May 29, 2009
Posted: May 29th, 2009 12:58 PM ET

From
According to a new poll, 54 percent of Americans approve of Sonia Sotomayor as President Obama's Supreme Court nominee.
According to a new poll, 54 percent of Americans approve of Sonia Sotomayor as President Obama's Supreme Court nominee.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - A new national poll indicates that a majority of Americans approve of President Barack Obama's nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.

Fifty-four percent of those questioned in a Quinnipiac University survey released Friday approve of Obama's choice, 24 percent disapprove and 22 percent are undecided.

In a Gallup poll conducted in the hours after Tuesday's nomination announcement, 47 percent of those questioned said they rated Sotomayor as an excellent or good choice for the high court, with one in three respondents saying she is a fair or poor nominee. One in five had no opinion.

The Quinnipiac University survey suggests that Democrats overwhelmingly back the Sotomayor nomination, and that Republicans oppose it by a 46 percent to 26 percent margin.

The poll also indicates that nearly six out of 10 women back the pick, with 18 percent of the women questioned opposed. Forty-eight percent of men questioned say they approve of the Sotomayor nomination, with 31 pecent opposed.

If confirmed by the Senate, Sotomayor would become the nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court justice. A third of those polled say that's very important, 36 percent feel it's somewhat important and one in four say it's not very important.

But by a much larger margin, those questioned do suggest that Sotomayor's background was a major factor in her nomination.

"Seven in 10 think that Judge Sotomayor's Hispanic heritage played a big role in President Obama's decision to nominate her," Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, said in a statement.

As for the pending confirmation process: 47 percent of those questioned say senators should consider only Sotomayor's legal qualification in deciding whether to support her nomination, while 43 percent say senators should consider her views on such issues as abortion and affirmative action.

The Quinnipiac University poll was conducted May 26-28, with 1,438 registered voters nationwide questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.

Filed under: Sonia Sotomayor • Supreme Court


skyhawkdriver   May 29th, 2009 6:33 pm ET

Am I going out on a guessing that the poll was taken at harvard university??..and who really gives a rats rear end anyways??

Alex   May 29th, 2009 6:07 pm ET

How much deeper into a hole is the Republican Party going to dig itself? Suddenly we have two idiots like Rush and now Newt sounding like a bunch of good 'ole RACISTS themselves. These two characters still haven't figured out they are driving honesty and truthfulness into the ground. Keep talking boys. You are assuring the Democrats of a long and safe tenure in the White House. Soon many remaining Republicans who still believe in the core values of the party won't even bother voting simply because they are smart enough to understand they won't have many, if any victories at the polls.

Ambrose Smith, Borrego Springs, California   May 29th, 2009 5:56 pm ET

Okay folks! Get ready for people to start crying, "What? Nobody asked me? I never got polled! What a fraud poll! blah blah blah!"

Makes me laugh.

LeoMartinez   May 29th, 2009 5:55 pm ET

Mr rush Lim///////////////bo,Harry Potter(gingrish ) and Patt please is time for you guys to GO AWAY.

Seattle Girl   May 29th, 2009 5:50 pm ET

"Republicans oppose Sotomayor by a 46 percent to 26 percent margin." ~ Truly shocking that the party of mostly rich, old white men oppose this HIGHLY qualified Hispanic judge's appointment. Further marginalizing the GOP. Way to support diversity you idiots!!!!

Victory (Vic)   May 29th, 2009 5:50 pm ET

Rush Limpball and the rest of the racist Rethugs should shut their big pie hole and wait and see what the hispanic woman has to say about her comments. My wife and sisters tell me constantly that they are smarter and better judging people than men are. And when I here comments like racist and bigot coming from jerk off, hypocritical men like LImpball. I have to agree with them.

Joan   May 29th, 2009 5:45 pm ET

It seems to me that there are a lot of Americans who have a brain and thankfully some common sense.

The GOP are showing themselves to be the most "obstructive and idiosyncratic party" that that I have ever heard.

They certainly need to get rid of Limbaugh and Cheney along with a lot of other "dim wits" If this is all they have to offer the American public I would suggest that they disperse ; become educated and study the ethics of how to speak to and about people of every race and creed.

They are the dim wits of the country.

Sniffit   May 29th, 2009 5:41 pm ET

@ Jim , who said "Hey CNN, polling before vetting…just like Obama huh??"

I'd be careful there. Your precious RNC said they were going to be "fair" and use the "wait and see" approach and yet, somehow, those statements from Mushmouth were immediately followed by (a) accidental early release of a talking points memo to the press, which read like a fill-in-the-name-here argument outline for why everyone should be afraid and angry about Obama's pick and (b) a media blitz from every GOPer hoping to win the GOP's nomination in 2012, all slandering her mercilessly. You want to talk about people not waiting for the hearings and until appropriate vetting has taken place? Glass houses "my friend," glass houses.

Brian in VA   May 29th, 2009 5:39 pm ET

She wasn't picked because of ethnicity and gender, SHE WAS PICKED DESPITE IT! Get a clue people.

Sniffit   May 29th, 2009 5:37 pm ET

@ Big Bear, who said "I would bet that no one in the Connecticut area were asked about her, nor did they question any white firemen in New Haven."

Ha. If you think 99% of the people in America aren't aware of the quotes the GOP took out of context and has been shoving up everyone's bungholes in the papers, on the intertoobz and on the nightly "news"...then you're sadly mistaken. Almost everyone has heard the GOP's arguments here and has chosen to disregard them because they are complete and utter disingenuous fluff. Now, if they decide to come out with something more substantive than the current smear campaign, you let us know...mmmmkay?

Steve J, Michigan   May 29th, 2009 5:37 pm ET

Does it matter what Rush, Newt, or Rove say about anything... The fact that They are taking her opinions out of context to argue against her is reason enough to support her....Look what we have now on the court (Scalia and his puppy Thomas).. At least she'll have her own opinion...

