i will end by saying great american friends reminded us europeans in brussels that europeans should believe in themselves as much as the world believes in them. i think this is the time for us europeans to realize the potential we have, to realize the responsibility we hold in this particular historic moment and to be that strong point of reference that the world needs in this moment. and in particular, in our region. i was thinking of the paradox where you have the prime minister from libya tomorrow here. that was natural and they would be here in brussels discussing ways out of the libyan here with us. when you build a wall, you might

have the feeling you are more secure but you are acthael building walls all around you, preventing yourself from many opportunities. as europeans, we are not like that and continue to deter to the jush n way that puts this before confrontation. i think we have been to even more proud of that. >> thank you to everyone who has taken part in the debate. >> president trump's supreme court nominee neal gorsuch made the rounds on capitol hill today visiting with south carolina senator lindsay graham. brena williams shared the moment on twitter. the senator spoke to reporters after their meeting.

>> the list of 21 was vetted before the election. it is very unusual, i think, for the person running giving you a live of who they would pick for the supreme court and you can look at it and think about it. 1-5 people said the supreme court mattered when it came to the election. i am vote for him. the vice president came into my office and gave me the list of 21 and said we would like to have you look at the list. i picked three people and he was one of the three. i will not not vote for someone i recommended. no doubt he is qualified. i voted for the candidates in obama and thought they were well qualified.

they were not someone i would chose but it was a great pick by a democratic president. and i think this man is a great pick for a republican president. the thing i like most is he seems to be devoted. >> we will go down that road, scalia being replaced by a solid conservative background. i think there are enough democrats in the body to build under pressure and realize that is not the route we could take. i would say he is not qualified

and it is just a disservice and you are minded -- blinded by this. [inaudible investigation] >> long standing relationship. if politics -- the president off key. the relationship is strong. in a tense world, we need to be firm even with allies and don't present ourselves with a nation that doesn't participate. you may have a legitimate difference about the deal and

settle 150 refuges but you can't deny australia has been america's best friend in that part of the world that literally fought and died together in iraq and afghanistan. i have been involved with australian leaders and the eu is separat separated. >> putting them on notice -- what to you think that means? >> i don't know what that means other than it sounds strong. here is what i would do. i would try to rally the world to punish iran through sanctions. i don't want -- they are testing president trump. the russians are testing president trump. there is offensive actions.

i really believe that the iranians are testing president trump and what i would do is not put them on notice. i would impose the sanction. >> there are reports out now that the white house is considering as early as tomorrow. is that something they talked to you about? >> i don't know about that. i would support the idea of sanctions. i like the idea that there is no pushback. >> the judge met with texas senator ted cruz in his capitol hill os. senator cruise filled in

reporters after the meeting -- cruz. >> president trump said he would be fine with mcconnell went nuclear. do you think that is the right course? >> what i think is clear is the democrats are not -- it is interesting the democrats seem to be wrestling among themselves to see if they will filibuster this nominee. this is a nominee who is supremely qualified. this is a nominee who the decade ago confirmed to the court of appeals. >> what did you learn about him? >> he is a very impressive judge, a judge who takes seriously his obligation to interpret the law and follow the constitution. one of the things i was most encouraged with is he underscored the job of a judge under article three and contracted that with the men and women who served in this building. article one, those who pass

legislation. the lawmakers. we need judges who understand the distinction and don't think when you put on a robe you get to enact whatever you laws you favor. that is the judicial humility that used to be the foundation of the supreme court. i think judge gorsuch understands the limited role to applying the law and not decreeing whatever policy that particular judge might face. >> what would you say about this judge and why they should consider him to your democrat colleagues? >> on any measure his qualifications are impeccable. he is a graduate of harvard law cool and clerked were justice byron white who was john f kennedy's only appointment to the supreme court.

neal gorsuch clerked for white and when i asked him about justice he admired white was one of he mentioned. in particular for his independence and byron white was known for being independence and not subject to the whims of being buffered by public opinion. i recognize democratic colleagues on the left are really angry about the election. that may push them to block the nomination and every other thing the administration does. but i would ask any of the democrats who ten years ago were happy to confirm judge gorsuch to the court of appeals what changed? the only thing that changes is now in addition to his career he has a decade as a court of appeals judge where he

demonstrated a consistent fidelity to law, a willingness to apply the law, to apply the constitution vigorously uphold the bill of rights and our fundamental liberties. that is what any of us should want in a judge. my hope is that my democratic collyi collyialdemocraticege colleagues will put aside the partisan of their base and confirm a good man, a good judge and worthy successor to justice scalia. >> if he is confirmed, judge neal gorsuch would become the first supreme court justice to have clerked for a sitting justice and would make the total number of harvard law grads five. the senate will return tomorrow at 6:30 a.m. eastern to vote on a measure to advance president trump's secretary nominee betsy