WASHINGTON (CNN) - There are few issues that rally conservatives as much as a Supreme Court nomination - and activists are wasting no time gearing up for a battle.
Conservative groups worked into the night Thursday after news broke of Justice David Souter’s retirement to arrange a conference call early Friday morning to talk strategy with representatives of more than 60 groups.
Leaders on the call, such as Wendy Long of the Judicial Confirmation Network, told colleagues that one of their first challenges is convincing activists there is a fight to be had.
"One thing to keep in mind is that the left and media will say this doesn't really matter - Obama will just replace a liberal with a liberal,” Long said. “It's a conservative court. We need to push back against that immediately.”
Curt Levy, also of the Judicial Confirmation Network, argued to the nearly 200 activists on the conference call that this can "be a winning issue" for conservatives if they focus on what he called the "right issues" such as same sex marriage, death penalty and the Second Amendment - issues that can split Democrats.
"If [President Obama] was to nominate somebody who was anti-death penalty, pro-gay marriage, you know – took a very extreme view on the separation of church and state, etc, or against any restriction on partial birth abortion… I think this could really be a 70-30 type issue for the Republican Party." said Levy, meaning it would have 70 percent support from Republicans.
Conservative activists also made it clear that they're concerned about whether Republican senators have the stomach for this fight, since they know going in that Democrats have a nearly filibuster proof majority.
"We've really got to make it clear that we have certain expectations for Republican senators," Levy said, "Including the fact that they study the nominee and not run to the podium to endorse the nominee whoever it is.”
Another member of the Judicial Confirmation Network, Gary Marx, said he has the same concerns.
"We need to really be focused on putting wind in the sails of these Republican senators at this stage of the battle," said Marx.
The conservative coalition, which formed to support President Bush's Supreme Court nominees, is already targeting three potential Obama picks: Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Diane Wood.
An email with talking points for conservatives describes Kagan, who now serves as the solicitor general, as someone lacking judicial experience who is "disturbingly out of the mainstream.”
The conservatives argue Sotomayor, now an appellate judge, has a "hard-left record" who believes that judges should consider experiences of women and people of color in their decision making. They also described her as a "bully" who "abuses lawyers."
And conservatives are arguing that Wood, a circuit court judge, incorporates her personal views into her decisions.
"Judge Wood's judicial views have on occasion been far outside mainstream legal thought and appear driven by her personal policy views. In NOW v. Scheidler, she wrote an opinion applying RICO – a statute designed for mob prosecutions – to prevent pro-life activists from engaging in protests. The Supreme Court reversed with Justices Ginsburg's and Breyer's concurrence," reads the conservative talking points.
Updated: 2:24 p.m.
From CNN Politics
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I am shocked and bewildered!!! They are going to say NO to this too? I am in dissaray.
Yeah, good luck with that. LMAO
Levy's a moron. Separation of church and state is not an issue with a spectrum. It is a mandate with a line you have either crossed or not crossed. As soon as all the neocon idiots in this country get that through their thick, bible-thumping skulls, the better off we're all going to be.
surprise: a black liberal!!
What do conservativces know about justice?
How many times times will these Republicans be reminded that they lost the election? Please get over it.
an extreme view on seperation of church and state???.... how can you have an extreme view? It is what it is people! It is in our constitution to be so- THERE IS A SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE! Not that these Republican Extremists would ever aknowledge that part of the consititution but it is so! And I for one want a Supreme Court Judge that UPHOLDS ALL of the Constitution not just the sections the Righty's want he or she to! We have had YEARSSS of Republican picks for Supreme Court- and guess what you guys dont have enough votes to block a confirmation – you can stall and drag your feet and whine like the petulant ignorant children you are- but at the end of the day Obama WILL get his pick...so just deal, the world will not spin out of control and surely nothing will change except the same rights we currently have will remain safely IN TACT!
Oh no! There going to nominate one of the evil Obamabots. Then the supreme court will make us all marry gay socialists and have an abortion. Don't stand for it! Boycott ACORN! Have a nice day.
The supreme court as it is today is extremely conservative, and only 2 of the members were even nominated by democrats. So conservatives can go stuff it, it's high time that judicial acumen ranks above party loyalty in this country (no more Harriet Myers)
So Republicans feel that it is wrong to elect someone to the Court with extreme personal biases...unless they are the ones doing it. Whatever. I really don't see how it matters if Obama appoints a liberal no matter what is said about it. The balance will not change from what it is today. No matter what others might have us believe.
Instead of "reaching across the aisle", Obama has put conservatives back on their heels and they are digging in.
If you recall this is exactly the big failing he pointed out in H.Clinton when he was slamming her: That she got peoples (conservatives) backs up and so was a bad leader.
...and let the crazy battles begin! Come on they had there two picks...its time to give the moderates their justices!
Why is this person talking about partial birth abortions? No one does those any more and if any are done it's to save the mothers life!!!!!!
You fine minds of the JCN have no say - NONE - in who will replace Justice Souter. No wonder Obama is trying to reduce the influence of lobbying groups in Washington. Last I checked, there was no shortage of wind available to wingnuts in the Senate.
Let us hope that the Democrats in this Congress will display a little spine for a change. I am tired of Conservative judges shoving their nutty philosophy of governance down our throats and calling it Constitutionalism. To a Conservative, the only people in the nation are giant corporations and their corporate boards. The average citizen counts for nothing to the Conservative mind.
And, let us never forget that it was five Conservative hacks on the Supreme Court who ordered a state court to stop counting votes, because of their fear that George Bush would not be elected. What a better nation we would have to day if Al Gore had been sworn in (he was elected, he was just never inaugurated). The 2000 election showed all of us that Conservatives have no respect for the electoral process.
I hope Obama appoints a good Liberal who actually thinks about people, not organizational accounting and the fine print on contracts. I also hope that the Democratic Senators will manage to steady their trembling hands long enough to vote for Obama's nominee.
Why pick someone who is a judge? BHO wants a community organizer who checks all the boxes for being gay, female, non white, etc., etc., etc. Why borhter with someone who will enforce the Constutition? BHO said years ago that the Constitution constricts the power of the Federal Goernment too much. Hw wants someone who will please all the left wing Dems and rule on how they "feel" rather than on what the law is.
