Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson gave an emotional address from the White House on Friday to commemorate her historic confirmation to the Supreme Court, in which she praised the "hope and promise" of a country where her family could move from segregation to a Supreme Court appointment in one generation.
"A Black woman has been chosen to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States after 232 years and 115 prior selections. However, we've arrived. It's done. We, collectively, "Standing beside Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, Jackson stated.
Continued Jackson, "And our children tell me that they believe that everything is possible in America now more than ever. They also say I'm a role model, which I regard as both an honor and a great duty.""I'm feeling up to the task," Jackson added, "mainly because I know I'm not alone." "I'm standing on the shoulders of my own heroes, generations of Americans who never had anything near to this type of chance but who went to work every day believing in America's promise. Showing people that good, excellent things can be done in this beautiful country through their tenacity and, yes, endurance."The late poet Maya Angelou was referenced by the judge, who remarked, "I do so now, as I deliver the treasures my forefathers bestowed. I'm the slave's dream and hope."
Jackson said her appointment to the nation's top court is something "all Americans can be proud of," and that the US has "gone a long way toward perfecting our union."Biden expressed his delight with Jackson's confirmation, saying, "So many young women, young Black women, and minorities will benefit from this. It's genuine."
"Nothing to do with me," he continued, "but we're going to look back on this as a watershed event in American history."
"It's a powerful thing when people see themselves in others," the President remarked, adding that this conviction was "one of the reasons I think so strongly that we needed a court that looks like America."Biden lauded Jackson for her "poise and composure" in the face of Republican criticism, saying she faced "verbal abuse" during her Senate confirmation hearings.
"The rage, the continual interruptions, the most heinous, unjustified accusations and statements. Judge Jackson demonstrated her extraordinary character and integrity in the face of it all. Poise. Poise and composure are two words that come to mind when I think of Poise and Comp Patience and temperance are two virtues that should be cultivated. Yes, persistence, as well as delight, are important "According to Biden,
Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Mitt Romney of Utah, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska were among the three Republicans who voted in favor of Jackon's confirmation with Democrats. In the Senate, the vote total was 53-47.
"They deserve immense credit for putting partisanship aside and making a thoughtful decision based on the judge's character, qualifications, and independence," Biden said, referring to the three senators.On Thursday, the vice president said she penned a note to her goddaughter while presiding over the Senate confirmation vote.
"I told her how proud and happy I was, and how important this moment is for our country and her future," Harris added. "And I'll tell you, her braids are a little longer than yours, but as I wrote to her, I told her what I thought this would imply for her life and all of her possibilities."
According to Harris: "The path to a more perfect partnership is not always easy or straight. However, there are times when it results in days like today. A day that reminds us of what is possible when we make progress. The voyage, on the other hand, will always be worthwhile."
The Senate approved Jackson on Thursday, paving the path for her to join the nation's highest court as the first Black woman to do so. Jackson's confirmation is a big bipartisan win for Democrats, coming at a time when the US is grappling with a variety of domestic and international crises, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and sky-high inflation.The Covid-19 epidemic was one of those challenges that loomed large over the celebration.
Following the positive Covid-19 test this week, Harris was a close contact. The vice president will not wear a mask at the outdoor event, according to a White House official, and will instead remain "disconnected" from the crowd.
According to current CDC guidelines, anyone who has had close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 should wear a mask around others for 10 days following the last interaction. If you're practicing social distancing, the guidelines don't indicate you can't wear a mask around other people.
The event comes just days after Attorney General Merrick Garland and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, both members of Biden's Cabinet, revealed that they had tested positive for Covid-19. After attending the annual Gridiron dinner, a number of high-profile Washington officials, including legislators and other White House and administration staffers, tested positive.The meal brings together some of the city's most well-known journalists, including CNN correspondents, as well as the government leaders they cover. Attendees' vaccination status was checked, although they were not needed to attend if they had a negative Covid-19 test.
A White House event in September 2020, at which President Donald Trump revealed his choice to nominate then-Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, was eventually labeled a coronavirus superspreader event by public health specialists. At least a dozen attendees at the Rose Garden event, including Trump, reported they contracted Covid-19 shortly after arriving. Covid-19 vaccines were not yet available and would not be approved for some months.The crowded ceremony at the time highlighted the Trump White House's mishandling of the Covid-19 situation, as many people went without masks and social distance went mostly unnoticed. In meetings with aides, Trump suggested that veiled and socially distant activities would show weakness in the face of the pandemic, contradicting his statements that the breakout was "just around the corner."
On Friday, White House communications director Kate Bedingfield told CNN's John Berman that the country is in a "far different place" in the pandemic than it was when Trump hosted Barrett's event at the White House.
"We've definitely witnessed a rise in the number of instances. The BA.2 variant is highly transmissible, as we well know. Many safeguards are being taken. On CNN's "New Day," Bedingfield said, "We take procedures to guarantee that the President is safe.""
Continuing, she said, "But I believe it's vital to mention that he could test positive for Covid at any time. And we're in a completely different situation now than we were, say, when Justice Barrett was honored. To put it another way, immunizations and therapies are available. The President has been vaccinated twice and hence is immune to Covid."The President spoke with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday, who has tested positive for Covid-19 since then. At a bill signing occasion, the two were photographed together. Biden was not considered a close ally of Pelosi, according to the White House. The White House also stated that President Obama tested negative as part of routine testing on Friday morning, and that Biden will be tested on a regular basis in the future.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has changed its advice on various aspects of the pandemic response several times in the last two years, now says that people do not need to wear masks when they are outside in general. In crowded outdoor settings or during activities that require persistent close contact with other individuals, the CDC recommends that those who are not completely vaccinated wear a mask.
After Justice Stephen Breyer retires later this summer, Jackson will be sworn in as a member of the Supreme Court. She will continue to serve on the United States Court of Appeals until then, according to a White House official.
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