Steve-Mich

T Mckinley   May 29th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

I think we all need to just get it over with and surrender to the Mujahadeen as soon as possible.

And lets stop thinking for ourselves too, I hate freedom.

Professor   May 29th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

Sotomayor is a very intelligent woman, and I do not believe that she is a racist. However, if she favors abortion rights, then I do not think that she should be confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice. We need justices who will fear GOD and make righteous legal decisions. I pray that the LORD will have mercy on Sotomayor's soul and save her from her sins.

zalgo   May 29th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

hah! A majority of college students like her... well good for them.

From their own page:

"Quinnipiac University, founded in 1929, is a private, co-educational, non-sectarian institution"

ANYTIME someone says "non-sectarian" it means Democrat and the Dems will simply drink whatever flavor koolaid in front of them so long as Obama is serving it up.

I discount this survey 110%

Lori   May 29th, 2009 5:26 pm ET

@Elliot: 54% is just above half……the same people that put Obama in office….no surprise here. Which means that just under HALF disapprove of her……No huge story here. Pretty much divided across party lines. America is more divided than it has even been. There is a wider gap between Repubs and Dems. It's about their world view. Their philosophy. They are fast becoming polar opposites…
___________________________________________
No, Elliot. Your numbers are off. 1 in 5 have no opinion. It means that some are still undecided. The Republicans only comprise of 21% of the American population- gone are the John McCain days of 46% Republican support. Sorry. Sotomayor will be confirmed and the Republicans are on their way to extinction with their anti-Hispanic fews that are finally coming to the forefront. I'm glad that they are realizing how much the GOP doesn't like them, I just wish more had realized this in 2000 and 2004 when some voted for the idiot Bush TWICE!!!

mary   May 29th, 2009 5:25 pm ET

Steve, (the real one) You probbaly don't look that good yourself.

Steve (the real one)   May 29th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

Most of you supporters only support her because you were told to do so! You know little to nothing of her history or her legal opinions. Do a little research for yourselves will ya?? The same applies to those who oppose! Somebody please thoughtfully tell me why you support or oppose! Think for yourselves America! its not too late!

Ted   May 29th, 2009 5:19 pm ET

I don't care what republicans think of Sotomayor. Please remember that Bush brought us Sam Alito – what a neocon disaster. I am hoping that Sotomayor will make it so that we can bring true intellectualism to the court.

please   May 29th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

Scott the Independent May 29th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

Just the fact that the GOP has started calling her names and out of her name is enough to nominate the women. Had the GOP been in full support then I'd be worried. But, from all I've read she is fair and balance – unlike others that utilize the phrase
________________________________________________________

Scott – I couldn't agree more. It's kinda funny, but the more the GOP whines about something, the more I believe it is the correct choice

Quin   May 29th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

I believe Sonia Sotomayor is highly qualified, I don't see why people are upset over it.

Bud Burgoon-Clark   May 29th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

I wish the ditto-head conspiracy theorists would come up with something besides George Souros and ACORN ... that's SO last year (eg).

PRESIDENT Obama made a FINE choice in Judge Sotomayor; she WILL be confirmed; LIVE with it.

If we're LUCKY, the President will get to replace a couple of the Reich (sic) Wing Opus Dei Roman Catholic judges as well.

Dawn   May 29th, 2009 5:15 pm ET

I meant gender and/or race..... Oops

Steve (the real one)   May 29th, 2009 5:12 pm ET

CJ May 29th, 2009 1:58 pm ET
One of the ugliest women I have ever seen.
--------------------
Ridiculous! That has nothing to do with this! Stay on point! The grown ups are talking about her history as a Judge! The children are talking about her race, gender, and looks!

deb0155   May 29th, 2009 5:09 pm ET

They didn't ask me! I'm not for her! She's a racist!

Steve (the real one)   May 29th, 2009 5:07 pm ET

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA May 29th, 2009 1:04 pm ET
When will the republicans stop making talking points off of sound bytes?
---------------–
As soon as the democrats stop making ridculous sound bytes, speeches, lectures...you get my point!

Vicki   May 29th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

The RNC need fresh new blood and a defining explanation of who they are and what they believe in – something that they never got across. Uphold our Constitution. That's it.

Dawn   May 29th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

Everybody is getting so upset about the "race" factor. Has everyone forgotten that she brought it up first? If she didn't want to be attacked for reverse racism, she shouldn't have brought her race and gender up as being better than someone elses. I would love to see another woman able to fill this position if she were well qualified, as I am a woman, but I have no confidence in her. It seems many other Americans feel the same way, so I say pick another and move on. After all it seems to me that since we have elected a mixed race president, that America as a whole is slowly growing up and I hope that this trend continues. I say elect the most qualified! I could care less about your gender and/or sex. But she does seem a bit racist and we don't have the room for tolerence for someone like her right now in a government which has already lost the respect of so many people all around the world.

mike   May 29th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

Mr. Super Racism Himself.

Rush Racist!

Born Again Pagan   May 29th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

@ single mom,

Honey, did you even read the attached article? It doesn't seem as if you did.

Vicki   May 29th, 2009 5:01 pm ET

She's a female Obama – a radical racist marxist with no experience of credentials to be qualified as a Supreme court Justice. She is very partial and that alone should disqualify her. Look at what the Democrats did to Gonzalez and Justice Thomas – 20 x more qualified.

mike   May 29th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

Rush remember this;

2. You know who deserves a posthumous Medal of Honor? James Earl Ray [the confessed assassin of Martin Luther King]. We miss you, James. Godspeed.
Martin Luther King is a national hero, not a black hero. Everybody in the United States celebrates his birthday, children are taught to look up to him as a hero in school. He’s earned the respect and admiration of the world and you believe the man who killed him was a hero? This is beyond racist. This is evil, mean spirited, subhuman. Praising the assassin of one of our great American heroes is beyond the scope of regular racism.

nelson   May 29th, 2009 4:59 pm ET

I really doubt that poll result.. another cnn bs result. She is a racist and that is all that I have to say...

mike   May 29th, 2009 4:58 pm ET

Rush throwing stones, why?