Now this is realy hillarious. Reminds me of one of those old cartoons with a cat or dog running to beat the band, thinking they are really on to something, inches away from sweet success.....then the camera pans wide to show someone holding on to the dog's tail and the poor animal running, panting like hell, but going absolutely no where!
I think the GOP is really now showing their utter desperation...AND IT IS A FABULOUS SIGHT TO BEHOLD!!!
Looks as though the Party of No is gearing up to say, NO!
President Obama could nominate Jesus Christ to the bench and these wing nuts would cast an astounding, NO!
The supreme court is most important to the republicans?
I have yet to see anything take priority over their obsession of destroying our president and in the process our country.
Their actions over these last months have taken away any respect and creditibility the American people may have once had.
And they continue to try and push down our throats their beliefs which the majority of Americans do not support. We voted for change on their outdated stances. Will they ever get it??
After all of their complaining during the Bush years about candidates not getting an up or down vote on the senate floor, watch how fast the Republicans try to block that very thing on whoever Obama sends to them as a nominee.
Once again here comes the GOP stirring up a wedge issue with Mr Obama's as yet to determined nominee to divide the country for political gain.
I am going to enjoy watching the GOP alienate even more americans than they already have, if that is possible.
When will these sore losers ever learn, it is not about them.
Assuming that by the time that the president appoints the new justice, the Democrats will have filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, if I were him, I would pick Karl Marx!
All I care is that whoever is appointed keeps personal ideology out of his or her interpretation of the Constitution. Otherwise, this nation will be further divided (if that's even possible at this point).
It is time for Change in the highest court. We are but one world shared by all peoples around the Globe. Humanity and World opinion must take presence over those that want to close our borders and condemn the porrest nations to dire poverty. We need to come together as one. The people of the World must come before a closed inded document like the U.S. Constitution. We Need Change!!
Sorry conservative activists, you lost the election and your party is rushing towards irrelavance...what makes you think that YOU get to choose this time...I hope that President Obama chooses someone with mainstream, socially progressive values...if he does then he may put an end to the activist judges that the conservative preisdents have been putting in place....oh, and finally...someone who is YOUNG...gotta counter those brain-dead buffoons Thomas, Scalia and Roberts....Have a great day!!! We are!!!!
Hire someone who is against automatic weapons among the citizenry, pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, pro-death penalty (in cases w/o doubt). These rules allow for social equalization, allows a mother to control her own body (needed for mother's health and in cases of rape), allows for the 2nd amendment, and punishes the worst in our society the way they should be punished.
They're gearing up to fight a nominee who hasn't been selected? Isn't that premature denunciation.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..."
I'm not sure how much more clear this can be. No law can be made in regards to religion at all and that includes a law where the purpose is to carry out an ideal. And I know this says "congress" but the job of the Supreme Court is to decide whether a law passed by Congress is Constitutional, not to create new laws. This isn't an "extreme" interpretation of church and state, it's how it's written, face value. Ambiguity created by trying to interpret the Constitution solves nothing. It's meant to be taken as written. Why do you think the second amendment is only one sentence and why the Bill of Rights in general is NOT a diatribe of explanations? They are simple things intended to be pursued as they are written.
The founding fathers knew religion used as a reason of government law and morality led only to dire consequences. They did just get done fighting a war where the king thought he was ordained by god to rule and everyone else must abide by that.
Poor conservatives. They got their appointments now its time for the Democrats to get theirs.
The GOP needs to stay off the "gay marriage" soap box.
Bush maneuvered that around in his POTUS elections for political expediency.
I'm no fan of gay rights activism, ala' Perez Hilton; but the GOP needs to stop the public discrimination based on sexual orientation. (By the way there is no excuse for the small minded, bigoted attitude of Hilton representing "The Pre-eminent Gay Voice")
Let the wedding planners, event venue locations, resort hotels, formal wear designers, caterers, bartenders, department stores, photographers, divorce lawyers, et.c, all increase their business.
Gosh, what happened? it seemed that the repubs were riding high a couple of years back...stay away a long time so we can get the US back on track@
WHY, don't they (CONS) have enouph to do?
A wise man chooses his battles carefully and does not expend force and effort where there is no chance of winning the battle but conserves his forces to win the overall war. Conservatives cannot win this battle. The liberals control the Senate, the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Presidency - they will get whomever they want to replace Justice Souter. The conservative side would be well advised to decline to engage on this issue, let President Obama nominate whomever he chooses, let Senators Leahy and Reid ram the nomination through the Senate, then carefully track the record of the new nominee and use it as a rallying point for the next election. "See the justices confirmed by the liberal Senate? We need to take back Congress with Conservative Senators!" See you in 2010.
"it would have 70% support from Republicans."
What is 70% (supportive conservatives) of 21% (Americans that identify as Republican)?
Forget about "No Child Left Behind", it's now "Let's Kill the GOP". For a bunch of supposedly bright people, they can't add. By the time the vote comes, Franken will be seated and 60 votes are there.
That being said, Obma would be wise to choose a centrist in the Kennedy mode. Kennedy's now the swing vote and very, very carefully deliberates each case on its merits and that's as it should be.
To those who say it has to be a woman, a Latino, an Asian or whatever else, I say choose the most qualified, non-ideological candidate and run with him or her. The country deserves no less.
I hope he nominates a ultra-liberal lesbian from Berkeley, ideally latina, asian or black. lets really stick it to the conservatives! they'll raise a stink no matter who he nominates.
I can see it now: Justice Jeremiah Wright.
This Levy guy must be smoking that illegal stuff. The chance of a conservative getting on this court with an overwhelming democratic majority in the Senate is, I'd say, about zero...But you go get em psycho guy!!
And again the right is looking for a fight....it is clearly that is all they know.
You know his nominee and obvious shoo-in will be black and female. I truly hope she doesn't sound too much like Rev Wright!
They come out fighting with rhetoric of fear, so what's new? They scream "activist judges" and yet so many of those judges labeled as such have been Republican appointees. Conservatives live in a world built on shared mythology.
Conservative Coalition: "An email with talking points for conservatives describes Kagan, who now serves as the solicitor general, as someone lacking judicial experience who is "disturbingly out of the mainstream."
