Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

yallerdawg

(16,104 posts)
Wed Mar 16, 2016, 07:27 AM Mar 2016

"I've made my decision:"

How about one more BFD!

From President Obama email:

Today, I will announce the person whom I believe is eminently qualified to sit on the Supreme Court.

*****

First, a Justice should possess an independent mind, unimpeachable credentials, and an unquestionable mastery of law. There is no doubt this person will face complex legal questions, so it is imperative that he or she possess a rigorous intellect that will help provide clear answers.

Second, a Justice should recognize the limits of the judiciary’s role. With a commitment to impartial justice rather than any particular ideology, the next Supreme Court Justice will understand that the job is to interpret the law, not make law.

However, I know there will be cases before the Supreme Court in which the law is not clear. In those cases, a Justice’s analysis will necessarily be shaped by his or her own perspective, ethics, and judgment.

Therefore, the third quality I looked for in a judge is a keen understanding that justice is not about abstract legal theory, nor some footnote in a dusty casebook. It’s the kind of life experience earned outside the classroom and the courtroom; experience that suggests he or she views the law not only as an intellectual exercise, but also grasps the way it affects the daily reality of people’s lives in a big, complicated democracy, and in rapidly-changing times. In my view, that’s an essential element for arriving at just decisions and fair outcomes.

****

President Barack Obama

P.S. If you’re looking for the latest on my Supreme Court nominee and the confirmation process in the Senate, check out @SCOTUSnom on Twitter. You’ll find all the facts and up-to-date information there.
6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
"I've made my decision:" (Original Post) yallerdawg Mar 2016 OP
a really thoughtful choice IMHO MBS Mar 2016 #1
"I'll call your bluff... yallerdawg Mar 2016 #2
EXACTLY. n/t MBS Mar 2016 #3
Charles Pierce on the Garland pick: MBS Mar 2016 #4
God Bless Charlie Pierce. (if there is a God) n/t SleeplessinSoCal Mar 2016 #5
" " " " n/t MBS Mar 2016 #6

MBS

(9,688 posts)
1. a really thoughtful choice IMHO
Wed Mar 16, 2016, 11:59 AM
Mar 2016

Politically savvy, too - not just for the choice, but also for the way that Pres. Obama made his case, and for his strong argument for the importance of an independent judiciary that is above politics.
I would not want Pres. Obama as a chess opponent.

Here is the video in case folks missed it - very worthwhile watching this whole thing from beginning to end. All I can find so far is the Facebook version; presumably it will also be up at whitehouse.gov eventually. . https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/videos/vb.63811549237/10154192074689238/?type=2&theater¬if_t=live_video


white house press release: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/03/16/background-judge-merrick-garland

Boy, will I miss having this man as our president.


yallerdawg

(16,104 posts)
2. "I'll call your bluff...
Wed Mar 16, 2016, 12:34 PM
Mar 2016

and raise you the most obviously qualified judicial nominee in the system."

Vegas needs to bar Obama before he gets out of office!

MBS

(9,688 posts)
4. Charles Pierce on the Garland pick:
Wed Mar 16, 2016, 04:24 PM
Mar 2016
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a43072/merrick-garland-supreme-court/

The headline for the article gives the gist of Pierce's remarks:

Why Merrick Garland Was a Brilliant Tactical Move
When he wants to play the game, President Obama has game.​
Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Barack Obama»"I've made my decision:"