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May 1st, 2009
11:20 AM ET
Here Comes the Judge!
Supreme Court Justice David Souter wants to go home to New Hampshire. This will be President Obama's first opportunity to influence the direction of the Court. A lot of potential nominees are being tossed around as we all play The Name Game. It's your turn to join in. Tell us who you'd like to see President Obama nominate to the Supreme Court. Who's not getting enough representation on the nation's High Court? Post your comments!
One thing I always do, even before the news about swine flu, when getting gas for my car, I grab a towel for cleaning the windshield and use that when handling the gas nozzle and squeegee.
judge judy should be there
someone that has more experience in different areas as opposed to a person that has been a judge for 20 years (most of their careers)
I'd like to see a minority person appointed to the bench. A person of color, a gay or lesbian individual, or perhaps someone who understands the challenges of living with a disability. I want the court to reflect the diversity of the rest of the country.
I think Janet Napolitano would make a great justice. She has a long history here in Arizona and has always been fair to the people.
I would like to see Justice Leah Ward Sears nominated as the next Justice of the Supreme Court. She is in tune with the struggles of the underpriviledged classes and was a decisice vote on the Genarlo Wilson case here in Georgia.
I think the choice is clear, while, I hear your argument clear and loud about the a female Hispanic appointee, it would behoove the president, to place a sensible black woman justice, who is young, vibrant and just an overall great pick, Georgia Supreme Court Justice Leah Ward Sears. The President can expect to have at least 2 more picks. Leah Ward Sears, brings alot of Obama's qualities to the bench. Plus we have not had a black on the court since Thurgood Marshall.
I think that Governor Jim Doyle would be a good choice for being on the Supreme Court. He was the AG in Wisconsin before he became Governor. He is 63 years old and graduate of Harvard Law School.
An Hispanic appointment makes sense. How about a homosexual? Someone of Arab descent? Oh, geez, controversy! Seriously, though, this President is not afraid to push issues, and I think that we'll see a fascinating and productive variety of choices on the short list for this post.
Forget race, forget ethnicity, forget sex. All I want is a well-qualified justice who will protect the original meaning of the Constitution, which so few of our public officials do these days.
Governor of Ohio Ted Strickland would be a great Supreme Court Judge, too bad he's not in female form. I'd say Sarah Palin, but I think all that ice in Alaska would cloud her judgment (as if it hasn't already).
What about Judge Posner? He is more then qualified: he clerked for C.J. Brennan, has been a judge for the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals since 1981, went to both Harvard and Yale, and has written many important legal opinions.
I would like an Asian to be considered for the Supreme Court whether it is a man or woman.
The President would show, pure instability by replacing a newly seated cabinet secretary this early in his tenure. The right thing to do is allow Napalitono the chance to clean up the mess at Homeland Security and Put Judge Leah Ward Sears to work in either the federal Judiciary as a Circuit Court Judge in the D.C. Circuit, or give her Souter's seat.
The only human on the planet that could fit Pres. Obama's criteria is Woopie Goldberg! She has seen both sides of the American economic, legal, cultural, educational, sexual and emotional environment. Yes, I know that she does not have a degree in Law, but she has shown a clear understanding of ethics and justice.
I'd like to see the president nominate a judge that is most qualified to rule on constitutional issues. Why does CNN view this as a racial issue. Do we really want to pick Supreme Court justices based on race or affirmative action?
The nerd superbowl is much more interesting than the election of a pope. My vote–anyone but Janet Nopalitano, she would continuely go back and correct herself. I read Jeffrey's book last week, very good.
Ralph Nader, he has spent much of his career standing up against coperate greed and defending consumers and the working class.
How about Colin Powell? He comes from humble beginnings, is African American and a veteran.
Richard Blumenthal, Attorney General of the Sate of Connecticut.
His record for service to both individuals, the state and impact on Federal law indicates his ability to deal with both the big picture and the impact on a single person – the ideal qualities for a Supreme Court Justice. I would hate to lose him as part of our State government, but feel he would be an outstanding choice.
