January 3, 2008
Posted: 11:52 AM ET
Would President Hillary name Bill to the Supreme Court?

Would President Hillary name Bill to the Supreme Court?

WASHINGTON (CNN) — It is a title that would be sure to bring either fear or cheer to many Americans, depending on your political leanings: Supreme Court Justice Bill Clinton.

That provocative possibility has long been whispered in legal and political circles ever since Sen. Hillary Clinton became a viable candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. Now a respected conservative law professor has openly predicted a future President Clinton would name her husband to the high court if a vacancy occurred.

Pepperdine Law School's Douglas Kmiec said, "The former president would be intrigued by court service and many would cheer him on."

Kmiec worked in the Reagan and Bush 41 White Houses as a top lawyer, but said he has no personal or political "disdain" for Bill Clinton.

CNN talked with several political and legal analysts of both ideological stripes, and while several laughed at the possibility, none would rule it out completely. And all those who spoke did so on background only.

There is precedent for such a nomination: William Howard Taft, who called his time as chief justice, from 1921 to 1930, the most rewarding of his career. He was president from 1909 to 1913.

As one Democratic political analyst said, "You may recall recent trial balloons that Mr. Clinton was perhaps interested in becoming U.N. secretary-general. If he is grasping for a similarly large stage to fill his ambitions and ego, what better place than the nation's highest court, where could serve for life if he wanted?"

But a conservative lawyer who argues regularly before the high court noted Chief Justice John Roberts is fully entrenched in his position, and that might be the only high court spot Clinton would want. He also might not enjoy the relative self-imposed anonymity the justices rely on to do their jobs free of political and public pressures.

"Court arguments are not televised, and most justices shy away from publicity as a matter of respect for the court's integrity," said this lawyer. "Could Justice Clinton follow their example?"

Politics, however, may trump family ties. Perhaps three justices or more could retire in the next four to eight years, among them some of the more liberal members of the bench. The new president might face competing pressures to name a woman, a minority — especially a Hispanic or an Asian-American — and a younger judge or lawyer to fill any vacancies, three qualifications a white male in his 60s like Clinton would not have.

"This particular idea has zero chance of coming true," said Thomas Goldstein, a top appellate attorney who writes on his popular Web site, scotusblog.com.

The more immediate effect of such talk might be more practical: it could help motivate conservative voters in an election year to ensure no Clinton ever reaches the White House or the Supreme Court anytime soon.

– CNN's Bill Mears

Filed under: Bill Clinton


PolitiPornster   February 12th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Hey, Y. Parker, did you ever stop to think that perhaps God's fury was unleashed as a result of electing Bush president? Sounds more plausable.

From my reading of the Old Testament, back when God interacted with folks and didn't think so much about smiting folks, he pretty much smited the folks right then and there. So why didn't he smite Clinton in the 90's?

Y. Parker   February 7th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

No wonder God's fury (one catastrophy after another; vicious and devestating storms and floods and forest fires) has been lashed out upon us since the Clinton years! Legalized murder of our nations most innocent unborn, and the pushing for a constitutional amendment to legalize "Homosexual" marriages, both an abomination to God, and both on the Democrat Party's Agenda! I shudder to think what will happen under another four or eight years of the Clintons. As the scriptures say, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Jehovah)."

Ralph Davidson   February 5th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

It is just more garbage from the right

Robert   January 9th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

It is just a political intrigue perpetuated by desperate conservatives to stop Madam
Hillary from becoming the first female president of this great nation.

Elizabeth   January 8th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Why, oh, why…..won't the media tell it like it is this morning…….
Bill Clinton is lashing out for Hillary because if she loses, the chance for a dual presidency will be gone. He wants to again sit in prominence and authority in the White House. Who ever thought it would just be President Hillary Clinton.

Ryan, San Mateo   January 8th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

CNN-Why are you letting all these negative comments about the Clintons be displayed? You are sounding like FOX

Nazir Jamal   January 8th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Hillary,
Please hide Bill somewhere that he could not be heard or seen, it is very embarassing!

madeline and jim   January 5th, 2008 9:42 pm ET

We have had enough of the Clintons. Let's hope we don't have another President Clinton elected in 2008.

Jess   January 5th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Any "respected conservative law professor" knows that there are few things that would terrify Republicans more than Bill Clinton's re-entrance into any public position of power. It sounds like Professor Kmiec is trying to play politics with scare tactics.

LMCurly   January 5th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

People, the disbarment was only for five years. Clinton paid the fine and is now legal. Billary could possibly pull this off. I highly doubt it tho. Then again, who knows!

Vic   January 5th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

If Hillary becomes President she will "pardon" Bill and then appoint him to the Bench as a 'FULLY QUALIFIED' lawyer. As such he will "SERVE" until he dies, since he has the personality traits and ego to think that he can do anything he wants. … Seems he has been correct in that assessment so far. Am quite amazed that there is so many comments.

wilson   January 5th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

I was saddened to see this piece on CNN. I had thought CNN and Bill Mears were legitimate journalists, but to spread this obviously negative rumor, without a trace of support in anything Hilary or Bill has said, comes right from the book of Carl Rove.
Shame on CNN!!

Al Bee Sterling Va   January 5th, 2008 9:38 am ET

It is possible for a Democrat president to nominate Bill Clintoon to the Supreme Court. After all, Democrats have little regard for anything else and look with disdain on the law abiding citizens.

A liar, rapist, womanizer and an impeached president fits within the hand and glove of the Democrat party.

Justice Taft is turning over and over, very rapidly, in his grave.

Joe Stalin   January 5th, 2008 2:29 am ET

If you liked the way Bill lied in office for 8 years and in front of a prosecutor, just wail until he is a supreme court justice. His interpetations will be horrible at best as the only ones who read the Constituition properly and literally are the conservative justices as the liberals "invent" laws this way! I say abort all the liberal babies as I still have not found abortion in the constitution as it was manufactured to be politcally correct which is ruining this country along with "diversity and multiculturism"!!

dg   January 5th, 2008 12:37 am ET

Protest this useless story at

http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form1.html?9

dg   January 5th, 2008 12:14 am ET

So now, CNN is now posting a link to this story (must be getting a lot of hits) on the main politics page, apart from all of the comments that point out the holes in this story.

Hello, is there a CNN ombudsman? This whole story reeks of poor journalistic standards!!!

cjhunter   January 4th, 2008 9:57 pm ET

Bill Clinton was disbarred. If that doesn't disqualify him from serving on the Supreme Court, it should.

Julian   January 4th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

Sure, why not? Wait a minute, wait a minute-I don't need a pardon or a pass on insider trading or a way to keep my launch vehicals from exploding . . . Costa Rica here I come!

Anonymous   January 4th, 2008 8:52 pm ET

O.K. by me . . . wait I don't need a pardon or a pass on insider trading. Costa Rica here I come!

Dr. Billingsgate   January 4th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

Does that mean that he could eventually rule that Oval Office air starts are legal? Or would he have to remove himself because of personal bias?

Roger Foust   January 4th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Can you imagine Bill Clinton with a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court? We would be an extension of the United Nations and the European Union virtually overnight.

These people are evil and extremely dangerous and should not hold ANY office, period.

WHEN WILL AMERICANS START THINKING FOR THEMSELVES AND STOP THIS MADNESS!!!!!

Bob   January 4th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Well the robes would be good for Bill. Perhaps he could be the "Father Ginger" of the Supreme Court.

dave   January 4th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

If Bill Clinton gets nominated to the Supreme Court, we will have another vote for abortion on demand. He is not fit for this position. He has too much baggae to carry

exoshell   January 4th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

That's not cul

bkeller   January 4th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

My apologies to NE, It was Vic from TX,
I won't even comment on your Korea comments as they are even more ludicrous.

Joe, Lancaster, PA   January 4th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

A disbarred lawyer on the U.S. Supreme Court? I am no longer surprised at anything that happens in Washington, D.C.

Robert   January 4th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

LettingBill on the Supreme Court would really undermine the little common sense
that some Democrats still have.I hope I never live that long. The U.S. is in enough
trouble in having the laws of our great country enforced without having a liar on the high court.

Zeke   January 4th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

The US Constitution, says that an impeached president cannot serve in such an honorable position, or words to that effect. Impeached ex-president, pathological liar, rapists, and moester Bill Clinton's appointment to any Federal office would be unconstitutional! Any atempt, by Mrs Bill clinton, should she be elected president, would be met with a Supreme Court battle, and open Mrs. Bill Clinton up to impeachment. DemocRATS are crooks, liars and perverts!

Joey B. from Dallas   January 4th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

It depends on what the meaning of the word "is", is….

kenopp   January 4th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

crazy indeed. i don't think this would fly with the american people. Plus how would he get through congressional approval? the democrats have criticised Bush's cronyism and nepotism, i doubt if they'd choose that same path.

GMAN   January 4th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

I am curious how a lawyer who is banned from arguing cases before the Supreme Court could argue cases as a member of the Supreme Court. The thought of a law clerk under his robes during testimony, his face as red as a beet, the sweat pouring, is a bit troubling, too.

Don Ingram   January 4th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

WRONG, BILL CLINTON WAS DISBARRED….HE CANNOT PRATICE LAW..THANK GOODNESS…..FOR THAT…

PolitiPornster   January 4th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Dennis – the guy in the White House now isn't abusing his office or the trust instilled in him by the People? As I remember it, when Clinton lied nobody died. Can you say that about Bush? The lib-bashing and conservative bashing on this page is exactly what folks have grown tired of and I think last night's victories by Huckabee & Obama prove that. People want a change from the tired old Rush Limbaugh gotcha style of politics. Face it Dennis, the rest of America is passing you by have fun reading about the old style of politics.

John K   January 4th, 2008 11:51 am ET

Do you seriously think a disbarred and convicted perjurer could be confirmed to SCOTUS?

pat   January 4th, 2008 10:32 am ET

EVIL BEGETS EVIL!!!!

Dennis   January 4th, 2008 10:25 am ET

I doubt if it's a scare tactic.
It's what can happen if the Libs have their way.
People when are you going to wake up.
Bill Clinton was the biggest abuser of the most powerful office
in the world.
And this goes to show you just how these people can abuse their powers.
Anyone remotely thinking that this clan has anything but their best interest in mind
is in need of immediate medication.
Liberalism is a Mental Disorder

B Hogan   January 4th, 2008 10:08 am ET

Hopefully, NOT another return to 9 years of embarrassment, corruption, distrust of government, etc….

Rufus   January 4th, 2008 10:03 am ET

According federal nepotism laws, the President cannot appoint family members to these type positions. Is CNN simply creating hype?

Really Robin   January 4th, 2008 9:11 am ET

OMG!! Did "stopwatchingfoxnews" really just accuse CNN of running a story to kill a Democrats chance of election?

Hey, stopwatching – you may need to stop watching new all together if you're gonna see a conspiracy with every report you don't agree with!!

Good thing you're a liberal – you wouldn't have the heart to be a conservative!!

Peter K. Connolly   January 4th, 2008 9:08 am ET

Are you all out of your f____ing minds?

Bob   January 4th, 2008 7:48 am ET

Sorry folks such wouldn't fly! Kind of hard for Bill to be the President in the back room for Hillary, to always ask him what to do, and be on the court at the same time. Being a President is a full time job and Hillary alone in the White House the chair of decision making would be empty.

Bud   January 4th, 2008 2:22 am ET

Bill would never be a Supreme Court Justice. Too many are afraid of what he may make out of it. Plus not to say, he is the biggest thief, liar, and crook that has ever stepped foot in the White House. I amazes me every day that he nor Hillary never served time for any of the stuff they puled over the years as governor or president.

aamir   January 4th, 2008 2:14 am ET

bill clinton was the greatest president ever and if he will be the SC judge, the SC must be proud. despite all the scandal, he is great

jerry   January 4th, 2008 2:10 am ET

there isn't enough trim floating around the supreme court building to interest bill in the job

WG   January 4th, 2008 12:53 am ET

all I can say is: BILL AND HILL MAKE ME ILL.

Bird Dawg   January 4th, 2008 12:08 am ET

YGTBS Me! Impeached, Perjury, lost his license to PRACTICE LAW! Philanderer Extrodinairre! Need I say more? Oh Yeah, Chelsea will be Secretary of State and Roger Clinton will be Secretary of Agriculture, (have to make sure we have a bumper crop of WEED).

Dr. Tom Haggerty   January 4th, 2008 12:07 am ET

BILL I A CONVICTED FELON!! ALSO, IMPEACHED!! HILLARY WOULD OVERLOOK THOSE LITTLE MISQUES AND PARDON HIM TOO! WHAT A DISGRACE THESE TWO SELF SERVING LOW LIFES ARE.

Bobby   January 3rd, 2008 11:23 pm ET

Has anyone taken a civics class? We definitely need more money for education.

1. Billy was impeached not because he cheated on his wife, not because he received sexual favors in the white house but because he lied to a grand jury — related to committing perjury in court for a SEXUAL HARRASSMENT lawsuit. (Women – stand up for yourselves!). Many people have gone to jail for lying to a grand jury (can you say Martha?) so Bill got off easy.

2. ANYONE can be nominated for a Supreme Court Justice no matter what their qualifications may or may not be.

3. The President does not run the country. We have a House of Representatives and a Senate as well as a Judicial system — checks and balances remember? No matter how you slice it; Congress knew it was voting to give Bush the power to go to war. And this is Bush's war? Please. The President ruined the country? Take a close look at your congressman people!

4. FREEDOM OF PRESS.

5. CNN and any other new agency can print anything it wants. It does not ALL have to be news; it can be opinion as well. Which leads me to FREEDOM OF SPEECH!

Oh, this election year will be fun! Go Hillary! You IS what makes this country great!

Robert   January 3rd, 2008 10:03 pm ET

If Hillary or any other demo(rat) wins the white house and the Senate and House remain under demorat control, I promise you all that this will be the last election we ever have in the United States of America!! I promise you the demo(rats) will see to that!!! It just goes to show you all what happens when people are no longer educated so that they can think for themselves. They end up being brainwashed by the left wing media, socialist professors, and the politically correct idiots. I for one am proud to call myself a free thinking American!!! I will not run to Canada!!!

Allen   January 3rd, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Mr. Bill on the Court…. how poetic… thief (furniture from the Whitehouse) can't tell the truth ( I didn't have sex with that women) and what a great appointment Mr. Bill gave us…. Ruth, who didn't ever sit as a judge anywhere… but SHE was qualified????????
Leave it up to the Clinton News Network (CNN) to slant everything to a positive for her.
Is there a spot on the ballot for…NONE OF THE ABOVE!

Neo   January 3rd, 2008 9:21 pm ET

I can see it now .. Bill Clinton in Judiciary Committee hearings.
Being asked all those questions that were unanswered 10 years ago at the Senate trial after his impeachment. It will make Bork's hearings seem like a cakewalk.

Please .. please .. somebody nominate him for the SCOTUS.

Leon Pollock   January 3rd, 2008 8:57 pm ET

If this happens this country is doomed !!

Harvey, Lancaster   January 3rd, 2008 8:18 pm ET

why don't the new yorkers pick him, when hilly wins the white house, to serve out the remaining 4 years of her senate term.
hilly and billy. what a pair.
do the commenters think that a republican or democrat in the white house makes a difference?
face it, we lost our country to the wealthy years ago.
no law is passed without their ok.
the 2 party system is corrupt. all other parties are blocked by regulations and exclusionary rules to run candidates for office of which the menshevik and bolsheviks in d.c. don't have to adhere to.
the american political circus is like the same the same 2 teams playing the super bowl every 2 years. what real difference does it make. each will win some of the games. you and i lose.
ciao,
Harvey
Lancaster, Taxifornia

lyn   January 3rd, 2008 8:05 pm ET

If the voters are that stupid to vote for Hillary, after they, "with one you get two", pushed NAFTA , GATT and most favored nation treaty with Communist China, they deserve Bill on the Supreme Court.
They sold us out to China And China payed them back with a guy named Chu, who is now in jail, but they will pardon him, if re-elected.

lyn   January 3rd, 2008 7:56 pm ET

Great, that's what we need another Republican on the Court!

Michelle, Bullhead City, AZ   January 3rd, 2008 7:41 pm ET

OMG! I don't want the Clintons holding any government positions!
Vote Ron Paul!

Jackson   January 3rd, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Who did you think slipped Chief Justice Roberts the mickey this last summer which threw him into a seizure which condition President Clinton II will use to unseat him and put Bubba in charge. Get ready for Chelsea as her running mate for VP, I just love a constitutional monarchy. Welcome to the new America!

Matt Miller   January 3rd, 2008 6:56 pm ET

How can a lawyer who has been disbarred be appointed to the supreme Court?

nick   January 3rd, 2008 6:53 pm ET

Is there anything more upsetting in all of TV or Radio than having to listen to Wolf Blitzer say over and over, "you're in the situation room". Sorry if this is the wrong spot to post this, but it was the easiest and needed to be said.

adios

Foxxwolff, Lisle   January 3rd, 2008 6:46 pm ET

That's it! I've had it! I'm retired after working for years in a law firm and there is no way in this world/universe I would ever vote for a lawyer. Justice Clinton? Give me a break. Hey, all you phychologist out there – how about your comments. How about one of you running for Commander-In-Chief?

Mark   January 3rd, 2008 6:36 pm ET

How amazingly irresponsible of CNN to report this as NEWS. This is nothing more than one person's OPINION. I find it dis-heartening that the press has lost their perspective. Maybe CNN should just come out of the closet, be forthright about your support of Clinton. I'm a registered Democrat, and will not vote for Hillary. Her "husband" disputes the definition of the word "the". How low can one stoop???

Walt, Belton, TX   January 3rd, 2008 6:33 pm ET

I still think castration would have been more appropriate than being disbarred.

terry   January 3rd, 2008 6:28 pm ET

i think hillary and bill will divorce…finally….when she loses her strive for the whitehouse. that's exactly what will happen….

David Friedman   January 3rd, 2008 6:19 pm ET

President William Jefferson Clinton would add immeasurably to this biased court.
He would hopefully add some stimulus to Clarence (fly on the can) Tomas who seems either disinterested or just plain dumb. Unfortunately, affirmative action occurred too late for pervert Tomas to learn how to think. Last, the pathetic neocon supporters of the failed preemption "doctrine" of genocide george would have twice as much to cavetch about- President Hillary Clinton and Chief Justice William Jefferson Clinton…

dc   January 3rd, 2008 6:18 pm ET

No, Clinton did not lie in front of congress. The only illegal thing the guy did was immaterial perjury in a civil law suit – something most people are not even prosecuted for.

frank3108   January 3rd, 2008 6:18 pm ET

There is no way this ego maniac could share the stage with 8 other justices. He couldn't keep his mouth shut or stay out of the spotlight. However, the Secretary General of the UN job would be just what he is looking for and I've thought that's just what he'd go for only after his wife gets elected. If that happens you can kiss America goodby because these two traitors would sell us down the river in a heartbeat. They should both be in Pelican Bay for treason for selling our military technology to China.

Brad Willis   January 3rd, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Alan…actually, Bill Clinton WAS successfully impeached, however he was NOT removed from office. I want to add that I always was and still am a great admirer of President Clinton. The impeachment of President Clinton was a shameful and ridiculous bit of partisanship designed by Republican leadership to curb the power of a popular Democratic U.S. President. over a matter that was entirely private and had nothing to do with his job performance.

Joe   January 3rd, 2008 6:15 pm ET

In his present life, Bill Clinton, respected and admired world wide, continues his magnificent achievements as president by now directing the Clinton Trust he founded, which is saving tens of thousands of lives in third world nations. He has also raised billions for other worthy causes. Only a fool would propose that this brilliant man, this national asset, this world treasure, would waste his time talking to losers like Clarence Thomas.

Butch Rafferty   January 3rd, 2008 6:13 pm ET

This is a man who doesn't know the meaning of "the law" anymore than he knows the meaning of the word "is". What a dunderheaded notion.

