On Wednesday, Judge Amy Coney Barrett proved herself again against criticisms after she stood against Democratic Sen. Chris Coons who argued that the judge would also follow the same decisions that her mentor, former Justice Antonin Scalia made on contraception.

In her previous comments, Barret expressed her respect for her mentor and stated that both she and the judge share the same philosophy of “textualism” and “originalism.” Unfortunately, Democrats took it the wrong way.

During her confirmation hearing, Coons brought up the decision that Scalia made in a 1965 case of Griswold v. Connecticut. At that time, Justice Scalia believed that the decision was wrong since it referred to a “penumbra of rights.” In her response, Barrett said that she could not yet give her opinion on certain matters since it might possibly have a huge effect on pending cases.

However, Coons insisted. To drive in his point, the Democrat even presented a board. In the said presentation, Scalia showed the decisions made in 120 cases, with a 5-4 vote, with concurring opinions from the late Justice Ruth Badger Ginsburg, while the one dissenting vote came from Justice Scalia. Some of these decisions include issues of gay marriages, contraception, abortion, and the Voting Rights Act.

While the judge refused to address Coons’ question, she stood firm by saying that she had her own judicial independence from her mentor. Barrett insisted that it would be unfair that Democrats would readily assume that she would follow Scalia’s decisions. “I hope that you aren’t suggesting that I don’t have my own mind,” the Judge fought back. She continued, “or that I couldn’t think independently or that I would just decide like.” She repeated by saying that she can assure the judges that she can have her own decisions.

However, Coons was having none of it. Despite her response, the Democrat kept on implying that Barrett’s conservative views impose a real threat on human rights. He claimed that his primary concern is that Barrett would begin a new phase of “conservative judicial activism”, something that they have not seen in decades. He continued, . “… And so with all due respect, I will be voting against your confirmation.”

On Tuesday, Barrett earned praises after she showed an empty notepad when she was asked for her reference during the intense grilling session. During the same hearing, Barrett started to separate herself from the President, when asked about his tweets.

Due to Barrett’s ability to respond eloquently during the intense and lengthy grilling session, the Judge was able to gain the favor of the majority of American voters. In fact, a survey from Politico, which was conducted from October 9-11, showed that she had gained a two percent approval rating. According to the data, 46 percent of Americans approve of Barrett before the hearing began. Currently, the approval rating went up to 48 percent. However, the opposition for the judge continues to stand at 31 percent.

Even Senator Lindsey Graham expressed his admiration for the young judge. He touted Barrett as an incredible human being, and shared his excitement on the decisions and changes that Barrett could give for the country. “Amy Barrett, the best is yet to come,” the Senator said.