The Republicans Finally Face Merrick Garland-and Act as if They Were the Ones Unfairly Treated

Ted Cruz’s arrogance is hard to match, but he was not the only Republican whose questioning was, to put it generously, lacking in perspective. Obama nominated Garland, in part, because he was a widely respected moderate with an unquestioned reputation for thoughtfulness, judicial knowledge, and a measured temperament.He also has a distinguished record as a prosecutor and as the supervisor of the successful case against the Oklahoma City bomber; His obvious engagement in the question of fisa reform was a reminder that many Republicans are relative latecomers to the civil-liberties issues involved. It was also a reminder that Trump is not the measure of all things—even if, for Republicans, he remains one!