's recent decisions, rolling back voting rights and abortion rights, stating:
"This nation was founded on the principle there are no kings in America. No one is above the law."
Biden called on Congress to overturn the Court's ruling granting immunity to former presidents for "official acts," a clear shot at Trump. In a Washington Post op-ed, Biden proposed a constitutional amendment to strip presidential immunity and enforce a code of ethics on justices, noting:
"We are the only major constitutional democracy that gives lifetime seats to its high court."
Biden wants justices appointed every two years for 18-year terms. He seeks to penalize justices for breaching ethical standards, addressing recent controversies involving Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. Biden's proposals face an uphill battle with a GOP-controlled House and a slim Democratic Senate majority.
Progressive Milestone, Conservative Backlash
Biden's speech celebrated another civil rights milestone, coming a week after he endorsed Kamala Harris as his successor. Harris, the VP, has majority support for the Democratic nomination and would be the first Black and South Asian woman presidential nominee. Harris backs Biden's court reform plan, stating:
"These popular reforms will help restore confidence in the court, strengthen our democracy, and ensure no one is above the law."
Protesters, led by a Travis County Republican Party chair, criticized Biden. Esala Wueschner said:
"There are a lot of people here in Austin, even Democrats, who don't support Biden. I'm here to give them courage to stand up for their personal values."
However, attendees like history professor Jeremi Suri saw Biden's speech as a historical moment, lauding his infrastructure initiatives:
"Biden is one of the most consequential presidents of the last 30 years...His presidency is leaving a mark on this state and country that few other presidencies have."
Austin council member Alison Alter views SCOTUS reform as "the next frontier for civil rights." Biden's address paid tribute to LBJ's legacy, reflecting on America's history and future.
The event featured musical performances and an excerpt from LBJ's address, read by actor Bryan Cranston.
A Historic Parallel
Biden drew parallels between LBJ's era and today, urging federal lawmakers to act on SCOTUS reforms. Biden referenced Trump's three conservative justice appointments, undermining civil rights:
"Now, we live in a different era...In recent years, extreme opinions from the Supreme Court have undermined long-established civil rights principles."
Biden's proposals aim to address concerns raised by progressive lawmakers and continue the fight for racial equality. Mark Updegrove, LBJ Foundation CEO, introduced Biden, highlighting his dedication to fulfilling Americans' dreams. Biden's appearance, a decade after President Obama's landmark speech, emphasized the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
Read more: President Joe Biden calls for major Supreme Court overhaul in LBJ library speech in Austin