CONFIRMATION BIAS

**Confirmation Bias: How the Fight Over Scalia's Seat Changed America - A Deep Dive into Political Dysfunction** From Carl Hulse, the esteemed chief Washington correspondent for *The New York Times*, comes a gripping and meticulously researched account of the political earthquake triggered by the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. *Confirmation Bias* isn't just a retelling of events; it's a critical examination of the unprecedented power plays, strategic maneuvering, and deeply entrenched partisanship that reshaped the American political landscape. This updated reprint edition includes a new preface, offering further insights into the lasting consequences of this pivotal moment. Scalia's sudden passing in February 2016 ignited a firestorm of political wrangling. A staunch conservative icon, Scalia's vacancy presented an opportunity for then-President Barack Obama to shift the ideological balance of the Supreme Court. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, determined to prevent a liberal appointment, made the bold and controversial decision to block any Obama nominee, effectively leaving the seat open for the next president. Hulse masterfully chronicles the high-stakes battle that ensued, providing an inside look at McConnell's strategic gambit and the Democratic Party's ultimately unsuccessful efforts to overcome the Republican blockade on behalf of Merrick Garland, Obama's highly qualified nominee. The book reveals the intense pressure, backroom deals, and calculated risks that defined this period, exposing the raw political muscle wielded by both sides. *Confirmation Bias* goes beyond a simple recounting of events to explore the profound implications of this Supreme Court showdown. Hulse argues persuasively that the fight over Scalia's seat was a watershed moment, accelerating the trend of political polarization and irrevocably altering the dynamics of the Senate, the presidency, and the Supreme Court itself. The book demonstrates how Donald Trump capitalized on the vacancy to galvanize his base, particularly evangelical voters who saw the appointment of a conservative justice as a key priority. Trump's subsequent nomination of Neil Gorsuch, followed by Brett Kavanaugh, cemented a conservative majority on the court, fulfilling a key campaign promise and reshaping the judiciary for decades to come. Hulse delves into the controversies surrounding Kavanaugh's confirmation, highlighting the deep divisions within the Senate and the erosion of public trust in the judicial process. Drawing on unparalleled access to key figures from both sides of the political spectrum, Hulse connects the judicial battles of the past two decades to the present-day crisis of political polarization. He argues that the hyper-partisanship surrounding judicial appointments has transformed the Supreme Court from an institution designed to transcend political divisions into a highly politicized body, further exacerbating societal divisions. More than just a historical account, *Confirmation Bias* is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked partisanship and the erosion of institutional norms. Hulse's incisive analysis reveals how the fight over Scalia's seat fundamentally altered the balance of power in Washington, D.C., leaving a lasting legacy of political dysfunction and reshaping the trajectory of American democracy. Readers interested in American history, political science, and the inner workings of the U.S. government will find this book to be an essential and illuminating read. This reprint edition from HarperPb is available in paperback and contains 336 pages of in-depth analysis.