7. They’re 12 percent of the population. Who the hell cares?
Decent human beings care Rush. Someone out of that 12% may just become President of the United States. Not caring about black people? Even George Bush wouldn’t admit to that.

JA/TN   May 29th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

of course, those opposing are the true racist

mike   May 29th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

Rush At His Best;

The NAACP should have riot rehearsal. They should get a liquor store and practice robberies.
Now Limbaugh is saying that an organization with a storied tradition of representing the positive black people for change in their communities are criminals and rioters. An organization that has been represented by intelligent professional African Americans, that has played a part in the Civil Rights movement and continues to be an intelligent, concerned voice for the African American community is degraded to common criminals. There you go Rush. Keep racism alive!!!!

Evie Lafferly   May 29th, 2009 4:53 pm ET

I suppose this is as good as comes from the liberal left of this country, if that says anything to any wise person.

sue   May 29th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

cj

Here's a little help in saying her name: put your lips together then say: Sooooo....toooooo..ma...your. Okey stop crying republicans here take this pill compliments from drugie...Rush Limblah...weeeeee.

Claudia in Houson   May 29th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

Guess what, the best by the Democrats is yet to come. Amen.

JD   May 29th, 2009 4:48 pm ET

Sotomayor's controversial remark emphasizes the importance of weighing RICHNESS OF EXPERIENCE over appearance. We should heed her advice.

Republicans are the American Taliban   May 29th, 2009 4:48 pm ET

Rev. Huckabee tells us that Michael Steele was voted to lead the RNC because he is black, and thus cant be seen as a racist when attacking President Obama. So is the good reverend a racist?

mike   May 29th, 2009 4:46 pm ET

What about all the garbage Rush Has said over the years!
Rush is a racist, and look at how the GOP loves him!

Fred Moore   May 29th, 2009 4:44 pm ET

The fact that Sotomayor is a La Raza supporter invalidates her Supreme Court nomination 100%. This group wants to "give away" the American dream to Latinos. Latinos need to earn it like the other immigrants who come here and paid the price for success. Send all illegals home immediately and let them come back when they earn their rights as an American. Latinos shouldn't be given such preferential treatment.

lcleejr   May 29th, 2009 4:42 pm ET

when all is said and done, sotomayor will be the next member of the supreme court. we have to wonder why republican politicians are taking such a strong stance against president obama's choice???

Jim   May 29th, 2009 4:39 pm ET

Hey CNN, polling before vetting...just like Obama huh??

phoenix86   May 29th, 2009 4:34 pm ET

Americans love a bigot. Just look who they elected.

Anonymous   May 29th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

the republican party needs to note of what they are doing to their party.
just about every issue that involves republican feedback has the word no attached to it. apparently, RNC chair Steele believes it fine to allow gingrich and limbaugh to speak for their party. voters have to question why the republican party is taking issue with Sotomayor, since she is going to replace another democrat in a supreme court that is still slanted to the conservative side of politics. the damage to the republican party apparently will continue in the 2010 elections. when is the republican party going to help turn our country around, taking issue with a supreme court nomination is not going to help them especially when a majority of individuals in our country approve of president obama's choice.

sensible Cape Coral Fl   May 29th, 2009 4:27 pm ET

Sonia Sotomayor is a truly great choice. I am proud that my country can produce such talented people. I am equally proud that my President publically recognizes her ability. However I am ashamed of her opponents who are trying so hard to discredit her. What the Hell are they so scared of? Intelligence? Ability?

Ann   May 29th, 2009 4:23 pm ET

They approve Mr. Obama's choice like sheep. It has nothing to do with knowing anything about this nominee.

Sarah, Northern Colorado   May 29th, 2009 4:16 pm ET

If the senators consider her views on abortion and affirmative action, then they are, in essence, not considering her as a judge. They are considering her as someone who will rule subjectively. She should definitely be considered based on her legal qualifications. How many times in the past has she judged based on personal feelings, and ONLY personal feelings? How she feels about things doesn't matter; it's whether she brings them into the courtroom.

Hayden   May 29th, 2009 4:16 pm ET

Sadly, had Obama nominated a postage stamp for the Supreme Court a majority of American's would no doubt be in support. It seems that there are people in this country, today, unwilling to cast even a critical eye at the President. In this rabidly partisan (isn't it supposed to be post partisan atmosphere) the Dems and Obamatons can't find anything bad to say about the women and the GOP can't find anything good to say.

a. michael martinez   May 29th, 2009 4:13 pm ET

Judge Sotomayor's nomination is proof that the American dream is not only alive and well in 2009 but that it is becoming more accesible and more of a reality for all Americans, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, sex, etc. As an Hispanic American, whose family has lived in New Mexico since the 1600s, I am proud, excited and thankful to see the American dream opening up to everyone...I hope and believe more than ever in my life (i'm 39) that America IS the land of opportunity and that things will continue to get even better for all of us–white, black, Hispanic and otherwise...God Bless America!

Tyler   May 29th, 2009 3:57 pm ET

As a Canadian I can't believe that the conversation
about someone's race is so prevalent! The GOP,
Democrats and the people making a stink about this
appointment should be ashamed! It should be
about the best man/women for the job!

Disgusting and glad I live in a truly free country....

danny a newyorker   May 29th, 2009 3:56 pm ET

As a Puerto Rican who grew up in NY I am very proud of the election of Sotomayor. However, if she were not qualified for such a position, I would be the first to say, get someone who is. However, I do believe she is qualified..

