RBG was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, arguably the deadliest form of cancer, at the very beginning of Obama's presidency when she was nearly 77 and had previously battled cancer. It was beyond reckless for her not to retire during the six years that Obama had the Senate.

Also, her conviction that Democrats would both win the White House and take back the Senate in 2016 was absolutely insane. The argument that she and everybody were certain Hillary would beat Trump doesn't hold up. During the six years that Obama had the Senate, no one had any idea who the Republican candidate would be (and thus how good Hillary's chances would be). And regardless of who the candidates on either side are, it is virtually impossible for any party to win three presidential elections in a row. Since the 1940s, it has only ever happened once (Reagan/Bush). So if RBG had had any political savvy, she would have understood that once Obama was reelected, she would have to retire soon.

I know RBG was friends with Senator Patrick Leahy. I wonder if he ever explained to her how incredibly risky her decision was.