Correct - but it's a major event either way as it's a chance to lock in that seat for another decade or two.
There are rumblings another Justice will retire as well. I don't think RBG will now, but she can't hold on all 8 years of 45. That'll be 3 seats picked by POTUS.
Very well could be, anon.
Just a thought, and not saying this will happen, but it would be interesting if there ARE two vacancies and 45 appoints Garland to fill one as a means of trying to heal the divide and take away a huge talking point. Garland, freed from control, could be a moderate voice that sides with the rule of law over activism (but maybe that's naive on my part).
You are probably right, anon.
I was just musing and tapping into my Sun Tzu and leaving the enemy an avenue of retreat, so they know they can choose something other than their own destruction.