June 12, 2008
Posted: June 12th, 2008 03:30 PM ET

From
The next president will have a big impact on the direction of the Supreme Court.
The next president will have a big impact on the direction of the Supreme Court.

(CNN) - The latest five-to-four decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on the status of terror suspects at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba once again underscores the deeply divided nature of the court and the huge stakes in the presidential election.

The court broke up largely along the liberal-conservative makeup – with the traditional swing voter, Justice Anthony Kennedy, once again breaking the tie.

In the majority were the liberals – Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, David Souter and John Paul Stevens.

In the minority were Chief Justice John Roberts, and Antonin Scalia, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.

The next president of the United States probably will be in a position to nominate at least one and maybe more Justices. John McCain says he would nominate conservatives like Roberts and Alito; Barack Obama says he prefers liberals like Ginsburg and Breyer.

So just as there are stark differences between the two candidates on foreign and domestic policy, there are also stark differences on the future of the Supreme Court. And placing new justices on the court will have an impact for a lot more than just four or eight years. It’s something to think about during this political season.

Filed under: Wolf Blitzer


Richard   June 12th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

The fact that McCain states that he would appoint conservatives like Roberts or Alito shows that he is not a centrist candidate. Why would he appoint such extreme right wingers? If he came out and said that he would appoint moderate centrist judges, perhaps he might have a chance at getting elected. His whole campaign is nothing more than a lie followed by a untruth, followed by a complete lack of integrity. A vote for McCain is a vote for the continued destruction of America. We will have no economy, no national heritage and no justice.

Mike from Westchester   June 12th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

How about a term limit on justices – say 25 years. That removes the incentive to nominate someone who is 40, just so they can be on the bench for 40+ years.

Ken in NM   June 12th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

So Larrt J., what you are saying then is that you want justices that will stop capital punishment??

last ultimatum   June 12th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

hey Im Obama and all I wanna do is tax Americans until they cant walk

johnny   June 12th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Not McCain Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bob in L.A.   June 12th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

If there was any reason to vote for Obama – this is #1. All the nonsense the candidates talk about is just that- talk. They seldom get anything done they say they are in favor of.
However, there Supreme Court nominees are with us sometimes for decades and shape the real future of the is country. Inthe last 8 years we replaced 2 justices that have set the court back 30 years.
They say that it is thier job to adhere to the constitution, but nowhere in that document does it takes rights away as this court has.
Obama for Sumpreme court selection committee!

Dexter, Houston TX   June 12th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

You know what I wish, I wish the Republicans masquerading as Democrats on this site slither back into your holes. Your soul purpose is to plant seeds of destruction. Haven't you caused enough damage!

The political process is for serious people, people who believe that this country will be better for ALL Americans.

DX in TX

Ray   June 12th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

For those who think Obama will stick to the constitution your living in a dream world. He is a lousy, stinking MARXIST that thinks government is the answer to every problem. Well I have news for you, the government is the biggest problem we have and more government will just make things worse. Now I don't really care for McCain either. Personally, I think we are in deep trouble with either of them in office.

Pam   June 12th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

This is why the Hillary supporters who claim they're going to vote for McCain because their candidate lost really need to do some serious thinking.

Darth Vadik, CA   June 12th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

To all of you people writting about Roe vs Wade I tell you that that is not even the biggest issue.

The biggest issue is that conservative judges have always sided with business instead of people. Have you noticed that in every single case where it is people vs business, people have always lost.

They view business as more human than humans. That is the biggest issue.

P.S. Roe vs Wade wasn't about abortion, it was about personal decisions. The case just happened to be abortion.

R   June 12th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

The first thing that should happen if, god forbid, Mcsame gets elected is we should give him R v W and watch him drop it like its hot! do you really think for one second that the republicans will drop their favorite wedge issue!? get reallllllllll!!!!! it hasn't happened yet and it never will. Its simply another pandering tool they use to try and get the cave dwelling backwoods vote. they snuggle up to the most perverse of the "moral majority" all while trolling the bathrooms and red light districts... and you republicans buy into it every time..

I have not head   June 12th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Has John McCain said he would reverse roe v. wade? I have not heard that. It is a scare tatic. Now I am for the right to choose, however, all of you are so upset with the loss of life in Irac but not with the loss of life in abortion. I personally am pro life, but the state cannot take the right away from a woman to choose. Has John McCain stated that he would try and do that. If so, please point out when and where. Obama is for whatever he thinks will get him the door of the white house – he talks out of both sides of his mouth. McCain will be straightforward even if you might not like what he stands for.

FEDUP   June 12th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Oh boy, here we go with the Roe v Wade paranoia. More ways to support your Golden Boy...

Democrats Rule   June 12th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Obama '08 – Our ONLY hope! Women Unite!

Ray   June 12th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Who says women are oppressed in this country? All of you women who are afraid of losing the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion should have chosen to either use protection or to keep your legs shut. You still have that choice, even if for some strange reason Roe v Wade is overturned.

tim, alaska   June 12th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

glad to see an actually relevant topic up for debate. much appreciated.

Fox   June 12th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Everyone here should start to wake themselves up. Obama or Mccain aren't going to change the country. If you elect another democrat or Republican were just going to keep going in circles. With Ron Paul officially out the only person left who can change this country is Bob Barr. A vote for Bob is a vote for change. He's americas only hope....

BROOKLYN   June 12th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Next President will dictate??? If the next President is Obama, the next President will be a dictator!!!

Phil in KC   June 12th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

This is why we need to elect a Democrat to the White House. A Republican victory would swing the court too far to the right for far too long. Keep in mind that the seats the next president will fill will probably belong to one of those 'liberal' judges. I believe John Paul Stevens is the oldest justice on the Supreme Court and has hinted in the past at stepping down.

Carl from MI   June 12th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Our nation needs another Justice like Scalia like it needs a war with Iran. Good thing McCain doesn't have a chance. Talk to Rupert Murdoch... he doesn't need a weatherman to tell him which way the wind is blowing!!!!

Down with Obama   June 12th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT June 12th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Women Will Never Vote For Someone Who Will Take Away Their Basic God Given Right! The Right To Choose!
==============================

Don't bet on it!!!!!!!!

We have more faith in normal people than you Obamabots do!!!!!!!
Besides you Obamabots aren't normal!!!!!!!!!!!

Tina   June 12th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

2007On March 25th, the Chicago Tribune reports that an extensive search found no basis for an episode Obama recounts about a picture he ran across in Life magazine of a “black man who had tried to peel off his skin” in a failed effort to use chemicals to lighten it. Obama writes that “seeing that article was violent for me, an ambush attack.”

The Tribune continued: “Yet no such Life issue exists, according to historians at the magazine. No such photos, no such article. When asked about the discrepancy, Obama said in a recent interview, “It might have been an Ebony or it might have been … who knows what it was?”

At the request of the Tribune, archivists at Ebony searched their catalogue of past articles, none of which matched what Obama recalled.”

Tina   June 12th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

2007 On March 27th, Obama, tells the crowd at fundraiser , “I was a constitutional law professor, which means unlike the current president I actually respect the Constitution.”

