It's the NPR Politics podcast.

So we didn't expect to do another episode today before our weekly roundup, but this morning

President Obama had other ideas.

Today I am nominating Chief Judge, Merrick Brian Garland, to join the Supreme Court.

That's President Barack Obama in the Rose Garden at the White House today, announcing

Merrick Garland is his nominee to replace Antonin Scalia, who died last month.

We're going to talk a bit now about how this might play out in an election year when

Republicans of the Senate have out not to confirm anyone the President nominates.

I'm Scott Detro, Campaign reporter here at NPR.

I'm Susan Davis, I cover Congress.

And I'm Kerry Johnson, I'm the Justice Correspondent.

Slow week, huh?

So let's start by taking a listen to President Obama.

This was earlier today in the Rose Garden when he made the big announcement.

I simply ask Republicans in the Senate to give him a fair hearing.

And then an upper downbow.

If you don't, then it will not only be an abdication of the Senate's constitutional duty, it will

indicate a process for nominating and confirming judges that is beyond repair.

It will mean everything is subject to the most partisan politics.

Everything.

It will provoke an endless cycle of more tit for tit and make it increasingly possible

for any President, Democrat or Republican to carry out their constitutional function.

...