Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the number two Senate Democrat and chairman of the Judiciary Committee, expressed his views on the Supreme Court's decision to hear arguments in April regarding Donald Trump's claim of immunity from prosecution as a former president.
Senator Durbin acknowledged the significance of the court's involvement but raised concerns about the potential delay in resolving the cases, which could extend beyond the upcoming election. He noted that previous instances have seen the Supreme Court act swiftly when the presidential timetable was at risk, emphasizing his disappointment with the current situation.
Regarding the reported frustration expressed by President Biden over the pace of the trial, Senator Durbin refrained from second-guessing the Department of Justice's approach. He highlighted the importance of thorough case preparation and the need for all necessary evidence in such a high-stakes matter.
When questioned about the possibility of expediting the court's decision to allow for an earlier trial start, Senator Durbin referenced the Supreme Court's prompt handling of the Bush v. Gore case, where they recognized the urgency due to its impact on a presidential election.
Senator Durbin emphasized the critical nature of resolving the issue before the election and expressed a desire for swifter action from the Supreme Court. He underscored the importance of ensuring a timely resolution given the significance of the upcoming presidential election.