Pardon me, but I don't think the Conservative Coalition knows (or cares) what "mainstream" America's real values are. In fact, the views of this right-wing coalition seem to be the ones that are "disturbingly out of the mainstream," if their views mirror those of the current GOP talking heads.
Even more evidence that the GOP remains stubbornly clueless and totally out-of-touch with everyday Americans. What a shame.
Obama should appoint the most qualified liberal he can find, and take it to the right-wingers. He'll win, and the country will be better for it.
I'm sure that the president will pick someone who shares his ideals and balances out the rest of the supreme court. What we absolutely DO NO NEED IS ANOTHER CONSERVATIVE!
With the new poll that just came out showing that people who attend church on a regular basis are more likely to vote in favor of torture, the groups mentioned above have proven their hypocrisy to the extreme. They also have extreme views, and want to extremely curtail the rights of "free" Americans by using their religious philosphy to create an atmosphere of division and alienation. This cannot be permitted to happen. Religions, especially right wing christians, are proving that they are not the forgiving, all inclusive, accepting and loving people they masquerade to be, and in fact are some of the most hateful, outright abusive people in this country right now, only they think that professing their belief exempts them from scrutiny and judgement. These religions are going to be the downfall of this country and the new poll out proves it by showing that these groups would actually permit torture of those who don't agree with their positions. Sick.
No checks and balances. Majority held by Dems in Senate and Congress. Already America is controlled by a party that doesn't care about children, the working class, our soldiers or this country. To those of you who believe this party cares about children think about this: #2 man at the AG's office is a child porn defender, HR1913 includes protection for pedophiles and let's not forget the fact that Dems just love, love, love to abort babies. Tax the working class up the wazoo and of course this is the party that spits on soldiers. So, the future of America is in the hands of heartless, mean-spirited, unethical animals. God help us all.
happily, by the time the confirmation hearings roll around, Al Franken will be seated and instead of a "70:30 issue for Republicans," it will be a 60:40 issue for the Senators.
If the left treats the right the same way the right treated the left when Bush picked two justices the right will scream bloody murder. They should not filibuster the nomination because they threatened to change the rules when the Democrats talked about a filibuster. Now it's their turn.
Our way or the highway with these so-called "conservatives". I choose the highway The Court needs to be more balanced. Period!!!!!!!
Yes, it is a conservative court, and we have seen the effects of such. It's time to bring balance to the Supreme Court. Not a liberal bias, but balance. We can't afford to let special interests drive who we push to the highest Court in the country.
To allow special interests to drive that would be to demonstrate how broken the system really is...
This should really not be a decision based upon if someone is liberal enough. This is a conservative court, and frankly, they have the most power in washington (yes..even moreso than your beloved pres.). There is really only 1 interpretation of the constitution and the law, and these judges are the keepers of that. Their personal opinions, and your personal opinions do not matter in these cases. Fact is fact and the law is the law.
They won't have anything to do with this. Almost all the time the President gets what he wants. W got Roberts and Alito so Obama will get who he wants.
This should make Rush, Sean & Bill really nervous.
Gotta be another tax-cheat!
And as for disturbingly out of the mainstream, have the members of this group looked in the mirror lately?
With a Democratic White House, Senate or House of Representatives do conservative Republicans really think they'll stand a chance??
What is the REAL REASON that Souter has chosen retirement?
Does it strike anyone that we just went through another 'surprise defection' by Specter to the Democratic party?
Souter has surprisingly been very, very Liberal in the Court.
Quite frankly, it is a scary thought to even imagine what type of
judge obama will appoint.........
We will all be surprised, and surely, he will own this Supreme Court Nominee.
Something tells me there were 'other issues' in Souter's decision
to leave the Court in June.
Could it be that there were issues and cases scheduled for the Court in the near future in which he did not care to participate?
Why would Souter leave before serving 20 years?
Makes No Sense.
This is a sad day in America when everything boils down to "conservative vs. liberal" agendas.
The fact that conservatives see everything as a "fight" instead of an opportunity does not speak well of these people or organizations.
The fact that liberals see everything as an "opportunity" for big government to interfere in every aspect of people's lives does not speak well of these people either.
I hate to use the word "moderate" because even that is a cliche that courts controversy. But we really need to find some common sense and common ground. WE are ALL AMERICANS people - at least us LEGAL citizens.
The repubs are already planning to give President Obama a tough time with this nomination, however these clowns have no idea who they are dealing with, it's obvious considering all he has done and will do and how much we love him. President Obama is no fool and these morons better get ready. LOL
You neocons are just a bunch of idiot. For you guys it's just about winning on an issue.
Bet you aren't sayin "Screw Specter" now!
Republicans are getting more pathetic by the hour. I am so disappointed and disgusted with them.
One thing these activists are forgetting, they are in the super minority right now – YOUR IDEAS DOES NOT MATTER, you don't have any skin in the game like the dems were in the confirmation of Roberts and Alito. Just suck it up.
They have said ‘NO’ before the question was even posed and anyone was proposed. Nothing new here from the Party of NO. But battle ‘implies’ that they actually have any power. lol
Sorry fellas, your old geezer and his pig-lipped soccer mom lost the election. Why don't you all go teabag each other as a protest?
Uh....Lemme see here.
GOP/Conservatives: YOU LOST! Get over it!
Obama should install a VERY Liberal justice to offset the conservative make up of the current court, and guarantee OUR FREEDOM!
Freedom from the RELIGIOUS RIGHT. FREEDOM of CHOICE. FREEDOM from GOVERNMENT imposing their will on our private lives.
When the GOP eventually figures out what the AMERICAN PEOPLE want, and, they evolve, and maybe, just maybe, they are in power again, they can appoint who they want.
In the mean time, SUCK IT UP AND DEAL WITH IT, just like "we" had to when you guys nominated Thomas & Scalia.
He'll pick a hispanic woman to take the seat.
The Republicans will just have to get over the fact that THEY LOST. The Supreme Court does not have to stay conservative. That's why we have elections. And...even if Barack picks a liberal justice, that justice may not vote liberal.
So shut up Republicans and wait your turn. Your turn is not now, and hopefully not ever, after the Supreme Court picked the Worst President Ever–George W. Bush, we don't think conservative can do a good job.
