The confirmation process would be even more of a farce than usual, if that's possible.

As far as I know, all of the justices, including the baddies, are in reasonably good health. Ginsburg appears to have recovered or at least stabilized from her recent problems and I'm unaware that any others are dealing with health issues. Although Scalia appears to have blood pressure of about 300/275.

And none of them have said anything about retirement.

I've had this question since the last one was picked. The question is really more important than the first. If Obama got a pick, could it be approved?

That leaves catastrophic illness or a terrible accident.

I think that the chance of another opening is very unlikely.

If that did happen, however, with everyone moving into an election year, getttting a nominee approved would turn into the uggliest form of political war.

Someone like a Ginzberg or Sotomayor would not be acceptable, and it would be worse if the replacement was for a Conservative judge.

Unless Democrats capture the Senate, it will be no easier for the next President if the Democrats win the White House.

I suspect that if Republicans hold the Senate, a Democrat in the White House will be lucky to get a cabinet approved.