Bill   January 3rd, 2008 6:07 pm ET

And Huckabee could appoint Adolph Hitler Secretary of State.
Stick to facts and news on election day.

To FOX and CNN bashers   January 3rd, 2008 6:07 pm ET

It is facinating how many people refer to Fox News as bias (and often CNN as bias). What's real funny is that the ones who seem to strongly oppose them, know all about them. Apparently you must be watching Fox and CNN to be such experts about what they are reporting.

Both media outlets have tons of veiwers (especially Fox). Wake up! You are part of the viewing club, so don't complain!

I was an editor in several newsrooms for almost two decades and they ALL have their biases. Hello!

The reason for this is that no matter how we all try to be the fly-on-the-wall or fair and balance, we all have beliefs and passions and they do often get reflected in what we do, no matter what anyone says. People aren't perfect and consequently there is no perfect newspaper or network. So please realize that and know that you there are good people in all of these places and you must always evaluate anything you read or hear. That's life.

Imagine for a minute that you were a newsperson (with all the liberal or conservative passion that you have).

Note to viewers and readers: There is no media void of bias.

Former newsperson

bob   January 3rd, 2008 5:52 pm ET

as a black american i would welcome the first black president as a justice,i think he would be great ,hmm maybe he could teach thomas a thing or two about black history

DJ, new york, ny   January 3rd, 2008 5:50 pm ET

this is another page from the republican playbook – spreading rumour as many gullible people beleive that is true. What a shame.

james   January 3rd, 2008 5:49 pm ET

Wow, I just got back from south east Asia, and am glad to see the US is catching up with third world countries when it comes to corruption and nepotism.

If the Clintons return, god help america.

- from an Anti-DLC democrat

Sarah, Kansas City, MO   January 3rd, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Right, sure does smell like Rove or someone of his ilk. You would think that the republican slime machine would realize that we are getting hip to their trip.

Would someone please explain why it is so deplorable to lie about an affair but it is not deplorable to lie about WMB and get us into a war that has taken nearly 4,000 Americans (and untold civilian lives)?

The Clinton haters are so hung-up about sex when it comes to the other side but amongest their own they ignore it. What about Clarence Thomas? What a slime ball there and he's serving on the supreme court.

Rowe   January 3rd, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Why do conservatives think that Hillary is the only one who might appoint Bill to the Supreme Court? Couldn't the same be said of Edwards, or Obaman, or Richardson…?

I agree with the other posters: Planted story, designed to rile up the conservatives at the thought of TWO Clintons in positions of power. CNN should have known better than to print this crap.

Saundra Ashley   January 3rd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Oh Boy! Aren't you all just falling for a Republican attempt make political noise and try to influence voters? You all seem to be overlooking that Bush has more "events" that should be questioned, like lies about the Iraq war, and getting so many of our soldiers and Marines KIA or wounded or attacking our personal rights and ignoring the Constitution. Bush has done far worse things that have hurt this country. I smell a bunch of rats on this one, Rove Cheny, Dobson oh yes, my personal favorite Ken Starr

Oh yes, shame on you CNN for even giving a hint of respectibility to this story.

Michael A.   January 3rd, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Let's assess the options.

1. Appointment to the Supreme Court.
2. Appointed by Governor Spitzer (Dem. NY) to complete the term of Hilary Clinton.
3. Hang with George H.R. Bush conducting humanitarian efforts.
4. None of the above.

Number three is out. One is appealing by itself, but when compared to the prestige and influence of a U. S. Senator, it's no contest.

Paraphrasing what Kevin Klein's character, Luc Teyssier, said in 'French Kiss', "Poor Bill – tough decision!"

I hope it becomes #4 – none of the above. That means Hilary is not President in 2009.

harry thomas   January 3rd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Ron Paul 2008

Let Freedom Ring !!!!!

Rick Cline   January 3rd, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Maybe we can get what the word "If" means ,when he writes some of his legal decisions. Can't wait, it just shows how out of reach the Washington Set is from both Parties.Neither Party cares about the people of this country! We need a new political party!!!!!!!!

Pher   January 3rd, 2008 5:26 pm ET

Bill would be great, Not a partisan moron like Thomas or a complete loon like Scalia.

Steve   January 3rd, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Just what America needs is the possible scenario of the Clintons helping run two branches of government. Bill, your done, go back to pimping yourself on the speaking engagments and leave running the government to new blood. This is part of the problem with a Hillary win. Excess baggage. I expect if she wins in the primaries, with her recent gaffs and lack of real compassion skills she will get torn to shreads by Republicans and the voters in the general election.

Matt   January 3rd, 2008 5:14 pm ET

If America is really dumb enough to put an embarrassment of a failed president's wife into office, why not put him on the supreme court and make a day of it?

Eric   January 3rd, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Doug Kmiec is well-known as a rabid radical right-winger. HIs only goals here are (1) to see his name in print and (2) to help the radical Republican cause. Anything he says must be viewed through that lens.

Phil Memphis, TN   January 3rd, 2008 5:09 pm ET

i have been posting for weeks about how poor the reporting has been, and how real issues are ignored while we talk about religion, hair, daighters of candidates etc. But this is so blatantly ridiculous Mr. Mears hould be fired.

He states within his own article that when the subject was brought up he was laughed at:

"while several laughed at the possibility, none would rule it out completely." Yeah, well I can't rule out a meteor taking out my house tonight but I'm willing to bet (gulp) it doesn't happen.

He then states : "This particular idea has zero chance of coming true," said Thomas Goldstein, a top appellate attorney who writes on his popular Web site, scotusblog.com.

So it has zero chance of coming true and everyone laughed at you. where is your story Mr. Mears?

Annie   January 3rd, 2008 5:00 pm ET

This is not news. Smells of Rove.

M in NYC   January 3rd, 2008 4:53 pm ET

This sort of biased reporting about Hillary, ridiculous assertions based on rumors, only makes me aware of how irrational the case against Hillary is, how much Hillary has to fight against as a woman and how strong she really is. This sort of baldly prejudicial "story" makes me WANT to vote for her. I am undecided so far, I vote on policy not on garbage like this, but I still say — Hillary, stay strong. And CNN, shame on you. Where are your standards? You've lost a reader.

Dr. Douglas Noir   January 3rd, 2008 4:53 pm ET

A classic case of social degeneration; the selection of political leaders based off of name recognition and the nomination or appointing of relatives to positions of power. Has history taught us nothing? At this point in time the only thing that can destroy America is itself, from within–and these are the first steps. . .

James (Kansas City)   January 3rd, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Sure, there's precedent for a President serving as a justice, but this would come on a scale of nepotism unheard of in this country. This would be practical monarchy if it happened. I hope this country does not let that happen.

Nicci   January 3rd, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Oh please no!!!!!!!!!

Liz   January 3rd, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Hooray!
In the Clinton dynasty, Bill will be the chief justice.

What position would Princess Chelsea take?
It has to be a position in which she doesn't have to answer any questions.

We Americans just love this prince and princess stuff no matter how much tea we threw into Boston Harbor.

Charles141   January 3rd, 2008 4:46 pm ET

this is a joke, right?

demwit   January 3rd, 2008 4:45 pm ET

His first judgement for us should be on the definition of the word "is".

Bill   January 3rd, 2008 4:35 pm ET

His chances of being nominated to the Court are about as good as mine, and I'm not an attorney.

His nomination to the Senate would be dead on arrival. You simply can't nominate someone whose state law license was suspended for 5 years and who subsequently resigned from the U.S. Supreme Court bar.

Let's also remember that a federal position carries with it federal ethics rules on outside income. Being a former president is a lucrative gig. He wouldn't give up the ability to make six-figure speeches for a lifetime seat on the Court.

P.S. Ah yes, it's not lifetime…the Constitution says it's "during good behavior." How long would that be?

Louise   January 3rd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Bill Clinton would be a great attribute in any position she appoints him to. It would be so refreshing to restore intregrity to America again.. PEACE AND PROSPERITY. I think Richard should have moved to Canada 7 years ago.

Jaik , chicago, IL   January 3rd, 2008 4:30 pm ET

that… is the best idea i have heard in awhile. tho if CNN brainwashes everyone into voting for Hillary , it would be best if he waited out her term to keep the checks & balances between branches of government. not that the GOP did that.

Steven   January 3rd, 2008 4:29 pm ET

This would never get past Congress! Who is suggesting this anyway? A daydream that will never happen!

Davy Jones   January 3rd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

This is one of the dumber "stories" I've seen on CNN's website. Speculation by conservatives about what Hillary Clinton MIGHT do if elected? All this "story" really is is a mindless repeating of a conservative scare tactic – because if there's one things conservatives fear more than terrorists, it's the prospect of Bill Clinton back in D.C.

chrissy darden, Harrisburg, PA   January 3rd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Excellent! I am LOVING it! Go Justice Clinton!!!

Dee   January 3rd, 2008 4:25 pm ET

If I wasn't already planning to vote for Hillary, this would seal the deal!

Alan, Bonita Springs, FL   January 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

The joke is that George W. Bush ran on the hopes HE would turn our Supreme Court over to the radical right. In addition to all the other messes he's created that we will be collectively paying for for the next several DECADES, he almost accomplished the goal, unfortunately.

Read the 400+ posts here. Any that smell of hatred and snideness — it's Republicans using their usual tactics to try desperately to win an election their own choices over the past eight years have surely lost them this time around.

Hillary isn't my favorite candidate but I have to admit it would sure be a sweet turn-around on all the hateful bashers on the Republican side.

Rush was wrong again. And again. And again. Get over it.

Lisla Lee, Dallas, TX   January 3rd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Neill C wrote:
"And additionally, if Hillary is elected, I predict that within 20 years the U.S.A. will be no more."

I'm glad I wasn't drinking my coffee when I read that. It would be all over the screen by now. What a doofus comment! George W. (and Dick Cheney) have done more to destroy the US than anybody else on the face of the earth. If you want to start playing the blame game, then you need to start with the REAL culprits… and unfortunately they currently occupy the two highest offices in this country. Whoever wins the next election (Democrat or Republican) has a HUGE REBUILDING effort before them just trying to correct all the political damage the Bush administration has done to us not only from within our own nation but across the globe with every other major country. This administration has been a total dismal failure, and not only us, but our kids, grandkids, & great grandkids (and maybe beyond) will have to pay the price for the ineptitude, arrogance, and stupidity of the Bush administration.

(This all coming from someone who was once a die hard Republican, too.)

Samantha Klein   January 3rd, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Romney would do well to muss his hair up a little bit. He's way too slick. Slick Mitty.

I, for one, don't believe anything that he says. He funds his own campaign, so that's really a slick way to buy yourself an election.

Slickness and richness is not what America needs for a President. And we don't need someone who's shifted 180 degrees on important issues since he ran and won the election for Governor of Massachusetts. If he changed his mind so often before this Presidential run, how many times will be change his mind afterward?

Let's have someone less slick, maybe even a little rough, but more honest.

gp   January 3rd, 2008 4:03 pm ET

ridiculous! hasn't he been disbarred by the state of arkansas? one would think that would disqualify him-if he was a Republican it sure would

Michelle   January 3rd, 2008 4:03 pm ET

…he thinks he can get confirmed by the Senate

two issues HE thinks, assuming Hillary doesn't make it, and Senate confirmed – also not going to make it. Thanks.

Ed   January 3rd, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Sounds crazy! The ladies on the supreme court would have to be carful.
We wouldnt want to do anything under the table!
Ed

Dee   January 3rd, 2008 3:55 pm ET

That would be a joke to the whole United States to put Bill Clinton in the supreme court.

Lisla Lee, Dallas, TX   January 3rd, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Whoops… I hit "send" too fast—

Meant to include this clip from the Fox story too for old Bill W above:

"Earlier this year, the Arkansas Supreme Court suspended Clinton's Arkansas law license for five years."

Read it and weep, Bill W. His license was SUSPENDED for five years in 2001. If he chose to apply for readmission to the Arkansas bar today, his suspension is over & done with. My guess is that chances are he would be readmitted.

My two cents worth…. your mileage may vary.

Lisla Lee, Dallas, TX   January 3rd, 2008 3:49 pm ET

RE post:
Bill W January 3, 2008 2:29 pm ET
Hey Clintonistas:
Bill Clinton Disbarred
October 1, 2001
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,35470,00.html

Go back and read your Fox story again, hon. It says he was suspended from "arguing before the Supreme Court." There's a big difference in not being able to argue your case before the Supreme Court and in practicing law. If you know diddly about the legal profession, you would have picked up on that.

And yeah, like Fox News is such a bastion of truth & integrity…. NOT!

Brandon, NY   January 3rd, 2008 3:48 pm ET

I think Bill Clinton was perhaps one of the best presidents of the last century and most definately the greatest political mind of the last century. Given this, I can't see him as a Supreme Court Justice, nor do I think Hillary would nominate him for the position. Such a position would be a waste of his political talents. It would be more useful to use him as ambasador to the UN or in foreign relations. I have to wonder then why such an article would be posted today? Who even suggested such a possibility, as I can't imagine it came from the Clinton camp? Such rumors seem more appropriate to the gossip pages of the national enquirer or page 6 of NY Post. It seems to me this story is more about politics and lacks any credibility.

Paul, Wilkes Barre, PA   January 3rd, 2008 3:46 pm ET

I love all you Republicans. I've read so many postings on the perjury/impeachment issue, and how Republicans would filibuster a Bill nomination. Let me just make sure I have this straight…..perjury is bad unless committed by someone in a Republican administration, in which case it's then an honorable act. Right. Check. 2. A filibuster is wrong….Supreme court justices should have an up and down vote…but only if the nominee was put forth by a Republican President with a Republican Senate….otherwise a filibuster is fair game. Got it. Thanks for clearing that all up, hypocrites.

Steve, Vidalia, GA   January 3rd, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Supreme Court nominees do not have to be attorneys. The President can nominate anyone he thinks he can get confirmed by the Senate.

Edwardd, :Houston, TX   January 3rd, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Pres. Clinton is certainly more qualified then the fools and political hacks who were placed there by "W".

Timetheos   January 3rd, 2008 3:43 pm ET

This is old; a rehash if you will. I remember conservatives saying impeachment of Clinton was important because they wanted to keep him out of the SC.

Frankly, Repugs should be pleased. Bill is a moderate, if not an old-style Republican. Perhaps they would prefer someone more progressive.

How about Kucinich for SC?

Saint Paul Mark   January 3rd, 2008 3:42 pm ET

This is Bill Mears starting a rumor. It is NOT news nor is it factual. CNN ought to retract the story. The bloggers to this story need to calm down and take a breath. Clinton is the "most dishonest president" in the history of the US. Really? What about Nixon? What about George W. Bush? Last I checked, US soldiers are DYING for Bush's dishonesty. Stop drinking the Kool-Aid there, Doug & Ryan Indianapolis (to name a few). You're just angry because your party was hijacked by the religious right and you can't do a thing about it.

Michael Horrigan   January 3rd, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Bill Clinton's law license was suspened because he was found to that he perjured himself. He was fined and he pleaded guilty to this, a judge and AK bar assocation decided to suspend his law license. Many other laywers have been disbarred for life for less. ! I am not some right wing nut either, and did think had many fine qualities as President. Perhaps a diplomatac post would be a better fit for him.

Ed,Ellenville,New York   January 3rd, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Pepperdine University is a self-described "conservative" institution and nothing that comes from it is there-by intellectually valid.

Eric   January 3rd, 2008 3:39 pm ET

No way. What is this? The National Enquirer? It would be politically stupid; Bill wouldn't want the shackles; and the Republicans would filibuster it until Kingdom come. It would be hilarious, though.

Derek Miami, FL   January 3rd, 2008 3:36 pm ET

What does having an affair have to do with how Bill manages his job? As long as the wife forgives why everyone else cares about it I just don't get it!!! Get a life people and leave Clintons alone!
President Clinton was one of the most successful presidents of the US. He has done some much for this country — his contribution to the society, Budget surplus for 4 YRS, better life and support for single parents, and respect round the WORLD are just to name the few. His approval rating was in 60-70%. Does it tell you guys anything at all???
You go president Clinton! (Bill) You will be a necessary addition to your wife's administration.
Although I was thinking president Clinton would do something else to improve the US image around the world, but I think Suprime Justice would do too. There is so much mess in the nation right now that you don't even know where to start.
Clintons all the way!

carl   January 3rd, 2008 3:35 pm ET

This man is a disgrace to the office of president. Can anyone truly believe he could be a justice of the supreme court?

Ann   January 3rd, 2008 3:34 pm ET

Hillary '08!

And I really don't mind Bill Clinton around in whatever role. He is a blessing for the world.

sal lincoln nebraska   January 3rd, 2008 3:34 pm ET

CNN has a faulty website….Clinton will never do any worse then those old crusty primates on the bench right now, if you read the news you'll agree….If your angrey at life and want to punish other people for the bad things that you think are happening to you then you wont….Simple as that

Neill C., Montgomery, Alabama   January 3rd, 2008 3:33 pm ET

We'd be the laughing stock of the world if that were the case. Hopefully, if the worst happens and Hillary is elected and then she further compounds our folly by submitting him for the Supreme Court, the Republicans would fight it tooth and nail.

The only reason he was not convited of about 17 felonies is because of Democrats toeing the party line and Republicans who were afraid of annoying their constituents. He was guilty as charged and everyone involved knew it.

And additionally, if Hillary is elected, I predict that within 20 years the U.S.A. will be no more.

MCowley   January 3rd, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Running this article is absolutely irresponsible and a laughably transparent effort to make people fear Bill Clinton's role in a Hillary Clinton presidency. The writer does not even make an effort to attribute it to any credible source.

Dennis Bell   January 3rd, 2008 3:33 pm ET

You must be joking…..appoint a disbarred (for cause–felony perjury) lawyer to the US Supreme Court?!?!

sal lincoln nebraska   January 3rd, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Could he do any worse then the aging disgruntled primates we have sitting on the bench right now? If anyone says yes then they dont read the news or understand the laws of causality

Diane, Whitestone, New York   January 3rd, 2008 3:31 pm ET

I make corrections to earlier post…I believe it is the 22nd Amendment I am referring to, followed by the 25th Amendment. GO HILLARY!

eric, nyc   January 3rd, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Wow nothing like the specter of Bill on the High Court to get the hate filled conservative hawks out in force to lambast him and his wife. If any of you understood the havoc Thomas, Roberts, and Alito will cause in this country, perhaps you'd understand why we need a counterbalance on the high court. Or maybe you just dont care about personal rights.

Son of Frank   January 3rd, 2008 3:24 pm ET

Consider the source of this "news"…. Perperdine University…. Neo-Conservative westcoast Republican institution for the perpetuation of self-interested, self- centered, self-serving and selfish young Republican wannabees.

Only a Perperdine type law professor would come up with this kind of sound bite "babble" to shock and awe" fear into the little blackhole souls of neo-cons in a crafty attempt to scare them away from the idea of having a capable, compassionate, inteligent, forward thinking, "peace and prosperity" candidate like Hillary Clinton in the whitehouse.

Hillary and Bil, the more the neo-cons spit their venom at you the more sure I am that it's time for another Clinton at the top of the executive branch!!!!!!!

Paul   January 3rd, 2008 3:21 pm ET

This nomination would barely make it out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, let alone through full senate confirmation. Committee member Dick Durbin, for example, has endorsed Barack Obama and not Hillary Clinton. Assuming Hillary does get the Democratic nomination, which is no slamdunk, I suspect a number of Democratic senators are not going to stick their political necks out for Bill and Hillary Clinton after the sophmoric, dishonest nonsense he embarrassed himself with as President. And forget about ANY Republican votes.

Now….some sort of Ambassadorship? Maybe. But certainly not a seat on the Supreme Court.

