Tick tock of the Sotomayor pick

Posted: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:32 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: White House, Courts, Barack Obama

From NBC's Kelly O'Donnell

Sources familiar with the process say President Obama called Sonia Sotomayor last night at 9:00 pm, and called the other potential picks after that.

Obama then called congressional leaders this morning.

Obama met with Sotomayor last Thursday -- she was at White House for seven hours and went undiscovered.

Aides say the president was "blown away by her -- her personal story, her sharp intellect and confidence, and her experience as prosecutor, trial judge, litigator and appellate judge."

Aides say she has more federal judicial experience than anyone on Supreme Court in 100 years.

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Comments

And here I thought "experience" wasn't really necessary. Isn't that what we've heard? interesting...

Also, can someone explain to me why Judge Sotomayor's "SECOND" Hispanic Nominee is important, and thusly being (wrongly) reported as the "FIRST"? Why does "FIRST" matter? Why the mis-truths? What is the left hoping to gain by (falsely) claiming "first?" Did we see this "first" claiming for Justice Thomas?

--Justice Benjamin Cardozo was the first... if that matters.

ImNotBlue (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:44 AM)

Great pick! Just watched the announcement. Very nice. I hope she and the President are treated with respect as the process plays itself out.

Chris, Dorr, MI (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:44 AM)

If anyone still want to know the meaning of "Empathy", I think that his choice is the defination. Stop attempting to disect the President's words. There is no other meaning than this excellent selection. Again, Chuck and crew, you guys got it right, props where props are due.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:47 AM)

Harry form nightcourt (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:49 AM)

Kyle Krist, Seattle Washington (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:50 AM)

Affirmative action pick. Dismissed a case where white firefighters were discrimated against without hearing a single argument. That same case is now in front of the SCOTUS. Disgusting choice. Purely political move to appease latinos. Sotomayor is a member of La Raza, a racist organization. (Hispanic Ku Klux Klan) (La Raza translates in English to "The Race") Obama the empty suit once again plays politics. Not surprised.

Matt, Houston (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:51 AM)

Chris Evensen, Orland, Fl (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:53 AM)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Why do you hate America so much? Did your parents abuse you, leave you, something? What is wrong with you? *** Don’t blame us for the doctor dropping you on your head at birth!***

Whoa… who said anything about hating America? Typical GEENOPEE response... you got nothing so you’ll just make something up and it will magically become True!
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For a disgusting excuse of a human being like yourself

Dude seriously… you are in major need of some anger management classes! Rumor has it they meet in your church basement every Tues & Thurs night!

Yikes... first I'm called filthy and now disgusting... you guys truly don't get it do you? Name calling is soooo effective! NOT!

Thanks for playin though... you can collect your parting gifts on the way out!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:52 AM)

A white man equally qualified would lose due to race and gender.

republic guard, allen town, pa (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:52 AM)

How telling - it's not about her quals is it - it's about her gender\ethnicity. Anyone elected BETTER dare to vote against anyone if need be, I don't give a rat's arse who or "what" they are. How typical of the leftists - that's why we have this unqualified idiot in the whitehouse now becasue everyone is so afraid of the "discrimination or bigotry" club. You will reap what you sow... Harry form nightcourt (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:49 AM

Yeah Harry, he isn't like the incompetent white guys who were running the country into the ground the past 8 years...but thanks for proving why abortion should be legal and widespread in the red states
3-

Harry is an idiot (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:52 AM)

I have not read enough to formulate a strong opinion, yet. I will do so tonight. How bad can she be if she saved America's Pasttime?

and can we all be honest for a minute and at least admit that some had already formulated the word NO before they every knew the name? It really is NO way to run our country.
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I hope everyone had a good holiday weekend. I watched the President speak and the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. I think every American should make every effort to visit our National cemetery and witness the changing of the guard there AND read about the meaning behind the irreverant protocol. It is humbling and eye opening.
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I would imagine the 'hater' calling Mark, Chuck and Domenico white racists doesn't realize Domenico is probably Latino? Ron, Indiana - great post on FR this morning. Pat, Boston - welcome home. Looking forward to a great week.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:53 AM)

There are a million stories in the Naked City.

Sotomayer's is just one of them.

(Is a lie detector needed because the Republicans are sure to find something on her)?

Bad Chihuahua (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:55 AM)

Vote this racist sexist woman down. Listen to her, her own words, she is a racist, a sexist and a activist Judge. Only a racist would support this person....oh , that's right, the Racist, anti-american, white hater OBAMA nominated her. speaks for itself. Vote her down.

trught n michigan (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:55 AM)

Wow! The hatefilled lies from the nut jobs in the right wing begin to flow like Oxycotin to Lush Limpbaugh.

pat huntington ny (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:57 AM)

Having family members that work in the federal courts and being myself a republican, I am interested to see how the left will react to this pick. I know that the messiah did make this pick so I know all the sheep will blindly applaud. This woman is not necessarily for liberal causes. Her judgements and decisions are more racially and culturally based than they are anything else. That will cause conflicts with a court that is mainly white. This can and will cause diviseness amongst the liberal members of the court. If they see her making decisions largely based on race with no real belief in truely leftist causes, she may sit on an island unto herself on that court.

