Final answer:
The confirmation process for court of appeals judges has indeed become lengthier and more unpredictable due to the increasing polarization of partisan politics, exemplified by contentious nomination events such as that of Brett Kavanaugh.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that the increasing polarization of partisan politics has made the confirmation process for court of appeals judges longer and less certain. One notable example is the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh, which highlighted how the partisan fight in the Senate can obstruct and delay confirmations. The political sandstorm of obstruction is not limited to the Supreme Court nominations but extends to appointments for other federal courts as well. As politics become more polarized, judges with differing political ideologies are more likely to have contrasting views on controversial issues, which often stalls the confirmation process when there is divided government.