Think about it….the Democratic leardership is smarter than to risk their razor-thin margin in the Senate by confirming Bill Clinton as a Supreme Court Justice. And if she even nominates him, she may be providing the Republican Party with enough political ammunition to put the majority in senate very much back in play.

Bad idea!!

Diane, Whitestone, New York   January 3rd, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Supreme Court Justice?? That's it????? Why can't he run on ticket as VP?? Sure circumvents Amendment 23 and kicks in Amendment 25. I would just die of happiness. Alas, just a dream, sigh. Oh, wait do I sound like Obama now? Go HIllary '08!!!!!

Michelle   January 3rd, 2008 3:20 pm ET

January 3, 2008 12:36 pm ET

I think there are some people here who need to sit down and actually read their U.S. Constitution. If they do, they'll find that Article II, Section 2, says that the president "shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate…Judges of the supreme Court…" [I left the 18th century capitalization as is].

If you are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, then you are a Supreme Court justice because the Constitution lays out no other qualification, except to say that judges "shall hold their offices during good behaviour" (Article III, Section 1), which means that they serve for life unless impeached and removed(although I'd be curious to hear any dissenting interpretations of that clause).

Thank you – getting past the Senate is the kicker…so, you MAY be an impeached, disbarred, and convicted of perjury citizen, but you still have to answer to the Senate who only cares about ONE THING – staying in office and having to answer to the people who put them there. Thanks again for keeping us straight.

Dolores Sanchez   January 3rd, 2008 3:20 pm ET

This is an article timely aimed to discourage people to vote for Hillary, the most qualified candidate for president of the USA. But after 8 years of the dumbest ass ever produced in this country, it is refreshing to hope for an intellegent person to lead us.

Ryan Indianapolis   January 3rd, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Are you serious …….You think America would be comfortable with one of the most dishonest presidents of all-time filling a Supreme Court role…..Americans are just plain dumb and democrats are just dillusional.

David Birch   January 3rd, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Chris,

Your whispers are quite good! I have some more, and I will focus on Hillary, just to highlight how the media has been unfairly targeting her!

Hillary will appoint Chelsea as secretary of the state. She will require that Americans deposit 10% of their income into her personal account each month. She will force all men to walk naked….

I admit these are bizarre but perahps no more bizarre than the crap put out by CNN.

Doug   January 3rd, 2008 3:16 pm ET

He's a liar, anti-American, and utterly without shame. Obviously, he should be the UN Secretary General.

ABC   January 3rd, 2008 3:16 pm ET

This shows where the country is heading, a disbarred guy who lied under oath being the president is heading for judiciary now!

Bill , NH   January 3rd, 2008 3:15 pm ET

No one has ever accused the Clintons of being dumb. They know that most of this country is full of a bunch of gullible losers whom they can sell any piece of horsedung story to to get elected. Neither one of them has any personal integrity though. Only a cowardly weasel would've lied or attempted to dodge the truth during the investigation. He should've just told them the truth and said "so I did it, so what, go to hell" At least he would've been honest about it. But like any gutless yellow belly he's gotta run and hide and can't take responsibility for his actions. I wouldn't cross the street to spit on either one of them.

Trang, Fremont, CA   January 3rd, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Well, I like Bill.

However, when he puts that hand on the book and swear to tell the truth, look at me straight in the eyes and lied to me, he has no credilbility left. Same thing w/ Bush – he has no credibility left. Same thing w/ Hillary if she is elected. I want someone in the White House to speak the truth to the American people for a change. Overall, I think he did a good job for the country – but for the Supreme Court – I don't think it's a good idea. I think it's better for him to travel around the world creating good will than be in a supreme court. Let someone who shows more respect for the Constitution for that post.

Roger   January 3rd, 2008 3:13 pm ET

A baseless rumor, planted at the last minute by anti-Clinton activists and promoted by CNN. And with one of Ken "I'll spend every penny you give me" Starr's buddies commenting! CNN looks silly, at best, peddling this stuff. Get professional!

Ru B., NH   January 3rd, 2008 3:12 pm ET

This guy commits PERJURY, the highest crime against the Judicial System, and was disbarred fur such behavior unbecoming an officer of the Court, and there are STILL people who think this guy should have ANY opportunity or influence in any way in a judicial system he dishonored?

All I know is that if you or I did what he did, we'd be serving a prison sentence and probably mouring the loss of all that mattered to us.

Les   January 3rd, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Reading all the postings, it tells me ONE thing, OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IS FAILING.

Even reporters of CNN lacks an analytical mind, maybe due to the fact their readers prefer to be feed with info no matter how ridiculous it is instead of LEARNING.

Presumptions and predictions become facts all of a sudden. Stop wondering why this country is going down the drain, the morons outnumber sensible Americans.

Rich In Seattle   January 3rd, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Let's see, who is this guy who is making this prediction?

"Kmiec worked in the Reagan and Bush 41 White Houses as a top lawyer, but said he has no personal or political "disdain" for Bill Clinton."

So this isn't a right wing attack on Caucus day because this guy said he has no disdain for Clinton. Riiiiiiigggggghhhhhhtttttttttt……

NextMogul   January 3rd, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Bill Clinton is the most beloved man in the world, followed by the POPE! He is great and no one can deny it.

Tim, NV   January 3rd, 2008 3:05 pm ET

this is absolutely laughable. all the more reason not to vote for her. I've already switched to Obama since some of her latest gaffes.

Michelle   January 3rd, 2008 3:05 pm ET

I think Clinton would be a great addition to the Supreme Court. As most know (but refuse to acknowledge), Bill did NOT commit perjury. As a lawyer (and former Attorney General of Arkansas)…

John, as a former lawyer you know that it doesn't matter what WE think happened through our understanding of news coverage, what matters is the conviction and that's what stands. Your former governor appreciates your loyalty and support, but that's the record and the result and what history ultimately works with – including qualifications to serve as Cheif Justice. Fun to consider at this stage of the game – enjoy the fireworks.

jlo   January 3rd, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Bill wasn't disbarred – he was impeached as president!

Anonymous   January 3rd, 2008 3:04 pm ET

nepotism law–scoffed at by both parties

Michelle   January 3rd, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Vic, with all of your reasons listed for: "Bill Clinton, the undisputed fact is that he is respected by all world leaders as well as with people domestically. " We still have laws and checks and balances and qualifications for our Supreme Court Justices. It's not about respect or popularity or even accomplishments, it's basic enforcement of our already written Constitution and laws, that really is the subject at hand. Thanks, though.

Ravensun   January 3rd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

OK, folks: GET A CLUE!

The Senate must approve ALL Supreme Court nominations.

Bill Clinton as a nominee would not get past the Senate.

The White House can nominate Mickey Mouse if they want; it's the Senate who has the final say, and any Senator STUPID enough to vote yes for Slick Willie needs to have his head examined, so…

Scream, rant, rave… it's the same stupidity that says "Impeach Bush and Cheney" – impeachment by itself means NOTHING. It's a slap on the wrist. It takes a 2/3rds majority in the Senate to remove an impeached official from office, as we SHOULD remember from Clinton's impeachment hearings.

And it takes a majority in the Senate to put someone on the Supreme Court.

Our Senators may be politicians, but I find it nearly impossible to believe they're ALL that stupid.

eliz   January 3rd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

OMG….the man was impeached…lied under oath….I don't even need to mention what he didn't do for our country as president…. To even consider a person who lied under oath for a Supreme Court Justice position is shocking. But then again, its the Clintons. They are above the law.

Alice, VA   January 3rd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Oh yeah…let's release this dirtbag on the clerks in the Supreme Court.

CHARLIE Toon   January 3rd, 2008 2:55 pm ET

SHAME ON CNN. PLEASE REMOVE THIS STORY!!!!!

Helen   January 3rd, 2008 2:53 pm ET

It's fearmongering, right-winger style. Amusing that CNN would reproduce it here; as if they had not done enough already in calling the 2000 election. This is not a story, it's a polarizing blogospheric speculation, and it should be beneath the notice of any news service.

Art, San Francisco, CA   January 3rd, 2008 2:52 pm ET

It's hysterically funny – all you Clinton haters. The ONLY thing you can say about Bill is that he received oral sex in the Oval Office and then lied about it.

Yawn.

Your glory boy Bush was so incompetent he let the country be attacked numerous times, went to war with the WRONG country and had to lie and forge documents to do so, spent untold billions of dollars doing so and managed to kill more Americans than the original 9/11 attacks did (not to mention the hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi women and children).

No WONDER you sad pathetic losers will no longer have a say in the country's future.

julie   January 3rd, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Bring it on!!

julie   January 3rd, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Disbarred form the Supreme Court means you are not allowed to present to the Court. Does not mean you can not be on the Court itself.

EB   January 3rd, 2008 2:49 pm ET

I know others have beat me to this point, but I do think it's outrageous to at the very least have not mentioned Ken Starr is the Dean of Pepperdine Law. Beyond that, Pepperdine Law is beyond conservative. (For example, students, staff and faculty have to commit to remaining celibate if they aren't married. A policy more likely to come out of a place like Liberty than Boalt Hall.)

At least this posting to The Ticker was positive in one respect: it provided me with further evidence that CNN doesn't have a liberal bias. Haven't you guys seen that stupid documentary? You can't outfox fox!

julie   January 3rd, 2008 2:48 pm ET

That ought to get the Republican vote out in droves.

Sally Fitzgerald   January 3rd, 2008 2:47 pm ET

You do not have to be a lawyer to become a member of the supreme court. So it does not matter if you are a member of the American Bar Association.

Brian   January 3rd, 2008 2:47 pm ET

I honestly think that Bill Clinton would be a fine Justice. However, the article is probably correct in that he wouldn't necessarily want that kind of position for himself when he has enjoyed far more of both a public face and influence in the world since leaving office. In addition, if Hillary were elected President, I don't believe he would serve in that post. Although not against the law, there would be a HUGE conflict of interest in doing so and it would never get past such a divided Senate as we have now.

He also would never become UN Secretary-General for the same reason. That and the fact that the UN would probably destroy itself if an American — or indeed any of the Security Council countries — were put in that position.

AmericanVoter   January 3rd, 2008 2:46 pm ET

My drive must be scrogged badly, otherwise Fox news would not be showing up on CNN's URL…

John Edwards makes a very valid point when he says that America doesn't need Rupert (or anyone else for that matter) controlling media, because this is the type of hype and dung we the people get handed…

This is an obvious ploy to manipulate voters.

Kevin   January 3rd, 2008 2:46 pm ET

I can't wait for the Dems to win this election and finally bring some non-right wingers to the bench. It's going to be both hilarious and satisfying to see the Hannity types squeal and cry for the next eight years!

jojovirginia   January 3rd, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Bill Mears and his editor should be fired or severely reprimanded for posting this article today. Did anyone think to verify this story? Perhaps ask the Clintons about it? [FYI - I am not a Hillary Clinton supporter. Rather, I am a very disappointed cnn.com reader.] It is pure propaganda posted on Iowa caucus day — shame on CNN. For years I have turned to cnn.com for my news, but I've noticed a trend toward using misleading, teasing headliners that lead to completely irrelevant stories. I will no longer be reading cnn.com (for anything other than entertainment value) and plan to find an unbiased "news" source. However, in today's America, that may be impossible. Suggestions?

Jim   January 3rd, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Does the Supreme Court have interns?

Jim C   January 3rd, 2008 2:44 pm ET

This isn't a CNN plot to defeat Hilliary, it's just a plain stupid article, plenty of room on the Internet for even CNN to run trash journalism, it's done all the time.

Actually, CNN has been very kind to Hilliary, even rigging debates to make Hilliary look like "one of the boys"

Wait until the general election campaign, when Hilliary runs against her GOP opponent, and tell me CNN is trying to defeat Hilliary…..nothing could be farther from the truth…

and truth takes a holiday when CNN is involved.

newsjunky   January 3rd, 2008 2:43 pm ET

If Hillary nominated Bill for the supreme court, the senate would have to confirm him. This would give every Republican senator a chance to confront him face to face in front of a camera. Then republicans could filibuster the nomination. This would be a huge political victory for Republican senators. Why would anyone think that Hillary would be so dumb. She did graduate 1st in her class at Yale Law.

kc   January 3rd, 2008 2:41 pm ET

What a ridiculous non-story. CNN sinking to the level of Drudge.

John, Dallas, TX   January 3rd, 2008 2:40 pm ET

I think Clinton would be a great addition to the Supreme Court. As most know (but refuse to acknowledge), Bill did NOT commit perjury. As a lawyer (and former Attorney General of Arkansas), he knows enough not to lie in a court of law (or in front of a grand jury). He asked for a definition of sexual relations, got one, and then stated authoritatively (and TRUTHFULLY) that he had not had sexual relations with that woman – it's the lawyer's fault that he did not press for a more inclusive definition that would have forced Clinton to answer differently.

In any case, as most know (but refuse to acknowledge), the whole incident was politically motivated – Clinton should never have been asked those questions in the first place! It was merely a desperate attempt by the radical Right to smear one of the finest (and most popular) Presidents of the 20th Century. Supreme Court justice? Right on, Bill!

One_American   January 3rd, 2008 2:33 pm ET

There is absolute zero chance that anyone would appoint as Supreme Court Justice – one who so flagrantly has complete disregard for the law – as Bill Clinton does.

Richard Greenstone   January 3rd, 2008 2:32 pm ET

This is a nonsensical story. The conflict of interest issues are huge; Bill Clinton would have to recuse himself from every decision concerning the administration during the time that Hillary Clinton would be president. This story sounds more like a Republican plant in order to scare persons from voting for Hillary Clinton.

Matthew   January 3rd, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Because the Constitution does not set forth any qualifications for service as a Justice, the President may nominate anyone to serve. However, that person must receive the confirmation of the Senate, meaning that a majority of that body must find that person to be a suitable candidate for a lifetime appointment on the nation's highest court.

This means that the President can nominate a convicted serial rapist to be a Supreme Court justice if he or she was so inclined. As long as the Senate approves the nomination, there are no other rules or other qualifications that a person needs other than being alive – and even that is debatable.

What the   January 3rd, 2008 2:30 pm ET

When does the rumor moderation start ? Who will be the rumor moderator ?

Franky, New York, NY   January 3rd, 2008 2:30 pm ET

BOOOOOO!!! …to CNN. I watch you quite a bit and cannot believe you would print what amounts to "gossip" news. Mrs. Clinton doesn't need provocative speculation like this right now, weighing her down.

Go Hillary – in Iowa, then New Hampshire..Nevada, South Carolina and the Motherload on February 5th!

Bill W   January 3rd, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Hey Clintonistas:

Bill Clinton Disbarred
October 1, 2001

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,35470,00.html

Don't tell us he wasn't disbarred.

Bridget   January 3rd, 2008 2:29 pm ET

I agree with Rochester N.Y.-this smell like a neo-con trick to generate more hatred for Hillary (not that Bill wouldn't be a great choice)

The right wingers are a desparate lot!

Tom, Bellevue, Washington   January 3rd, 2008 2:28 pm ET

A pretty disengenious article. Might as well float the rumors that any other presidential SO will be nominated for high ranking positions. Because people would get pissed off about that as well for obvious reasons. On top of that, the Clintons serve as red meat for a certain subset of the Republican party. Any story like this is just a rallying call for smearing H. Clinton over ficticious reasons and rumor-spreading.

It's smear. It's drivel. H. Clinton is not my favorite candidate either, but us voters should find realistic reasons to not like someone. Not this style from CNN's writer Bll Mears.

cureholder   January 3rd, 2008 2:26 pm ET

>>>In the last 80 years the individuals that have been appointed to the supreme court have come from judicial backgrounds.<<<

Hmmm . . . true or not? The following (all appointed in the last 80 years) had NO judicial experience before joing the Supreme Court (and two of them were Chief Justices):

1. William Rehnquist (CJ)
2. Lewis Powell
3. Abe Fortas
4. Byron White
5. Arthur Goldberg
6. Earl Warren (CJ)
7. Tom Clark
8. Harold Burton
9. Robert Jackson
10. James Byrnes

Steve, Canada   January 3rd, 2008 2:24 pm ET

The Republicans are more scared of Obama than Hillary…just look at the head to head polls…he wins by 8-10, she wins 1-2.

If this was a Republican plot, it was pretty stupid.

Karen L. Reimer, Mt. Bethel, PA   January 3rd, 2008 2:24 pm ET

CNN should be "disbarred" as a legitimate news media. This story is so obviously planted but by who?

adams   January 3rd, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Clinton in the supreme court That would be dream come true, and fitting concidering The last two supreme court judges would'nt even be there if Diebolds electronic voting machines had'nt rigged our election out come.

Ever wonder why Exit polling Stopped matching voting results after electronic voting was introduced. Exit polling is the international gold standard for determining if an Election is fair.

Go Hillary. We love you Babe

G-D-I   January 3rd, 2008 2:22 pm ET

See this link to the "trial" of President Clinton. The House voted to impeach along party lines, and the Senate failed to convict on the two points forward. 15 Repubs crossed party lines and voted against conviction. And "No", he wasn't disbarred.

http://www.eagleton.rutgers.edu/e-gov/e-politicalarchive-Clintonimpeach.htm

Those right-wingers that continuously rely on revisionist histories and "convenient truths" do little in encouraging the political discourse in this country. Fear and hate mongering has no place in either the legitimate media or politics of this nation as we move forward- get with it people!

Look beyond the sound bites- they are eating your brain…

James Vermillion   January 3rd, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Of course, Taft was not appointed to the Supreme Court by his spouse. Government ethics laws do not permit an employee of the USG to make a decision that could have personal financial benefit for that employee. Giving one's spouse a fine job like Supreme Court Justice would certainly violate those ethics laws. Would Hillary then have to pardon herself for violating the law? I'm not sure she could do that — because if the President could "self pardon", then wouldn't Nixon have done that? Wouldn't Bill Clinton have done it to avoid the impeachment hearings? I'm afraid our legal system just doesn't have the necessary loopholes to let a politician give a lifetime plum job to their spouse. But then one must ask if the United States of America still wants to follow the rule of law …

Cable King Pittsburgh PA   January 3rd, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Here's one to ponder:

Howzabout Dubya on the Supremest of Courts?

Whaduya think about that one?

Jonah, Boston MA   January 3rd, 2008 2:20 pm ET

*"Straight place" should read "straight face," and apologies for the other typos and spelling errors; I'm a little tired.

CE, Wisconsin, USA   January 3rd, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Voted for the man twice…can't imagine him on the Court. Bill ina black robe working with young law clerks….yikes!

CHARLIE   January 3rd, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Vote for Hillary. Bill First Man. CNN SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!

Jonah, Boston MA   January 3rd, 2008 2:16 pm ET

To all you Republicans whining about Clinton's impeachment:

Seriously? That's still an argument in your camp? You still haven't admitted that he should never even have been under investigation in the first place? I mean, come on– it was marriage infidelity that in no way affected policy or diplomatic standing. Forget about the fact that he lied; he should never have had to answer on a national stage in the first place. It was a blatant Republican witch hunt and it was more of an embarassment for the right wing than it was for Clinton. I can't believe you people can still defend that farce of an impeachment with a straight place.

So, just to recap: Clinton was impeached for cheating on his wife. Bush was NOT impeached for intentionally defrauding the nation to go to war, tacitly endorsing torture in violation of U.N. standards, holding detainees without charges or trials, staging press conferences and falsifying news, comitting election fraud (twice!), covering up documents about his military desertion, firing U.S. attorneys for political gain, outing an undercover C.I.A. agent for political gain, criminal failure to respond to Hurricane Katrina, and countless acts of shady corporate and political cronyism. And the scary thing is, I know I'm forgetting a bunch of stuff.

At least a couple of those violations warrant not only impeachment, but imprisonment. "Defrauding the nation to go to war," notably, warrants a very long imprisonment–it's basically treason, but much, MUCH worse. So Republicans, think hard about the man you voted for when you cite Clinton's impeachment as the mark of a bad president.