Thank You

jrzshor   May 29th, 2009 3:56 pm ET

Fifty-four percent. wow what a mandate (womandate?)

T Mckinley   May 29th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

If the Republican party ever wants to win a national election again, at least in places with large hispanic populations, they need to tell Rush Limbaugh, Pat Buchanan, and Newt Gingrich to SHUT UP.

Playing the anti-Latino racist card is the absolute WORSE thing the GOP can do in this situation. If they end up completely losing the hispanic vote, they are finished.

Sorensen   May 29th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

The not too bright republicans obviously have a major intellectual
problem (more than the one they are born with) in understanding
the immense value of balance inside the 9 judges. Roberts, Alito,
Scalia, etc. need a counterweight. DUH!
Sotomayor is brilliant, human, warm and smart. (Alito, Roberts – ?)
Cheney, Limbaugh, Rove, etc. keep dragging the poor, old and
increasingly irrelevant GOP further and further down the drain. It will
probably be 8-12 years before some intelligent and relevant younger
people will convince the younger generation to vote for them.
Strangely enough, George W Bush now seems to be the only one
in the pack with a touch of class and style. How about that!!

danny   May 29th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

When will race become a non-factor? I'm sooooo.... sick of hearing what the critics say. Why is it so difficult for people to see through the negative comments. This lady deserves respect and deserves this great opportunity because of what she has accomplished in life. How about that? Don't let the "devils" sway your changes of going to heaven.

Dan, TX   May 29th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

I am sorry I do not approve her. My neighbor also does not and neither my friends. I wonder from where CNN is getting the news. They must be talking to liberal people in California and/or New York. We do not need such racist Judge on the bench. Sorry.

Scott the Independent   May 29th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

Just the fact that the GOP has started calling her names and out of her name is enough to nominate the women. Had the GOP been in full support then I'd be worried. But, from all I've read she is fair and balance – unlike others that utilize the phrase

NO MORE REPUBLICAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE OBAMA UNTIL 2016   May 29th, 2009 3:41 pm ET

great baby i love her

Alfred E. Neumann   May 29th, 2009 3:41 pm ET

Wow, CNN takes a poll and that proves she's qualified?

It's part of the spin – not only by the White House & Democrats, which is what you would expect & OK. But also spin by the media which I refer to as bias.

Charles Krautheimmer (sp) had a nice article which centered on a Conn. fire dept tossing out a promotion exam because all the minorities failed. Sotomayor agreed with the city to toss out the exam because minorities failed to pass the test.

We should be looking at her record and not her gender or race. CNN should dump its bias and present the truth, all of it!

Most of her decisions referred on to the Supreme Court have been reversed. That should be the topic for discussion, not her race or gender. I am afraid that she possesses less talent that Clarence Thomas – not good.

Jason   May 29th, 2009 3:38 pm ET

this sounds more realistic then that last poll CNN conjured up saying Americans are split.

chubby   May 29th, 2009 3:38 pm ET

The stats will change once the American public get to hear her views for themselves instead of listening to the lame stream media. She is at least as radical as obama and a racist on top of that. Lawyers who have been in her court room says she is abusive to everyone including other judges and her opinions have been over turned 60 per cent of the time by the Supreme Court. Change you can believe in, you betcha.

Joe   May 29th, 2009 3:35 pm ET

I'm waiting for the Rush \ Newt \ Rove \ Cheney \ Steele talking points....Will have a comment in a few hours....

DT   May 29th, 2009 3:33 pm ET

Poll: Majority approve of Sotomayor nomination.

The headline is incorrect. 47% is not a majority. It is a plurality of the respondents in the poll, but not a majority.

dan   May 29th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

No they don't you fools. Bo don't want to appoint any "real americans" to anything because they don't approve of his agenda. The media must be right there with him. Polls are jokes. Bo just let the black panthers off the hook. He is a racist and a socialist

Darth Vadik, CA   May 29th, 2009 3:30 pm ET

No sh** Sherlock!*&^

elliott   May 29th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

54% is just above half......the same people that put Obama in office....no surprise here. Which means that just under HALF disapprove of her......No huge story here. Pretty much divided across party lines. America is more divided than it has even been. There is a wider gap between Repubs and Dems. It's about their world view. Their philosophy. They are fast becoming polar opposites...

Libs-R-Idiots   May 29th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

The same Libs claiming that Repubs are racist are the same ones who vilified Gonzales. Double standard? Naw... Not the Democrats, They cant have a double standard, when they have no standards for themselves.

Mike in SA   May 29th, 2009 3:13 pm ET

Vive Miguel Estrada!!

For those that don't get it, look it up.

Mike WV   May 29th, 2009 3:11 pm ET

I wasn't polled – I disapprove! We need Supreme Court Justices who don't legislate from the bench and are impartial towards all US citizens. In addition, it would be great to have an appointee actually rule according to the Constituion as it is written not some liberal interpretation.

elliott   May 29th, 2009 3:09 pm ET

What a terrible choice....but typical for Osama, uh...Hussein Obama

bess   May 29th, 2009 3:09 pm ET

"In a Gallup poll conducted in the hours after Tuesday's nomination announcement, 47 percent of those questioned said they rated Sotomayor as an excellent or good choice for the high court, with one in three respondents saying she is a fair or poor nominee. One in five had no opinion."

What's with the 47%?! "WITHIN HOURS AFTER THE NOMINATION"–Without knowing the facts and learning the details to know her how can they already determine she's an 'excellent' or 'good' choice? Do they agree just becuase Obama picked her? Sheesh, if that's the logic they're more like Republican's who blindly followed Bush than free-thinking Obama-ites.

geroge cook   May 29th, 2009 3:05 pm ET

WHO DID YOU POLL....1,414 Democrats, Lefties and 24 Convervative Republicants?

stuart petersen   May 29th, 2009 3:04 pm ET

Why is cnn advertising,for a supreme court nominee?I only watch this channel once a week,may have to cut back on my viewing time.

yuri   May 29th, 2009 2:59 pm ET

To pre-judge a judge is being injudiciously judgemental. And that's exactly what some GOP gang members are joyfully jugglin'. In that regard, the portly, and pot-bellied pig RL, and an irrelevently inane NG deserve a round of applause.

