Trump praises Ruth Bader Ginsburg as ‘amazing woman’ while Biden says late SCOTUS Justice will have ‘enduring legacy’
PRESIDENT Donald Trump has praised Ruth Bader Ginsburg as “an amazing woman” as Joe Biden said the late Supreme Court Justice will have an “enduring legacy.”
Speaking on Friday night on the tarmac of Bemidji Regional Airport in Minnesota, Trump praised Ginsburg as an “amazing woman.”
Legendary Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg succumbed to metastatic pancreatic cancer on Friday evening.
She passed away at the age of 87.
Trump’s comments came after he made a speech to supporters during a “Great American Comeback” rally.
Following the news of her death, Trump said: “She led an amazing life, what else can you say? She was an amazing woman.
“Whether you agreed or not, she was an amazing woman who led an amazing life.
“I am sad to hear that.”
The president appeared shocked as he told reporters he was hearing the news for the first time.
Trump later tweeted his official statement on the passing of Ginsburg.
It read: “Today, our Nation mourns the loss of a titan of the law. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg served more than 27 years as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
“Renowned for her brilliant mind and her powerful dissents at the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg demonstrated that one can disagree without being disagreeable toward one’s colleagues or different points of view.
“Her opinions, including well-known decisions regarding the legal equality of women and the disabled, have inspired all Americans, and generations of great legal minds.”
Despite Trump’s comments, he is reportedly set to nominate Ginsburg’s replacement within days of her death – which has angered democrats.
Trump has a short list of potential nominees that includes at least one woman and U.S. Circuit Judge Amy Coney Barrett is a top contender, two sources told ABC News.
Biden spoke at New Castle Airport in Delaware and stressed the importance of how Ginsburg’s vacancy shouldn’t be replaced until the presidential election is over.
“There is no doubt, and let me be clear, that the voters should pick the president, and the president should pick the justice for the Senate to consider,” Biden said.
The Democratic presidential candidate said Ginsburg will have an “enduring legacy.”
He added: “She persisted overcoming a lot of obstacles for a woman practicing law in those days.
“She moved herself into a position where she could end up changing the law of the land.”
Biden added: “It’s hard to believe that it was my honor to preside over her confirmation hearing.
“She never failed, she was fierce and unflinching in her pursuit of civil and legal right and civil rights of everyone.
“Tonight and in the coming days we should focus on the loss of the justice and her enduring legacy.
Ginsburg was appointed by President Bill Clinton and joined the court in 1993.
Senator Tom Carper also paid tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice.
He said: “On a night that should be reserved for lauding this incredible jurist’s achievements, I am loathe to even mention the political implications of Justice Ginsburg’s passing.
“However, I believe that I should make clear my views on the nominating process. We are in the midst of a presidential election; early voting is already underway in some states and millions of Americans are requesting ballots.
“The American people deserve to choose the president who will fill this vacancy.”
According to a statement released by the court, Ginsburg died in her Washington, DC, home.
She was surrounded by family at the time of her death.
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In her final days, Ginsburg told her granddaughter Clara Spera of her “most fervent wish.”
She wished that she wouldn’t be replaced until a new president takes office, NPR reported.