How does "this toxic presidential election season" affect how fairly Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland would be treated by immediate senate confirmation hearings? [Details]?

Asked by ibstubro (18804) March 17th, 2016

‘To this day, I think well of Merrick Garland, and I think he’s a fine person,’ Hatch told National Public Radio.
‘I remain convinced that the best way for the Senate to do its job is to conduct the confirmation process after this toxic presidential election season is over,’ Hatch added.
It was possible the Senate could take up Garland’s nomination after the election, [Judiciary Committee member Orin] Hatch said.
‘Naturally, I would like to have him treated fairly, but a lot depends on who’s elected, a lot depends on who’s going to be president,’ Hatch added.