Charla, Texarkana TX   January 3rd, 2008 2:16 pm ET

They don't call it the "Clinton News Network" for nothing, folks………..

Shame on you, CNN!

d   January 3rd, 2008 2:15 pm ET

I am amazed that it would even be considered. This is a man who lied under oath, and no one other than a Clinton would even think they could pull this off.

Jeff from Jersey   January 3rd, 2008 2:13 pm ET

It's a shame that so many people that have responded here can't see this for what it really is.It's ALL politics ALL of the time!Don't be such sheep and let the politician's self-serving twisting of words and of events and the media determine your vote.For a decision as important as who our next president is,especially at this critical time in history,take some time to study the politics,voting records and their stand on critical issues from BEFORE all the campaign rhetoric and smear campaigns started.Then sit someplace quiet,take a few deep breaths and do some thinking of your own.These knee-jerk reactions are exactly what the candidates and special interest groups are hoping for.Too many people are running willy-nilly from one candidate to another based solely on the rumors of the day.Have some convictions of your own and stand by them through this fire-storm of rumors,slander,assumptions and outright lies either from or about every single candidate.With todays technology ,computer generated videos and websites we can't believe anything we see,read or hear at election time.There is great wisdom in that old adage and it is an even wiser today!

Tom - Dedham, Mass   January 3rd, 2008 2:12 pm ET

Quit blaming the Republicans you sheep, this article was from December 15th in the Wall street journal and CNN CHOSE TO POST IT TODAY.

Kmiec has said nothing but good things about Bill Clinton and is just stating what has been discussed in many circles for a few years when it was first thrown out there that Hillarity would run for President.

His law license was taken away, but the suspension ENDED in 2006, and for the rest of you enlightened progressives who obviously can't accomplish anything unless IT IS GIVEN to you, HE IS ELIGIBLE to be an associate justice.

"She" could only nominate him for Chief Justice if they "Fostered" or "Willeyed" Roberts.

Even as a frequent Clinton basher, I do see a useful role for him NO MATTER who the next President is, as a goodwill ambassador of some type.

He has the gift of gab and is a first class Bulls&&&&er, he can point his finger and lie with the best of them unlike this dolt in office who can't complete a sentence if you spot him the subject and predicate.

Ambassadors need to be like salesman and yes, Bill Clinton would do GREAT in that role.

Tony   January 3rd, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Wow! Please everyone, don't let the facts get in the way of your beliefs and opinions. Impeached over White water? Wasn't that the Sixty million dollar empty witch hunt?

Daleo   January 3rd, 2008 2:06 pm ET

I wonder what CNN hope to gain from this charade. Since the beginnning of Clinton's campaign, she is always peddled by CNN as the frontunner with fake pollings thrown in our faces everyday.

What I would like to see happen is Hillary win the primarys and face the republicans in the national election. I pray earnestly it would be Romney. Then you have never seen a negative campaign in all your lives. hillary will cringe to the marrow when these adverts are aired on TV. They wil bring back all those memories of Bill's administration. That, my friends, would be enough to send her scampering into her hole.

People would turn off their TV's for the most part of the whole process. Reason; the republicans are unrelenting, they not only attack their opponents, they attack americans too. They will mess up your psyche so bad you would rather stay at home than vote for Hillary lest you be portrayed as accessory to immorality. I cannot wait people!

Lisa   January 3rd, 2008 2:05 pm ET

I can not believe this story is actually being taken seriously or even that it is being published. Clearly, the timing suggests an agenda toward the Iowa Caucuses. Please, people! Like Bill Clinton doesn't have better things to do. I can't imagine he would even be interested. His efforts are on a much larger scale, more global, and diplomacy-related. Let's just see it for what it is…an unsubstantiated rumor which seems very effective in energyzing the Republican right. Aren't there more important issues to deal with in America right now?

Cable King Pittsburgh PA   January 3rd, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Put me in the line which says "no" to putting Billy "C' on the Supremest of American courts.

His talents would be wasted on such an endeavor.

This guy is a global player and can impact future world history with his efforts to eradicate poverty and bring world peace.

Most of the world respects him and responds positively to his noble and effective
efforts.

On all of planet earth it is only the kneejerk far right nutjobs that find fault with him.

Just for fun, ask yourself what service could George Bush have to offer the world after the end (Thank God) of the plague that he has wrought on all of humanity?

Amanda Pratt   January 3rd, 2008 2:02 pm ET

He does have an interesting way of seeing issues and a creative way of hiding the truth…..but that depends on what the definition of "is" is.

Brian   January 3rd, 2008 2:01 pm ET

She may not be allowed to do it anyway.

ANTI-NEPOTISM ACT: 5 U.S.C. § 3110
States :
A public official is prohibited from employing, appointing, promoting, advancing or advocating for appointment, employment promotion or advancement any relative for a civilian position in the agency in which the public official is serving.

Dr. Siebo M. H. Janssen   January 3rd, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Bill Clinton at the Supreme Court? I can only laugh…I'm a liberal – no question – but what have Clinton done for the constitutional law in the USA? In my eyes nothing – and he is pro capital punishment…no, no – we need people like Brennan and Marshall or Blackmun…

Siebo Janssen
Bonn
Germany

Teddy, ND, IN   January 3rd, 2008 1:58 pm ET

Republicans cry immorality as their church heads and congressional reps are caught in homosexual relationship, with young kids, and one of their leading candidates can not remain faithful with one woman long enough to raise his kids. He can have his license reinstated especially when you have access to the highest seat in the world. This is the greatest mind of our generation. The great presidents have all had their mistresses. He didn't know the definition of the word "is". He would make a fine representative to the high court. For the lawyer its a republican publishing company that wanted Spears' mom to publish a parenting book, tell be where your cries where about that.

Aaron   January 3rd, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Pressure to name a woman/hispanic/or younger lawyer? Who were Harriet Myers and Alberto Gonzalez? Does race/ethnicity/gender only matter if you are a Democratic nominee?

BF   January 3rd, 2008 1:54 pm ET

This is a CNN 'headline' on the website??? This isn't news…this is a 'blog'–someone's hearsay, or opinion, or speculation…how can this be listed as real news– as a 'headline' on a major news site??? This is outrageous.

This is just another example of how currupt CNN and other large media outlets are; they choose to call anything 'news' and broadcast this flimsy stuff far and wide in order to try to shape public opinion.

Outrageous.

Glenis Holland   January 3rd, 2008 1:54 pm ET

It amazes me that you could use Karl Burstein, the former Washing Post journalist you wrote a disparaging hearsay book about Hillary Clinton to give his opinion on the Iowa caucus. He jumped right in with his knife trying to carve her up.

Unlike David Gergen who is a true political analyst and an honest one who is very objective, Burnstein made very little comment about the other candidates but focussed all this time on Hillary, calling her a liar. This coming from a man who LIED the American people for decades as to the identify of "Deep Throat". I guess he expect us to trust what he has to say now about Hillary whom we can see for ourself. I believe a person is allowed to change their minds about any issue at any time without someone calling them a liar.

During the Iraq war it would have been suicidal for any politician to go against the war. Who knew that the "shock and awe " promoted by journalist like Mr. Burnstein and some of the heavy weights at CNN and other media houses actually meant the death of over 3000 American young men.

Stan Goodman   January 3rd, 2008 1:54 pm ET

WOW! Talk about nepotism!

We all have to pray very hard for the continued good health of the sitting justices.

Christian, Tampa FL   January 3rd, 2008 1:52 pm ET

As much as I like Bill Clinton, I can't think of a more horrific idea. This country is already being hurt by partisanship, and it would be a kick in the face to all of this country's conservatives, plus a serious stretch of what is constitutionally acceptable, to appoint Clinton as a Justice.

Hype   January 3rd, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Why not have a headline that reads, "IF ELECTED, HILLARY WILL EAT BABIES/"

What basis is there for this headline? Nothing but speculation. How about doing some actual reporting on some actual REAL news?

Liberal   January 3rd, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Liberals share a belief in individual rights, free enterprise and Yes we do have morals. That's why you don't find to many of us waiting in the Men's Room. What scares me most is the fact that you folks are worried about this rumor, but don't know what your Kid's are doing.

Better Go Check on Them !!!!!!!!

B.M.Wedgeworth   January 3rd, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Mrs Hillary , When you go to apply for a job any where ,They ask do you have experience? So what s so hard to under stand , You Are Very qualified.
And also I would like to see Mr. Oboma not bring out the racial Card.
We are All Americans thats what matters. We need to better our America
that what matters. Not color or gender.
You have my vote since the being. I love shopping for specials and I get two for the price of one, You and Bill.
So go Mrs.President.
B.M.W San Antonio,Texas

Alex, Washington DC   January 3rd, 2008 1:49 pm ET

A conservative law professor raising this possibility is a thinly veiled attempt at stirring up the red states and motivate the most conservative voters to hit the ballot boxes. Combining the Clintons and the Supreme Court into a single "doomsday scenario" is brilliant. Is there any way to add Ted Kennedy to the mix? :-)

Lester Aponte   January 3rd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Bill Clinton loves the spotlight too much to be a Supreme Court justice. I do agree this seems like a rumor designed to remind people of the Clinton-era scandals so as to hurt Hillary Clinton's chances. The comments posted here are an indication of the kind of reaction the rumor was designed to elicit. Let's get our facts right though. Bill Clinton was NOT disbarred and he was NOT impeached for lying to Congress. As for me, I have ecery intention of voting for Senator Clinton as she is the most qualified candidate and the one whose views are closest to my own. The Democratic Party has nominated a long line of unelectable men for the presidency, from Mc Govern to Kerry. It eas the Clintons who led us out of the wilderness and the Clinton administration looks better and better in retrospect.

Ben MacGowen   January 3rd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

It all starts with the Constitution. We all need to ask ourselves., "Do I agree with the intent of the founders in their construction of our political system and law?" and, "Am I allegiant to this country, the United States of America, would I die for this country?"

As for me, the answer to both questions is yes. But, it is foremost on my mind that few, if not only one or two of the 2008 presidential candidates(of any affiliation), can HONESTLY answer an UNCONDITIONAL yes to either of these questions.

The Democrat party strikes me as unashamedly against almost all of the responsibilities that the Constitution requires of the People. It also strikes me that many liberals that I know have real issues with private property ,free enterprise(capitalism) and authority(allegiance).

Seeing as the court has become the LONE and final arbiter of American law and policy, it chills me to the bone, the idea of Bill Clinton wearing one of those robes.

Bill, OHIO   January 3rd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

To all of you who always cry CNN is the 'Clinton News Network'…what do you say now? CNN has not done Hillary any favors by reporting this story. Feel pretty stupid now right? Good…because you truly are.

David Birch   January 3rd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

I planned to vote for Obama but this tasteless rumor aimed at hurting Clinton has changed my mind. I will now vote for Hillary.

Good job, Karl Rove!! BTW, why is CNN publishing this garbage?

S. Traveller   January 3rd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

"Kmiec worked in the Reagan and Bush 41 White Houses as a top lawyer, but said he has no personal or political "disdain" for Bill Clinton."

OHHHHHHHH! Now I feel totally at ease with this guy. If he doesn't hate Bill Clinton, he must not have any kind of ulterior motive at all.

This is trash. Come on CNN. Who was the editor that let this garbage float through? Speculation by a random law school professor warrants a front page link? Is this really the kind of thing that appears on a news ticker?

Jeff - Jacksonville FL   January 3rd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Jim Belvidere – Clinton the biggest joke of a President? Where have YOU been for the past 7 years?

Sean Tanner   January 3rd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

This is sheer speculation from a conservative professor that is designed to damage Hilllary's election chances. This has NO basis in fact. Get a grip people.

DH Saginaw, MI   January 3rd, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Gee, the perfect reward for a man who perjured imself and lost his law license.

John   January 3rd, 2008 1:45 pm ET

True or not. The very thought of Bill Clinton seating on our nation's highest court just boggles my mind. He has no moral fiber and represents the worst this country has to offer. Once we appoint men of no character to the court we open ourselves to the wrath of God.

Very bad idea.

Taylor   January 3rd, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Excuse me, CNN. How is this newsworthy?? You find some obscure legal authority making some idle speculations and you report it as fact? What is the point, here? This is baseless, tabloid journalism intended to throw people into huff. And,judging by the comments posted here, you've succeeded. You've now stepped down to MSNBC's level. Congratulations.

Onthebeach   January 3rd, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Why not??? Washington is crowded with scoundrels of his ilk. One more or less won't make a big difference. After all, it's the corporate CEOs and their lobbiests running the country.

Sue, Michigan   January 3rd, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Doesn't this smell like a Karl Rove story? Sounds like another swift boating attempt to me! And what do you like a President Rudy might do-nominate his newest mistress as Sec. of State? Geez, you can float anything out there and people will jump on it. We are so gullible that instead of being outraged at the fascist shift in the White House, we
worry about what Hillary may or may not do. Wake up people!

Jeff - Jacksonville FL   January 3rd, 2008 1:45 pm ET

But seriously folks….this is just another "we want more hits on our website" ploy by CNN.

I seriously doubt it would happen. It's probably something someone in this professors law class that some law student came up with on "What If" day.

Nomad   January 3rd, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Answer – no, they truly have no shame!!! But even more shameful, we Americans keep electing them, KNOWING their true colors. It speaks to OUR society, OUR values. That's the shame of it all.

scott   January 3rd, 2008 1:44 pm ET

This sounds like "cheap" propaganda coming out of the bleeding hearts at CNN.
If there is any truth to this…..this is the final nail in the coffin for little miss Hillary.

What next, little brat Chelse running the C.I.A. ??

andypetro   January 3rd, 2008 1:44 pm ET

That would seem unethical. I don't know if any law specifically bars appointment of relatives. I guess Kennedy appointed his brother AG, but I would air on the side of caution if I was Hillary and I would not appoint a family member to any position.

mike   January 3rd, 2008 1:44 pm ET

This is a ridiculous article. Full of what ifs and made out of one persons story time or fantasy. Really, what happened to the real CNN?

Mario   January 3rd, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Don't worry, Bill won't be any judge for anything. Hitlery will lose the election, she married the bum, that is her own undoing. Sure we want a liar, an adultrier, a crook and ego in love fool that he is. I don't think so.

Communist new network is covering this, so are the other media libreal lovers. So it isn't just CNN. Typical libs blaming someone for there misfortunes. Get a life libs.

Jeremy Lawrence   January 3rd, 2008 1:44 pm ET

As we all thought CNN has yet again shown it's true color, headlines without fact and what timing….

Tom   January 3rd, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Given the very probable assumption that this story is fabricated, it is worth asking who a good SCt. nominee would be under a Democratic Presidency. In my opinion,.the best choice for a SCt. nominee would be Erwin Chemerinsky . . . finest Constitutional scholar in the land.

Cheers!

bob   January 3rd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

"I was under the impression that he was disbarred for lying to congress. A perjurer would not be a good choice for supreme court."

technically he could, though its probably not a good idea, there are far, far better choices out there and its probably just hype, personally I still think all of this years cream of the crop is garbage for chooseing who is prez.

joeb   January 3rd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Didn't we form this country so that single families wouldn't hold control?
(i.e. MONARCHIES)

Lets see…
4 years Bush
8 Years Clinton (who was also impeached for being a LIAR)
8 years Bush
Do we really want to sign on for 8 more Clinton Years?
What next? Jeb Bush??

perry   January 3rd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

great idea.

it's a great way to keep right wing pundits employed forever.

Jeff - Jacksonville FL   January 3rd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Actually, Bill Clinton was NOT disbarred. He "voluntarily" surrendered his license to practice law for a period of five years. Those five years are long since over. So technically he is a lawyer again.

As far as whether he can be nominated….the President of the United States can nominate anybody he/she darn well pleases to the court. That nominee just has to get past the US Senate on their way to the bench. You don't even have to be a lawyer at all.

And technically, Clinton was never CONVICTED of anything. He was impeached for perjery and acquitted. So his record is clean. Besides, if he DID have a criminal record, Hillary would pardon him before she nominated him anyway. :)

Shirley   January 3rd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Even the thought of Bill Clinton being elected to ANY public office nauseates me. His lies disgraced the office of the President of the U.S. His actions lowered the moral standards of this country. Meanwhile, Hillary defended him for his actions! She blamed the accusations on the Republicans!! WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU ABOUT HER JUDGMENT AND HER ACTIONS UNDER CONFLICT!!!

She should stay home and bake cookies for "her man" to keep him from prowling!

Kathy   January 3rd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Chill out folks – I agree with a former writer that this is a Karl Rovian technique to scare the voters.

And shame on CNN for printing this story!

Jessica Corio   January 3rd, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Just the very thought has made my day. I know the idea is too good to be true, but I remember the awful sinking feeling I had when George Bush "beat" Al Gore. This would remedy that nicely.

Rob in Canada   January 3rd, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Propoganda to sway voters in Iowa today. Wow – if that's their best shot at the Clintons – I say the Clintons are gonna win.

This issue here is the Presidency – not the Supreme Court Justice! I can recognize this even North of the USA border.

Shannon, Charlottesville, VA   January 3rd, 2008 1:40 pm ET

it's funny to see all of you react to this non-story. this is just gossip and there are important stories, such as what's happening in kenya right now. cnn, get real.

Laura   January 3rd, 2008 1:39 pm ET

THIS LOOKS LIKE A PLANTED STORY AIMED AT DISCREDITING HILLARY CLINTON. IT IS BASED ON A CONSERVATIVE LAW PROFESSOR'S "SPECULATION" AND NOTHING ELSE!

Patricia Pratt   January 3rd, 2008 1:39 pm ET

It is quite evident that both Clintons are only interested in one thing, POWER and the money it will bring them. Neither of them have any morals, they conive constantly for their own benefit, lie cheat and accept money from undesirables whenever they think they can get away with it and do not wirj for the betterment of the USA, always only themselves. They have done so many sneaky underhanded and imoral things, they should be ashamed to show their faces to the decent people who still live in this great country. Anyone who votes for either of these people should have their heads examined. Can a person that was brought up on impeachment charges be elected to such a prestigous post?

Civics 101   January 3rd, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Just want to point out that no president, Clinton included, has ever been impeached. Only the Senate can impeach a president, not the House. The House brought Articles of Impeachment against him but the Senate failed to Impeach. Think of it like indicting someone versus actually convicting him.

Bukky, Balt MD   January 3rd, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Judge Learned Hand January 3, 2008 12:07 pm ET

As an attorney, am I the only one bothered that they would even consider a disbarred attorney for the Supreme Court? What's next…Brittany Spears as the head of Children Services?

Why must you say "as an attorney' like that means anything…. But "as an attorney" you should know that ANYONE can be a justice, you dont even have to go to law school… Yes that means even Brittney can be a justice… And who are these "they" that you speak of. This never came out of Hillarys mouth or mouth peice… If you did not pick up on the "conservative law professor has openly predicted" you are not a lawyer….

Richard F   January 3rd, 2008 1:38 pm ET

This story tells me more about Bill Mears and possibly CNN than about either Bill or Hillary Clinton. There is no factual information at all in this story (beyond the background on Taft), only innuendo. The pitching of this as a "news story" is obviously intended as an anti Democratic or Hillary smear not so different from the ol…."If you elect Democrats Terrorists will celebrate".

Anyone can say anything. Is anything said news? One might make a case that someone in the public eye saying something MIGHT be news, but the individual saying this is NOT someone known by the public at large.

CNN is sounding more like Fox News every day creating "news" out of nothing to suit its personal agenda.

If Hillary were to become President, then her decisions would be news. If one were to KNOW of her agenda, this too could be news. But Joe Blow conjecturing to push an agenda is pure propaganda. CNN used to stand for more than this at one time.

jay   January 3rd, 2008 1:38 pm ET

i'd rather have a judgeup there that lied and cheated and admitted it than some judge that thinks they are all high and mighty and feel the need to saywhat they want everyone else to do bc their way is the right way,.. and they won't even admit how arragoant they are… ie, alito, scalia and thomas.