As a person who lives in country founded on the basis of equality, in my opinion there should be someone appointed to the bench that knows the perverse effects of discrimination. An individual from the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Trans-Gender) community would be more inept to protect all of the equality promised by our Constitution.
I would personally like to see Pres. Obama select a woman for the position. Black, white, asian, or hispanic doesn't really matter on this one because women are out numbered drastically in the supreme court. A splash of color wouldn't be bad though!
We must take great care to ensure that President Obama sticks to the values and ideals that he expressed during the campaign with regard to a potential Supreme Court nominee. We must not forget that Justice Souter was a staunch defender of individual freedoms. Before we start talking about race and gender in a nominee, we must apply a "demographic blind" review in lieu of ensuring that whomever the nominee will be he or she will first and foremost be a defender of our individual human rights and inherent American freedom and liberty. How about Hillary Clinton? Mrs. Clinton has spent her life fighting for these values and ideals.
Hey, why not pick a hispanic lesbian?
I dont think Cnn is viewing this as a racial issue, i think Cnn is viewing this through the lens of everyone who has any impetus for change in America. The Court is pretty much an all male, white male court. Some color or diversity would be beneficial to the court for a diversity of thought as well as begin to look like the America of today.
I'd like to see a person who follows the constitution and interprets law accordingly (Gee, what a novel idea). Who gives a rip how empathetic or nice they are?
Even as a moderate Republican from Michigan who migrated to New York , I continue to have a high regard for MIchigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. She would be an excellent choice for Supreme Court. She is extremely bright, former Attorney General of Michigan, and a highly regarded constitutional scholar. She has also been a major source of support to the President during the transition on renewable energy, the economy, and other important issues she would need to deal with as a Justice. CNN should spend some time checking this rising star who could not run for President only because she was born in Vancouver, BC.
Judge Jordan of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Flordia. As a Cuban-American immigrant, he would bring another element of diversity to the Court. More importantly, his brilliance (he was a former clerk to Justice O'Connor) is only surpased by his unwaivering fairness in the courtroom. Judge Jordan would make an outstanding addition.
The Obama administration is giving help to Corporations, Banks, Home Owners, and now Credit Card Customers, but what about Automobile Customers? Im in an Auto Loan with Chase, and Im so upside down in the loan. I was laid off my job, and times are very tight. The rate is ridiculous, and late fees absorbent! I tried to negotiate a refinance, or rewrite it, but they were unwilling to work with me. Now the collections advisors are harassing me for my late payments. I don't want to let it default but im not left with any options. Please advise me? Thanks!
Bill Clinton
Many Pennsylvanians would love to see President Obama appoint Judge Marjorie Rendell to the Supreme Court.
Ah, if only Barney Frank were ten years younger. The homosexual population is estimated at 10% of Americans. So I'd say one out of nine ain't bad.
I personally would like to nominate and see Judge Marilyn Milian of the people's court on the supreme court bench. She would be the first Hispanic and she embodies the very same dreams, morals and ethics of many of us that migrated to this country in hope of improving our lives, educate ourselves, flee persecution, communism or even war. She, like must of us latinos, became outstanding citizens and call the USA our home now. She 's fair, unbias, strong willed, young thus promising decades of a fair voice on the bench. I would strongly hope that the next Judge is a female Latina who can bring diversity to the bench.
niko
Hi I am writing you about the DEPRESION. I am tired of hereing about the Car dealers needing money, If you keep on giving them money thay are going to keep asking for it. My only way too see us getting out of this is too give the PEOPLE the money, Ok look at it from my point of view I have no Job I have No Money, So why would I go and buy a new car that I cant afford, The Govenment isint giving me MILLIONS OF DOLLARS too help me out so why would I buy anything. I cant, No Money. IF you really want out of the Depresion you have too give the people money not the BANKS, OR CAR DEALERS, But the People. My Idea is if you gave every adult $10,000 dollars. I am sure that people will start to spend money becouse thay have it, It might sound far feched but It would work. It is going to cast a lot to give everyone 10,000 but it will being back the economy, And if the government won't It just means that YOU WANT US TO STAY IN THIS DEPRESION. I myself really dont care because I am use too having no money. So if you really want too help out This is my idea. Plus if the govenment would give gold mining permite easyer the people would be able to make money too bring back the economy. I my self know where there is Millions of dollars just sitting there in gold but the govenment wount give me a permit so that million's of dollars will just sit there.