For the record, Obama is a “Senior Lecturer (on leave of absence)” at the University of Chicago Law School. He has taught Constitutional Law III: Equal Protection and Substantive Due Process, Current Issues in Racism & the Law, and Voting Rights & the Democratic Process

JCB   June 12th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

This article is just one more reason that Clinton should be the Presidential nominee. Obama is too easily swayed and too used to Sucking Up to make a logical and farsighted decision for a SC justice.

Kenneth   June 12th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Best reason to vote for McCain. We certainly don't need another justice like Ginsberg who thinks US law should be influenced by world law.

Liberals take into consideration global law when they should only be interested in the US Constitution. If you want US laws to be determined by things other than the US Constituiton then vote for Obama. However that would be an act against the US.

adel   June 12th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Is mr Wolf anti- Obama. You enjoy touting negative news about the illinois Senator. Unknowingly, this is glaring. Just as some democrats are refusing to endorse Obama, so also are some Republican refusing to endorse MCCain. Be a rounded journalist

Ivan, Chicago, Illinois   June 12th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

This is the only reason I have to vote for Obama, is the nominations to the Supreme Court.
The comments today about their dissent to the Supreme Court's by Scalia and Roberts are scary.

Jamila   June 12th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

Our Society should stand on what is right. Killing children is wrong playing God is wrong, If people want to embrace coat hangers that is their right to be wrong and they will suffer accordingly. Dont make the society as a whole adopt laws that support what is wrong because of coat hangers... Our constitution should be protected at all cost our moral conscience should be a guiding light to society... That is right and we need Judges on the Supreme Court that will protect what is right.

Loretta from California   June 12th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

I would love to have Senator Clinton as a supreme court justice. But I don't think it's a good idea because of her age. We need someone like her, but someone that will be there for a long, looooooooooong time.

NORA, FLORIDA   June 12th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

And to think that some of the Clinton supporters are expressing their votes for McCain. Hmmm they are not as smart as I had pegged them to be. A vote for McCain should be an automatic life in prison sentence because of the 100 year war alone.

Women In California for Obama   June 12th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Well women if you are fascinated with the way they live on the Texas compound-vote McCain! I'm sure you will save a lot of money on fashions and just think your husband will be free to take another wife too.

Jill   June 12th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Thank you for finally getting to something important rather than irrelevant.

The Court is more than simply liberal or conservative, it does provide a check and balance. Some of the justices look at the particular sentence and make it almost a biblical not a working document. Others can go too far in the other direction.

Obama appointments are the most likely to actually preserve the balance while taking into consideration that it is not holy writ but a working document.
As a former Constitutional Law Instructor at a the University of Chicago. I expect he will provide high quality candidates who take the preamble seriously.
". . .establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity. . . . "

His appointments will probably fully endorse Roe V Wade. Since the argument that potential life is already a human being is a religious, philosophical and medical debate.

Respecting Habeus corpus. etc. His appointments will probably take "justice" under the laws of our Country as meeting the Preamble Test while adhering to the basic tenants of the Constitution.

McCain will appoint anti Rove V Wade judges. Along with that will come the question of whether one bends the liberty and Justice for all to some perceived safety against the progress in justice and equality we have made.
This is no easy task either way. But I genuinely fear a McCain appointment on the larger issues such as this one. The Court can go to far in either direction, shortchanging the needs of the many for the wants of a few. Under conservative standards, women would still not have the vote, slavery would still be legal. There is no reason when parsing word or sentences in the Constitution to change either situation. Even within my life time it was legal to put a convenant on a subdivision excluding almost every ethic and religious group by name, except for white non Catholic Chistians.

These are all liberal decisions. Can they go too far? Yes Either side can go to far. I fear that from McCain more than Obama appointments. I do not think of it as liberal but simply pragmatic and
respectful of the History surrounding our ammendments and the protections from unlawful detention and the rights they preserve and have more clearly defined.

Tina   June 12th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

On July 28th, the day after his speech at the Democratic convention catapulted him into the national spotlight, Barack Obama told a group of reporters in Boston that the United States had an "absolute obligation" to remain in Iraq long enough to make it a success.

"The failure of the Iraqi state would be a disaster," he said at a lunch sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor, according to an audiotape of the session. "It would dishonor the 900-plus men and women who have already died. . . . It would be a betrayal of the promise that we made to the Iraqi people, and it would be hugely destabilizing from a national security perspective."

In late winter, 2008, on the campaign trail, Obama says he wants to bring the troops home yesterday - you decide - was he lying then or is he lying now?

Billiam the Kid   June 12th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Down with Obama, 1st of all, Shuler is a republican. At least get your facts straight if you're gonna spew BS. 2ndly, Childers is only a Dem because of oppurtunity. the same as Jim Webb, or the same as Powell being a repub. Come on man be for real. Childers is from Mississippi. He wouldn't endorse MLK for President. Lol. He probably wouldn't endorse Jesus for President if he came back since he was black.

faye   June 12th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Barack Obama in 2003, talking to the AFL/CIO:

“I happen to be a proponent of single-payer universal healthcare coverage. That’s what I’d like to see.”

In January, 2008, Obama claimed in a nationally televised debate:

"I never said that we should try to go ahead and get single-payer."

faye   June 12th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

When former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel alleged [at the July 23, 2007, Democratic presidential primary debates] that Obama had 134 bundlers, Obama responded by telling Gravel that the reason he knows how many bundlers are raising money for him is ‘because I helped push through a law this past session to disclose that’,” ABC News reported July 23, 2007.[51]

“Earlier this year, Obama sponsored an amendment in the Senate requiring lobbyists to disclose the candidates, leadership PACs, or political parties for whom they bundle. Obama’s amendment would not, however, require candidates to release the names of their bundlers. What’s more, although Obama’s amendment was agreed to in the Senate by unanimous consent, the measure never become law as Obama seemed to suggest,” ABC News reported.

liar –

obama is never pased any law ever .

R.I.F.   June 12th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Down with Obama June 12th, 2008 4:32 pm ET
"Rep. Travis Childers (D-MS), on left, and Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC), on right, won't back Barack Obama.
More bad news for hope and change.
2 more Moderate Democrats bail on Obama.
The Politico reported:
_________________________________________
Did you also read the USA Today which had a similar article which said that this happens every election and the only reason why the public knows this year is because the media has been focused on superdelegales and who endorses who. It happended to Kerry, Bush, Gore, Clinton, and every person who won their party's nomination. BTW, McCain has a host of republicans who won't endorse him either. I give you props for reading, but you should've ept reading.

I think this makes your little "scoop" bogus.

Mikey   June 12th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Texas Trail Dog wrote:
June 12th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Lord Knows what OBAMA will put on the Supreme Court. If that doesn't scare people then stand by and watch the gates to the penal institutions swing open and all the AAs especially the ones on death row to walk out to start their raping of white and robbing and killing. I am sick of the NAME OBAMA>
___________________________________________________

Hey Tex – please keep posting your filth. No decent American will want to stand with you – more votes for Obama.

Practice the words – MISTER PRESIDENT Barack Obama.

