Biden should have been ready to make his Supreme Court pick

From the time he made his promise, Biden knew or should have known shortly thereafter the universe in which he was working. He knew or should have known all he needed to know about the Black women serving on U.S. appeals courts and sitting as federal judges in district courts. He should have learned during his first year in office who are the Black women not serving on the federal bench with the strongest credentials, records, qualifications and dedication to the rule of law for service on the Supreme Court.

Biden should have been ready to announce his choice. As matters now stand, the names of exceptionally qualified Black women are being floated as trial balloons and subjected to behind-the-scenes sniping and outright attack. Litmus tests are being applied to shortlisted candidates without them having an opportunity to speak for themselves. What’s next for the candidates? Bidding wars? Public opinion polls? Senate whip counts?

None of this augurs well for the eventual nominee.