Right Leaning Independent   May 29th, 2009 2:59 pm ET

Obama could have nominated Osama Bin Laden and 50-60% of the public would approve! There is a segment of the population that is going to back the President whether his decision is good or bad just to support the President and Democratic Party...

Dennis   May 29th, 2009 2:58 pm ET

It could be a lot worse. At a glance it doesn't appear that she is "pro abortion" like Obama. I think in replacing Souter, there's going to be little change in the direction of the Court.

Polling God   May 29th, 2009 2:57 pm ET

It is how we elected Obama.

Big Bear, Bearden, AR 71720   May 29th, 2009 2:53 pm ET

I wonder if this poll looked into whether or not the person asked knew anything about the Judge. I would bet that no one in the Connecticut area were asked about her, nor did they question any white firemen in New Haven.

Too True For You   May 29th, 2009 2:51 pm ET

The "real" majority, that is. Not the neo-fascist, self-appointed "Moral Majority".

Randy   May 29th, 2009 2:50 pm ET

Okay here we go putting a mexican in the high court now the latino's and mexican will never be convited on anything look out whites and black people we don't have a chance

lou   May 29th, 2009 2:49 pm ET

All I have to say is that the crap we are hearing from Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich is that and nothing else I just hope that the GOP senators try to block her appointment and then they can just kiss the Latino vote good bye and I guess the GOP will complete the alienation of all their supporters or maybe just maybe Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich should give it up move to Vermont and have their marriage legalized and live ever after since these two morons calling Sonia Sotomayor a racist is so laughable that borderlines in the absurd. This is what the GOP has? This is the best they can do? It’s ridiculous…. are these the voices of the GOP. Can we hear from someone with common sense? The GOP needs badly some leadership.

Hans Brecker RI   May 29th, 2009 2:48 pm ET

hell, if the majority of people think she should get appointed then let's appoint her.....that's what Hitler thought about ther German's , too

Hammer   May 29th, 2009 2:47 pm ET

The same group polled that said they favor Obama no doubt. By the way I have not seen Obama's 65% approval rating numbers this week. Having a hard time finding supporters? Just make them up as normal.

Willy Brown   May 29th, 2009 2:47 pm ET

Another CNN News room poll

Mel   May 29th, 2009 2:43 pm ET

That question should be asked of the oevr 4000 brave men and woman of the armed forces who lost their lives in a war that we started with false justification. Bush, Cheney and company should be led back to Washington in chains just as they should have been led out of the White House in chains!

Debbie   May 29th, 2009 2:40 pm ET

Republicans are so predictable. It would be interesting to see whether they would approve if it was George Bush who nominated her. Oh wait, Sr. did, and they approved. How odd.

Teleprompter of the U.S.A.   May 29th, 2009 2:39 pm ET

They obviously don't know how unqualified she is. She is a racist and that is by her own words.

Any white male using phrases she has used about Latina women would have already been disqualified by those comments.

We only need go back to Alito's confirmation to see Democrats attacking someone as not being fit because of bias when it was proven over and over Alito was not biased. By their own words Democrats should not be supporting this woman.

Mississippi Mike   May 29th, 2009 2:39 pm ET

The majority of people don't know much about her yet. We'll see how opinions change as her judicial record and racist remarks are brought to light.

Andy J, NY, NY   May 29th, 2009 2:34 pm ET

i'm just about sick of hearing how she would be the first hispanic on the supreme court

The only people who really care about RACE being represented, rather than the rule of law being upheld, are RACISTS.

If a white person is obsessed with the fact that they are white, the person is called an extremist and a racist.

If a black or latino is obsessed with the fact that they are black or latino, well, thats just expressing their heritage.

Every time there is an issue concerning race, it always smacks of a double standard. You race-obsessed fools can take a hike. That includes Sotomayor.

Brian in CT   May 29th, 2009 2:31 pm ET

To the Neo-Co... err... Republicans:

You got a free ride on the 2 dolts that were jammed down our throats during the bush era, now it's time to take your medecine.

...and time to get the country back on a true PROGRESSIVE track.

Looks like the people have spoken and in some ways I do hope you giver her a hard time – because that will just push you farther into the realm of insignificance and regionalism.

ed   May 29th, 2009 2:30 pm ET

I am not suprised the majority approve her appointment. The majority is stupid, do not understand or review all the facts. The majority never read the constitution and never studied american History, so I am not suprised at all. The way I judge things now, is that if the majority wantsa, i deifintely do not.

carlo   May 29th, 2009 2:28 pm ET

You hear that fringe? How 'bout that wingnuttery? No one cares what you guys think. Just because you watch Faux and listen to Rush like zombies to keep their ratings up doesn't mean you can win any elections. November, 2008. proved that.

southerncousin   May 29th, 2009 2:26 pm ET

George Soros ACORN and the unions did a number on this country and the majority don't know it yet.

matt   May 29th, 2009 2:23 pm ET

What a non-story. The people that are avid supporters of Obama think the nomination was brilliant. The people that don't support Obama think the nomination stinks. If Obama said the sun rose in the west today, there would be a poll that indicated 54% agree with the President, 42% disagree and 4% are undecided.

What I want to know is how could anyone have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of the nomination in the "hours" following the nomination? It took a couple of days for most news about Sotomayor's past rulings, etc to make it into the press.

Or is the public really just a pack of lemmings that will follow their leaders straight off of a cliff (either on the left or right)?

