Sen. Claire McCaskill had a made-right opportunity to talk the talk and walk the walk this past week. But she tripped on her own high-mindedness and fell into the rut that she spent most of the week deploring: the polarization in Washington.
McCaskill could have shown leadership, independence from party and appreciation for the legal skills and accomplishments of Judge Neil Gorsuch.
She had absolutely nothing to lose (other than her Democratic colleagues’ favor) and so much to gain by voting to confirm Mr. Gorsuch. As a lawyer and former prosecutor, she knew him to be imminently qualified for the position and the right choice no matter who nominated him.
With all the talk about compromise and both sides of the aisle working together, could there have been an easier issue and better place for her to start that movement with a reasoned vote?
It was an opportunity lost, senator. Let’s hope you seize the next one and vote with your instincts for your constituents and not your party’s angst.
Richard F. Thomas Jr.
Kansas City