Joe Bartolomeo   January 3rd, 2008 1:38 pm ET

It would only happen in United States. What silly idea….after all the scandals. I am very surprised how well she is doing in the presidential primaries election but I have faith she is not going to be elected as a democratic candidate. The next president is going to a republican.

Kelly   January 3rd, 2008 1:36 pm ET

This article neglects to mention that this conservative professor works with Kenneth Starr, Dean of Pepperdine Law School.

Donni   January 3rd, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Hey folks; it is SPECULATION.

So let's speculate…. what better way for Obama or Edwards to slide into the lead as the potential democratic candidate by surreptitiously speculating that Bill would be nominated to the Supreme Court.

While it is fun to speculate I doubt there is any real validity to this. Does anyone remember the Clarence Thomas debacle? He became a Justice but how many excruciating weeks were spent trying to determine if he was the right man for the job because of his alleged sexual harrassment? Let's see, Bill lied to the grand jury investigating him because he lied about sex with an intern under oath in a case involving sexual harrassment which he ultimately settled. Does Hillary really want to relive that? I give her credit for being smarter than that.

dale   January 3rd, 2008 1:35 pm ET

This is just another attempt to inspire conservative fear and loathing for Hillary and energize the base for the "anyone but Hillary" vote. Why does CNN choose to report "news" such as this, which amounts to nothing more than another conservative pundit's strategically placed comments designed to fuel the fires of hatred for the Clintons.

Roy   January 3rd, 2008 1:34 pm ET

I can't believe all the hate tactics and for CNN to make allegations before there was any results from the primaries. These are just rumors and there are some journalist who are pro-Hillary. People listen to your heart and not the media. I think the only decent journalist in CNN is Anderson Cooper, he doesn't make any judgement of any one or thing.

GOOD Luck Hillary.

Katie   January 3rd, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but nowhere in this article does it say that Hillary Clinton has suggested this– it is just speculation. She didn't porpose this, she hasn't even commented on it herself. It seems like there is a negative headline about HRC on CNN.com every time I check the site. Whether it's her daughter not speaking to reporters (have we heard anything from any of the other candidates' children?) or any of the other candidates throwing insults at her, Senator Clinton just can't stay out of the news. It's appalling that CNN– and American politics– have sunk to this level.

Tony Elias   January 3rd, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Nice headline! Of course the "journalists" at CNN would rather publish the headline as a scare tactic instead of being honest and identifying, in the headline, that it's the opinion of some whacked out, right-wing, law professor.

Typical for CNN, no wonder it's viewership has dropped, and it's respect as a viable news source has diminished. Between ridiculous headlines like this and hiring clowns like glen beck, one shouldn't be suprised.

ronnie j reichgelt   January 3rd, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Isn't Kenneth Starr the Dean of Law at Pepperdine? Oh ya, I'm sure there was no personal motivation for that perdiction on the eve of the Iowa caucus.

Jim   January 3rd, 2008 1:33 pm ET

What I don't see mentioned by anyone here is that he would have to be confirmed, and I can't imagine that happening, even with a Democratic majority.

wordslinger   January 3rd, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Absurd.

A. She wouldn't do it because it would distract from every other initiative she may have.

B. He wouldn't take it because:
1. For the first time in his life he's making lots of money and won't give that up.
2. There is no way he would submit to days of Senate Judiciary Committee questioning.

Patrick, Atllanta GA   January 3rd, 2008 1:33 pm ET

What garbage. What's next, HILLARY COULD ALLOW GAYS IN THE MILITARY, EXPERTS REFUSE TO RULE IT OUT

I hope people are smart enough to see through this kind of cr@p "journalism", but FOX, and now CNN, have proven me wrong time and time again.

SHAME.

Undecided in Iowa, but not Hillary   January 3rd, 2008 1:33 pm ET

The thought makes me shudder.
Even knowing the confirmation hearings would be a circus and not likely to succeed, I would not be surprised if Hillary did so at an opportune moment to distract the country from other more important issues.

She is shifty and I will be caucusing for the candidate that will be best able to defeat her tonight.

Bill   January 3rd, 2008 1:32 pm ET

This has got to be a joke. He committed perjury.

Marge Hibbing Mn   January 3rd, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Just another republican attempt to shoot down Hillary's run for the nomination. Don't you legal beavers remember that President Clinton was disbarred. How can he be named to the Supreme Court. Or does that matter.

David, Cleveland, Ohio   January 3rd, 2008 1:32 pm ET

The comment that there are no "requirements" for the job may be in the true "consititutional" vein, but look at reality people.

In the last 80 years the individuals that have been appointed to the supreme court have come from judicial backgrounds.

Any person that does not have a background of issuing decisions, arguing, evaluating and discussing constitutional matters at some level in the judiciary would be laughed out of the confirmation hearings. And that would include Bill Clinton.

Oh and by the way, nice touch on the conspiracy issues you dolt's.

Now, get back to work. :)

Lola   January 3rd, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Oh, come on, people. This is just a Rove-engineered rumor, perfectly timed for the primary. Don't you know when you are being manipulated? WAKE UP!!!!

Ryan, Salt Lake City, UT   January 3rd, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Bill will be 63 in 2009 — there is no chance that Hillary would appoint Bill given the trend of appointing justices in their late 40's/early 50's to ensure longer service at the court. Why loose a good decade of votes?

Billy Bleu   January 3rd, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Anyone that believes this would happen is an idiot. This reaks of the typical "Rovian" scare tactics to try and stop Hillary from doing well in the primaries. When are the people of America going to wake up and realize the Karl Rove Republicans are using them and their ignorance to run this once great country into the ground!! WAKE UP AMERICA!! Vote for whom you want but don't make your decisions based on these bafunish posts!! Get to know your canidates or stay home!

Lisla Lee, Dallas, TX   January 3rd, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Did any of you read who started this rumor in the first place?????

Quote from the second paragraph of this ridiculous story:

"Now a respected CONSERVATIVE law professor has openly predicted a future President Clinton would name her husband to the high court if a vacancy occurred."

Does this not smack of a planted story attempting to scare potential on-the-fence voters? People, wake up and use your brains. This would never happen. First of all, Bill wouldn't want the job. Second, Hillary is smarter than that.

Common sense, please!!!!!!!!!! People who believe cr– like this shouldn't even be allowed to vote in the first place. Scares me to think people are actually that dumb.

CNN– you should be ashamed to even report stuff like this. You're starting to look more like the National Enquirer every day.

ulysses   January 3rd, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Look at all the stupid republicans jumping over themselves to reject Hillary for something she didn't suggest or even talk about. This is an idea that was only suggested by Republican strategists as a "what if" to scare voters. Is Bill Clinton the best boogieman you can come up with? Apparently your constituents are dumb enough to fall for it, so good for you.
Anybody bother to ask Hillary what she thinks? Maybe they know they'll get laughed at.

parany20011   January 3rd, 2008 1:30 pm ET

its clear why "xtina chicago IL", from her days as a Wal-Mart board member (which mysteriously disappeared from her resume), Hilary Clinton has shown herself to be an active participant in croneyism and wouldn't think twice about appointing her seriously morally weak husband to our nation's Supreme Court.

Jackie   January 3rd, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Are you kidding me? Why print this? and now? Political propaganda at its finest. Seriously? Stop printing rumors and stick to the facts..I'm disappointed in your choice in publishing this work as a respectable media outlet. Hmmm…..this is why people don't vote with their heads!

georgia caver   January 3rd, 2008 1:29 pm ET

A bit of speculation that has been "whispered in legal and political circles" is not substantial enough for the headline or the story itself. Running this "story" on the day of the first meaningful "votes" of the primary season seems designed to do one thing: stir up anti-Clinton emotions.

Richard   January 3rd, 2008 1:28 pm ET

To follow up with Andrew, there is NO federal law, requiring any federal judge to be a lawyer, including the Supremes, disbarred means nothing. Obviously not to Hillary either if this is even remotley true! How typical odf a man who has never held down a job in his life off the public dole.

Les   January 3rd, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Any PERSON appointed to be in the US supreme court is REQUIRED to be a LAWYER. Before the said person can even face the senate for nomination, the US BAR ASSOCIATION will thoroughly study the decisions this person made in the court of law.

I haven't heard an accountant or a historian sitting at the USC.

As one quote i've read a long time ago; "EVERYONE HAS RIGHT TO BE STUPID, SOME JUST ABUSE THE PRIVILEGE."

Jo   January 3rd, 2008 1:28 pm ET

What kind of story is this? A law professor predicted this and it made the news like there was some credit to the story. It is no wonder lawyers and journalists are at the top of the list of people you cant trust.

Stevec   January 3rd, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Pat;
Do you really beleieve this:

he did a great job nationally and internationally.

HE DID NOTHING TO STOP THE TERRORISTS DURING HIS 8 YEARS IN OFFICE.

The weapons of mass destruction, we mis reported from the intel community from BOTH admins.

Kerry who had access to classified doc's even said so. But more importantly, what do you think Saddam used on the Kurds, cotton balls? Yes he had them, hid them. Wake up.

Hillary is a risk to this country.

As Co-President during Bill's terms, she REALLY can't even be running. There is NO provision for Co-Presidency on the Constitution.

Let alone, Hillary admitting that she was given and had access to classified documents. This alone is against the law. \

Stop swilling the kool-aide and wake up.

MW   January 3rd, 2008 1:26 pm ET

You people need to get your facts right…Clinton was never disbarred. He resigned from the Supreme Court bar under the threat of disbarment. The Arkansas bar moved to disbar Clinton, but offered a deal that saw him suspended for five years. Because he was allowed to reapply to the bar after the suspension ended in 2006, his punishment is not considered disbarment. And even if he was, disbarment is not always permanent.

Pippen, Arlington VA   January 3rd, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Bill Clinton was disbarred for 5 years in Arkansas. He was then suspended by the Supreme Court bar and chose to resign from the Supreme Court bar rather than be disbarred. That being said, you don't even need to be a trained lawyer to be on the Supreme Court. It's probably pointless though, he'd face 100% republican opposition and surely there would be enough democrats to vote against such nepotism (assuming Hillary nominated him).

JC, Topeka, Kansas   January 3rd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Gee, it seems to me that there would have to be an opening first. Now then, he does hold a degree in Consitutional Law, and I find it hard to believe that he would be a worst choice than any of the individuals that we have been sattled with fir "life" by the current occupant of the White House.

But in the mean time to the ultra right Bush supporters, that absolutely cringe when they hear the name of Clinton used, lets get the election finished first and actually elect the President, I know this is a novel approach, than we can think about appointments where there are no openings.

Sean   January 3rd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Yeah, way to lean right CNN. Even though there's been "speculation" for more than a year, this supposedly credible and unbiased news source opts to publish this article on the day of the first presidential caucus? Perhaps this is too hectic a time for CNN's editors to enforce ethical and unbiased journalism from their reporters? This was an acutely-timed political maneuver and it is shameful.

Eliza, Iowa City   January 3rd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

This speculative fantasy by a Republican partisan is not news. Shame on you CNN for putting this story on the portal. Surely there is some real news in the world somewhere that deserves attention.

TJB   January 3rd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

President Clinton was disbarred by the state of Arkansas in 2001 for five years. He has presumably regained his law license. However, he resigned from the Supreme Court bar to avoid being permanantly suspended. He can ask for reinstatement but as of now, can not argue a case before the Supreme Court.

In any case, I can't imagine even the Democrats voting to confirm him to the Supreme Court while Hillary is President. That would be an obvious conflict of interest and put an enormous strain on the balance of powers. A future President might get away with it but not Hillary.

scott   January 3rd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

How soon we forget…this man was DISBARRED in Arkansas! How can someone who has disbarred be named to the Supreme Court? And as much as this might feed Mr. Clinton's inflated ego in the short term, it would lock him to one job and prevent him from taking advantage of other opportunities. No way that would ever happen.

Joyce --- Virginia   January 3rd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Here we go again scare tactics from the Republicians. There is a great-right -wing conspiracy out there. Well this time the Dem's have a Silent mojority out there. How dumb does the Republicians think the American public is. IT WON'T WORK THIS TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!

TJ   January 3rd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Practically speaking it wouldn't work anyway. He would have to recuse himself when the US is a party because his wife is representing the US through the Solictor General.

She would appoint a friendly who would vote her way not one who would have to sit on the sidelines.

Steve, Madison WI   January 3rd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Definitely a Faux News type scare tactic – although if Clarence Thomas can make it on the Supreme Court then why not Bill Clinton ( or Arnold for that matter).
Given the current motley crew sitting (Scalia, Thomas & Roberts), anyone would be an improvement.

ROBERT   January 3rd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

TELL ME THE REPUBLICANS ARE NOT WORRIED ABOUT HILLARY. THEY WOULD SAY ANYTHING TO TRY AND KEEP THE WHITEHOUSE. CNN SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR EVEN PRINTING THIS GARBAGE. BILL CLINTON WOULD DO MORE GOOD FOR THIS COUNTRY IN ONE DAY AS FIRST GENTLEMAN THAN THE REPUBLICANS HAVE DONE WITH THEIR PRESIDENT IN 8 YEARS. ANYONE WHO CAN'T SEE THIS AS A SCARE TACTIC BY THE REPUBLICANS
I HAVE SOME OCEAN FRONT PROPERTY IN OKLAHOMA I WOULD LIKE TO SELL YOU.

Chris   January 3rd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

I see the whisper campaign has begun. Lets start some more.

I heard Mitt is going to change the postal service dress code to match those of Mormon missionaries so when they come to the door you won't know if its to sign for a package or get converted.
I heard Rudy is going to appoint his girl friends to differernt cabinet posts to keep them quiet.
I heard McCain wrote the script for the new Rambo movie.

Anyone got anymore they want to share? Mine are just as good as this crap!

CAREN   January 3rd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

This is a story???????????????? She hasn't said she would. He hasn't said he's interested. Do you guys get paid by story or what?????

Richard   January 3rd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

What a freightening thought. Not that I needed a reason not to vote for her, it just kind of puts frosting on the cake!

Ryan S in KC   January 3rd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

**Is this not the same man that lied to a Grand Jury to cover his Butt? Is this not the same man that gave a pardon to one of the most notorious scam artists in existence? Is this not the same man that lied to the American people on National TV? Is this not the same man that was a disaster as President?**

You're thinking of George W Bush.

heartlight 3, Maui, HI   January 3rd, 2008 1:21 pm ET

This is just idle speculation by a "respected conservative law professor", not anything that Hillary has even hinted that she is considering. It is amazing to me how these conservatives just make something up and send so many people into an absolute tizzy over it. How does this further the process? It is obviously designed to get people all in an uproar and stir up antipathy to Hillary. Can't we see through this kind of tactic after all the times it has been employed? I guess they keep doing it because it still works. Doesn't say much for the intelligence of the American public.

Rand   January 3rd, 2008 1:21 pm ET

So if Hillary wins the nomination and if she wins the general election and if a justice retires, she _might_ nominate Bill to the Supreme Court. And this is news how?

FC   January 3rd, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Did you fact check this story with anyone who wasn't a conservative republican, or maybe anyone with half a brain??

Dan Morey   January 3rd, 2008 1:20 pm ET

There are no qualifications set in the Constitution for being a member of the Supreme Court (see Article III). An individual does not even have to be a lawyer to serve on the court. So, disbarment does not disqualify former President Clinton from serving on the court. However, he would face an uphill confirmation hearing, including receiving a rating by the ABA, which would most likely not look favorably on someone who had lost their legal licenses in Arkansas.

k david, NH   January 3rd, 2008 1:20 pm ET

CNN
As a citizen and a Hillary Clinton supporter I ask you to please take this posting out ASAP.
It is unfair and unethical to post something like this that has absolutely no validity and a baseless rumor other than a venue to discredit Senator Clinton by her haters.
Not on the day of the 1st Caucuses.

CNN please apologize and and pull this out it is not NEWS.
Thank You.

ben, La.   January 3rd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Why not? He'd serve as well as or better than a lot of others. And if a 2nd opens occurs she could appoint Mike Huckabee.

Dan (Columbia, MD)   January 3rd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

So now we know the real reason Bubba has his puppet running for President.

The Clintons have no honor.

JC Cincy   January 3rd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

It's difficult to see that the American people in denile as to the DANGER of another Clinton White House…If the people think Bush is strong headed, vote Clinton into the White House and HOLD ON………………..

JC Cincy

Dan, TX   January 3rd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

This is a ridiculous article.

As an Obama supporter I've seen CNN post garbage like this a lot. Looks like CNN has turned on Clinton to post such utter nonsense.

Jan Delbert   January 3rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

We NEED him as Secretary of State regardless of who wins the election.

Anonymous   January 3rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Practically — its a no-go. Take politics out of it and think logically. A husband of the president would have to recuse himself so often because the Supreme Court hears so many cases where the United States through the President (by the Solictor General) is a party. What good would that do her? Better to appoint a friendly who could actually vote for her position.

This would only happen when she is headed out the door at the end of her term.

Lisla Lee, Dallas, TX   January 3rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Where the heck do people come up with these wild eyed stories? And do any of you readers actually believe this would happen? Get real !!!!!

This is some wild rumor started either by someone trying to discredit Hillary or someone trying to "make" the news instead of "report" the news. This is all such a joke that I can't believe any of you would even buy into it for a minute. Brain up, folks.

JK   January 3rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

What garbage. This is right wing tripe to
try and sabotage yet another election.

Prodigaldog   January 3rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

"Kmiec worked in the Reagan and Bush 41 White Houses as a top lawyer, but said he has no personal or political "disdain" for Bill Clinton."

Chyeah, right. You can take the boy out of the White House, but he's still gonna be a Repug hack.

You want a Supreme Court horror story? Two words: Antonin Scalia.

I hope he bought you dinner first, because this guy had his way with you.

Ian   January 3rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

No Chris Parent, speak for yourself and your lack of charater and morals. You may not give a lick about Bill past. I do. He lied to Congress, he lied to America. I care. Great example for your children, don't you think?

MAG Fairfax, VA   January 3rd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Let's see – he's a convicted felon liar, lost his law license, and was impeached.
DO THEY HAVE ANY SHAME AT ALL???????

david Arnopole   January 3rd, 2008 1:16 pm ET

I THOUGHT THAT ONLY FOX NEWS ALLOWED SUCH BLATANT LIES AND FEAR MONGERING. NEXT THEY WILL SAY THAT SHE WILL CHANGE THE CONSTITUTION TO RE-ELECT BILL.

Angry Hillary Supporter   January 3rd, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Unbelievable! Looks like the fear of Hillary Clinton winning the presidential bid is so high that ridiculous rumors about what she would/would not do while president are flying everywhere. Shame on you CNN for spreading this rumor.

Jon Stacey - TN   January 3rd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

I orginally voted Bush, what a mistake!!!
Democrat for life after Bush…

Hail the Clintons!!! They are the greatest…

RD   January 3rd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

How is this possibly "news"?! CNN is rapidly losing all credibility as a news provider. This shameless "story", which is nothing more than mere conjecture and innuendo, is no better than FOX "news". CNN owes an apology to both the credible journalists who once were associated with it, as well as to the public, for whom it apparently now assumes is too ignorant to want and demand real news stories. Congratulations on lowering the bar even further.

brittany   January 3rd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

This would bring fear to my life. . It would be a mistake that I hope America doesn't make by letting her into office.

AJ, IL   January 3rd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

This really shows how weak Hillary is as a candidate without Bill Clinton. Everytime polls show Hillary slipping she either attacks the front-runner or throws Bill Clinton's image and name out to the public.

Ian   January 3rd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Any American that would vote for Hilary deserves Bill Clinton as Supreme Court Judge. If anyone would know a liar it would be Honest Bill.