Xavier, Washington DC   June 12th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

I'm always amazed at this talk of putting Hillary on the Supreme Court. What exactly are her qualifications? Unlike every single member of the current court, she has never been a federal circuit court judge. Unlike Obama, she didn't teach constitutional law. In fact, she hasn't really practiced law in decades. How is it that people think she can step in and be a good justice?

WhosehadEnough   June 12th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Sen. McCain would not even denounce President Bush for vetoing a bill that would ban waterboarding while during Republican primary debates he emphatically stated the United States does not torture.......So much for the "straight-talk" express!!

Once again Republicans are playing semantics with the Constitution!!! Great job Justice Kennedy!! You didn't sell out your vote for your son getting a high level position with the labor department in the administration..

Let's restore seperate but equal branches of government and checks and balances.

LUCYNA   June 12th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Although I am strong Obama supporter, I believe that Hillary did excelleng job and should be givien some respect by all of us. She may not be a VP since there are other well qualified candidates, but at least I would like to see her sitting in US Supreme Court.

1 of the 18 million who voted for Obama   June 12th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

For all of those Hillary supporters who now claim allegiance to McCain, think about the future of your children before you do something stupid.

R.I.F.   June 12th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Hey CNN,

I thought you censored this thing? :"Texas Trail Dog June 12th, 2008 4:35 pm ET" comment shoul dhave never been allowed on this blog.

Since obviously you don't, then F#&k you "Texas Train Dog".

Dandelion.   June 12th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

McCain says women need 'Education and training'. REALLY? What about the men? Women can be head of households too, just because his wife is a rich little princess and never had to work, but, she volunteers for things. I think McCain has some serious issues with women and I'm betting he loathes Billary. If this MCP wins this election, I wouldn't put it past him to enact some stupid law that says women have to be married by a certain age or risk jail! If he votes against equal pay for women, who knows what else he might do: declare war on women? Add women to the 'Axis of Evil'? Rescind the 19th Amendment? That shriveled little mind of his ain't got much time left on this earth.

Susan   June 12th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

McBush wants to overturn Roe vs. Wade and privatize Social Security. Let me think which one should I vote for???Decisions, decisions..........

jimmy velman   June 12th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

OBAMA'S ELECTION TO THE PRESIDENCY WILL CHANGE THE FACE OF THE SUPREME COURT IN THAT JUSTICES ROBERTS, ALITO, THOMAS AND ANOTHER CONSERVATIVE WILL BE IN THE MINORITY. OBAMA WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO APPOINT TWO PERHAPS 3 JUSTICES IN THE NEXT 8 YEARS.
AL GORE, IF HE ACCEPTS WILL MAKE OBAMA'S ELECTION A SURE THING... IT IS NOT IN THE CARDS (NOR OBAMA'S MIND) FOR A LONG TIME NOW FOR HILLARY TO BE THE VP CHOICE. THAT IS WHY HILLARY FOUGHT WITH TENACITY FOR THE NOMINATION.
SHE KNEW OBAMA WOULD NOT CHOOSE HER TO BE HIS VP RUNNING MATE. JUST MAYBE HER SUPPORTERS SWITCH TO MCCAIN WHO UNFORTUNATELY IS SO WEAKENED BY HIS OWN
SPEAK AND CONNECTION TO THE BUSH PRESIDENCY.
SO , WE WILL HAVE OBAMA AS THE NEXT PRESIDENT.

Ex-mod-GOP for Obama   June 12th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

We sure don't need any more Scalias or Alitos. Vote Obama.

aware   June 12th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

I am a Democrat now leaning Independent, and America's worst nightmare would be an Obama presidency!

We do not need any more liberal Justices chosen by an extreme left-wing liberal.

No Obama under any circumstances! :(

Also, women are smarter than to buy into the Roe V. Wade scare tactic. We know that as science advances abortions will be a thing of the past. We can now see the 3D images of tiny little human beings in the womb.

And, the guy who slaps his wife on the butt in public shows no repect for women!

Vote for McCain, the American hero and centrist in touch with mainstream America! :)

CLINTON 08 VP   June 12th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

UNITED WE ARE STRONGER SO:

OBAMA & CLINTON 08

DON'T VOTE FOR MR. BUSH II (MCCAIN), WE HAD ENOUGH OF HIS "AXIS OF EVIL", SO:

BUSH & MCCAIN THE AMERICAN AXIS OF EVIL

REV WRIGHT   June 12th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Trust me, women's rights are not going to be the issue when me and my little puppet Obama get control.

We are going to send a whole bunch of your hard earned money to the U.N. as a re-disbrution of the world's wealth.

We are going to change the pledge of allegiance, so it won't mention god.

We are going to make all you whitey's pay for something your ancestors did.

Different is not difficient...

blah, blah, blah...

Honestly, the democrats scare tactics "Roe V. Wade" are just as bad as what the Republicans have done the last 8 years. If women fall for this, then they are being foolish... McCain is not GW Bush.

SONIA4HILLARY   June 12th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

MICHELLE OBAMA ""I wanna take bill clinton,s eyes out""ops just kidding –
hey barack –pls keep her mouth shut -u r a chicago thug but ur wife is loud mouth –just like she said "`i have a loud mouth ""

yes michelle –whole nation knows –u have a loud mouth -

jack   June 12th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

If only Obama could fill the Alito and Thomas and Scalia slots, then we would have a good court.

Debbie in La   June 12th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Yet another reason not to vote for McCain.

Shiloh Everett   June 12th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Ladies-if you vote McCain women wil lose the right to choose for many years to come. Young ladies- ask grandma what it was like before we had this right.

SONIA4HILLARY   June 12th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

I don,t know nothing about rezko

I don,t know nothing about ayers

I don,t know about pastor wright

I don,t know about father pfleger

I don,t know about larry sinclair

I don,t know about jackson

i am a MR NEW POLITICS–CAN I PLS FINISH MY WAFFLES NOW ???

White Independent   June 12th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

PUMAPAC.ORG – Shameless people trying to extort money from the disenfranchised. There is a new site claiming to be a political PAC. Sorry, but it takes a lot longer than three days to get to be a PAC. You can’t get registered that quickly. How do I know? I used to work for a startup PAC, and it took us six months to get our paperwork in order and get up approved. There had to be credit checks run, and a ton of paperwork. You were investigated pretty thoroughly beforehand to be sure you were legit. DO NOT DONATE MONEY TO THIS SITE! Please, people, without knowing EXACTLY what any organization is going to do with your money (and telling you they are going to lobby and protest isn’t enough), do not send them any. There will be many “wolves in sheep’s clothing” out there trying to play on your emotions.

what.   June 12th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

McCain opposes equal pay bill in Senate

Politics – Republican Sen. John McCain said Wednesday he opposes a Senate bill that seeks equal pay for women because it would lead to more lawsuits. Senate Republicans killed the bill, which would make it easier for women to sue their employers for pay discrimination, with a 56-42 vote.

Justice League   June 12th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Keating 5, Lincoln Financial Scandal, Hagee, 100 year war. OAM (Obama-nation Against McCain)

christina   June 12th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Brian Knoxville, TN June 12th, 2008 4:11 pm ET
"True Democrats will vote for the most moderate and experienced candidate on the ballot–John McCain–or will stay home in November."