I'm not sure I follow Curt Levy's logic here. How can someone have "a very extreme view on the separation of church and state?" I read that statement as an attack upon the US Constitution. It is very clearly stated in words so simple that we learn about it in grade school: "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion."
Unfortunately, the right wing often forgets that this door swings both ways. It's perfectly fine for them to attempt to proselytize from public offices but when I speak out publicly against them it's religious discrimination. Give me a break!
It saddens me to see what used to be intelligent public debate has turned into petty name calling. When will the intelligent members of our society re-gain control of OUR government?
After stacking such knuckle heads as Alito, Roberts, Thomas and Scalia how in the devil do the republicans have the nerve to even say they want their choice on the court.
If the partisan republican supreme court justices had not shown their true colors in 2000 and appointed bush this country would not be in the mess it is in now.
I think all five of them should resign and slink into the sunset. THEY are more responsible for the mess than anybody.
Pray for our nation. Pray that the moral fiber of our being, is not trampled over by pro gay activists, who have no regard for the souls of
God's creation. Just look up and look around, and be aware of
the things that matter most. If God is for us...who can be against us?
Here is my idea for the next Judge:
1 follows the Law
2 keeps his faith out of the court room
3 is not doing drugs
4 has common man/woman understanding
Let's see:
– George W. Bush, who lost the popular vote
– replaced MODERATE Sandra Day O'Connor with ultra-right wing Sam Alito
– and that was fine with these groups
Now,
–Barack Obama, who won by a landslide
– may replace the LIBERAL David Souter with another liberal
– And these groups consider it an outrage
Whatever happened to fairness?
Perfect. The wingnuts come out of the woodwork to push the Republicans even further right. Meanwhile, the rest of the country has already voted on the anti-gay rights, anti-choice, anti-seperation of church and state platform these people are pushing and the Repubs lost big time two cycles in a row.
That red meat has been on the table for a long time and it's starting to smell pretty rancid to the vast majority of the country. But, by all means, keep throwing it out there.
Wow folks this is disturbing. You Republicans are flat out insane. So let me get this straight, you want to force women to not having a right to choose, you want to force your religion on everyone? I am under 65 so I was not around whne Hitler was in power, but I have studied WWII and the events leading up to it and the Rebulican Party really sounds the same as the Nazi Party, difference is you are speaking in English Versus German. Is that all you are made up of now, a bunch of fear mongering, religous, hateful, bitter men and women? Are you freaking serious????I hope, and I mean I hope that the remaining Republican Senators and House Reps, stop listening to these people like Rush, Hannity, Levy etc. or else what is left of your party will vanish of the face of politics in America.
The Party of NO is springing into action! ^_^
There will be a fight over this – the far left with the far right – I hope those of us in the middle will come out with a judge that is fair and considers all the information and the constitution in his or her ruling. Fact is a black or hispanic or any minority judge could do a great job – as long as they think American, and not special interest.
One thing to keep in mind is that the left and media will say this doesn't really matter — Obama will just replace a liberal with a liberal," Long said. "It's a conservative court. We need to push back against that immediately."
Why on God green earth does the Conservative that this world belong them and only them. It's a conservative court and who told that lie. The court is for all Americans. Too many Conservative Judges give miniority more time in jail for the same crimes as the so called conservative/White people.
The conservatives would do well not to fight this too much. Anyone Pres. Obama nominates will be considered "out of the mainstream" to them. In the past, nominees that had been considered liberal leaning or conservative leaning turned out to be something else once they got on the court. The Republicans should pick their battles – as of now they are just trying to obstruct anything the President does. That is not good for their party or for our country.
Fancy that. Conservative activists don't like judges that "consider experiences of women and people of color in their decision making."
Nuff said.
Yeah, it's all about them and their so-called "winning issues" for Republicans. Party first, right, Right? How about for the American people for a change, ALL Americans? Or does that not fit in with those "talking points?"
Give me a break. "Rebranding" is another sad fallacy for more of the same wedges from the Grand Old Party.
There they go again, reason I bolted from the Republican party. How can someone who is truly conservative not want someone on the bench who pushes separation of church and state to the extreme level? How, when they are not really conservatives, but right wing religious mullahs. That's what is driving the Republicans and that's why they are losing true conservatives like me who really want gov't out of their lives, not only fiscally, but in all aspects of my life. Curt Levy of the Judicial Confirmation Network, you are a false conservative with those comments, and the reason the GOP lost me and many others. The repubs love big gov't, just their way. Not good enough for me. Get rid of the social conservatives, let them start their own party, maybe called the Religion Party and let the true limited gov't people back into the repub fold
Here's a novel idea – concentrate on who's the best for the job and stop with who will vote against Roe v Wade, etc etc etc.
conservatives need to wake up and realize that thisnot ronald reagan in the white house. this is liberal democrat and he will, and should, nominate a liberal to the supreme court to counter the racists that republicans have placed on the court
These people are dillusional, hysterical, and out on the fringe. It will be amusing to watch them self destruct as this process goes forward. It couldn't happen to a more deserving bunch of nuts. They get everything that's coming to them for being such haters. They represent everything that this country was founded on. Freedom for no one but them, liberty, only for the chosen few (chosen by them), justice, not on you life. Just take a look at the right wing nut job Congresswoman Foxx and her hateful speech on the floor of Congress yesterday. I am going to enjoy watching them have apoplexy when they can't stop this nomination!!! HAH!!
Conservative groups worked into the night Thursday after news broke of Justice David Souter's retirement, to arrange a conference call early Friday morning to talk strategy with representatives of more than 60 groups.
They all agree that what is needed is a Supreme Court Justice from the Taliban...
And just who are the so-called "conservatives"? Does CNN mean the [R]s in congress? The GOP? Those people and that party have stopped being conservative for sometime now.....the GOP and their remnant followers/apologists are hardcore rightwingers, the reactionary, deluded, regressive underbelly of our nation. This disingenous swarm of insects spent 8 long years in the wilderness trying to defend Bush and his cabal as being "conservative". But their temporary success in fooling the half-wits of this nation ended up taking them so far off the "conservative" target that they can't get their mojo back. I'm sorry CNN, WAKE UP!....the reactionary right is NOT conservative....they and their followers are nasty drama queens with a theocratic, authoritarian agenda for this country. I voted for, and continue to support, Obama - and I have more true conservatism in my little finger than most of these rightwing dolts will have in their lifetimes.