Bryn   January 3rd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

I like Bill, but this is just over the top. I'm not sure what the Clinton campaign's official comment is but I'd find this highly improbable based on many of the preceding comments. Even moreso, I feel this would be a huge ethical strain on the system. Assuming Hilary's victory, appointing him to a cabinet or high-level advisor post is tenuous enough, but a Supreme Court appointment, which is for life, would make the Clintons a contemporary dynasty. I thought that was part of the reason why America left England in order to break-away from family rule and dictatorships. This screams conflict-of-interest to me in the basic sense of the term. I think Bill has had his turn and it has since passed. I think he should use his political clout and wisdom in other ways to enhance America. Perhaps, when another democrat takes the white house, he can contemplate his role in America's future.

David   January 3rd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Hmmm…this is a story I'd expect to read on FoxNoise.com. What's up CNN?!

Bill Clinton on the Supreme Court could help give millions of gay Americans the rights, equality and justice they have been denied by society.

Jim Belvidere, Illinois   January 3rd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Bill Clinton was the biggest joke of a president the U.S. and the world has ever seen. On the plus side, he would not have to wear pants under that robe if he were appointed to the Supreme Court….Clinton, what a joke. Can' t this guy just go away?

Dave M   January 3rd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Bah,

Would never happen. Forget about any other issues, the spouse of the POTUS would have too many conflict-of-interest issues to be a Supreme Court Justice.

Hillary would be a fool to try this, and say what you may, Hillary is no fool.

Mark   January 3rd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

A better idea if she wins would be to appoint Barack Obama. The man's a true constitutional scholar with an appropriately contemporary view of the Bill of Rights. That would be a SUPERB pick.

I'm not sure you even have to be a lawyer to be a justice, so I doubt it would matter if Bill had been disbarred or not. I also don't think that Hillary would consider it unless it was a way to get him out of public and keep him from stealing her limelight.

What the   January 3rd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Doesn't Congress have to approve such nonsense ?

mike , ohio   January 3rd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

We now have Judge Judy……….Bill on the Supreme Court, Judge BOOTIE!

Marshal Phillips, Wichita, Kansas   January 3rd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Well, really… how actually bad a justice could Bill be? I think he would represent many people's point of view just fine, particularly minorities, blacks and gays etc. He would certainly be much more fair than those pin headed conservatives we have now!
But politically even if Hillary were president and even if she did name him, Bill would have to pass muster with the senate. That does seem a big if… it all depends on if enough liberals were in the senate to vote for him.
Anyway… it wouldn't be a bad thing for our country, in my opinion!

bob w   January 3rd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

what some people will publish to increase readership!

Brad from AZ yarr!   January 3rd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Wow, another reason she won't get elected.

Have fun watching your numbers go down Hillary.

Then again, if the evil one does get elected, I guess the end times have to happen some time.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a set in stone Republican or Democrat, I just have favorites and evil ones of both, and well, Hillary out does them all. And don't think its because she's a woman, honestly, I don't care what gender, ethnicity, religion you are, so long as you are good at the job I elect you to do.

She has a glorious way of purposely changing her appearance, putting on a fake accent for an entire speech, and well, freaking out when she gets a question that wasn't pre-read or given to the person asking, she just, wow, crazy.

Once again, Brad claims that the day Hillary gets elected is the day that all that mankind has come to know and love, will cease to exist.

yarr!

billybobblojob   January 3rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Somebody should tell Antonin Scalia to try and enjoy the relative self-imposed anonymity the justices rely on to do their jobs free of political and public pressures.

Or somebody should tell this conservative lawyer who regularly argues before the Supreme Court to crack down on his own whack jobs before he makes snide comments about Clinton.

Kris in AL   January 3rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Oh yeah? How could someone convicted of PERJURY serve on the S C or any court?

chris cbus   January 3rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

i just decided to vote hillary. not because i like her, but because this horribly tasteless attack has irritated me that bad.

Donovan   January 3rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Wake up, people–you are being manipulated. This kind of "news" story on the day of the Iowa caucus is designed to inflame voters who might otherwise vote for Hillary Clinton. Shame on you, CNN.

therealist   January 3rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

This is what we expect from the Clintons..

rtbohan, Sumter, SC   January 3rd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Many strange seleections have been made to the Supreme Court, but I believe the appointment of s former lawyer disbarred for perjury would be a new low

PW Va   January 3rd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Why is it that no one's heard a peep from karl rove, scooter libby, don rumsfield, al rodriguez, harriet miers and eevn dick cheney (and a plethora of others) during this whole process….UNTIL NOW. I see their fingerprints all over this!!!

Saul San Francisco, CA   January 3rd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

This is something the conservative think tanks have thought up to try and scare voters and motivate their conservative base. Another dirty trick that Republicans try to play to confuse people and change the topic away from their own policy ideas, which benefit a few wealthy elite.

Eric, South Tejas   January 3rd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

It seems an exercise in poor form and bad taste to nominate an impeached president and disbarred lawyer to the high court. Then again, it requires a moral compass and sense of decency to actually see that… qualities the Clintons lack.

Chris, Washington, D.C.   January 3rd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Only a handful of posters above have the right idea. This isn't a news story- this is whispers and rumors based on something that could theoretically be done. I might as well write an article saying "Maybe Mike Huckabee will name Chuck Norris for his VP. It could happen."

Pat   January 3rd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Im disappointed in CNN for reporting a rumor from a conservative lawyer on the first day people will be going to the polls. Not a bit of fact…only rumor. This is how the republicans "swift-boated" John Kerry last time. And for the record, Clinton was suspended from practicing law in Arkansas for five years as part of a plea agreement to avoid perjury charges. He resigned from the bar of the Supreme Court to avoid being disbarred, which happens when lawyers lose their license (even if suspended). And for all those who bash him for lying….he did a great job nationally and internationally. Many suggest the current administration doesn't lie…do I have to remind you of those lies which were of greater magnitude…weapon's of mass destruction, which caused needless loss of american lives?

Terry W. Jones   January 3rd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

You don'y have to be a licenced attorney to serve on the Supreme Court? Bill was disbarred and lost his license for perjury.

Surrealist, Fort Myers   January 3rd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

What a hoot that would be!!!

This sounds like another strong reason–I'm voting for Edwards.

Just imagine the GOP's reaction if he were appointed to the Supreme Court!!

I say leave well enough alone. Let's put Hillary back in the Senate and Bill back at his foundation. Let's elect John Edwards and start some NEW histroy!!

Fred   January 3rd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Regardless of whether this rumor is true or not, it certainly underscores the fact that Bill will be prominent in American politics if Hillary is elected president.

And, if he is true to form, regardless of what position (whether formal or informal), he will serve to be a continuing embarrassment to our nation.

Mike, Houston, TX   January 3rd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

You're joking. Bill was DISBARRED in Arkansas. There is no end to their shame.

ANNETTE   January 3rd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Great!!
Finally a normal guy in the Supreme Court . Not so weltfremd, but connected to the world. It is now a bunch of fossiles with weird ideas. This fundamentalistic country, blaming the whole world for being fundamentalistic needs persons with common sense. Church and State should be seperated please!

The razzia against Clinton during his presidency was disgusting and showed nothing of christianity. On the contrary. That shows hoe hypocrite this country is…

Pat Huntington NY   January 3rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

You don't have to be a lawyer to be on the Supreme Court, or have a law degree for that matter. So, it doesn't matter if Bill was disbarred, and in any event, I don't think he ever was disbarred. I think it would be a great service for this nation if any future Democratic President nominates him the Supreme Court. Remember, he's considered brilliant, extremely well educated, and he's more qualified than all the schm*cks Bush has put on the bench.

Joelle Didelot, Milwaukee, WI   January 3rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton NEVER was DISBARRED!

I personally think he would be a refreshing and elegant change to the current Supreme Court… even though we all KNOW it will never happen.

Furthermore, if any of you over-emotional, intellectual cretins responding on this blog actually think that none of the current Supreme Court Justices have never lied, cheated on their wives or been engaged in shady deals, you simply have to be the most naive electorate on the planet!

[Being CAUGHT and PROSECUTED is just as bad as having ALL your MISDEEDS covered up by fellow judges and people in high power!]

You simply don't get to high positions of power in the Good Old USA without having a lot of friends in powerful positions to cover your BUTT for all your past "errors in judgement."!

AJ, IL   January 3rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Talk about issuing a rally cry to all Republicans!

Robert   January 3rd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Why?
Why would you run a story like this on Election Day?
Is this what we are going to get from CNN just as people go to polls to vote on real issues and opinions.
We might as well let Rupert Murdoch fabricate the issues on Election Day.
Glad to know Swift Boat ambushing is on yourt agenda this year.
Can't wait to see what you do on New Hampshire Primary Day

Rosa   January 3rd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Seriously??? Are you really going to post this as news? Some Pepperdine professor says this and its news? Waste of space….

BCNU purple state, usa   January 3rd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Yeah right, and Barry Bonds should be the next commissioner of baseball and Michael Vick should be next in line for Roger Goodell's spot.

Xandria   January 3rd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

The Senate would still have to confirm any appointee. This is a paranioid scare tactic. The 1990s were good times. Bill Clinton was a much better President than either Bush. George W. got away with placing white men on the Supreme Court. Harriet Miers was a bait-and-switch.

Daniel J. Baranuk; North Royalton, Ohio   January 3rd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

I thought he was disbarred based on his perjury conviction . If so, how could he sit as a Supreme Court Justice?

Donald Douglas   January 3rd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

I was under the impression that he was disbarred for lying to congress. A perjurer would not be a good choice for supreme court.

David, Gilbert Arizona   January 3rd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

There is no Constitutional requirement for a person to be a Supreme Court Justice. Theoretically anyone can be nominated by the president and confirmed by the senate.

Having said that I doubt very highly the Senate Judiciary Committee would confirm the nomination of Bill Clinton.

jim   January 3rd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

rich, it is not the 'pubs that fear bill and hill. her negatives are sky high making her easy to defeat. she is not genuine and wants to be whatever you want her to be. people also remember billy dale, vince foster, rose law firm, etc. It is the backers of obama that are out to get her.

Tom - Dedham, Mass   January 3rd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Quit blaming the Republicans you sheep, this article was from December 15th in the Wall street journal and CNN CHOSE TO POST IT TODAY.

Kmiec has said nothing but good things about Bill Clinton and is just stating what has been discussed in many circles for a few years when it was first thrown out there that Hillarity would run for President.

His law license was taken away, but the suspension ENDED in 2006, and for the rest of you enlightened progressives who obviously can't accomplish anything unless IT IS GIVEN to you, HE IS ELIGIBLE to be an associate justice.

"She" could only nominate him for Chief Justice if they "Fostered" or "Willeyed" Roberts.

Even as a frequent Clinton basher, I do see a useful role for him NO MATTER who the next President is, as a goodwill ambasador of some type.

He has the gift of gab and is a first class Bulls&&&&er, he can point his finger and lie with the best of them unlike this dolt in office who can't complete a sentence if you spot him the subject and predicate.

Ambasadors need to be like salesman and yes, Bill Clinton would do GREAT in that role.

C, Norfolk, VA   January 3rd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

"The Republicans fear Hillary and Bill so much…"

++++

You got to be kidding!! "Fear" is NOT the emotion that comes to mind when it comes to the Clintons. "Nauseated" seems more fitting.

James, Iowa   January 3rd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

P.Ogo,

I couldn't agree with you more. Why is CNN posting this right-wing crap? Wake up CNN and remove this piece immediately or you will lose your credibility.

wayne   January 3rd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

if Hillary gets into office, Bill will be the least of our problems

s lenon   January 3rd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

First, Huckabee's campaign finesses CNN into showing a campaign ad that they probably couldn't afford to run by showing it at a press conference while claiming they aren't going to use it.

Now someone at Pepperdine has maneuvered CNN into spreading an unsubstantiated rumor designed to resurrect the Clinton impeachement.

You are a news agency. Broadcast news, not rumor. Stop letting your air time be used for the purposes of the various campaigns. If they want to run smear ads, make them pay for the air time and accept the responsibility for them.

Dave Diamond, Mont Vernon, NH   January 3rd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

I was a HUGE supporter of President Clinton and would love to see him on the Supreme Court.

But NOT if it means that Senator Clinton would have to be elected president first — NO WAY!

Potter Stewart   January 3rd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

The only requirement in the Constitution for Supreme Court Justices is that they be appointed by the President and approved by 2/3 of the Senate. It is not even a legal requirement that a justice be a college graduate, much less a law school graduate, as we have had several justices that have had neither. Clinton was not disbarred, he voluntarily surrendered his license for a period of 5 years and either has gotten it back, or will be getting it back, there is a BIG difference between the two situations.

Rosa Birmingham, AL   January 3rd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

I think Bill would make a great justice. Anyone Hillary would appoint would be better than anyone any of the Republican candidate would appoint and far better than the last two bozos.

I don't care who wins the primary just as long as the Repubs don't win the general election. WE CANNOT take four more years!!

Marilyn - KCMO   January 3rd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

I really thought CNN had more integrity than to publish such fear mongering speculation. Sounds more like FOX news.

chris parent   January 3rd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

It'll be interesting anyway, Bill will be used by whichever democrat wins this one. Wasn't there anther president who served as a supreme court justice (thanks to Neil Young on that one)
Hillary is a machine gobbling up everything in sight, her people have figured out how to win this thing and she will. Obama is already thinking about running 8 years from now that should tell us somthing.
Also if Clarence Thomas can serve then William Clinton is moral enough to serve aswell. Bill is to young and to good of an american asset not to be used. Worldwide we don't really give a lick about his "scandelous" past.

Mindy Chatsworth, California   January 3rd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

I think this whole story is just pure nonsense. Forgetting about the usual arguments that many have put forth here already, Bill Clinton is a politician first, last and always. He is an extremely intelligent man who has a unique ability to connect with people, something his wife is sorely lacking. But I can't imagine him as a Supreme Court justice. I think he likes being in the public eye and pressing the flesh. You can see it as he campaigns for his wife. He lives for this kind of thing. I don't think he would be well suited to the Supreme Court.

The more relevant question is, who on earth dreamed up this story in the first place? It sounds like something that Karl Rove and his cronies would think up to scare people out of voting for Hillary. I guess this is a preview of coming attractions in the general election if Hillary gets the nomination.

james smithington   January 3rd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

This kind of conservative propaganda helps to invigorate anti-Clinton voters and keep Hillary Clinton out of the White House.

Cindy   January 3rd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

How sad that the press can float any idea and many of us run toward the gates to either denouce or applaud it. Wake up people — or should I say PUPPETS!!

tr88   January 3rd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

His only chance would be if McCain nominates him, which is unlikely, but he will be the next President.

IndependentAmerican   January 3rd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

First this sounds suspiciously like scare tactics to encourage evangelists to stop asking the tough questions and recreate the hysteria. If the evangelists get fooled again shame on them.

As for the people who said Bill needed to be in prison – the real person who needs to be in prison is the current imcumbent of the White House. His lies have directly caused the deaths of thousands of Americans, tens if not hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, blown off the budget surplus, condemned us into a monumental national debt all on the basis of lies. If that is not jail worthy what is? If you cant see that you are blind or stupid or both.

kevin   January 3rd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

…and we wonder why terrorists/extremists and most people abroad despise us. It's this kind of stuff. This, my friends, is a form of political extremism…no different than strapping a bomb to oneself. When will we wake up and see that we are being fooled, lied to and manipulated. Our voices need to be heard…and the only way for that to happen is to NOT VOTE…AT ALL.

The only thing worse than an instant apocolypse, is this slow-steady decline we are now on…go ahead America, vote another crook in the White House. Every one of these candidates, besides the True Libertarian, is going to drive us straight into the streets…poor and hungry. Soilent Green.

Wendy, Ohio   January 3rd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

I am dismayed that CNN has posted this piece of propaganda disguised as a "news" item.

I have always disagreed with anyone who said "CNN is just like FOX News anymore."

I will no longer argue.

Anonymous   January 3rd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

This website has become nothing more than a tabloid for political celebrities.

Anyone with any knowledge of government or law knows that Bill Clinton (regardless of your view on him) is in no way qualified to be a justice. I'm sure Bill and Hillary Clinton know this themselves and Hillary is certainly smart enough to never nominate him.

The comments about this being a "rove-inspired" rumor and an attempt to seal Hillary's loss in Iowa are dead on.

Shame on you CNN.

chris cbus   January 3rd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

this is absolutely ridiculous. it's rumor mill. well, not even rumor mill cause i'm guessing 99% of the people reading this have never, ever heard bill's name tossed around as a possible future justice.

if it's not news and has never been reported or suggested in political/legal circles before, then what's the point of this "story"?

there has to be a motivation here people.

and cnn.. i'm very disappointed in you.

John   January 3rd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Didn't Bill Clinton lie? Wow – now THERE is a decisive schism!! Let's see, appointing Bill Clinton to the VERY court which annointed their own "savior" King George the First, and his Dick in waiting! Hmm – gee, no LIES anyway in this presidency … weapons of mass destruction… Iraq was the center of the 9/11 plot… Pakistan and Musharaff are our strong ally… Putin is an honorable man…
Haliburton… waterboarding… and, AND (drum-roll PLEASE!!!) — missing and erased tapes!!! Richard Nixon reincarnate!!

Cody Harding   January 3rd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

I don't mind the Clintons, but what are his qualifications? I would think that, to be nominated, you would at least need to be qualified for the job. Then again, Mukaskey, Bolton, Gonzales, Libby, DeLay…Maybe not.

Besides, It is a speculation amongst the various Bar Associations and legal circles in the US. Nowhere in the article does it state that anyone in the Clinton Camp has even mentioned this possibility, let alone condone it.

Advisor? likely.
Ambassador? maybe.
Judge? Kinda a long shot.

kt   January 3rd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

A President may nominate any person to the Supreme Court. That person need not be a lawyer at all, let alone a practicing one. Thus, a state's earlier decision to revoke that person's license to practice (i.e. – disbar him) has no bearing on his eligibility to serve on the court.

Greg, Phoenix, AZ   January 3rd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Dear God, could you imagine that confirmation hearing?

Mike, Fredericksburg VA   January 3rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

A second comment relative to other wondering if Clinton can be nominated and serve as Supreme Court justice due to his disbarment: Yes, he can. There appears to be no requirement, Constitutional or otherwise, that a Supreme Court justice be a lawyer.
Then again, why should anyone have relevant experience for a job they are applying for; just look at the happy bunch of experienced clowns we have to select from.

joe Lol   January 3rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

These coments from NY times readers!!!!!!!!! Are you people for real?????????

CNN, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING???????

James, Mountain View, CA   January 3rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

What a hit piece on Hillary Clinton- reporting an unsubstantiated rumor on the day of the Iowa caucus! Isn't it wonderful how news organizations have stopped bothering to actually investigate world events and instead report whatever rumors local political operatives pass on? I'm typically a big fan of CNN, but this 'article' is an embarrassment.

cureholder   January 3rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

A few facts:

Bill Clinton was disbarred in Arkansa in 2001 for a period of five years (and fined $25,000). This disbarment ended in January 2006, but it is unclear whether he filed for reinstatement.

Bill Clinton was suspended from the Supreme Court bar in 2001, and given 40 days to explain to the Court why he should not be permanently disbarred. (Supreme Court bar suspensions of this type are virtually always followed by permanent disbarment.) Bill Clinton chose to resign from the Supreme Court bar on November 7, 2001 rather than argue his case.

forastrongeramerica   January 3rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

This is an obvious ploy by conservatives to attempt to derail Hillary's campaign by amplifying their fear of liberals and to create more divide in this country. It does not smell right to me, it is dirty political trick. Give me a break! Notice the speculation started from a conservative law professor (not from Hillary herself) and spinned by all conservatives including media. Shame on your conservatives, this is not objective politics this country deserves.