How about R. Guy Cole from the US Appeals Court for the Sixth District. Cole is an African-American who was appointed by President Clinton. He also served on as a Bankruptcy Judge – probably a good area of specialty given the country's current state. It would be a nice addition to have an African-American Liberal on the court.
If President Obama truely wishes to make a substantial political statement with this Supreme Court appointment, he should consider nominating a homosexual. With recent gay right's movement's success in states like Iowa, Vermont, and now Maine, it is time to take the campaign for equality to the highest court in the land!
since it is highly likely that a homosexual will be chosen as a replacement for souter (although i would LOVE that), i would like to see an african american woman or maybe someone young who can represent the youth of america well.
I don't think that race or sex should really play a part in the decision. Isn't it more important where they stand on important issues?
I believe that Michelle Obama should be considered for the supreme
court.
Need someone who is respected?
Need someone with common sense?
Need someone who is fair AND intelligent?
YES!!!!
He should appoint JUDGE JUDY
no nonsense just justice.....RLW
PS I am not kidding...really...think about it 🙂
I think whatever choice Obama makes will be remarkable. He has an intelligent mind and I'm comfortable saying that I think his decision will be influential.
I would like to see former President Clinton as the next Supreme Court Justice. He would not be the first as President Taft served with Brandice and although they were poles apart there was respect and admiration for the two men. Who better to sit than the former President, some one who understands the Consitution and the political ramification of them. This way no group can be offende as he has carried the water for all of the special intrest groups. It would be a win-win for the President.
I think this concern with selecting a justice who is supposed to represent the "correct" ideological position is misguided. Part of a never ending process of politicization where far too much energy is expended over a search for the right person who fulfills XYZ criteria rather than just the right person for the job. I certainly understand a choice which reflected President Obama's own political views (that seems to be something of a tautology), but I think the primary focus should be finding someone who is qualified, competent, and rational. I think the Supreme Court should be filled with people who utilize their reason to apply an even-handed interpretation of the Constitution on a case-by-case basis rather than those who seek to inject their political predilections into these legal proceedings.
I believe that Michelle Obama should be appointed to the Supreme court. She's brilliant, a lawyer, and a Harvard grad.
My second choice would be Anita Hill.
I'd like to see a supreme court justice who follows the constitution and interprets law accordingly (Gee, what a novel idea). Who cares how empathetic or nice they are?
I'd like to see a Supreme Court Justice who follows the Constitutuin of the United States (Gee, what a novel idea). Who cares how empathetic or nice they are?
It will take a lot of discussion and thought to figure out who would be most qualified for the position.
I would've considered Hillary–but since she's already in a position that's important to this country I would consider appointing Georgia's Supreme Court Justice Leah Ward Sears.
Prayerfully he will appoint someone who is loyal, honest, and trustworthy enough for the position.
Who do you think Tony and Joe Conley-producer?
Colin Luther Powell would be a superior Supreme Court Justice nomination. His record speaks for itself.
You're earlier guest, Sherrilyn Ifill, would be a perfect Supreme Court Justice. She's African American, a women, obviously extremely intelligent, a civil rights lawyer with lots of experience, and a professor at Univ. of MD School of law.
I'd like to see a Supreme Court Justice who follows the Constitution of the United State (Gee, what a novel idea). Who cares what race, gender, or how empathetic the are?
I think whatever choice Obama makes will be remarkable. He has an intelligent mind and I’m comfortable saying that I think his decision will be influential.
Colin Powell
If Justice David Souter is to retire from the Supreme Court as is being speculated, I think President Obama should nominate Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to take Justice Souter's vacated seat on the Bench. She is a qualified attorney in her own right and she will bring to the Court a more pragmatic interpretation of the intent of law in her legal reasoning.
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