At the beginning of Roosevelt's 2nd term in 1937, he advocated expanding the Supreme Court from 9 to 15 Justices, with the 6 new additions being "Liberal Young Justices", to help overturn the "Horse & Buggy " decisions of the sitting court. He was defeated, and this was the first blow to all his previously successful "New Deal" measures. Now the Democrats are fearful of confirming Kavanaugh, believing this will be Trump's version of "Court Packing"! Hal
Not really packing, as no new positions were created. The Progressives have always used the courts to get things done that would not be passed legislatively. They use the judges as de facto legislators, although that is prohibited by the Constitution, the judges are the ones who decide the matter. Sometimes it seems as many judges have not read the U.S. Constitution. If Kavanaugh is seated, he may not permit that to happen in the cases he reviews. Progressives are afraid of losing their ability to bypass Congress and the voters, as well as the Constitution. They are using the "Roe v. Wade" campaign as a scare tactic, but that would have to be brought before the court, be put on the agenda, and argued. If the Roe decision were overturned, abortion would return to state oversight, not banned or prohibited as is alleged in the anti-Kavanaugh campaign. I don't know whether the people behind the campaign really believe what they are spouting or if they are just appealing to the ignorance of their base. The Conservatives I have heard speak talk about going after "Chevron Deference" not abortion.
Democrats always act like Republicans are supposed to appoint liberal judges just to be fair, and some Republicans have. Republicans never expect (or receive) it from Democrats, however.
Yeah...in fact, Democrats should be banned from attending the Senate Confirmation Hearings for Judge Kavanaugh. H.P.