Ex-attorneys general, including Bill Barr, urge ABC moderators to focus on Supreme Court-related questions during the upcoming debate.

A group of former U.S. attorneys general wrote to ABC News executives requesting that certain questions about the U.S. Supreme Court be posed during the upcoming presidential debate.

On September 10, Vice President Harris and former President Trump will face off in a debate on ABC. A group of ex-Attorneys Generals, including William Barr, Edwin Meese, Michael Mukasey and Jeff Sessions, along with First Liberty Institute president Kelly Shackelford, have signed a letter to debate moderators Linsey Davis, David Muir and ABC executives, which has been obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital.

The Supreme Court of the United States is a vital institution that significantly influences the lives of all Americans. The opinions of the justices have a profound and enduring impact on the nation. The recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, such as the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, have sparked a national debate about the structure and role of the Supreme Court. However, the presidential candidates have not had much chance to express their views on this critical issue.

"During the ABC 2024 Presidential Debate, it would be beneficial for Americans to hear how former President Trump and Vice President Harris plan to influence the Court. As such, we kindly request that you inquire about this topic."

Trump and Harris were asked a pair of questions by the former Attorneys General.

The U.S. Supreme Court has been the subject of a national debate regarding its structure, role, and jurisdiction. Various measures have been proposed to reform the Court, including President Biden's plan to impose term limits and an ethics code of conduct on justices. Additionally, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has proposed a bill to remove the Court's jurisdiction over certain cases. However, most of these proposals would necessitate a constitutional amendment to be enacted. Only one proposal, expanding the size of the Court by adding more justices, would require a simple majority vote in Congress. It was suggested that Trump and Harris be asked for their opinions on expanding the Supreme Court.

"The appointment of a justice to the United States Supreme Court is a significant executive action that has a lasting impact on the lives of all Americans. Unlike most presidential appointments, U.S. Supreme Court appointments are for life, making them one of the most consequential decisions a president can make. The appointments made in the past have had a significant impact on the ideological balance of the Court, and the president's future appointments will continue to shape the legal landscape in the United States."

The five attorneys, Barr, Meese, Mukasey, Sessions, and Shackelford, suggested that the ABC moderators inquire about the criteria that would be used to select a Supreme Court nominee in the event of a vacancy during their presidency.

"We appreciate your attention to our proposed questions and answers, which we believe will provide insight into a matter of great importance to many Americans," the letter concluded.

ABC News did not immediately respond to a request for comment.