No, conservatives will not be battling Obama over his supreme court appointment, but the left-over, washed-up neo-tards will.
I wish Souter would have waited at least a little while before jumping ship, but now that he has the republicans had better make an effort at being concilliatory in seating the next judge. They have zero political capital and if they create unwanted problems in the confirmation process they will remain in the political wilderness.
These guys are like angry wasps. . The announcement hasn't even been publically announced, but these guys are already. . plotting, and ready to SAY NO, Obama could appoint Rush Limbaugh to the supreme court(lol) and they would still SCREAM "NO" just because "Obama did it", these dudes need to GRTFU.
These guys are starting to really piss me off. I mean I like the republicans stance on fiscal issues. But the way they have been acting lately is making me really want to just quit the party all together and become independent. I rather been aligned with people who can disagree like adults instead of carry around like little kids. .
This could get 70% or the GOP on board? Big deal, recent surveys show that 28% of the country identifies as Republican, so that means that this will galvanize 0.70 x 0.28 = 0.196. or 19.6% of the country. Way to go GOP!!! I say bring it, Obama, you have NOTHING TO LOSE!!!
So .. Obama shoud not determine his own criteria for picking a SC judge, and should not make his own best decision. He really should use the criteria of his opponents and let them make the choice for him. And the opponents are setting their criteria on what would raise the most positive publicity for themselves. Does that sum it up?
what a surprise.....God/guns/gays with Abortion also tossed is as a necessity.
I think that the far right should think about the fact that Justice Stouter waited until Barack Obama was elected to leave the court. Perhaps an insider knows that the high court benefits from having a lot of different view points on the law reflected. I know that the far right is adverse to a lot of different view points, but they should reflect on it a bit – they are the reason that the Democrats now control the White House, the Senate and the House.
When are "Republican Conservatives" such as Curt Levy who mouth off even before a potential Supreme Court nominee is announced for a position that is not, as of now, vacant realize how absolutely stupid they sound and , in fact are?????
The last I saw and heard – even Fox News announced it – 0nly 21% of Americans identify themselves as Republicans. Using Levy's own numbers of 70-30 agreement between "Rebublicans" that means that 14% of Americans would agree with him and his followers.
14% should not outweigh 86%. He and you other conservative right wing nuts are totally irrevelant.
Wendy Long said "it's a conservative court we need to push back against that immediately" regarding the thought that president Obama might appoint a liberal judge to replace Souter.
Ms Long..if the court is conservative as you say that is the very reason why a liberal must be appointed. The United States is at it's best, for everyone, when there is balance in the Congress and the Judiciary. Your kind of thinking is narrow and exclusive and seen in groups like the Taliban
The "Judicial Confirmation Network" were the people who argued that "failing to confirm judicial nominees tears at the fabric of our democracy" now are trying to hold up all of Obama's nominees.
Please call or E mail Rush Limbaugh with your comments today.He says he will take even liberal and centrist questions today, on "open line friday".Lets put him to the test and call today.You have an hour left to ask him anything you want about the Supreme court nominations.
The court is NOT conservative. It had four conservatives, four liberals and a guy who doesn't know which side of the fence he sits on. The court should make all of its decisions based on the constitution, if that makes the court conservative, then so be it.
It is a judicial imperative to replace a liberal with a liberal. If any argument were worth fighting for, it is this. I would love to see some of the conservative gas bags run out of hot air trying to filibuster against a freaky liberal nominee. I hope he nominates an atheist.
Till Republicans repent and apologize to American people of their lies and deception of illegal wars!!
A female choice would be nice.....However, Gov. Deval Patrick would be a great anti-Clarence Thomas....
Someone please remind the media that their opinions are not bona fide news....
I hope that the President appoints someone that will follow the 14th Amendent, and protect American citizens from having the states (mostly Southern States) take away their rights. History is clear. Rights have always been threatened by state governments more than they have been by the national government. I cannot believe that some judges on the Supreme Court, and former President Bush, believe that a state has the right to put gay people in prison for 10 years. I want to live my life as I please, as long as I do not hurt another person, and I want others to have that right too. I am not gay, but I do not want to put gays in prison. I am happily married and I have never been divorced, but I do not want to put remarried divorcees in jail. Give us a Justice that will protect us from the conservatives who want a theocracy, and will uphold the First Amendment's Separation of Church and State.
We should have let the rushpublicans blow up the fillibuster in 2005.
Obama: Please appoint a liberal to the court.
These conservatives have nothing better to do. They are bankrupt of ideas and now all they have left is to harp on social issues. Let's face facts. Obama can pretty much nominate anyone he wishes and they will likely be confirmed. This scrambling is simply to make conservatives feel relevant.
We're so busy fighting ourselves, we've lost sight of what we have in common. I think we're put on this earth to do some good for each other, and there are a lot of people hurting right now that could use some help. I am so tired of blame games, the name games, the whose got what, the fear based politics, etc. Can't our leaders and special interests stop trying to win on issues and rather work together to solve them.
Why a Hispanic Caucus? What a black caucus? why are these two groups repeatedly racists with their "groupings," and demands? Why not have a white caucus...since, after all, it's whites that pay the majority of the taxes that get siphoned off to fund these minority trouble making groups.
Well well well what have we here.... dems caught in a mouse trap. What do I mean?????
At first glance, with Democrats a hair away from a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, one would expect President Obama to have no trouble hand-picking a replacement for retiring Supreme Court Justice David Souter.
But in an ironic twist, Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter's switch to the Democratic Party this week could give Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee the upper hand in rejecting a nominee they find unacceptable.
That's because the Judiciary Committee, where Specter was the ranking minority member, requires the consent of at least one Republican to end debate and move a nominee to the full Senate for a vote.
TOO BAD FOR DEMS!!!!!!
I already think there are enough right-wing nutjobs on the court, however, we will file away your request and if there is an opening for one we will give you a call.....
As if a more conservative nominee wouldn't have persnal views or case of extreme right handed decisions. Give me a break. I hope we get a Supreme court judge who DOES know what seperation of church and state means and what "certain unalienable rights" are concerning personal freedoms. This includes the right to marry whomever you choose.
