New Poll Shows Judge Amy Coney Barrett Gaining Public Approval

As Judge Amy Coney Barrett faces the Senate Judiciary Committee today, new polling shows that nearly half of voters said she should be confirmed, according to Morning Consult/Politico.

In the poll, performed twice to track the trend, 46% of voters support Barrett becoming a Supreme Court Justice. During the first poll on Sept. 26, 37% of voters from all political parties said she should be confirmed. The second polling showed that number increased to 46%. Both polls involved about 2,000 registered voters.

In a breakdown by political party, the numbers supporting Barrett’s confirmation are:

— Democrats, from 14% Sept. 26 to 24% Oct. 2-4

— Republicans, from 71% Sept. 26 to 77% Oct. 2-4

— Independents, from 28% Sept. 26 to 36% Oct. 2-4

The number of Democrats who said they do not want Barrett confirmed on Sept. 26 was 34%, a number which fell to 31% during the second poll. The remaining voters indicated they don’t know or they have no opinion.

Barrett currently presides over the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. She was on President Donald J. Trumps’ shortlist for the Supreme Court in 2018 when he chose to nominate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. She was officially nominated by President Trump Sept. 28.

As the World Watches

Today, the confirmation hearing for Barrett begins. It’s expected to be a day of introductions and opening statements from Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsay Graham, R-S.C., and ranking member Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. The remaining senators will then give 10-minute opening remarks followed by five-minute introductions. Barrett, too, will offer opening remarks.

Out of the 53 Republican senators, only two—Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska—have said they want the Senate to wait until after the presidential election to move on a Supreme Court nominee. That means Republicans, barring any unexpected defections, almost certainly have the votes to move Barrett’s nomination forward.

This week’s hearings begin at 9 a.m. today and may be viewed live through Thursday, Oct. 15. {eoa}