Kevin, Dallas, Texas (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:58 AM)

Im Not Blue,

For your information, Portuguese Americans are not considered "Hispanic" by the United States Census Bureau, so Cardozo would not be considered "Hispanic" and therefore she would be the first.

Hispanic originates from Spain or countries formerly controlled by Spain that primarily speak the Spanish language.

Duane, Atlanta, GA (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:58 AM)

To: I'mNotBLue: Slate says here and here that Supreme Court Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo was Hispanic. But that's just wrong. Cardozo was not Hispanic, nor was he Latino.

Admittedly, this is not a critical issue, and it wouldn't normally be of much interest. But, confirmthem now pounces on this timely question, and finds that the answer is straightforward. The Federal Judicial Center is correct to not list Justice Cardozo as Hispanic.

By AndrewHyman Posted in SCOTUS

Patti (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:59 AM)

Yep another Obama FAILURE..MSNBC will be in full damage control
Nominee: "the court is where POLICY is made"
HOW stupid can you get?

We know the law (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:01 AM)

How telling - it's not about her quals is it - it's about her gender\ethnicity. Anyone elected BETTER dare to vote against anyone if need be, I don't give a rat's arse who or "what" they are. How typical of the leftists - that's why we have this unqualified idiot in the whitehouse now becasue everyone is so afraid of the "discrimination or bigotry" club. You will reap what you sow...
Harry form nightcourt (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:49 AM)
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Well if the leadership on the right would have screwed everything up you would still be in power. It is the right's fault Obama is in the white house.

And "Aides say she has more federal judicial experience than anyone on Supreme Court in 100 years".

Harry was funny. You, not so much.

Sub Sailor (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:02 AM)

ImNotBlue (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:44 AM)

Justice Benjamin Cardozo was the first... if that matters.
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Blue;
I understand your sentiments; however the first is in reference, I think, that she not only represents the plurality of this country but the pulse of this country's needs. We have an African American Man (if you want to us the term man) to me he's a spineless invertebrate on the Supreme Court. How many times did Justice Thomas speak in 2007. The answer is NONE. 100 years experience and not be bullied in my estimation is far greater than sentiments; as Anna Molly says Justice Thomas is a sleeper.
The Supreme Court needs someone who not afraid to speak out.
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Hi Eric
Prosecute heartless Cheney; I can't wait. Did you read the link I sent you?

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:02 AM)

Well, it looks like the racists are out in full force. Wow, it's amazing the garbage they spew. Disgusting.

And why is it that the right wing always say that anyone who disagrees with them are anti-American, Communists, Socialist (gasp!), hate America, etc. (sorry I couldn't replicate their misspellings)?

Can someone explain that to me? Please?

Matthew, Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:06 AM)

Would Democrats dare vote against a black court nominee? Oh wait, they did! But, of course there was a REASON for that, right? Hey Chris...did they treat Clarence Thomas fairly? But, of course there was a reason for that, too. It's only "wrong" when Republicans speak out. And, instead of the media reminding the American people of that fiasco, they will not. They have their own agenda. There is a video of this justice indicating that judges should legislate from the bench. THAT IS NOT THEIR JOB! You bet I want our representatives to grill her. I could care less about her "personal story". I just want someone in this government to protect the Constitution. Is there anyone left in this government who swore to protect the Constitution and the American people actually willing to do it!!? I have never seen such a "it's all about ME and my personal story" than THIS government and the current majority of the American people. It's all about ME, ME, ME! Forget about the people who risked it all in the founding of this country and the amazing responsibility they gave us to protect this amazing place. Our "self-infatuaion" for our own peronal stories will be part of what destroys our county. Gosh, each of us are just so "amazing and special", aren't we?

TheAudacityofGovernment (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:12 AM)

I am sure after the crazy Commerce and Healthcare picks and what happened after, the W.H. was extremely careful with this pick. NOTE to right wing extremists. I just got off a voting site where so far, 71% of the country thought this was a good pick, and 9% were not sure yet. So if add those numbers up, you all right now, represent 20% of the country who never like anything this President does or doesn't do.

Barbara C - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:19 AM)

Are we honeslty trying to parse that people of Portugese descent are not truly hispanic. The most dominant country in South America, which has the largest population, cultural influence, and economic power on that continent is of "Portugese" descent. So we are saying now that Brazil is not a country of "hispanic" people. What are we talking about here. This is a country that is essentially a province of Spain with it's only main difference is language. Your race in this country only matters if you are a liberal. If you are Rice, Thomas, or Gonzalez for example you are not a minority. You are a sell out to liberals. You are hated by them. Just look at the comments.

