Trump’s advantage: Fast but not furious

A speedy appointment and confirmation of a justice broadly popular among center-right voters like his previous picks would do double duty. 

First, it would be another plum to reward and entice traditional Republicans to stick with Trump despite their concerns about him as a leader. With the next presidential term bringing perhaps two or more openings on the court, delivering a on a key campaign promise now would be a boon to his saggy standing for re-election. 

Second, it denies Democrats the same advantage that Senate Republicans afforded Trump four years ago by holding open the seat left vacant by the death of conservative icon Antonin Scalia.