[I suppose if you are saying that he was picked due to his Constitutional views, that would be true.]
Where did I even infer that in saying, "He was approved not on his judicial acumen?"
[In the political arena, Congressional control determined popular mandate. I got that from Dr. Gerald McBeath at UAF super long ago.]
I find that highly doubtful.  Let's look at the term, since it seems you are name dropping rather than providing a valid citation, it is "popular" and "mandate."  Popular doesn't apply to Congress and, as far as I am aware, never has.  So are you merely referring to a "mandate?"  Simple majority, and it is just barely larger than a simple majority so much so that McConnell played the nuclear option, has never been an indicator of popular or a mandate.
[then please to explain by your term "derelict"]
Do you really need me to explain to you the difference between "authority" and "duty" and how dereliction of duty has nothing to do with legitimacy/authority?  Really?!?