Canthook

Who would you not have nominated to the Supreme Court, Rick Warren asked the candidates for the presidency.

Senator Obama said Clarence Thomas, the only black on the court. He wasn't in the Senate for any confirmation hearings. He listed other justices that he disagreed with, but said that they are good jurists, none the less.

Senator McCain listed the four most liberal jurists on the court. Interestingly, when they were up for confirmation, Senator McCain didn't vote against any of those four he named.

Doesn't that undercut his argument that Obama isn't experienced enough, and support Obama's argument that judgment is more important than experience?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was confirmed by a vote of 96-3. Opposing her were Don Nickles of Oklahoma, Robert Smith of New Hampshire, and Jesse Helms of North Carolina, all Republicans.

Stephen Breyer won confirmation by a vote of 97-9. The same three opposed him, as well as Dick Lugar and Dan Coats of Indiana, Conrad Burns of Montana, Paul Coverdell of Georgia, Trent Lott of Mississippi, and Frank Murkowski of Alaska, all Republicans.

David Souter won confirmation by a vote of 90-9. The ones voting against were all Democrats - Ted Kennedy and John Kerry of Massachusetts, Alan Cranston of California, Brock Adams of Washington, Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, Bill Bradley and Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, Quentin Burdick of North Dakota, and Barbara A. Mikulski of Maryland.

John Paul Stevens won by a vote of 98-0. Nobody voted against him.

It's a lifetime appointment. You need to get it right the first time.

Other Bloggers On Related Topics:
Barack Obama - David Souter - Faith Forum - John McCain - John Paul Stevens - Ruth Bader Ginsburg - Steven Breyer