(CNN)–Former President George H.W. Bush stood up for his former judicial nominee Sonia Sotomayor Friday, telling HLN Anchor Robin Meade that GOP critics who called President Obama's Supreme Court pick a racist were off-base, and unfair.
"I don't know her that well but I think she's had a distinguished record on the bench and she should be entitled to fair hearings. Not – [it's] like the senator John Cornyn said it," he told CNN. "He may vote for it, he may not. But he's been backing away from these...backing off from those radical statements to describe her, to attribute things to her that may or may not be true.
"And she was called by somebody a racist once. That's not right. I mean that's not fair. It doesn't help the process. You're out there name-calling. So let them decide who they want to vote for and get on with it."
High-profile Republican voices like former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh had both accused the judge of racism for her past comment that a "wise Latina" might make more informed judicial decisions than a white male. Gingrich later backed away from that assessment.
Cornyn had urged Republicans to avoid labeling Sotomayor a racist, calling that brand of criticism unhelpful to the process.
Related: President Bush weighs in this afternoon on his legacy — and why he won’t be writing a tell-all
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
Bush I/Meghan McCain 2012??? We need a decent second party. This would be a lot more palatable than any of the so called 'leaders' of the current Republican Party.
Thank you, Mr. Bush. I'm sorry to inform you that you will now be excommunicated by High Inquisitor Limbaugh.
honestly radio host?
america, this limbaught just making millions , and more
he is just pretending to care
he doesnt, can u feel that?
can look hes life style
Gingricht at least is a politician, but the other limbaught, he is not a politician
he is far from politik, too far to understant
its sound unreal really
limbaught show hahahaha
GHW Bush: "And she was called by somebody a racist once. That's not right. I mean that's not fair. It doesn't help the process. You're out there name-calling. So let them decide who they want to vote for and get on with it."
_____________________________
This kind of maturity is now absent from the Republican party. It has been replaced with the childish divisive tactics that the GOP is known for today. I am a shiny blue liberal Democrat and let me tell you that I, moderate republicans and yes, even some our most die hard Democrats miss the old Republican party. The party we could reaon with whose rhetoric did not denigrate its opposition or reduce its opponents to caricature. I and others believe in the 2 party system, but the Republicans are destroying themselves with issues like the SCOTUS pick.
The Republicans are destroying themselves and there is nothing we can do but stand by and watch
It is simply amazing to see this second rate politician stand up for what he thinks is right. He was such a joke as president, but now the GOP appears like a race of pygmies nest to mediocrities like this. I respect this man more and more, even given the riseability of his spawn.
Nice to see that the GOP still has some men of character and intelligence in it's ranks.
To Steve(the real one)
It was Bush 43 that screwed the country up dummy. Get your Bushes straight.
If there is any hope for the Republican party, it is in such voices of sanity and utter decency.
George Hush now. It is the right thing to say but the scarier the GOP makes themselves to independents the bigger the super majority will become for the Democrats in 2010. Stop trying to be the voice of reason or to help your party. I don't like it one bit!
It is refreshing to see a Bush do something right...even if it is HW!
I agree with the former president. It is unbecoming of the conservatives to be reduced to name calling. Name calling and degrading is straight from Sal Alinsky, to reduce your opponent. I.E. Right Wing Extremist, Racist, Republican Nut Job, War Criminals, Old White Men, Fascists, Nazis etc.
This is not the avenue, respectable people like conservatives should take.
ABMiller...There's nothing classy about your mockery and name calling, though.
Laughing and shaking my head reading liberals comment on hate and vitriol - it's what you dined on for years, and now even in victory can't let it go. Perfect example of your hypocritical "Do as I say, not as I do" liberalism.
So will Limbaugh call for his expulsion from the Republican Party?
Didn't think much of the HWB presidency ... well, honestly I hated it, but at least he still has the capacity to be adult-like which unlike far too many of his fellow republicans (that is IF Rush says he's still a republican).
'W', your father is what I thought we were getting
you were a disappointment
Why does anyone listen to two of the biggest losers in recent history, i.e., Gingrich and Limbaugh? They offer nothing but pain and more pain and are two of the most devisive the world has known since McCarthy.
@ABMIller
And is it your opinion that all republicans are always loving, thoughtful human beings without fault??? I'm trying to figure out just how delusional you actually are.
The real problem of Sotomayor is that she's clearly a moderate, and the court could really use a liberal.
He will apologise to Limbaugh.
Rush, New and The Dick are gonna get you old man!!!
Happy Birthday anyway..and many more.
Why are the Grand Ol' Party, even giving Rush the time of day. I have always despised Mr. Limbaugh. Someone should knock some sense into that boy before he finishes bringing down the Party. Hush now Rush...
I'm not a republican, but I love this man. My upmost repect for GHWB!
Poppy has always been the better Bush. Congrats on your 85th, keep them coming.
Bush Sr stand up for Sotomayor, and I bet the left wing hate machine that trolls the political ticker will find hatefull things to say about him.