How about Bill Clinton? They should cause FAUX News to blow a gasket and he is young enough to be around for 30 or more years which must be a priority. Unless they can find a 30 year old that meets the requirements.
Why is it that folks call it "pro-gay marriage" .... the US Constitution guarantees the same rights to all people and makes no distinction as to an individuals' sex or sexual preference.
Gays have just as much right to marry as any other American Citizen.
Boy with a dem president making the decision you can bet the hood-wearing, anti-gay, "replace the constitution with the bible" militant evangelicals are gonna be up in arms about this one!
Let's just hope reason prevails, not the bleatings of the divisive "idiot-ology" of the Taliban-like neocons and the other flat-earthers of the "Moral Majority"...
Obviously, the left-wing bloggers here will rabidly assert that Conservatives don't have the same right to protest that the liberals had during prior administrations. Let the liberal hypocrisy begin.......
Yep this should be the event that will secure the republican party's death. This, by their own doing, will be the nail that seals the coffin. They would feel obligated after all they have done and said; mostly lies and misrepresentations, to fight just for the sake of fighting. We will witness a landslide of lies and convoluted excuses. We will then wonder how these people ever were voted in the first place. This will be a sad time in our history, yet one that will be more revealing than ever on the importance of VETTING potential candidates by every American with the right to vote.
Why is it that the current incarnation of the Republican party claims to be all about personal liberty, freedoms, and lack of government involvement on the one hand, while arguing that the state should not view same-sex marriages as legal? Religious organizations are not obliged to marry anyone to anyone at all, but the state should not be allowed to discriminate against people based on sexual orientation. I seem to read about that on every job application I read.
A moderate Obama would have replace a conservative justice with at least a middle of the road person. But I think he needs to make a stand. Appoint somebody who pro-choice, pro-drug, anti-torture, etc. I want him to appoint the most liberal justice he can get passed without a care about the GOP. They haven't tried to work with him, they need to get back what they serve.
Just recently Republicans in the Senate (and their conservative allies) were talking about "going nuclear" to get Bush's appointees through, that they should be judged on qualifications, not viewpoints. The hypocrisy is breathtaking.
Ok, conservatives that are against abortion really need to be spending their time focusing on other ways of reducing abortion. Their time would be much better spent promoting/providing comprehensive sex education and making contraceptives more available. Abortion is a symptom of women having unwanted babies and outlawing it will only partially solve the problem and potentially create others (See Romania as one example of what can go wrong). After 36 years of not changing anything from a law/court perspective, I would think you would want to find other ways to be successful.
For those of you that think you would be "promoting pre-marital sex" buy supporting sex education, think about this. First, your wrong. Second, pick the lesser of two evils. Third, abstinence only education does not work. Teens don't bother to do any risk management and they are curious. Don't let their mistake impact another life.
Court appointees should not be political pawns. They should interpret the constitution, strike down laws that violate it and be the last resort for the minority to maintain their rights.
Leave it to the Republicans to see this as an opportunity to divide the country rather than put the best person on the bench.
Republicans just don't believe in country first anymore, it's all about them.
Obama will nominate a pro-choice (ie. baby-killer), pro-gay marriage, anti-family justice.
But that is his right as President. And the guy will get in because the Dems are fillibuster-proof (well, ALMOST – as soon as Al Franken finishes stealing the Minnesota election, they will be)
I hope that this is just the first of several replacements to the Court that President Obama will be able to make. I'd like to see him nominate a black woman to the Court!
Now...if Scalia and Thomas would just take a hike too!!
Democrats and Independents are going to have to steel ourselves for the massive hypocrisy that will be spewing from their mouths as they purposely forget Bush's two hard-right conservative appointees while they tell Democrats thet they have top be bi-partisan.
It's going to be beyond belief.
First, I don't believe this group really knows what 'mainstream legal thought' is. Secondly, this is not a Democrat vs Republican issue. This is an issue regarding the Supreme Court of the Untied States of America. A Supreme Court Justice, in my opinion, should not have an 'ideology' of any kind. The NOW v Sheidler decision was not 'to prevent pro-life activists from engaging in protests', but to protect Americans' civil rights when seeking to obtain an abortion, i.e. to not be assaulted verbally and physically walking into a legal clinic to obtain a legal abortion. Protesting something is a far cry from inciting anger and violence toward innocent Americans, something the 'pro-life' seems to think only applies to people until they are born.
Once again, the Republican religious whackos are proving themselves to be partisan ideologues caring less about what is good for the country. They are only concerned with trying to force their views on everyone else.
Given that only 21% of voters are willing to identify themselves as Republicans, who cares what these idiots think?
This should make for some interesting sound bites!!!
I would think that Hillary Clinton would be a potential nominee as well.
Typical. They give reasons for not supporting potential picks, but they didn't suggest a pick of their own liking.
So the conservatives finally admit they don't care about the experiences of people of color.....or women whom may have a different opinion then themselves.
For once they are finally telling it like it is!!!
please. the G-NO-p has done enough damage for decades to come.
souter can now return t using his mom's outhouse.
he was never comfortable with indoor plumbing.
Hooray, we finally have a chance to honor the constitution and have full separation of church and state in this country. The GOP's can't hold the constitution hostage any more!
Really just conservative gear up for a battle? Liberals have done the same thing for the last 8 years.
I want to be sure I understand this. Conservatives do not want a liberal on the Supreme Court who puts his personal opinions into judgements... BUT, someone who is pro-life is ok to be a Justice?
I bet these are the same people who don't want birth control and are NOT the first to stand in line to adopt a child.
My advice to them is to crawl back under their rock.
conservatives might as well not bother. Dems are going to install whoever they want to the court and there is nothing the rep's can do about it. all we need now is one of the conservative judges to retire and we finally have a liberal court. our rights (and future elections) will finally be safe.
Mr. President,
ANN Claire Williams (US Court of Appeals Judge 7th Circuit). She is female and considered a Moderate.
I must say that I am UTTERLY EMBARASSED to have been a member of the Republican Party....