Adele   May 29th, 2009 2:15 pm ET

I read many of her speeches and some of her law cases. She will be a wonderful Supreme Court Justice.

MD   May 29th, 2009 2:15 pm ET

This poll is premature. There is a reason for the confirmation process, and that is it gives the public a chance to hear the candidate explain her views about her role as a SC justice.

On the issue of her ethnicity and gender, I cannot remember much discussion about race when a president nominated a white male. If there has been an attempt to acknowledge the evolving racial landscape in the country by nominating a Hispanic female, then we should applaud the president for his sensitivity.

However, to imply that gender and ethnicity have been a major factor in nominating Judge Sotomayor is foolish.

Dawn in Pa   May 29th, 2009 2:12 pm ET

She would be confirmed, no doubt about it.

J.P.   May 29th, 2009 2:12 pm ET

Yeah, when did the "majority" approve of this? During the viewing hours of American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, or So You Think You Can Dance?

How many of the "approving 54 percent" could actually name all three branches of government as laid out in the Constitution?

Media Credibility Fail.

Mike in San Antonio   May 29th, 2009 2:11 pm ET

“I would hope that a wise White male with the richness of his experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a Latina woman who hasn’t lived that life.”

“I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.”

If the top one is racist, so is the bottom one. Period.

shucks   May 29th, 2009 2:09 pm ET

Of course they approve. They wanted change. It seems that the real problem for the republican party is that they don't know the meaning of the word change. Change is treating all Americans equally no matter what their sex, age, religion, race, and sexual orientation. It is not an American right to discriminate in the name of religion, or because your faith says so. Until all people in America can say they are equal and have the same rights as all other Americans, then America can't lift one finger to any country regarding human rights violations. The severity of the human rights abuses is not in question. The fact that in America we are still fighting for the rights of some of our citizens to be treated equally is pathetic and diminishes our hand in denouncing all aspects of human rights abuses.

Lisa in Shelton CT   May 29th, 2009 2:09 pm ET

Currently serving Justices made very similar statements about their heritage helping them be better judges but being Republican nominees, this was not so scary. Her qualifications are impeccable – but I expect several of Rush's voting sheeple will continue to spew petty lies to their own eventual party of NONE!

Gaston   May 29th, 2009 2:04 pm ET

Excellent choice Mr President!!!!!!!!! America is proud of Sonia Sotomayor-

John   May 29th, 2009 2:04 pm ET

There you have it, Republicans. Since you are so out of touch with what the majority of the country wants, go ahead and whine and wail about Sotomayor. It would be par for the course.

AJ   May 29th, 2009 2:01 pm ET

I'm not either for or against Judge Sotomayor but I do have to ask, do the folks answering these polls really know anything about the judge or are they approving or disapproving based solely on race, gender or nominating party? I find it difficult to believe that the general public knows enough about an obscure Federal Appellate Judge to be able to formulate a reasonable opinion one way or the other.

CJ   May 29th, 2009 1:58 pm ET

One of the ugliest women I have ever seen.

RWE   May 29th, 2009 1:54 pm ET

most people don't follow politcs and don't know what is going on. i stead of confessing ignorance, they always support things they don't know about it.

count me in the 24% who disapprove. she is a bigot.

BETH   May 29th, 2009 1:47 pm ET

And once again the Republicans are not with the majority!! Go figure!

abby   May 29th, 2009 1:44 pm ET

Also-

After three months on the job, President Obama continues to be widely popular.

That is according to a new poll released today by Gallup that shows Obama's approval rating at 65%.

President Obama's approval rating has stayed relatively consistent - and high - since he was sworn into office in January. He started out with a 66% rating and dropped temporarily to 62% in March.

That puts Obama into a select group of presidents whose approval ratings have increased from February to May of their first year in office.

Since World War II, only three first-term presidents - Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan - have had a higher average approval rating in May of their first year.

In recent years, declining approval ratings have been the standard. George W. Bush's rating dropped four points from February to May, and Bill Clinton's dropped nine.

R in Maine   May 29th, 2009 1:43 pm ET

Cheney is going to learn Spanish and buy a subscription to a tanning salon.

No Incumbents 2010   May 29th, 2009 1:41 pm ET

Repugs opposed to Sotomayor are closed-minded bigots who don't even give her a chance to make her case at the confirmation hearings. Sotomayor is a legal scholar! There is no coherent, rational reason for opposing her. Unless all you care about is keeping Rush happy.

Common Sense   May 29th, 2009 1:41 pm ET

Do the dems have no shame ? Bite the hands that protect them. Of course, they won't bite the hands that feed them... Cool Aid.

True or False. We didn't get another attack in our homeland for seven and a half years. Did we ?

Use your brain. You think al Qaeda people gave up their guns, and they work as cab drivers now ? Please look at today's Pakistan. The terrorists were just stopped at the front gate.

SLM   May 29th, 2009 1:38 pm ET

A poll of 1,400 voters is hardly a realistic poll. Tired of these fake polls trying to convince us. Confirmation of anyone Obama wants is inevitable. Dems are running loose bankrupting our country with all this rampant over spending. Take a close look at California and this is what will happen to the country................we are bankrupt!

Marv   May 29th, 2009 1:38 pm ET

Racism is an attitude and they dont change fast sometime never. It is simply raising its ugly head because people of color are gaining some status in our society. White people have a problem. You brought black people over here to be slaves to work and sometimes bear your children.White men wrote a constitution that says evrybody is egual under the law, blacks were taught to read and we said that meens us to. Civil Rights laws were passed and signed by a white man guaranteeing us certain rights.
You brought over hispanics here to work for nothing immingrration laws allowed children children of illegal parents to be citizens they are getting educated now voting. Now what do you do buy guns to shoot us and latinos because you feel threatened. A friend of mine once said most white people are stupid.Maybe there is some truth to that.