_______________________________________
I'm a 'true democrat' and I will be voting OBAMA in November, because I am a DEMOCRAT and McCain goes against everything I believe in as a democrat. John McCain is experienced with nothing besides invading other countries. Your post doesn't even make sense.

Independent for Obama   June 12th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Hey Brian Knoxville – those were ACCIDENTS!!! If you look at Reagan's notes, for example, you will see that.

While I agree that you don't know which way someone will rule once they get on the USSC, we just got two new conservative justices – while Roberts may be more of a centrist Alito is toeing the party line – obviously it makes sense to have balance.

Swampy   June 12th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

I can't believe that Blitzer characterizes Souter and Ginsburg as liberals. Bill Douglas and Thurgood Marshall are either laughing or crying about that one ...

A.   June 12th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Let's see. Cindy McCain stole drugs, was a drug addict, and an overall fraud. Michelle Obama spoke her feelings.

Which is worse? Why is no one attacking Cindy like they are Michelle? This is total crap and if McCain gets elected this country is going down the drain.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   June 12th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

MCCAIN FOLLOWS BUSH'S POLICIES AND IF BUSH DIDN'T WANT HIM FOR HIS V.P. WHY WOULD WE WANT HIM NOW AS PRESIDENT. MCCAIN HAS THE SAME CREDENTIALS THEN AS HE HAS NOW WHICH CHENEY HAS NONE, WHY DIDN'T BUSH MAKE HIM HIS V.P. COULD IT BE #1-HE HAS ANGER ISSUES; #2-HE'S JUST TOO OLD BUT HE WAS YOUNGER THEN; #3-BECAUSE THEY ALL THINK HE HAS TOO MUCH OF AN EXPLOSIVE TEMPER #4-KEATING 5 AND MCCAIN WAS JUST TOO MUCH BAGGAGE. MAYBE IT WAS ALL OF THE ABOVE.

SDunn   June 12th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Brian please vote for McCain and be quiet. Who cares who you vote for.

Always4Hil   June 12th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

If the dnc, obama or the media had any concern about "womens rights"- Hillary would be our nominee. Anyone thinking women will flock back to the dems just because they use roe v wade scare tactics, are fooling themselves. I respect everyones right to vote anyway they like, respect ours. I trust John McCain and there is no judge he can appoint without the blessing of congress. Obama shows no good judgment and will never get my vote. Blog.pumapac.org

Bob Indianapolis, IN   June 12th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Yo, Tony Scalia! You and Long Dong Silver are about to be seriously marginalized! Hope the fishing trip with Shotgun Dick was worth it...

Zeak   June 12th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

We need ALL conservative appointees !! No more liberals on the high court. Only the GOP can bring in the true American judges to the bench !!

Go Big John McCain!!

SONIA4HILLARY   June 12th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

BILL CLINTON,S

SDunn   June 12th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

We need a balanced supreme court and right now we have too many right wing conservative nutcases on the court! We need a Democratic President ASAP

SONIA4HILLARY   June 12th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

obama"`i can get hillary,s voters ,but she can,t get mine ""

well –isn,t that divisive "`obama–

so called MR UNITER?/

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT   June 12th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

You My Friend Have Inspired Of To Do All I Can To Make Sure You Are Not The Leader Of This Country! Americans Will Not Allow You To Place Any Kind Of Setback On Womens Rights! America Is Moving Forward Without You Mccain!

Larrt J.   June 12th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

One of the ten commandments statae Thou Shalt Not Kill and the liberals in this country say killing the unborn is ok. So it is quite clear
Jesus was not a shameful liberal. Sucking the brains out of an unborn child and then pulling from the mothers body is about as low
as one can go. Liberal justices in America are dealing a death blow
to our morality and common sense. They don't have either.

This is my only reason not to vote for Obama. He would put more killers in the supreme court.

Maxine   June 12th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

The Republican Slime Machine is out to all Democratics hold your ground. Mccain is so bad for this country. How could anyone trust a Republican with all thier lies. People look at the results the Ecomomy and the war. Mccain said " that bringing the troops home is not important". Family want thier husbands and brother or son or wifes home. John Mcain don't care about women's rights NO for Mccain NO NO Mccain!!!

SONIA4HILLARY   June 12th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

OBAMA""HILLARY is likeable enough""`

obama -you are not even likeable enough .

Praetorian, Fort Myers   June 12th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Who cares. The whole establishment is corrupt and intent on singing to the song of the President/party who placed them in their chairs.

I wish they would all just consider the constitution and bill of rights–then make their judgements.

I'm so tired of judges–deciding the future of our nation–by inventing their own interpretations of what is constitutional–even if it's not there!!!

TESAP   June 12th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

mcneedacane will set our country back 50 years, his ideaology is that of well... an old man... he's out of touch.. the Republicraps have used fear to obtain votes from some most of us with common sense are not afraid, but we are afraid of another term where TYPICAL Americans are forced to suffer while the rich get tax cuts........

White Independent   June 12th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

One more reason we need Obama. We don't need rednecks and religious fanatics deciding the future of our country.

ANNA E.   June 12th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

YES, AND THAT WILL BE A TRUE PATRIOT CALLED JOHN MCCAIN!

SONIA4HILLARY   June 12th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

OBAMA–“I didn’t run ads in Florida.”

EVIDENCE – Senator Obama was the only democratic candidate running ads in the state.
COUNTER CLAIM – No Democratic candidate ran ads in Florida.

REBUTTAL – Senator Obama allowed national ads to run 8-12 times per day for two weeks – and still lost by nearly 300,000 votes. One phone call could have stopped the ads. He left them to run.

VERDICT – SENATOR OBAMA, YOU ARE A LIAR

George--FL   June 12th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

AJ - that's the craziest thing I've heart yet: "Obama is an arrogant empty suit, the Democratic equivalent of G.W. Bush." What!!?? There is NOTHING about Obama that is similar to GWB! Not his policies, his upbringing, his culture, his history, his accomplishments . . . NOTHING! Which is exactly why Obama is the only REAL option for those who want this country to turn around. And if you're suggesting that he's only offering hope and has no plan to carry out his proposed policies, then you're not listening to him. You, like so many others have made up your minds without having listened to a thing the man has said. The one thing he has shown that McCain, Bush et al. have not shown is the ability to listen to people around him as well as use his own intelligence.

Chris, Middletown, CT   June 12th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Too bad it won't be Wolfs choice of Hillary...

SLIMSISTA   June 12th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

TO "BRIAN IN KNOXVILLE, TN"

DO YOU HAVE A JOB OR ARE YOU GETTING PAID JUST TO SMEAR OBAMA....DON'T BE JEALOUS BECAUSE OBAMA IS AN HARVARD LAW GRADUATE....AND HAS ACCOMPOLISHED WHAT YOU COULDN'T DO IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS....YOU ARE A REAL HATER....GET A LIFE...YOU ARE GETTING TO BE LIKE A BAD TOOTHACHE....

OBAMA '08

Dandelion.   June 12th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

McCain opposes equal pay bill in Senate

Politics – Republican Sen. John McCain said Wednesday he opposes a Senate bill that seeks equal pay for women because it would lead to more lawsuits. Senate Republicans killed the bill, which would make it easier for women to sue their employers for pay discrimination, with a 56-42 vote.