The party has become a lightning rod for extreme conservative views, after reading this latest article regarding the Supreme Court Nominee, it's very apparent that the Republicans are digging their trenches to fight against WHOEVER is the nominee...
This tactic is not in the best interest of the U.S.A., once again it shows the partys tactics are in the best interest of the REPUBLICAN PARTY...
This is actually quite SHAMEFUL, it wreaks on ANTI-AMERICANISM, an implies PRO-REPUBLICANISM.
When John McCain ran his campagne on the notion of COUNTRY FIRST, when it was obvious it was just a mere slogan, this caused our party UN-REPAIRABLE CREDABILITY DAMAGE...
I think most Americans have a hard time trusting us, that's why I left the party and intend on voting Democratic until we can distance ourselves from people like Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, Newt Gringrich and other Divisive forces that are seen as leaders of the Republican Party.......
Yes, like George Bush before him, Obama should consider all objections from the opposing party before making a decision.
LOL
Wow, these right wing nut jobs are amazing. There's a fight to be had? No there isn't. The Democrats control both chambers of congress. End of story. If only Obama would nominate Anita Hill to the high court.
We already have an ultra conservative court full of bush extremist ideologues just to keep the current imbalance Obama has to put the most liberal justice in history just to keep it far right. So the hate mongers on the right should just be happy they still have one of the most activist hate courts in history – the kind that would make WWII Germany proud.
In other words, they are preparing to say no to anyone to the left of Rush Limbaugh.
Hey guys, if you had won the election the pick might have been yours, but you didn't so – SHUT UP!
I would love for women voters to see the Republicans, Senators and action committees beating up on a female nominee.
They would never see the inside of Washington again nor even be elected dogcatcher.
They have got to be planning this, you don't just destroy a political party by accident, goodbye GOP.
Ah, you gottat LOVE the pure delusion of the right. Do they REALLY think Obama will listen to them? My GOD, they are just insane at this point! And FYI lady, its NOT a conservative court, its a BALANCED court. I know you would like to take away the rights of people to vote and just make this a conservative country, but I think you would have to be an idiot to think that is going to happen! This country has spoken, LOUD AND CLEAR, and they are NOT changing their minds. Your party is done, you no longer are able to kick and punch people around for fun. You MUST start adhering to the constitution, and this president is doing that! YOUR DIDNT!!!!!
I am laughing so hard I can barely see. How are the conservatives going to fight this? Are they going to whine the rest of the senate into submission? Is anyone listening to them anymore?
With a 60 vote filibuster proof majority in the Senate OBAMA WILL replace a liberal with a liberal. GOP can stay in EXILE and scratch their skulls!
Just accept it, GOP, the next Supreme Court justice is not going to be another brown shirt.
It's clear that it has come time that we pick the new US Supreme Court Justice through a reality tv show. I suggest that the Senate majority leader and the Senate minority leader each choose 5 candidates. Every week, each of those candidates will offer a ruling on a new case before it, and every week America votes for its favorite judge with the one with the lowest number of votes leaving until there is a winner. Now that's democratic!
These are not conservatives .... they are racist, mysogynist, "Party-of-No" idealogues that can't stand the fact that the Supreme Court will get a new justice that embraces diversity of thought and experience in the context of the Constitution of the United States.
Sonia Sotomayer will be a slam dunk. She is ..
1.) extremeley experienced in the Federal Court System as a justice
2.) was nominated to the federal judiciary by Daddy Bush
3.) is a qualified woman ... you can't convince Americans that with 9 slots, and with women being 50% of the population, that the United States can not find more than 1 qualified woman to sit on the high court.
4.) a Latina thereby broadening the courts foundational background for sound decisions to a new set of childhood, teen, young adult and adult "life experiences".
5.) with a 60 vote majority in the Senate, if they Republicans try to Obstruct this selection, they will LOSE and all Americans will continue to see them as the Party of NO.
Conservatives will not win this battle!
The right wing nut cases can rally all they want. Obama will likely pick a liberal and if possible a woman to fill the seat. So get over urselves.
so, let me get this straight......
it's a bad thing for democrats to appoint "activist left-leaning" judges, but it's a good thing for republicans to appoint "activist right-leaning judges."
i don't thnk that the u.s. populace is buying any of the radical right's "talking points" any more.
good luck in 2010 – you're gonna' need it.
God bless the conservatives. They really think they have a chance in hell of blocking Obama's nominee for Supreme Court (without even knowing who it will be). The conservatives remind me of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in a way. Especially at the end when Butch and Sundance decide to fight their way out, only to be met by the entire Bolivian army. Who can forget Butch's famous last line "Oh, good. For a moment there I thought we were in trouble." Sounds like it might be the conservatives last line also.
The thought of an even more conservative court that will attempt to tell me how to live my life scares the living crap out of this liberal. Don't think we won't fight for our rights!
Well, hopefully the Republicans will speak up this time. The Democrats fight to the end about who the Republicans nominate pick and Republicans are too easy with going along.
Looks like they're finally standing up for what they think. It took them long enough.
Republican fratricide. Sort of warms this democratic heart!
"Curt Levy, also of the Judicial Confirmation Network, argued to the nearly 200 activists on the conference call that this can "be a winning issue" for conservatives if they focus on what he called the "right issues" such as same sex marriage, death penalty and the Second Amendment — issues that can split Democrats"
Golly gee, how I love this Republican infighting. Ok guys and girls, form the circle, now on the count of five, everybody fire their automatic weapons at one another. Get in line there Mr. Cheney. You know how to shoot someone. Show them how.
This next few years are going to be so much fun as the Republicans fold their little tents and fade into the self-serving sunset.
.
These GOP extremists (Party of No) are wasting their precious time. At the end of the day, Obama will appoint whoever is fit for the job.
SO the conservatives feel Obama should replace a libreal leaning judge with a conservative one? And the same Republicans who complained about a fillabuster of Bush nominee are now will be doing the same?
Thank you Justice Souter for your work and dedication. You will be missed greatly. Let's hope our next justice just abides by the laws (already established) and handles (herself) professionally. Just about anyone liberal or conservative would be better than Thomas and Scalia.
Guess what Republicans.........the tides have turned. You are the minority voice now. Get as many "committees" as possible together. Go ahead, waste your money. You had your time when Bush was in office.
