Ex-Democrat Rep. Gabbard says Biden wrong to limit SCOTUS pick to black woman, takes dig at Harris

Gabbard, like most Americans, believes the president should consider "all possible" qualified nominees.
Tulsi Gabbard
By Sophie Mann

Former Democratic presidential candidate and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says "identity politics is destroying our country," in response to President Biden committing to appoint a black woman to the Supreme Court.

"Biden chose [Kamala] Harris as his VP because of the color of her skin and sex — not qualification," Gabbard, an outspoken critic of her political party, tweeted Monday. "She's been a disaster. Now he promises to choose Supreme nominee on the same criteria."

In keeping with a 2020 campaign promise, Biden following the announcement of Justice Stephen Breyer's retirement last week, said he would appoint a black woman to the court.

"I made that commitment during the campaign for president, and I will keep that commitment," said Biden, who will nominate a replacement, who must then pass a Senate confirmation process to be appointed to the high court.  

A recent poll shows 76% of Americans agree at least in part with Gabbard and think Biden should "consider all possible nominees" regardless of skin color and gender. 

When asked Monday about the results of the ABC/Ipsos poll, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters the president had made "a promise to the country."

She also argued that in 2020, following the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, then-President Trump promised he would nominate a female justice to replace her.

The president says he will have announced his pick by the close of February and plans, in the meanwhile, to meet with top Judiciary Committee senators to discuss the process.