SONIA4HILLARY   June 12th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

OBAMA “Rev. Meeks is not involved in my campaign.”

EVIDENCE – Rev. Meeks appeared in ads for the Senator’s Senate Campaign, and continues to raise money for him during his Presidential run.

COUNTER CLAIM – Senator Obama is running for office, not Reverend Meeks.

REBUTTAL – Reverend James Meeks is another of Senator Obama’s ‘Spiritual Counselors’. The Reverend is known, like Rev. Wright, for tearing up the pulpit, with anti-White and anti-Gay rhetoric. Rev. Meeks invited Senator Obama to campaign at his church, has appeared in commercials for him in Illinois, and will be one of Senator Obama’s 2008 Delegates at the Denver Convention. One can reasonably conclude that James Meeks is involved in Senator Obama’s campaign.

VERDICT – SENATOR OBAMA, YOU ARE A LIAR

Connie, Tennessee   June 12th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

This should wake up all the women who said they refuse to support Obama. Keep "em bare-foot and pregnant.

Unite Democrats. Save us from conservatives.

John in KY   June 12th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

NO more REPUBLICANS appointed to SUPREME COURT or elected PRESIDENT of USA!!
no more BUSHWHACKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO DEMS 08!!

SONIA4HILLARY   June 12th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

OBAMA “I was being honest when I used the term ‘typical white people’, not racist.”

EVIDENCE – If one cannot say ‘typical black people’ without being labeled racist, then the reverse is likewise racist. SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2, SOURCE 3, SOURCE 4, SOURCE 5

COUNTER CLAIM – Senator Obama’s words were taken out of context.

REBUTTAL – There is no context in which that statement can be made, truncated or complete, that is not offensive. Senator Obama and his family have spent 20 years in a church that has preached the miseries brought on the black community by ‘typical white people’. Michelle Obama’s statements about never being proud of America until now, and that American is ignorant, fits part and parcel into the ideology, tone, and direction of Louis Farrakhan, Reverend Wright, and Reverend James Meeks. To claim that they have never heard such statements made in their church raises the question of how and why have they formed such similar opinions in regards to Wright, Meeks, and the Nation of Islam. Having never being proud, calling your country ignorant, and labeling people typical, based on their color doesn’t see new, hopeful, or different. If one were to infer any such thing to any race one would be labeled a racist, so in keeping with that established precedent, the term ‘typical white people’ is racist.

VERDICT – SENATOR OBAMA, YOU ARE A LIAR

An Independent Hillary   June 12th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Definitely something to think about this political season.

And this alone may be my deciding factor when voting for Barrack Obama – otherwise one of the most unqualified Presidental candidates ever to be nominated!

Once again, what pathetic choices we have this year!!!

D. D.   June 12th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

We need Sandra Day O' Connor back on the court bench. In order to achieve her or someone like her we need Senator Obama.

I think to close Gitmo we are placing our land prisons in jeopardy and danger. These people will be considered heroes to the other prisoners and to some Correctional fficers. The prisons are in a constant battle with gamgs and noew the outside terrorists are coming also. Scary- for real.

randy   June 12th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

absolutely because when it comes to justice apiontment since this adminstration it is only those that tyotaly agree with bush and the neo conns get the job.the once that have there own independent views where fired justice systerm in this country is in a very bad condition.
john mcain is not ready to change anything.obama is the only hope.

Will in Richmond, VA   June 12th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

This is the democratic trump card. Balance of the Supreme Court is nearly the most important issue because of the long lasting implications. Justices sit for life, sometimes decades after the president that appointed them has died. Balance of power must be maintained.

Dandelion.   June 12th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

MT IN SF – are you insane?

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT   June 12th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

ATTENTION TO ALL WOMEN! Mccain Does Not Want You To Have The Right To Choose What Happens To Your Own Body! Do Not Give This Man Power Over You! Lets Keep Womens Rights Moving Forward! Vote Obama!

Danny   June 12th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Yes. This is very important. These days with democrats in the congress, these liberals have a voice. Imagine they wnat to have trials in USA for these terrorists. Lawyers will make money. Nancy Pelosi is enjoying the fun.

Dan, TX   June 12th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Dear MT in SF
It is difficult to be sure if you are just a liar or are truly just ignorant. Nothing that you've said is truthful.

Moderator- please remove this garbage from the blog.

Dandelion.   June 12th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

McCain does not support equal pay for men and women.

Vote Obama or we get thrown back 60 years!

Thomas   June 12th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

The problem with you people who keep saying goodbye Roe V Wade is that there are a lot of Americans who want that to happen, and the Hillary supporters are too old to care about it because they cant have kids anymore.

Obama 08'

Rita, Burbank, CA   June 12th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Before we all get too excited, let's not forget that Stevens was nominated by Gerald Ford, Souter was nominated by George H.W. Bush, and Earl Warren, who presided over one of the most liberal Supreme Courts in history, was nominated by Dwight Eisenhower.

Uncle Sam   June 12th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

It turns out that Sen. Obama's Chicago zip code is 60606 – the sign of the beast. This revelation raises an interesting question:
If Obama is exposed as the Antichrist, do you think it could hurt his presidential chances?

FL Dem   June 12th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Obama taught Constitutional law. McCain has never been to law school.

yns   June 12th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

What Demoncratic values will go out the window...

.... The one in which the people of Florida and Michigan a 1/2 vote
... The one in which the Good Ole Boys choose their candidate and get rid of the woman at all costs
.....The one in which it is ok to be unpatriotic and affiliated with US haters and terrorists
... The one where you claim to be for all people but throw your own mother under the bus
...The one in which you claim to be for all people but pull the race card at your convenience
...The one in which it is ok to attack an opponent's spouse, but not for your spouse to be under discretion
...The one

Just wondering which one you are talking about......

John   June 12th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Another reason this country cannot afford a democrat in the presidency.

The sad supreme court we have now just granted Gitmo detainees access to U.S. courts.

Stupid. Dangerous.

As usual the rest of us will pay for stupid decisions of liberals.

Dan, TX   June 12th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Aliou.
Obama can not beat the media or the republicans, but WE CAN.

It is time for Americans to stand up for themselves and take responsibility for their own actions as citizens. It's OUR responsibility to find employment or start a business to take care of our families, it is OUR responsibility to make sure our children get a decent education, it is OUR responsibility to end the war in Iraq, it is OUR responsibility to make sure affordable healthcare is available and it is OUR responsibility to elect BARACK OBAMA to make sure we have a real leader who will implement OUR will.

Mikey   June 12th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Aware: You right wing yo-yos are still trying to paint Obama as an "extreme left-wing liberal". Apparently, you have not listened to him, read his book, or read his policy statements. There is absolutely nothing extreme about his positions. I know, you're just following the same election playbook that you have been using since the Reagan days. Give it up – it's old, tired and a pack of lies to boot.

