Mitch McConnell and Joe Biden clash over quick vote for next US Supreme Court justice

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters about the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, which has triggered debate about the selection of her replacement (Evan Vucci/AP)

The death of US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg little more than six weeks before the election cast an immediate spotlight on the high court vacancy, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell quickly vowing to bring a vote on whoever President Donald Trump nominates.

Democratic nominee Joe Biden vigorously disagreed, declaring “voters should pick the president and the president should pick the justice to consider”.