Scott   May 29th, 2009 1:37 pm ET

It is a shame that the process of appointing judges to the Supreme Court has become politicized. It forces Presidents to make slections that are either so boland that no one can object or such political powder kegs that no one will object.

Sniffit   May 29th, 2009 1:36 pm ET

You really gotta wonder what's going on behind the scenes for the GOP that they can look at numbers like these and then just blithely continue to dig their own grave.

Gingrich: "hey Mike, you see those poll results?"

Mushmouth: "yeah man, we're doing great...let's ramp up the rhetoric...people are just loving our criticism of Sotomayor"

Gingrich: "indeed...I'm gonna go call up a news outlet and tell them I think she's a racist AND an anti-semite this time"

Mushmouth: "good plan brosef...that's a surefire way for us to win more voters for 2010...meanwhile, I'll reassure Amurika that we're being "fair""

Gingrich: "nice call...they won't know whether they're comin or goin"

Seems about right...

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   May 29th, 2009 1:33 pm ET

Polls of people unfamiliar with the work of Judges and Justices, or the details of the candidate's troubling statement on her cultural bias, are meaningless. They confirm the same sort of bias and prejudice based on ignorance which should be no part of the Senate's deliberations.

Bob   May 29th, 2009 1:29 pm ET

I disapprove. My reasons are my own and so blatantly obvious.

So, don't even try to say its "racist". Oh, and by the way: Being a Racist is not illegal. Only provable actions are.

So there's a count of One. Who's with me.....................?

ThinkAboutIt   May 29th, 2009 1:29 pm ET

I like her as a pick for nominee, but will reserve my final judgment after the confirmation hearings. I strongly suggest the Senate do the same.

SJ   May 29th, 2009 1:27 pm ET

Exellant choice for Supreme Court..we need more diversity as our country is certainly deversified. As for the top political speakers referring to her as racist....did they just crawl out from under a rock???
I am the same age range as them and surely by now I know that we need to move on and view things with out blinders...obviously they never got past the 'white male' in that speech...so out of context. Scarey thing is that alot of people hang on their words of wisdom or rather I see it as words of BS...a large majority of republicans in the Senate and Congress cannot seem to get on the band wagon for the forward positive movement of our country...where are their positive suggestions to resolve our problems....the republicans have surely let our country down!!!!!

single mom   May 29th, 2009 1:27 pm ET

I have a few concerns with her that I'd like addressed before deciding or judging.
1. Why does she feel a Latina could make a better decision? (her statements at Berkelely)
2. Why does she not feel that those with the highest test scores deserve a promotion? (New Haven lawsuit involving firefighters denied promotions because they were white/Hispanic)
3. Will her 'empathy' cause her to make a decision that goes against the Consitution? (Pres. Obama's introductory remarks)
People with the appropriate education and JOB experience to be a judge should make decisions based on facts, not ideological beliefs.
Those who score higher on a FAIR exam are the ones who should be promoted regardless of race, gender, creed or anything else.
The Constitution should be the litmus test for all judicial decisions. Judges are supposed to decide based on EXISTING laws and the Constitution, not on their FEELINGS.

Obama Victim   May 29th, 2009 1:26 pm ET

Quite funny....

54% Approve Sotomayer??

Exactly HOW many Americans in that poll actually KNOW any of Sotomayer statements?

Ask this poll questions:

"Do you AGREE or DISAGREE that a hispanic woman judge will always reach better conclusions than white male judges?

Edward   May 29th, 2009 1:25 pm ET

I was not pleased when I first heard her comments regarding "the richness of her experience" but not wanting to take the quote being repeated on television over and over out of context I did my own research and found that she was actually addressing the issues of sex and race discrimiations rulings made by the supreme court throughout it's history and she was trying to say that a supreme court filled with one race and sex (Caucasian males) cannot properly understand all of the different perspectives that these discrimination cases by default are viewed through and therefore having witnessed some of these things first hand she would perhaps see things differently that someone who "hasn't lived that life". She went on to say that there are many who are fair minded but some simply can't understand without having the experience and some simply don't care to understand. Again, this statement was made during a session regarding sex and race discrimination rulings and “news” programs are making it sound as though she brought up her sex and race just to make a point. Certainly there are people fanning the flames in an attempt to cause outrage. Those taking the statement out of context must have read the entire transcript in their search for more quotes that they could misrepresent and simply omitted that which would not validate their misleading argument.

Edward   May 29th, 2009 1:25 pm ET

Regarding the firefighter case the court did not vote to deny the firefighters promotions, they can’t vote on that ... they voted in favor of the states right to discard the test. According to the law the state has the right to discard the test and although this law is obviously biased and racist, had the court voted against the rights given to them by law interest groups that support such racism would sue and claim that it is a violation of their rights to deny them the privilege of discarding the test. Essentially what the court did in this case was uphold the law and although it’s a racist law (just because it’s law doesn’t mean that it’s right) that must be changed any other ruling would have been “making law from the bench” … the very thing that she is being accused of doing. It is not in the courts jurisdiction, so to speak, to rule on the morality of such a law but rather to uphold it. Rulings on the morality and justness of the law are made elsewhere.

ANGIE   May 29th, 2009 1:25 pm ET

The only ones that do not approve are the party of NO. if you don't look and act like them, then they don't approve. Way to go Judge Sotomayor.

donttreadonme   May 29th, 2009 1:23 pm ET

Those of us that are not spellbound by everything Obama can look objectively at this appointment. What I have learned about her is that she has made some statements that show very poor judgment and a lack of restraint. Good judgment and restraint are requirements to sit on the Highest court.

Maggie   May 29th, 2009 1:23 pm ET

you are so full of bs.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   May 29th, 2009 1:23 pm ET

Of course, we support her. She represent the real America...a nation of mutts each with valid problems solving techniques and vision.