As far as McCain being in touch with the American mainstream. Based on his statements and actions, he's about as out of touch as they come. Further, his becoming a champion flip-flopper:

– voted with Bush 90+% of the time and now wants us to believe he is actually very different
– promised only to appoint conservative judges out of one side of his mouth, while promising a moderate, bipartisan approach out of the other side of his mouth (don't believe it – maverick equals unpredictable, not moderate)
– has not voted in favor of even one piece environmental legislation since 2005 and now claims to be an environmentalist
– said the Bush tax cuts bothered his conscience and now wants to make the permanent
– is arguing against an Obama tax increase that is a creation of his own staff – and not Obama's real tax plan
– says foreign policy is his big forte and then makes one Shiite/Sunni, Iraq/Iran, and Czechoslovakia gaff after another
– says he hates war, but is clearly against liberal use of diplomacy to prevent it – is still in the "axis of evil" neo-con mode where we needlessly create adversarial relationships with other nations
– is trying to paint Obama as a weak tax-and-spend liberal, when Obama's policies do not support that claim – same as in 2000 and 2004 and look where that got us

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT   June 12th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

NEW MCCAIN SLOGAN * A GREAT DEPRESSION YOU CAN BELIEVE IN! *

Catty   June 12th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Throw Roe vs. Wade out the window! You libs are obssessed with the killings in Iraq, yet MILLIONS of unborn lives are murdered every year. It's not about a womens rigth to choose, it's about a humans right to live.

We need more conservatism in washington...not the socialist, Marxist tendencies of obama.

Mc Cain Dem   June 12th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

At least we won't have Sharia law.
We fought for our rights and we will not give them away!
Osama, sorry Obama please tell me something new, like your experience, who you are. I know what Bush did, I know what this Washington has done. What I have no idea of is what change will you and all your great buddies do ????

LB   June 12th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

If women lose this right now by voting for McCain and making him President, we'll never is another women run for the office or get elected. It will set us back in time 50 years. Obama will fight for women's rights because Michelle will see to it and also because he has two young daughters who's future he will also be fighting for.

George--FL   June 12th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

While I agree with the Court's decision, I think there needs to be a Constitutional Amendment to determine how Supreme Court justices are seated and how they maintain their seats. This presidential selection process has time and time again proven to be an ineffective way of selecting officials who will carry out BLIND JUSTICE. Their life appointment is SUPPOSED to make them objective in their decision-making because their jobs are never at stake. But the president only selects jurists who he believes will carry out HIS policies - not necessarily who will be just or fair. The process of selecting our SC justices must change.

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT   June 12th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

NEW MCCAIN SLOGAN * A SETBACK IN WOMENS RIGHTS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN! *

STILL BROKE~   June 12th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Clinton would make an outstanding sc justice. But I doubt the republicans would approve her nomination, after this election I am not sure the dems would either. Bias Bias Bias. I wish I was like michelle obama and could say for once in my life i am proud of my country. But not today. Not proud today.

Damian Salter   June 12th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

For the love of God, NOT McCain!

KD   June 12th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

This issue is probably the ONLY reason why I'll vote for Obama.

I most definately think the next President will elect 2, if not 3, Supreme Court Justices; an me thinks those that are liberal are the ones to be replaced.

God help us when that happens.

Texas Trail Dog   June 12th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Lord Knows what OBAMA will put on the Supreme Court. If that doesn't scare people then stand by and watch the gates to the penal institutions swing open and all the AAs especially the ones on death row to walk out to start their raping of white and robbing and killing. I am sick of the NAME OBAMA>

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT   June 12th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Women Will Never Vote For Someone Who Will Take Away Their Basic God Given Right! The Right To Choose!

ryan   June 12th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Thanks, Wolf, for that entirely obvious and unnecessary post. Very insightful. Duh.

Down with Obama   June 12th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Rep. Travis Childers (D-MS), on left, and Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC), on right, won't back Barack Obama.
More bad news for hope and change.
2 more Moderate Democrats bail on Obama.
The Politico reported:

OBAMA'S SHIP IS SINKING!!!!!!!!!

CLINTON 08 VP   June 12th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

TO "R.I.F", I DON'T THINK YOU'RE BEING OBJECTIVE ABOUT "if not Hillary, then McCain", I A CLINTON SUPPORTER WAS ALSO AGAINST OBAMA ABOUT HIM GETTING THE NOMINATION BUT MY SYMPATHY DOESN'T GO TO THE LIMIT BY NOW REJECTING OBAMA AND GIVING MY VOTE TO MCCAIN ("BUSH #2") JUST BECAUSE CLINTON DIDN'T GET THE NOMINATION, NOW MY VOTE WILL GO TO OBAMA AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT HE IS GOING TO CHOSE CLINTON FOR THE VP (HE BETTER...)

Mike, Syracuse, NY   June 12th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Everyone knows that the Senate won't confrim a nominee to the court that wants to overturn R v. W, so stop the fear mongering already. I'd rather not have a court that sides with terrorists like the current one just did.

For aliou, if Obama is discarding all the key people in his life to get elected, what does that tell you about his character? It's not the media or conservatives fault if he hasn't the courage to stick to his convictions.

Steve, name a right you have lost in the last 7 years? You can't because you haven't lost any. More Democratic fear mongering.

CC   June 12th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

If Senator McCain is elected, say good-bye to women's rights and numerous other rights for hardworking, middle Americans. Democrats, don't be blindly swayed by the double-talking, power hungry republicans. For the majority of Americans, there is too much at stake in this election than to allow a republican another stint in the WH.

Obama 08!

Hill Supporter   June 12th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

The Democrats have been using the selection of a U.S. Supreme Court justice as their fear-mongering mantra ever since Roe V Wade became law. DNC should have thought about this when they stole the election away from Hillary. I and everyone knows what John McCain's position is on abortion. Do you really think that he can turn this around in 4 years; I doubt that. And I'm willing to take a chance.

Jack   June 12th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

John Roberts, and Antonin Scalia, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas are examples of the worst "activists" judges ever appointed to the Supreme Court.

We should have every one of them impeached for incompetence.

Shawn   June 12th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

I worry for the future of this country when not even the Supreme Court is above partisan politics. Our founding fathers would revolt against this government.

Herman in LA   June 12th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Yep go ahead and vote for McCain and really set woman back another 100 years. So all of you angry Hillary supporters out there don't be fooled your wives and daughters future is at stake more so than voting because of someone who is black.

No McCain.

NO MCCAIN   June 12th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

NO MORE CORRUPTION OR A PRESINDENCY THAT GETS AWAY WITH ANYTHING. PLEASE VOTE DEMOCRATIC IN NOVEMBER. VOTE POLICIES NOT THE COLOR OF ANYONE'S SKIN!

Pepou   June 12th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

I hope Hillary will be appointed to the Supreme court.

Gianni   June 12th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Could someone please teach Bill Scjneider how to write perfect english?I doubt if there are amees who can speak or write perfect english.

Bobbi   June 12th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

I feel sorry for all the women that will continue to be oppressed in this country. Many thanks to all the women that voted for Obama. You deserve whatever you get, and it might be John McCain. He thinks that government should not be involved in our everyday lives, UNLESS YOU HAPPEN TO BE FEMALE. HE DOESN'T TRUST WOMEN TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR OWN BODIES.