That time is over. The country wanted change from your polarizing political ways. If you don't like it, I heard you can move to the country of Texas, where Bush can be your President once again!
60 votes....why waste taxpayers money debating a non-issue?
yea, that's right GOP, you just keep rallying your party around issues like gay marriage and gun rights, the rest of us will focus on the environment, education, and the economy from the seat of power.
Conservatives are always gearing up for a battle because they are living in the 20th century.
Already hurling their insults at people who haven't even been nominated and when the ink isn't dry on Souter's resignation.
Doesn't the constitution take an "extreme view" of the separation of church and state??
More media hype! Pres. Obama just interrupted the daily press conference to announce he had just talked by telephone, at 3pm, to Justice Souter, yet the speculation headlined all of the media! Before this is over, I will be sick of the discussion as the right opposes and the left defends, not to mention the special interest groups who promote one of their own. Marlene in Mich
Wow, Conservatives just want absolute power to rule absolutely...god forbid anyone has a different opinion than a right wing radical. Get over the fact that not everyone believes in your god and not everyone HAS to.
Umm, once again, you LOST the election.
Can't these bottomfeeders at least wait until AFTER the president nominates a replacement before they try to divide the country and summon the worst of the human spirit?
What an enlightened and fair-minded group of "activists".
Am I wrong, I thought we all want Obama to appoint someone who knows the Constitution and the Laws of our country.
Hey Wendy Long and whoever else you conspire with, we are sick of your divisive tactics and wedge issues.
Have a good day.
What a surprise, conservatives again trying to be devisive – it's always about the ONLY point of view in their narrow perspective.
He will be replaced with a moderate-left or just plain left judge. The extreme right needs to understand that they need to get with the times and soften some of their hard-core views if they are to survive.
I believe all people should have a voice in government but there shouldn't be one group's agenda that is fully fulfilled. There has to be compromise and the far right is not yet willing to do that. I consider myself to be more moderate..agree to some limits on abortion (like an 7 month pregnancy is not acceptable), gay marriage rights, etc...
Also, they can 'target' whomever they want. Obama will do as he sees fit. Many didn't want Hillary SOS...the list goes on and on. Just let him manage it.
There won't be a battle on Supreme Court judges. Everyone that goes in will be Liberal as hell. When this is over the welfare system will be twice as big as it is now and twice as many more will be sucking on the freebees.That is the Liberal way to win elections. Promise everything and your votes will be there. I think all candidates and voters that are Conservative should switch to the Democrat party ,elect all Democrats, and sit on our rear end and suck on the system till it goes dry. Why the hell should we work. Millions are now living everyday courtesy of the working dumb taxpayers in this country.
It's funny how there is only a 'litmus test' for Republicans when it is if the test has to do with the issues that they don't agree with. Kind of like it is never 'class warfare' when the laws are holding down the poor and less fortunate...but it IS when they well healed in this country are made to pay their fare share!
Why would you need to push hard against a conservative court?
That is what this country needs, a court that upholds the law, not creates them.
Conservative judges suck.
How about somebody who actually knows the Constitution rather than somebody who believes in some book written by a 14th century BC bronze age tribe of desert nomads?
This 'fight' that the concervatives think theyre going to have with Obama, will actually end up making the GOP even more irrelevant as people will realize how out-dated their ideology is.
---- Here comes the party of " NO ". If history is any clue, this will be a battle-royal and the neo-cons will be in full battle dress. However, if the "battle" rages too long, they will seal their own fate forever as the party of NO. This can make or break the present Republican party.
Gee, how about a new justice who knows the law, reads the law and then applies it? How about another justice just like Justice Souter? How refreshing.
Wendy Long: "One thing to keep in mind is that the left and media will say this doesn't really matter — Obama will just replace a liberal with a liberal,” Long said. “It's a conservative court. We need to push back against that immediately.”
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Yes, conservatives want a wingnut on the bench who will vote for assault weapons for everyone and vote against abortion and gay marriage. That's all they care about. It would be amusing if it weren't so pathetic. We need a thoughtful justice who will look at all the complicated issues that come before the Court with a reasoned and educated mind, not a conservative judicial activist who writes his own opinions into the law. Oh wait - conservatives don't call them "judicial activists", they say they "support the Constitution".
And I hate to break it to ya, honey, but it ain't "a conservative court" just because you want it to be.
Bring it on, pro-life whackos!
How far right do you have to be to think that someone who considers the experiences of women and "people of color" is hard-left? Really? You have to be able to come up with better arguments than that.
"can "be a winning issue" for conservatives if they focus on what he called the "right issues" such as same sex marriage, death penalty and the Second Amendment"....
Yaaawwwnnnn.......So here we are back to the stale GOP culture war issues od Gays, God and Guns.......will they never learn?
Gosh its fun watching the GOP implode. I havent been this politically happy in 10 years
Pass the popcorn.
Screw these people and Steele. He is free to nominate whom he pleases. And guess what? Whoever he picks will be LIBERAL!!!!
Deal with it. We had to.
He announced he is retiring just today and already the conservatives are ready to "fight" President Obama's potential replacements for him. If they are ready to fight before even knowing who they are going to fight against, that tells me alot. They are fighting just to fight and throw up another roadblock.
The old republican party was a party of fiscal responsibility and small government. That old party has been hijacked by the conservative Christian right. Fine with me, I don't care if the republicans ever make a comeback.
So, the "right issues" are the ones that can split the opposition party. That's a pretty screwed up way to set your judicial priorities.
After Regan, Bush-I, and Bush-II, having done all they could to stuff the court with cookie-cutter conservatives - my take on Republican commentary is this: "Stick it in your ear!"
Conservatives continue to amaze me! They cry about "activist" judges and "social engineering". So I guess the constitution was flawless that we had to amend it to end slavery, ensure voting rights of all, and liberate women!!
Can someone please tell me what brand of conservatism works best!? And from what era!?
The conservatives are not going to be happy with Mr. Obama's choice but the good thing is there is really nothing they can do to block the president's nomination. If Al Franken is sworn in they won't even be able to filibuster.
It will be interesting to see
Anyone interested in protecting their property rights will say "good riddance" to Souter after the Kelo decision. Of course, Obama's replacement probably won't be any better.