Dave in Texas   January 3rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

That's an awesome concept!

If anything can stand in the way of the Catholic fascist* majority on the SCOTUS is a liberal with star power. Bill Clinton will be able to expose Scalia's hypocrisy and fraudulent "knowledge" of the Constitution and what the framers really thought, Thomas' incompetence and maybe revisit his sexual harrassment past, and Alito's and Roberts' tendency towards authoritarianism. He might also be able to charm Kennedy into voting correctly from time to time.

For those who curse Clinton: what didn't you like about peace and prosperity? Did you really mind that the US was the most admired and respected country in the world? Or did he use too many big words for you? Do you resent people that speak in full sentences?

*Fascism is authoritarianism marked with hyper-nationalism (which they call patriotism) and a close relationship between the state and business interests.

Steven   January 3rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

The Supreme Court is not sexy enough for Bill. If Hillary is elected, he's going to be the Secretary of State.

DD   January 3rd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

I don't think Bill would want that position for many of the reasons already expressed, no spotlight, also, I don't think he would want to take on a lifetime job. I see Bill doing something big on the international arena, e.g., the highest position attainable by a non-European within the European Community. I also think his history would make it very difficult to justify his appointment. However, I do see the position being very interesting to Hilary — when the Chief Justice spot is open, of couse — at some point.

Scott from Freehold   January 3rd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Simply nothing more then primary chatter. The Supreme Court and Bill Clinton are not a good match at all. The article cites some of the reasons why.

Robin   January 3rd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Oh Dear God, I hope not!

Sam   January 3rd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Ok, let me get this straight: A woman elected President would appoint her husband – who had affairs behind her back, was impeached, and lied to a grand jury – to the position of Supreme Court Justice? That's the most absurd idea of the New Year, and we've only just begun.

James, Iowa   January 3rd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Sandy Wilcox, FL,

If CNN were pro-Hillary, why would it post this news? BTW, Republicans like yourself have no business telling us (democrats) we shouldn't be voting for Hillary. Obviously, the Republicans are afraid of her and that is another reason for us democrats to support her.

Go back to your Republican blogs.

Walt, Belton, TX   January 3rd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Just what the legal system needs, a felon on the Supreme Court! God help us! God help our system of Justice. If you've got money, you've got a judge. Judge Slick Willie, that is……………..

Jeff   January 3rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Anyone who believes this would happen is either an idiot or a republican, oh wait, the ARE one and the same aren't they. Typical conservative rumor mongering to incite the fence riders to vote GOP.

Dave   January 3rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Go Billy Boy

William, Atlanta   January 3rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

What stupid reporting, CNN. This is ridiculous. Silly rumors like this fly around DC like moths. No one with any sense pays them any attention.

Zachary M vL   January 3rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

The constitution does not supply qualifications for the post, so as for the question regarding his being disbarred…I am pretty sure that it is irrelevant to being nominated and/or assuming the post. This is all a crock anyway, it's based entirely off vague speculation.

Ray, Rochester   January 3rd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Hilarious!!!

Only a Clinton would name another Clinton to the Supreme Court after he had lost his license to practice law for lying under oath!

Any Hillary lover needs to have his/her head examined.

Shannon   January 3rd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

My reaction?

I laughed hysterically.

And this coming from someone who likes Bill Clinton (although there is no way in h*** I would ever vote for Hilary … not because I don't like her, simply because I believe she would be far too devisive and I've had enough of that since 2000 to last me a lifetime).

I don't know if this is even possible, but the bottom line is that it shouldn't be. IMO, the first spouse shouldn't be anything other than exactly that … the first spouse.

However, I would not have a problem with another President nominating him (that is if it is even possible and I'm not sure that it is given that several people have said that they thought he was disbarred).

Bukky, Balt MD   January 3rd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

"conservative law professor has openly predicted" Ummm being that today is the day of the IOWA caucus… it sounds like the repubs are trying to get out the vote.

1) you dont even have to go to Law School to be a Justice
2) Bill would make a better justice than scalia, roberts, thomas or alito.
3) Even if he was nominated he'd still have to be Approved by congress

Mike, Fredericksburg VA   January 3rd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

EXCELLENT! Theft, graft, perjury would become legal with Bill's appointment to the US Supreme Court! Three cheers: huzzah! huzzah! huzzah!
The Democratic Party: The party of the "people; the party with a vision; the party for change."
I wonder if a legal precedent exists that can force Clinton to delete his middle name: Jefferson.

Ben   January 3rd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

*sigh* I have no intention of voting for Hilary, but I find it a little more than ironic that this kind of "news" is reported on the day the caucuses start voting. Shame on CNN for "reporting" such an obvious smear campaign, leave the instigating to the politicians, your job is to report credible and factual NEWS.

Rich In Seattle   January 3rd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

The Republicans fear Hillary and Bill so much that I find it odd that this story was released today of all days. My guess is that did this so they don't have to go up against her. It's not even really a story with any credibility or facts. I mean who is this guy making this prediction? It is only being released to hurt Hillary. Why the hell would CNN put this out there like that? REPORT NEWS NOT GOSSIP!!!

Thomas   January 3rd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

If Hillary gets the job you will see all kinds of crazy appointments. Maybe Sandy "I've got classified documents down my pants" Berger for defense secretary. He's already a hired consultant on her campaign.

k david, NH   January 3rd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

I cannot belive CNN a "well respected media" would post this kind of garbage on the day of the iowa caucus. Shame on you. This is so obviously designed to bring down the 1st woman who has a chance of becoming the president of this country.
This kind of Rove/Novak/Chrismathews/Hannity/Limbuagh kind of tactics on the morning of the cacuses I cannot beleive this. You know you are going to deliberately hurt Hillary Rodham Clinton tonight and help out Barack Hussein Obama by this unwarranted posting and bring out the hIllary/clinton haters and gossip mongers by the thousands to this site by doing this. It is one thing if Hillary even said something even close to this, she never said anything like this and yet you CNN post this based on a "well respected right wing conservative"???
here is your journalistic integrity…and please do not tell you are just doing your job by reporting this beacuse that is not true!

Splinter, Iowa   January 3rd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Bill Cinton and his wife are so sickeningly POWER HUNGRY.

They should move aside gracefully for others to have a chance.

Go away! Get out!

Tim   January 3rd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Nothing in the Constitution prevents a disbarred attorney from becoming a Justice of the Supreme Court. In fact, a nominee doesn't even have to be a lawyer, or have gone to law school. The President can nominate whomever he (or she) sees fit.

Be that as it may, it would be extremely unwise politically to nominate someone without the proper credentials. The nomination and appointment of justices to the Supreme Court has become such a political mess that it would be very unlikely that a disbarred attorney (even Bill Clinton) would pass muster in the Senate and get confirmed.

James, Iowa   January 3rd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Stephen, this is indeed fear tactics. Who said CNN was biased toward Clinton? All the media is unfairly targeting Hillary and rooting for Obama.

John Chamberlain, SD   January 3rd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Bill would bring a sensible legal interpretation to the Supreme Court. The current seated Supreme Court Justices need a moderate thinking mind to "lead" their decisions away from conservative ideals that haven't done modern Americans any good. Bill would slice the monkey (aka conservative religious right) from the backs of rational thinking Americans. First lets get Hillary in the White House, that's when/where better days for Americans will begin.

Sarah, Kansas City, MO   January 3rd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Bill Clinton has not been disbarred. I wonder where that rumor got started (republicans?). I think this a republican scare tactic. They are famous for their mis-information and smear campaigns. He would probably be a better justice then some of the ones already there, for example, Clarence Thomas (speaking of sexual problems with female employees).

By the way, I do not believe that you have to have a law degree to be appointed to the Supreme Court. It certainly helps though.

Greg M.   January 3rd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

You heard it here first: if a Republican is elected in 2008, George W. Bush be the next person appointed to the Supreme Court.

Stella Sharp, Bridgeton, NJ 08302   January 3rd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Bill Clinton will be an asset to whatever position assigned. He is considerate,
knowledgeable, and knows what is expected of him. Hillary will be a great
president……go girl!

Ellen   January 3rd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Honoring a conservative's speculation about a Clinton appointment to the Supreme with a prominent place on your Web site when there's absolutely no substantiation is ludicrous. It's not NEWS, it's merely a scare tactic by conservatives. If I speculate that Mitt Romney would appoint his wife to a cabinet position, would you run that as well?

SHIRLEY   January 3rd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT THE AMERICANS PEOPLE ARE READY FOR A BLACK PRESIDENT AND A MUSLIN TO BOOT HE MIGHT BE A GOOD GUY BUT WE HAVE HAD HOW MANY MEN PRESIDENTS AND LOOK WHAT SHAPE THE WORLD IS IN IT IS TIME FOR A WOMEN TO GET THINGS IN ORDER GO HILARY KICK BUTT

A. Harrison, Atlanta GA   January 3rd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Check wikipedia.org. He was disbarred for only 5 years and ordered to pay a fine in Arkansas.

James, Iowa   January 3rd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Judge Learned Hand,

If you were an attorney, you would be smart enough to know that this "news" is no more than a rumor started by the GOP to scare voters into voting against HIllary. I am surprised that CNN posted this crap.

Brian Nancoo - Trinidad   January 3rd, 2008 12:38 pm ET

It is so intriguing to see so many disguised attacks on Senator Clinton's presidential bid. Anyone who follows politics knows that the easiest way to arouse the ire of the anti-Clinton crowd is to point out how either Bill or Hillary or both would probably benefit from either's political success.Please,stop with these closeted attacks.You want to get into the fight,do it the right way,campaign for somebody and put your reputation on the line.

cureholder   January 3rd, 2008 12:38 pm ET

First and foremost, no, being disbarred does not prevent someone from being appointed to the Supreme Court. The Constitution lists no qualifications for the job. The only criteria, therefore, are the willingness of the President to nominate that person and the willingness of 51 Senators (or 50 Senators plus the Vice President) to vote to confirm.

Second, Bill Clinton cannot be nominated to be Chief Justice of the United States (that's the title, not Chief Justice of the Supreme Court) because John Roberts, Jr., already holds that job and cannot be replaced unless he dies, resigns, retires, or is impeached.

Third, Bill Clinton can be nominated to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court if a vacancy occurs.

Fourth, his moral standing aside, does anyone really believe that Bill Clinton is qualified to sits on the nation's highest court and interpret the Constitution? This is a man who did not know, during his time as President, that the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over conflicts between states. There are simply many people much more qualified for this job, and, whether you love Bill Clinton or hate him politically and personally, this job is too important to give to someone with absolutely no experience or qualification for it when there are others far more qualified.

Then again, if this country were capable of making distinctions between qualified and completely and utterly unqualified, this discussion wouldn't be occurring, because no one would take Hillary Clinton seriously as a candidate for the presidency, a job for which she has absolutely no qualifications or experience other than having been married to a two-term President.

Bonnie   January 3rd, 2008 12:38 pm ET

As appealing an idea as I think that may be, seriously, isn't this just a rabid Republican shouting out in an effort to damage Hillary's campaign?

Earl Warren   January 3rd, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Wasn't he disbarred? Or at least had to surrender his law license?

How could he possibly qualify??

God help us.

Brian   January 3rd, 2008 12:38 pm ET

First case will be "People v Common Usage" to finally determine what the definition of "is" is.

Andrew   January 3rd, 2008 12:38 pm ET

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE AN ATTORNEY TO SERVE ON THE US SUPREME COURT. YES, A DISBARRED ATTORNEY CAN SERVE ON THE COURT.

Bob in Va.   January 3rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

This is nothing but a transparent, rightwing scare tactic. Hillary C must really petrify these bozos.

jas   January 3rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

What a bunch of crap. CNN is only reporting this to be provocative. What a bunch of crap. Now why don't they report on Pat Robertson's predictions for a Clinton presidency?

dan   January 3rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Another Republican dirty tricks maneuver- don't be naive and fall for this bait!!!

just the facts   January 3rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

1) Clinton was never disbarred – his license was suspended for 5 years. Big difference people. Try getting your facts straight before you post, ok ?

2) Technically, you do not have to be a lawyer to be a US supreme court justice. So, even if he were disbarred, he could still be appointed.

Someone who's actually read the Constitution   January 3rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

I think there are some people here who need to sit down and actually read their U.S. Constitution. If they do, they'll find that Article II, Section 2, says that the president "shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate…Judges of the supreme Court…" [I left the 18th century capitalization as is].

If you are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, then you are a Supreme Court justice because the Constitution lays out no other qualification, except to say that judges "shall hold their offices during good behaviour" (Article III, Section 1), which means that they serve for life unless impeached and removed(although I'd be curious to hear any dissenting interpretations of that clause).

So, yes, a disbarred attorney can be a federal judge.

Personal opinion: I'm fine with that. I don't believe people should be handed a scarlet letter for life and disbarment was way too harsh of a penalty. A short suspension of the Supreme Court license would have sufficed. Clinton was the victim of a political witchhunt, so I'm very willing to forgive, just as I think the U.S. criminal code should be a bit more forgiving at times, but that's a different topic with a lot of angles.

James, Iowa   January 3rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

I agree with Kiera. This sounds like a whisper instigated by Rove or Novak. It is amazing how mean-spirited Hillary's opponents can be.

I was leaning toward Obama but these dirty tricks by the GOP make me side with Hillary. Hillary '08.

Kimberli   January 3rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Unfortunately, I have been unable to verify that disbarrment precludes anyone from serving on the US Supreme Court. As far as I can tell, it is purely up to the sitting president to determine if a person is qualified. All nominees have to be confirmed by the Senate. I would hope that his disbarment would be a point of consideration during a confirmation hearing, but you just never know. It's a bit too early to be considering this now anyways. She hasn't won the nomination of her party for the general election, she hasn't won the general election, and perhaps most importantly – there is no vacancy on the Supreme Court. There are a lot things that have to happen in order for this to become a reality and it's still early in the game.

Jim   January 3rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Even if it were feasible, I doubt that Clinton would want to take orders from John Roberts.

Nate   January 3rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

This just allows the Executive branch the power to create law with the Judicial Branch. Weren't the three branches created seperately to eliminate these types of things from happening?

Wasn't he disbarred?

People – stop and listen to what Hillary's really saying…nothing!

Ron Paul '08

Terry   January 3rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

He had sex with that woman, he lied about it. Whatever he did under the table literally, that don't change the fact that he was a good president, especially comparing to the one we have right now. If the husband had done some good work, why wouldn't the wife? He is the comforting factor for many to vote for Hillary Clinton. Had he campaigned for Gore 8 years ago, this country wouldn't be down the toilet!

Hazel   January 3rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

How can even be a topic – The man was found guilty of perjury at the highest level – Not to mention – HE WAS IMPEACHED BY THE HOUSE OF REP – This family just loves finding ways to milk the American taxpayers money.

E. C., Houston, Texas   January 3rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

A SURE VOTE….."NO"…..ABSOLUTELY NOT….ANYONE BUT HILLARY…..FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY. THAT THERE WOULD EVEN EXIST A GLIMMER, A RUMOR OR THE VAGUE OR REMOTE POSSIBILITY TO NAME BILL CLINTON TO THE SUPREME COURT REMOVES HILLARY FROM ALL POSSIBLE QUALIFICATIONS AS PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL. BILL CLINTON IS A DISGRACE AND CERTAINLY NOT OF THE MORAL FIBER, INTEGRITY OR CHARACTER… TO BE SEATED ON OUR SUPREME COURT. NO WAY. ANYONE ….BUT THE "HILLARY AND BILL ROADSHOW!"

Joe, Wilmington DE   January 3rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

You've got to be kidding. Censure, impeachment, perjury — a fine resume for a potential supreme court justice. When will these people just go away?

Josh Maloney, Oakland, CA   January 3rd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Bill Clinton would rock as a Supreme Court Justice. I love the uninformed comments above. Its so typcial Clinton bashing.

P.Ogo   January 3rd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

I would be far more worried if say someone like Mcain would appoint like pro immagrint type like Sen. Kyle of Arizona or maybe Huckabee sending some one like Pat Robertson. This article is pure baloney and really suspect in its timing and really is not worthy of this "news organazation. When you smell a shunk you know its a skunk. come on boys you really seem desperate with this story.

Bob Smith   January 3rd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

I can't believe that CNN would stoop to tossing out planted garbage like this on an election day.

You clearly like to help those stratgists who love to toss out garbage on election day that cannot possibly be responded to.

Did you want to headline a story of Romney's Bain mandating jobs to China, Obama's drug use, Huckaby inflaming the middle east with images of the crusades?

Stick to real journalism on election days.

T.J. Kaluza   January 3rd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

The fact that this was even posted on CNN is preposterous, but not really a surprise given what is seen here.

fm   January 3rd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Why not? A military deserter became President and Commander-In-Chief of our armed forces. Supreme Court justice. Has a nice ring to it. Nice indeed…

Big Hoss   January 3rd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Are their enough closets and interns at the Supreme Court for Mr. Clinton?

John R   January 3rd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Vic, buddy, you are rading too many articale from CNN
He did not end the war in Kosovo – read the papers, they are still fighting and we still have folks stuck there
He balanced the budget based on his 93 budget which was written by Republicans and he had to go with since he was already considered a lame duck
He severely damaged the economy – the last 5 quarters he was in office were recessionary
The "overhaul" of the welfare program was almost a mirror iamge of what Thompson (Republican) had established in Wisconsin.
His negotiation with N Korea were an embarrasement since N Korea simply ignored the agreements they made with him
World leaders like him since they could roll right over him – he was a disaster!

jonnie daugherty   January 3rd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

I think this is a cheap shot. Knock it off and let the woman, who is a well deserving and qualified candidate alone.

Sven   January 3rd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Wasn't Billy Boy DISBARRED after his impeachment and subsequent PERJURY CONVICTION? He can't uphold a law.

David, Cleveland, Ohio   January 3rd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

The overriding issue with Bill Clinton getting a nomination that every one seems to miss is his considerable lack of time on the judicial bench. Regardless of the fact that he is/was a lawyer, he has never served as a judge, etc., one who might issue decisions based upon the arguments presented and the interpretation of the law. Frankly, his legal experience is probably overshadowed by almost any ambulance chaser you could find in the phone book.

Ultimately, it would never happen, esp since Hillary will not get the Democratic nomination.

Phil   January 3rd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

How can you people even print such non sense. A suprem court nominee who has been disbarred? You truly are the Clinton News Network.

Joshua   January 3rd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

An impeach president on the Supreme Court? Lets just put W on it if we want the country to really screwed up.

Darth Vadik, Diamond Bar CA   January 3rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Did anybody confirm this story, or is this a "OCTOBER SURPRISE" just in time for the caucuses?

Something is fishy here

ohcrap   January 3rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Nice timely article CNN. The fact that a nomination would NEVER happen has not stopped the publishing of it today, of all days. So much for the famed "liberal bias" in media.

Henry Miller, Cary, NC   January 3rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Ridiculous! Clinton not only lost his Arkansas law license for five years, he only avoided being denied the privilege of arguing before the Supreme Court by resigning it.

James, Virginia Beach, VA   January 3rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Ooooh……be afraid …………be very afraid.
What could be scaryier on the Supreme Court than an angry and arrogant Scalia promoting his self-righteous backward religious idealogy?!
Why would Bill Clinton want to be on the Supreme Court? He has it made running around the world doing what ever he wants to do with rock star appeal. Except of course in the neo-con realm, but I'm sure he doesn't mind avoiding the dark caves where they deal from.

Robb, New York   January 3rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

You see? Do you see this, Democrats? Can you imagine what the Republicans are thinking seeing the man they impeached for alleged perjury charges as a possible Supreme Court Justice appointed by his wife? There's the Republican nominee's propaganda right there. They don't have to spend a dime on campaign pamphlets or 30-second tv spots; Hillary's doing enough on her own. Stop her now, Democrats, before it's too late. If she wins the nomination, she'll lose the presidency. You can write it down.

john   January 3rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

wasn't Clinton Disbarred? How could he become a Judge?