Bud Curtis   June 12th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Wolf, I do not think it really makes a difference who appoints, or who is appointed to the Supreme Court. I say this because of the number of appointments by Democrat and Republican Presidents that must have been disappointed after their appointees did not rule as expected on issues important to them or their constituents.
Is it possible that we sell these judges short, and that they rule based on the laws, and not according to their perceived political biases?
Bud Curtis
Miami, OK

Jamila   June 12th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Wolf:
what about Cindy McCain's stealing drugs and using her company to cover her crimes and being a drug addict. Why is tihs being overlooked by CNN? Stealing drugs from people who couldnt afford them after they had been given as a donation from drug companies, lying cheating, fraud and being a drug addict during her marraige to John McCain , are far worse crimes then Michell Obama has commited do you agree?

A concerned woman   June 12th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

As a woman, I don't see how any former Hillary supporter can vote for McCain. I am a woman and therefore I can't vote for McCain because he will take away my right to choose. I can't vote for someone who doesn't think I am capable of choosing to do what I want with my body.

OBAMA '08!

wolfsbane   June 12th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

If you vote McCain, forget about right to privacy and kiss civil liberties goodbye. Warrantless wiretapping, no more habeas corpus, a rolling back of the fundamental right behind our nation.

There's a safeguard against government power, and it's the Constitution. Electing another administration that will continue the Bush policies of undermining the Constitution will be disasterous. All it will take is one more justice in the mold of Alito/Roberts/Scalia.

Loretta from California   June 12th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Welcome Senator Clinton supporters!! Please ignore the Republican trolls pretending to be Clinton Supporters . We are truly greatful for your support.

Now to the issue at hand.

John McCain has a very poor record when it comes to the issues facing women, and will definitely, without a doubt, appoint a right wing conservative to to the supreme court. Roe v Wade will be over-turned and we cannot afford to allow this to happen. Please vote Democrat.

DEMONSTRATE THE COURAGE OF YOUR CONVICTIONS!

shelly   June 12th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Maintain a Balanced court, Vote for Barack Obama for President

Arkansas Undertaker   June 12th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

I certainly hope that all The Hillary Clinton Supporters are listening to this. This is a really big deal!

If McCain is elected any and all issues regaring women will certainly be in trouble. They better think before they vote.

ALLBAMALLTHETIME   June 12th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

Please STOP with all the PUMA PAC BS!!! It is UBER obvious that you are disgruntled and in need of prayer. Do whatever the hell you want to do in November. You are the one who has to sleep with yourself and look yourself in the mirror each day and ask WHY. Hypocrite.

Down with Obama   June 12th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Chris from NY June 12th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

I hope Hillary's supporters understands that.
======================

We do, that is why we are voting for McCain!!!!

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   June 12th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Obama will defend the constitution becuase he has taught it on the college level.

When the U.S. Senate voted in September, 2007, on whether to restore habeas corpus protections for those detained by the United States, the senators who would emerge as the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees for president parted company.

Illinois Democrat Barack Obama embraced the basic Constitutional principle that individuals who are detained by the U.S. government have a right to challenge their detention - no matter where they are held.

Arizona Republican John McCain rejected the wisdom of the founders of the American experiment and voted against restoring habeas corpus protections for foreign suspects held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and others who are detained by U.S. authorities.

Today, the Supreme Court said Obama was right and McCain was wrong.

Obama 08

jen   June 12th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

One more Bush / McCain type judge and say Bye Bye to Roe vs Wade. By the way Hillery / McCain supporters, McCain has a zero rating with every major womens organization out there.

David Buddingh in Naperville, IL   June 12th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Brian Knoxville, TN

Your canidate's extensive record illustrates a extreme hostility to women's rights.

He wants to overturn Roe v. Wade

He will appoint justices to make that happen.

Down with Obama   June 12th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

The President can only nominate them...they cannot get on the court with out the approval of congress. So quit trying to scare people.
===================================================

Clinton/McCain June 12th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

I sure don't want Rev. Wright or Bill Ayers on the supreme court. Vote McCain!
=======================================
LOL, I bet Obama would try!!!!!!!!!

Left Coast Mike, Laguna Niguel, CA   June 12th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Wolf, you comment about the "majority" of the Court members is a misstatement of fact. They are not the "liberals" on the Court, they are the brains of the Court. Justice Scalia's dissenting opion is so bizzare as to be something one would expect from Julias Streicher of the Third Reich. Evidently, our dear Jessica Sarah Parker-loving friend forgot that the military is subject to the Cosntitution of The United States, regardless of what of what form it takes. It cannot operate outside the confines of the Constitution, whether it plans & wages aggresive war, conduct trials, or runs a prison camp.

One thing that was unusual in this case. Clarence Thomas' clerk finally got a chance to write something, although "Alice in Wonderland" is already available at your local library for free.

Bayou Joe   June 12th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

This is why McCain needs to be our President. Evangelicals and all Christians that believe in the origins of our great nation need to heed the warnings. We must remain "One Nation Under God" as our forefathers believed and many of our ancestors have died to protect that premise or we will perish.

Vote McCain save our Country from the Muslim hordes.

Patrick Peavy Plano,TX   June 12th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

DEMS UNITE!!!

I am a 15 year Hillary supporter. Her becoming President was a dream of mine for those 15 years. No one knows what the dissapointment is like more than me. Or the anger or sadness. And yes, even the vindictive "vote for McCain response"(although I do honestly like McCain a little). I understand it all I went through it too. But if this doesn't make people realize why it is so important that Senator Obama wins in November I don't know what will. Trust me when I say it feels good to let go of the animosity. No matter what, someone's feelings were bound to get hurt. Let's unite for the future of our country. If an immature 30 year old like myself can it will be easy for you trust me.

MT IN SF   June 12th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

I am a republican and I will vote that way again. Bill Clinton screwed this country while he was president. George Bush has had to clean up after him, Had he done his job with a little bit of backbone, we might not be facing the issues we face today with the economy, immigration, healthcare, should I go on?

All the more reason why Hillary supporters should stay Democratic   June 12th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Is it really worth it to try to send a message to the media and the DNC about what you feel was sexism or unfairness by punishing yourselves and everyone else with increasing oil and gas prices, tax breaks for even the wealthiest people as we increase the national debt, a conservative court that may try to take away a woman's right to choose, the continuation of an incredibly unpopular and costly war, etc.?

Honestly, you think it's worth it to suffer those consequences just to send some kind of message to the media, basically?

senior white female   June 12th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

This is precisely why all the Hillary supportors will turn against McCain. No one really wants to go back on Roe v. Wade but McCain has to pander to the right wingers and put up someone who will legislate from the bench in their favor. It goes for abortion, it goes for torture, it goes for civil liberties. That's why McCain is dangerous. I might even like him if he could stand up for his more centrist beliefs. But what can I say, he McCain't gonna!

Tory   June 12th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Look at the republican's who just posted on here.

They're all running scared!!

Patrick Peavy Plano,TX   June 12th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

DEMS UNITE!!!

carrie bama   June 12th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

well,i dont see how maccain believes he can win this election
obama has set a moving wagon that knocks off everything in its path
im happy maccain is resorting to the kitchen sink.
hillary did,and she went down the drain.
pls macwar,follow her footsteps
we want you down the drain

Tory   June 12th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Clinton/McCain June 12th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

I sure don't want Rev. Wright or Bill Ayers on the supreme court. Vote McCain!