Of course, that vision is tainted by who we are and waht we have been experienced.

I will never know exactly what it feels like to be a Latina, diabetic, person of color, Catholic, highly intelligent, competent lawyer and judge, but from 18 years living outside the USA, I know damn well when someone is behaving in a racist fashion towards me.

And I can empathize!

A characteristic much needed in the judicial system top to bottom.

Fort Lauderdale   May 29th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

It may not be worth opposing, but it's not the best choice. Ethnicity and gender are not good reasons for selecting Supreme Court judges. This was a political nomination for Obama, designed to secure his support among Hispanics.

In fact, Sotomayor's comments were inappropriate and one hopes that is not the rationale she uses for making Court decisions. Also one hopes that Obama doesn't continue to make selections based on race and gender rather than on merit. That is what the Democratic Party did in putting him forth in 2008. Now, he needs to demonstrate effective leadership as President and that is still a question mark, especially in foreign policy where his record to date is not looking good.

Shay   May 29th, 2009 1:21 pm ET

I believe Sonia Sotomayor is the perfect person for the Supreme Court!

May God Bless her!

Candy West Virginia   May 29th, 2009 1:19 pm ET

I sure do, brilliant choice! She is over qualified for the position actually.

Michael in Ventura,CA   May 29th, 2009 1:19 pm ET

Let's get it done before recess!

Mari( maybe one of my comments will be posted)   May 29th, 2009 1:14 pm ET

The majority approves of Sotomayor........ duh! Of course, most Americans are thinking and fair people. That's why we rejected the GOP's vile politics.

That's why only ......21% ....... claim to be GOP!

I believe that the approval is much higher. The Pollsters still can't get people who do not have landlines!

Fair is Fair   May 29th, 2009 1:13 pm ET

This is becoming absurd. It seems everyone and everything is tried in the court of public opinion nowadays.

I'm waiting for the confirmation hearings myself. How she conducts herself there and the substance of her answers will guide my opinion one way or the other.

For someone to say otherwise is disingenuous... making these polls inane at best.

Kevin in Ohio   May 29th, 2009 1:11 pm ET

We must be saved from the tyranny of the majority, then. (Isn't that the reasoning of the anti-Prop 8 people??????).

Will   May 29th, 2009 1:11 pm ET

Typical Republican bigotry. All haters!!! Sonia Sotomayor is beyond qualified to serve as a Supreme Court Judge. Her comments have been taken out of context to serve the Republican agenda of hate and dividing the American people. If any of the ignorant conservatives and Repubs took the time to read the entire speech from where her comment had been extracted, then you will know that her comment is not a racist one. Rush, Newt, Coulter, and all the other morons who claim to love America so much have done nothing but promote hate, fear, bigotry, and divisiveness. You call that love for our country? Cheers to President Obama and Judge Sotomayor. Their brilliance will continue to shine and promote hope amongst all Americans!!! Lets judge Sotomayor for her intelligence and achievements. And the fact that she is a latina woman is just icing on the cake!!!

Dallas Independent - thank goodness   May 29th, 2009 1:10 pm ET

Quinnipiac's polls have shown to not be reliable. CNN, why don't you use a more reliable pollster? Ms. Reverse Racist is not well taken by anyone that I know and I work in an extremely professional office of many.

Pragmatic   May 29th, 2009 1:10 pm ET

The conservative republicans were promising "to fight this nomination" before Souter had finished the sentence announcing his retirement.

If President Obama nominated Jesus Christ Himself ... the conservatives would complain about that being an ethnic choice (Jewish) with too much empathy and a liberal outlook not to mention being in favor of the Golden Rule.

Supreme Court Judges: 110 Old White Male Judges: 106 ....

The Unshrub   May 29th, 2009 1:10 pm ET

Rush claims that Sotomayor has had 80% of her decisions have been overturned by the Supreme Court. That is a blantant lie. The truth is only 1.3% of her opinions have been overturned, and if you use those opinions that the Supreme Court has actually heard the rate is 60%. WHICH IS Average, since the Supreme Court general only hears cases in which they have a high chance of overturning.

RUSH and the others conservative groups are making claims that are totally lies.

Scott Stodden   May 29th, 2009 1:08 pm ET

Who wouldnt approve of her nomination to the highest court, Sonia Sotomayor is more than qualified for the position. Sonia Sotomayor is going to take this court to new highs we've never seen, America loves Sonia not just Latinos or Latinas. Sonia Sotomayor brings class, intelligence & experience that we've never seen from a justice to the Supreme Court. Im just going to say it now, Congratulations Justice Sonia Sotomayor, we know your going to serve the Supreme Court well.
Scott Stodden (Freeport,IL)

CF   May 29th, 2009 1:06 pm ET

The only reason the biggest-mouthed of the GOP talking heads are outspoken against her is that they are automatically against anything Obama or a Democrat says or does, regardles of what ti is

Glen in LA   May 29th, 2009 1:06 pm ET

I just read CNN's post of Sotomayor's "racist" speech. Taken in context, the comment making all the news was significant only in its thoughfulness. It is definitely not an example of hatred out of ignorance or deprivation promulgated by Judge Sotomayor's critics.

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   May 29th, 2009 1:04 pm ET

When will the republicans stop making talking points off of sound bytes?

Steph   May 29th, 2009 1:03 pm ET

She is very qualified! Thank you CNN for FINALLY releasing the full quotes.

This liberal democrat against Obama   May 29th, 2009 1:03 pm ET

If you look at some other polls, they will tell you differently.
But then again you're too much of a coward to do that!

Reformed Republican   May 29th, 2009 1:03 pm ET

And of course the obstructionst rethuglicants will most certainly drag gender, ethnicity, intelligence, temperament and food choices into the dialogue and further alienate the GOP from mainstream America.
Morons...

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