The precedent set was that the Senate can overrule the president. That precedent will be followed.

I don't think anyone misunderstands the situation - McConnell is going to do whatever is most expedient to get a Supreme Court composition that he likes. Any specific justification is mostly cosmetic - Senate has the power, and the controller of the Senate uses the power.

That was not the precedent. The precedent was to “allow the country to decide.” Drop the pretext. His side won. Screw the other side. Just have some integrity and own it.

Actually, I think this is now normal in the U.S. and should be expected going forward. From both duopoly parties.

Power grabbing is the game.

Of course. If it’s clear that the other party is not playing by the rules, there’s very little reason to keep to them yourself.