-–
Enough with the Rev Wright issue. That's over and done with and needs to be let go.

Let it go.

William Rogers   June 12th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Look at the pictures in the blog that show Obama and McCain do you notice that Obama has an American flag pin and McCain does not. The people against Obama made much to do about no flag pin. Now McCain is not wearing one. aM i MISSING SOMETHING

MT IN SF   June 12th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

This is sad! Our economy is in the worst shape its practically ever been in since I have been old enough to vote. You want change? Well its coming if Barack Obama is elected President of this country. Change like you have never seen. A president with a muslim background! Now theres change for ya! Will he take office and be sworn in on the Bible? Will he lead our country in the Pledge of Allegiance? We'll see, but by then it will be too late. If Bill Clinton had taken Osama Bin Laden out when he had the opportunity we might not be in the mess we are in today. And how about that Democratic congress? Since the Pelosi congress fuel prices have sky rocketed. Look at the statistics for yourselves. Get your head out of the sand.

AJ   June 12th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

It's really not as simple as that. Senator McCain can nominate anyone he wants but getting them through a Democratic Senate will be another story. I realize that our Democratic Senate has been pretty much worthless up to this point but one can only hope that they will play hardball with Supreme Court nominations. I'd rather see the Democratic congress fight with Senator McCain than rubber stamp everything Obama does. Obama is an arrogant empty suit, the Democratic equivalent of G.W. Bush. He will be a disaster.

aliou   June 12th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

I doubt what Obama can really do at the end of this process. The media is doing everything with the help of the conservatives to strip him of everything and anyone around him, who may actually help him to take positive steps toward a better America. Those who inspired or could encourage him not to forget those with whom he worked on the southside of chicago are being discarded one after another. We will see how long before he gets rid of his wife. The media and the repuks are bent to discard her too.

Then they would have succeeded in destroying one of the best things that ever happened to America. I just feel sorry for this country.

One in which we give the opportunity for the best and brightest to show up on our door steps, so we can work hard on destroying them if they are not destroying themselves fast enough for our liking.

R.I.F.   June 12th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Hey "if not Hillary, then McCain" supporters

Go ahead and vote for McCain. He'd love to have your vote so he can go in a select a conservative and swing the tide the other way. Oncee that happens you can say goodbye to Roe v Wade. All that so you can take revenge out because your candidate didn't win.

I heard some say that well, "Roe V Wade hasn't gotten overturned since Bush has been in office". That's because its enough judges right now to overturn it. One more liberal judge leaves while McCain's in office (which is a VERY strong chance) here comes another Roberts or Alito who will tip the scale.

No spin here. Just cold facts. Ifyou think I'm making this up then google "McCain's supreme court speech in North Carolina" You can watch him lay out his pan on youtube.

Tory   June 12th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

The last thing we need is Roberts and Alito on the courts.

Although maybe McCain augth to go ask those kids from Jesus Camp to pray over him so he will be able to get himself elected and to put those conservative, can't see past their nose, will take away any rights particlarly women's, to the bench. So he can do that. And we'll be in the dark ages for the next who knows how many years.

Lets definatly do that.

BTW. Someone needs to call CPS.

WE NEED THE TRUTH   June 12th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

This Presidential election is much, much more than Obama or McCain. It's the make-up of the Supreme Court, which will have a more lasting and deeper impact on the American people.

You better wake up and think about it.

Vote for BARACK OBAMA....because if mccain gets in a lot of our democratic values will go right out the window.

A CANUCK   June 12th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

ANOTHER GOOD REASON TO VOTE FOR OBAMA !!!!

Steve   June 12th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

This is exactly why we have to put our Democratic Party differences away and get a Democrat into office. If McCain gets elected, his conservatism will be reflected in the court as he appoints the new justices. The ground we've lost in personal rights and freedoms over the past 7+ years will continue to be eroded. It's time for some balance in the court. The neocons had their chance, and have made a mess of things across the board.

Kiah   June 12th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

UNITE Democrats, this election is all but ours unless we screw it up over petty issues while major ones are at stake!

Obama '08

Brian Knoxville, TN   June 12th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Two of the strongest supporters of Roe v. Wade on the Supreme Court were appointed by Reagan and Bush Sr.

Obamabots, save your scare tactics to trick people into voting for the chosen one. True Democrats will vote for the most moderate and experienced candidate on the ballot–John McCain–or will stay home in November.

blog.pumapac.org

Chris from NY   June 12th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

I hope Hillary's supporters understands that.

JJ   June 12th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Yes it will and if people elect McCain, kiss Roe vs Wade goodbye.

Anonymous   June 12th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

One more reason we need a conservative Republican in office as president – to nominate more conservative Supreme Court justices before all the liberal zealots are the ruination of this great country!

aware   June 12th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

We do not need any more liberal Justices chosen by an extreme left-wing liberal. :(

No Obama under any circumstances!

Vote for McCain, the American hero and centrist in touch with mainstream America! :)

Shawn T   June 12th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I AM A LIFELONG DEMOCRAT! I WILL VOTE FOR MCCAIN BECAUSE CLINTON LOST UNFAIRLY. I WILL MAKE THE COUNTRY SUFFER TO STOKE MY EGO. MCCAIN WILL APPOINT CONSERVATIVE JUDGES WHO WILL THREATEN OUR LIBERTIES...SO WHAT? I WILL VOTE FOR MCCAIN. OBAMA SUPPORTERS ARE MEAN, OBAMA IS A BLACK ANTI AMERICAN MUSLIM, AND MY EGO IS HURT....SO I WILL VOTE MCCAIN.

(end sarcasm)

Brian   June 12th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Just like the current president has determined two new justices during his time in office. And the next president will determine the court's make-up. And the one after him.

The court is currently stacked with conservative judges as a result of three republican presidents over the last 30 years... I think we could use a little balance now and then.

martin   June 12th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

i definetly want obama choosing.he is a judicial scholar,and this is one of his biggest strongpoints.

ct voter   June 12th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Under John Mccain, kiss women's rights goodbye.

Enlightened Voter   June 12th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Fortunately Obama will be president and appoint enlightened judges for a change.

Clinton/McCain   June 12th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

I sure don't want Rev. Wright or Bill Ayers on the supreme court. Vote McCain!

Richard   June 12th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Elect mccain and say good bye to roe v wade!
Metal hangers will be in short supply!

Dal CA   June 12th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Bill Clinton or Hillary for the Supreme court. Why not make both of them Supreme Court Justices.

Lee, Mays Landing New Jersey   June 12th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

The constitution is at stake.

Our country is nothing special without the constitution. It is what made America great. We can return to greatness.

Nancy McKinney   June 12th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

MCCAIN LAUGHED WHEN A SUPPORTER CALLED HILLARY THE "B" WORD

NO RESPECT FOR WOMEN, AND IF ELECETD, HE WILL TAKE AWAY OUR RIGHTS AS WOMEN!!

NO TO MCCAIN!!!

joe   June 12th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

it is safe with mcain

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