Les   January 3rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Bill Clinton cannot be appointed in the US Supreme Court, he is DISBARRED.

But the ignorant out there coming by the truckloads believe it can happen.

Sandy Wilcox, FL   January 3rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

This message is for CNN.

Political Science 101: Does the media mirror or mold the news?

CNN obviously answered this question. CNN is so pro-Hillary, it is disgusting. The media is suppose to serve as a neutral outlet for news, not trying to persuade readers to vote for Hillary. From the obvious to the subtle pro-Hillary messages. I am disappointed in CNN.

Democrats, do not feel that you owe Hillary anything. She is not electable. Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike do not like or trust her.

S., Raleigh, NC   January 3rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

I guess not many people are realizing that this rumor is being spread by a conservative law professor who worked for Regan as well as Bush 41. How low do you have to be to spread such a rumor? Pathetic indeed!

Anonymous   January 3rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Can someone, who has been disbarred from his states legal body, serve on the U.S. Supreme Court? Not to mention, could Mr. Clinton (or the presumed Mrs. Clinton administration) withstand bi-partisan Senate scrutiny and approval?

karen   January 3rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Doesn't Bill have a handsome retirement package he can take?

Duncan, Richmond, VA   January 3rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

This is like Rudi saying that the Terrorists are coming to get you… lock up your babies because your all doomed, doomed I say… unless you vote for me.

Nick   January 3rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Yep. Must be a republican scare tactic…and I'm sure that's why CNN ran it since we all know CNN leans so far to the right! :-\

Ryan   January 3rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Disbarred for "only" 5 years and paid a fine.
Look kids, you too can cheat on your spouse, lie to America, and still get appointed to the high court.

LarryMo   January 3rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Why is CNN even posting this rumor?

I expect journalism from journalists, and tabloid nonsense from tabloid outlets.

I guess CNNis just a tabloid outlet these days.

As for Bill being on the S.C. – It is already packed with political hacks who intervened to prevent a State from deciding its own voting results…to prevent GWB from being "damaged" by a recount.

Bill would just be another sleazy politician on the bench…no big deal.

debchuck   January 3rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Bill Clinton on the Supreme Court??

What's the big deal. It sounds almost as implausible as George W. as president!!!!!!!!!

We COULD do worse than Bill. We could get George Bush and all of us go down the tubes together.

Anthony   January 3rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

People–this whole article is based on speculation by a completely unknown law professor at an extremely conservative law school where Ken Starr sits as the dean. Wake up! There is no way Hillary would ever appoint Bill to the Supreme Court, for so many reasons. Why does the unsupportable speculation from a law professor "raise the your blood temp" or incite anger toward the Clintons??

Bian   January 3rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

This guy with his grey hair should take a rest in littletown Ark. That way we will not have to worry what we are worried about him in the white house right now!

pam Eugene OR   January 3rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

God save us!
Yet another reason NOT to vote for Billary! This is just outrageous.

Jim G   January 3rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

So, I suppose we're going to pick up "news" stories from every politically connected rumor-mill out there? I don't care if it's a Republican or a Democrat, this kind of speculation, when repeated by multiple news sources, can take on a life of its own. How did CNN come across this professor? Did she send out a press release stating her thoughts? Editors at CNN don't have to be geniuses to know how a thought like this, when spread, will affect the large, anti-Clinton, Republican voting block. You are feeding the propaganda.

Chris S - Gerald, MO   January 3rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

I echo Dave in Atlanta, GA's comment, the last I heard he was disbarred from practicing law. He'd be a better Secretary of State under Edwards or any other candidate for that matter. That is his strength and greatest asset he could bring to any administration should he be offered a position.

L2L   January 3rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

No requirement that a United States Supreme Court Justice be an attorney in good standing.

Harry bossman   January 3rd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

This is a calculated attempt to tarnish Hillay's image.

Such rumors are baseless.

gangwayjan chicago illinois   January 3rd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

While a great supporter of Bill's, and his political philosophy for the most part, I'm not sure that he would like the job, accept it or excel at it. Not the right guy, temperment-wise. Judging, even with the 8 others on the court, is a solitary occupation and one that does not exactly call for grand standing. Yes, a brilliant intellect might help and being able to persuade, to garner the votes of others would be a valuabe asset but it's not the "pressing the flesh" kind of operation Bill is good at. It's why Scalia and Douglas — the bright boys — are great at dissents but not so good at creating majorities and why Earl Warren — may be not the "A" student — was better at creating majorities and why we refer to the "Warren Court" still today (he could cobble together those iconoclast bretheren of his into workable majorities). Rehnquist, at the end, sort of got the hang of it. I'm thinking all this "Bill on the Supreme Court" talk is just a little right wing patter meant to put a scare into folks. Not gonna happen. There are better uses for Bill and better names out there for a lasting change in direction on the Supreme Court.

jackie   January 3rd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

to oswegosnowbound.

In YOUR own face.
Let's all hope it happens.
This country needs to recapture their sense of humor along with a balanced budget.
Bring on the Clinton administration and we'll have both.

John   January 3rd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

What a bunch of politically-timed-calculated-to-the-second B.S . designed to influence a particular caucas going on in one of the states today!!

I think I'll play havoc with the expected focus group findings, and say loudly: GREAT IDEA! put Bill in the Supreme Court Hillary!

Did I mess up your expected voter reaction calculation? So sorry……..

Jeff   January 3rd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

What irresponsible conjecture. Hillary nominating her husband is a laughable assertion and he wouldn't get confirmed. Mr.Kmiec is only postulating and it's a ludicrous theory at best.

P.Ogo   January 3rd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

This is pure right-wing boviating meant for the AM right-wing radio hordes who swallow hook,line and sinker that swallow the propagnda these types spew for ratings and profit. The right-wing types who sold gb will pull all the control rods to fuel the reactor to a mind boggling fever pitch worthy of a cherynoble like explosion of hatred against the Clinton Camp. Although this story is worthy of say a "newspaper" like the Inquierer status its hardly worth the print cnn.

Lisa H., Ann Arbor, MI   January 3rd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

CNN. Please don't report this crap. Just a bunch of whispers, and most definitely not a coincidence that it's published the day of the Iowa caucuses.

CL Orlando   January 3rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Wasn’t he disbarred for perjury? I don't think he can serve on the SP with that on his resume.

Andrew   January 3rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Most of you don't understand the appointment requirements for the Supreme Court. There is no constitutional requirement to even be a lawyer, let a lone a judge, to be appointed, The President can pretty much appoint any US citizen he wants to the court.

Quit this BS, there is no way he would be confirmed. Stop arguing about this nonsense.

dg   January 3rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

I'm very dissapointed, but not surprised to see something like this posted on CNN.com.

This is clearly the GOP's way of energizing the base, rather than any serious political discourse. If you read it carefully there is nothing there – simply pundits citing thirde hand sources. The main source is a republican that is not even connected to the Clinton campaign. It's true that Hillary Clinton COULD name Bill Clinton the the supreme court. She also COULD name him ambassador to France, for pete's sake…

Until you have sources within the campaign saying that this is on the agenda then you are reporting rumor and innuendo as fact, and you are wrong, wrong, wrong to do so.

CNN, stop letting the far right use you!!!

Mike, NJ   January 3rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

There is absolutely NO requirement in the US Constitution that a justice of the SCOTUS even be an attorney, much less one with a disciplinary record. PS – Bill was never disbarred.

WIlly   January 3rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

This is a Story for the CNN kool-aids drinkers. Mrs. Bill Clinton will not win.

mike   January 3rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Why cann't CNN post Hillary here? I think this isn't fair to other candidates. Now they are using her sarrogates just like they did to attack Obama. I am not confident with CNN at all following how they hyped this country for Hillary's sake!

Gil - California   January 3rd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

I don't like either Clinton but if the legal battles were overcome (his disbarment) there would be no reason he couldn't be nominated for the position, provided Hillary was not the president. If she were President it would screw up the balance of power, especially since he would rely on her for all his decisions just as he did when he was President.

red33,cedar rapids, ia   January 3rd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

The kindest words regarding this I can say: Heaven Forbid!! There goes our justice system; this would be like turning the fox loose.

gangwayjan chicago illinois   January 3rd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

While a great supporter of Bill's, and his political philosophy for the most part, I'm not sure that he would like the job, accept it or excel at it. Not the right guy, tempermanet-wise. Judging, even with the 8 others on the court, is a solitary occupation and one that does not exactly call for grand standing. Yes, a brilliant intellect might help and being able to persuade, to garner the votes of others would be a valuabe asset but it's not the "pressing the flesh" kind of operation Bill exceeds at. It's why Scalia and Douglas — the bright boys — are great a dissents but not so good at creating majorities and why Earl Warren — may be not the "A" student — was better at creating majorities and why we refer to the "Warren Court" still today (he was good at cobbling together those iconoclast bretheren of his into workable majorities). Rehnquist, at the end, sort of got the hang of it. I'm thinking all this "Bill on the Supreme Court" talk is just a little right wing patter meant to put a scare into folks. Not gonna happen. There are better uses for Bill and better names out there for a lasting change in direction on the Supreme Court.

Lee v.l.   January 3rd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

The Liberals have no morals to begin with-so what would it matter. Then, they could have government funded abortions and lock up the Republicans. Their lives would be complete.

Mark C   January 3rd, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Was Bill dis-barred over his little "legal problems"?

If so, how would he be eligible for the Supreme Court?

Rans   January 3rd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

YES!!!! I love it!

ONE more reason to vote for Hillary!

Robbie Jackson   January 3rd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

This would be one more reason not elect Hillary Clinton president! The tax payers of this country have already taken too much of a ride from these low -lifes..
Paying for there legal bills accuquired while fighting impeachment, furnishing there home in New York, security for them, etc. Besides he lied under oath and as a conquence, lost his law licence. Why would anyone want this creep on our Nations Highest Court?

Matt, Arlington, VA   January 3rd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Wow– It really is the end of the world as we know it.

ebp   January 3rd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

William Howard Taft wasn't impeached.

roux   January 3rd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

CNN please continue to float this idea as it will seal her fate. I'm no political expert but Hillary Clinton will not be the next President and FWIW neither will Barrack "Barry" Obama.

Shel, Seattle, WA   January 3rd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

I can't believe this. Posting this article ON ELECTION DAY in Iowa is a blatant attempt to bring out the fear card, and sink Hillary's chances. Why can't we leave rumors and innuendos OUT of election day news??

Bob   January 3rd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Past President or not, it's pretty difficult for a disbarred lawyer to lay claim to a Supreme Court seat.

Ken, O Fallon, MO   January 3rd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

He did not get disbarred!

WIlly   January 3rd, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Bill Clinton for the Supreme Court to the Arkansas Trailer Park, YES

Brian   January 3rd, 2008 12:15 pm ET

I am not ready to vote for people who feel it is about "them'. It is just not right!

Karen   January 3rd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Talk of power greed!

ann   January 3rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Your time if up moron. Go back to little town Arkansa and give others a chance!

RF, Hillsborough, NJ   January 3rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

What a great day it would be for the USA!

Jeff - Plainfield, IL   January 3rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

,,,so how much control of Congress would Dems need to approve this? (and that's only if they vote strictly party-line). I'm much more Democrat than Republican, but I'm viewing this story as harmful to Hillary. Rile-up-the-base political candy for the Republicans and maybe more subtly other Dem candidates.

I'm an Obama Dem in the primary, and I believe this story hurts Clinton. Yes, they are beloved (and hated) by many, but they aren't the Kennedy's. People are not begging to have them dynastically shape the nation.

Vic Novosad, Sugar Land, TX   January 3rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

I would think that such action would take place during a later phase of Hillary's presidency, as he's too valuable an asset to place required restrictions on him. No matter what anyone says negatively about Bill Clinton, the undisputed fact is that he is respected by all world leaders as well as with people domestically.

Remember that during his own presidency, he made vast changes for the better including these: 1) Ended the war in Kosovo with the capture of Milosevic and other war criminals; 2) Balanced the budget; 3) Rescued the economy from the preceding Bush I Administration where unemployment was soaring, then took off with Clinton; 4) Overhauled the Federal welfare program, putting recipients to work after participating in training programs; 5) Ongoing State Department negotiations with North Korea successfully causing Korea to discontinue its nuclear weapons program.

If for no other reason, Hillary Clinton should be elected President to assure the advantages of having such a valuable asset available.

Nicole Price, Dallas Texas   January 3rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Birds of a feather…

Jimmy Frank Carter   January 3rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

It is a fantasy for Bill to be a Justice,I think if Hillary wins Bill will love to be co-President.I hope it will be another 8 years of Clinton the style may change but the same substance.A remote control president is what we will get.

Stephen   January 3rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

fear tactics?? CNN is biased toward Clinton, why would they publish this if it would hurt her?

Kuenstler   January 3rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Sweet, sweet, nepotism.

Daniel D'Alessandro   January 3rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

A disbarred attorney is not eligible for appointment to the United States Supreme Court. The appointment of a disbarred attorney to any judicial position should not be heralded by any one including the "distinguished" professors and scholars quoted in the your article.

Gregory G Kelly   January 3rd, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Can a disbarred attorney serve on any court?

A .Murphy   January 3rd, 2008 12:10 pm ET

I would love to see President Clinton as a Supreme Court Justice. I never thought about the idea. Wow this will certainly change the way I vote. It would be like John and Robert Kennedy all over again.

Annnie   January 3rd, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Oh Please! There must be better legal minds to be had out there on both sides of the aisle. Do we really want someone who debates what the definition of 'is' is on our highest court?

Roy, Lincoln, NE   January 3rd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Rather see Bill Clinton as either secretary of state or ambassador to the united nations.

Stephen   January 3rd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

All republicians would fillabuster a Bill Clinton, SC Justice nomination. It also shows where her priorities would be, personal priorities, not the best person for the job.

Harvey, Tampa, FL   January 3rd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Anyone notice how CNN's "tone" changes to "upbeat" whenever one of the Clintons is featured in the Ticker? The prospect of having a Clinton back in power just tickles CNN's pickle….

Dan   January 3rd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Bill Clinton? U.S. Supreme Court Justice? He's been impeached and disbarred. I can only imagine the outcry. If the opportunity arose, he would never be appointed. Not in a million years.

Denis, NJ   January 3rd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Baloney… Not a chance.

Steven Mock   January 3rd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

I disagree with even the consideration of Bill Clinton for the Supreme Court. Call me old fashioned, but I believe that the justices of the highest court in the land should not only be above reproach in reputation, but should also know that any form of contact of the genitals of one person by another for the purpose of giving or receiving pleasure is indeed sex. Does Mr. Clinton still assert that he "did not have sex with that woman"?

doug   January 3rd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

The sky is falling!!

William Smith   January 3rd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Will Bill be smoking cigars at the Supreme court???

Disgusting thought…a man with such poor morals being a justice

Robert Haas, Kansas City, Mp   January 3rd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Rather than facts, you print suppositions. Is this fair?

Jonathan Huggins   January 3rd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Yeah, that's just what we need. A disbarred lawyer in control of the law who married a woman who became President after failing the bar exam in her first attempt. Stupid is as stupid does.

Ryan, New Jersey   January 3rd, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Hahahahahahaha, is this for real?

TK   January 3rd, 2008 12:07 pm ET

If this happens I give up. This guy was effectively impeched for White Water and lyiing to a federal grand jury. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court???? He should be disbarred, not rewarded. Talk about hypocrisy.

Judge Learned Hand   January 3rd, 2008 12:07 pm ET

As an attorney, am I the only one bothered that they would even consider a disbarred attorney for the Supreme Court? What's next…Brittany Spears as the head of Children Services?

John R   January 3rd, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Is this not the same man that lied to a Grand Jury to cover his Butt? Is this not the same man that gave a pardon to one of the most notorious scam artists in existence? Is this not the same man that lied to the American people on National TV? Is this not the same man that was a disaster as President?
Please…. Bill should be in jail, not on the bench.

gr   January 3rd, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Pepperdine? Hmm isn't that were Ken Starr teaches?

oswegosnowbound   January 3rd, 2008 12:07 pm ET

If it were to happen, it would be the "In Your Face!" of the century. After having his law license suspended to practice in front of the Supreme Court, Bill gets a seat on it.

How very pathetic if this were to play out. Sorry folks, but if Mrs. Clinton wins we'll have one of their faces plastered on the tv sets for years to come. You get what you vote for.

Larry   January 3rd, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Great, that's all we need – A Clinton in a govt. office without term limits. But didn't he get disbarred? But its good to know that Hillary will never win the election.

Joe   January 3rd, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Didn't Bill turn in his law license in connection with the scandals of his administration? I can't imagine anyone trying to nominate a disbarred lawyer to the Supreme Court.

D. Murphy   January 3rd, 2008 12:05 pm ET

I could think of no better legacy for Hillary than to appoint a man impeached from the White House for immorality and lying to the American people ("I did not have sexual relations with that woman") to be appointed a Supreme Court justice.

Greg G   January 3rd, 2008 12:05 pm ET

This is just another conservative trying to scare voters about Hillary. "Oooh — don't vote for Hillary or Bill will be on the Supreme Court." Well, maybe, and maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing — but the motivation here is clear: another Republican fear tactic.

kiera   January 3rd, 2008 12:04 pm ET

I cannot believe this was even posted, it smacks of a Rove instigated whisper campaign meant to scare conservatives back into towing the republican line. This is not news, this is rumor and speculation and had no business here.

harron   January 3rd, 2008 12:04 pm ET

I hope people's efforts are not going to be turned in a mighty suprime court fight if that is what CNN is telling us here. It isn't just right!

Yolanda Brown, South Caolina   January 3rd, 2008 12:04 pm ET

why not
hey democrats sure way to get back the supreme court that is in jeopardy by the right wing conservatives.
hey democats more the reason to vote for Hillary Rodham Clinton as she can win the general election.

Brew City Legend   January 3rd, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Please… Didn't Bill LIE in front of congress?

"I did not have sexual relations with that woman." -Bill Clinton

Small lie or not, I would not want a main who could have been charged with federal perjury and was nearly completely impeached out of office a decade ago to be in th supreme court someday.

Hillary is a true politician. She knew back then that if she ever wanted to run for office, she would have to stay with Bill to use his name and political power. That's my guess as to why she didn't leave him after so many sex-scandals in his days in the White House and before. She is nothing, and could never do it all by herself.

I hope she gets canned in these primaries and caucuses.

Bob   January 3rd, 2008 12:03 pm ET

wow, this is frightening stuff! This has started to rise my blood temp. Is this a hint to something wrong waiting to happen? 'ope not!

D J Ladoceour   January 3rd, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Yes, yes. Bill Clinton for the Supreme Court.

Wayne, Greenville TX   January 3rd, 2008 12:02 pm ET

If it happens, Bill Clinton would have the last laugh on Ken Starr….

Stopwatchingfoxnews, Rochester, NY   January 3rd, 2008 12:01 pm ET

The only reason this story is out right now is a last ditch effort to sway voters not to vote for Hillary. CNN.com has lost all credibility. You might as well call this website, TMZ.com.

Hillary or any Dem in 08!

richard   January 3rd, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Does this mean something to us. If these elections get rigged I am moving to canada!

john   January 3rd, 2008 12:00 pm ET

wow, I smell a rat already!

Dave, Atlanta, GA   January 3rd, 2008 11:58 am ET

Can you nominate someone who has been disbarred to the supreme court?

xtina chicago IL   January 3rd, 2008 11:58 am ET

Wasn't BiIl Clinton disbarred ? Why would anyone think a lawyer who has been disbarred be a good choice for Supreme Court Justice?

Harry, NY NY   January 3rd, 2008 11:57 am ET

Wow. This might seal her loss in Iowa.

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