CNN "Erin Burnett Outfront" - Transcript: Interview with Senator Richard Blumenthal

Interview

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BURNETT: All right, Jessica, thank you very much.

Yeah, if he has a plan, he hasn't showed it to anyone.

OUTFRONT now, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

So, Senator, I appreciate your time.

I know you said today that you made up your mind to oppose Amy Coney Barrett's nomination.

Did you hear anything today which suggests that she is not qualified for a seat on the highest court in the land?

SEN. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL (D-CT): There was no reassurance today, Erin, none, that she will do anything but strike down the Affordable Care Act and end protections for people who suffer from pre-existing conditions.

She has been vetted by Trump screeners. She passed the Trump litmus test, that she would not only strike down the Affordable Care Act but also overturn Roe v. Wade.

And she's written that if she'd been on the court she would have struck down the Affordable Care Act in the cases before the Supreme Court. She did nothing today to rebut that conclusion. And we brought into that room real people who would suffer as a result.

BURNETT: So, the Harvard law professor Noah Feldman who, as you know, testified in favor of President Trump's impeachment last year wrote in an op-ed that Barrett -- who by the way he's known for more than 20 years -- is more than qualified to sit on the Supreme Court.

His argument, Senator, quote, it is better for the republic to have a principled, brilliant lawyer on the bench than a weaker candidate. That's Barrett.

He, by the way, went on to say just like you he doesn't agree with a lot of the things that she might do. But he calls her brilliant and qualified, more than qualified. What do you say to that?

BLUMENTHAL: Qualifications are important. Credentials on paper. What really matters is judgment.

And by her legal positions, she has really shown herself to be extreme or radical, which is the word she used to describe her position on eliminating gun violence prevention provisions in state laws. And we need a justice who has judgment and a sensitivity to the people who would be caused harm by striking down those protections for people who suffer from pre-existing conditions. One of them now is COVID.

BURNETT: So, speaking of COVID, the Republican Senator Mike Lee did attend today's hearing in person. He had tested positive for coronavirus 11 days ago. He was cleared by his doctor to attend. He did, though, choose at times not to wear a mask in the committee room, right? Which was more a statement than anything else.

You were in the room. Do you think it was appropriate how he handled it?

BLUMENTHAL: I was concerned for the health of our colleagues as well as myself by his presence, particularly when he took off his mask. We've called on all our Republican colleagues to be tested. I've been tested twice over the past few days, both negative.

But even more important than our health is a national testing strategy for the whole nation. More PPE. More money for vaccines. Instead of rushing this nomination, without giving the American people a say about the next justice through the next president and the next Senate, we should be actually addressing a health care crisis.

[19:40:01]

President Trump is trying to jam through the Senate a nominee who is antithetical to health care during a health care crisis.

BURNETT: So, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, we understand, warned lobbyists on a call that, quote, Democrats are on fire, just talking about fund-raising and performance in polls. It comes as Lindsey Graham's opponent pulled in $57 million.

And you know -- so I guess how do you see this? Do you think Democrats are in a really great position when you look at taking over the Senate, or do you say, hey, Beto O'Rourke raised a heck of a lot of money too and it didn't work out so well for him in his bid?

BLUMENTHAL: I'm really hopeful that the spirit and energy and outrage that those numbers show will be reflected in calls to Republican colleagues who should merit the outrage of people who see them supporting a nominee who would decimate American health care during a pandemic. I hope that the American people will respond by standing up and speaking out.

It's a break the glass moment. And I think those numbers about fund- raising reflect a growing movement that in the end will mean my Republican colleagues will be held accountable.

BURNETT: All right. I appreciate your time. Thank you, Senator Blumenthal.

BLUMENTHAL: Thank you.

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