Kevin, Dallas, Texas (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:19 AM)

To "Harry is an idiot" - How is Harry wrong? You voted in the least qualifed presidential candidate in the history of the United States. And, there are consequences to your choices. Get back to me while you are waiting in line forever to receive some standard medical procedure after National Heathcare goes through. Or, better yet, get back to me when the government DENIES your medical treatment or medication because healthcare will be rationed just as it is in Europe. Or, I'll think of you while we are driving around with our children in some ridiculous "death trap" of a car so that Obama can pay back all the GREEN donors/corporations/voters that lurk like shadowy figures behind him. Oh wait..how about when he "caps and trades" us with taxes that takes more money away from our families and puts that money in the hands of government and "green" corporations. Harry is right, we will reap what you sowed, elections have consequences!

TheAudactyofGovernment (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:27 AM)

Obama has choosen somebody that is near and dear to his heart with the same values he shares. That is, he wanted someone who has a hatred of white conservative males for starters.

Craig, Ft. Worth, TX (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:27 AM)

Matthew in Houston wanders: why is it that the right wing always say that anyone who disagrees with them are anti-American, Communists, Socialist (gasp!), hate America, etc. (sorry I couldn't replicate their misspellings)?

Matthew, Right wingers do not ALWAYS say that... only when left wingers open their mouths and prove it. Your final statement in parenthesis backs my statement up - it proves your prejudice. There are folks with spelling problems on BOTH sides, and I see many more on the Huffington Post than on American Thinker (for example)!

David J - Mount Dora, Florida (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:28 AM)

Texas Matt - what did you call the Democrats who came out against Clarence Thomas? Did you call them racists?

TheAudaityofGovernment (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:29 AM)

Yep another Obama FAILURE..MSNBC will be in full damage control
Nominee: "the court is where POLICY is made"
HOW stupid can you get?
We know the law (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:01 AM)

We don't know how stupid you can get -- keep posting and I'm sure we'll all find out. Thanks.

You know the law? (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:39 AM)

My god, what we have here is an anti American bitter Hispanic female who HATES WHITES. Well, what the heck, Obama HATES WHITES. Wake up White People and get used to minorities getting even with you especially you males.
Kyle Krist, Seattle Washington (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:50 AM)

Are you living in the same country as everyone else.
Well, at lease you are being honest about your racism, unlike Rush or Hanity.

bobby hinesville ga (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:41 AM)

Yes, racism and hate IS out today. Looks like the GOP will have a time reigning in the Palin crowd with this one. Just because she's Hispanic/female she tagged as being sexist and racist(reverse). Do any of these critics even know her FULL record, I doubt it. If she was a white woman would you hear any of this noise, the mind does wonder...

Cjake (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:52 AM)

It is obvious that the founding fathers wanted diversity on the Supreme Court. I would like to see nine judges of a varying ideology from ultra conservative to ultra liberal and I think Jefferson, Madison and company were on this track.

At present, the court is top heavy with conservatives. We need another William O. Douglas to begin to even things up and Sotomayor is no where near that liberal, yet she is a start in the right direction. Republicans would be wise not to inflame potential Hispanic and women voters in a fight over a judge who is replacing the most middle of four liberal moderates on the court today.

As to all the right wing rants in protest - get used to it, Obama will get at least three more picks over the next seven years. Then, in 2017, Republican President Bloomberg or Democratic President Clinton will appoint Barack Obama to the court at the age of 54, to serve another thirty years for his country. Take that Karl, dickless and limprod.

PS: Does anyone know that Rush is another word for coitus interuptus...

Tim Stocken, Highland Lakes, NJ (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:59 AM)

To all posters here that hate Obama, would you please begin your blog responses with "i could never vote for a black man"? That way, i don't have to read anymore of what you have to say.

garry, Metairie, La. (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:00 PM)

David J and TheAudacityofGovernment.

Thank you for proving my points, rather elegantly, I might add.

No, I did not call them racist, I looked at his qualifications and his past rulings and agreed with them that he was unqualified.

Just because you two are racist and intolerant of anyone not agreeing with you, don't burden me with your inadequacies.

Matthew, Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:40 PM)

It doesn't matter the color of the skin of the individual. It does not matter the gender. Here is the oath of a Supreme Court Justice:

"I, [NAME], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as [TITLE] UNDER THE CONSTITUTION and laws of the United States. So help me God."

It's that simple. Judges are not responsible for making law. The legislative branch, who is elected by the people, makes law. Justices apply law under the Constitution. If your MAIN objective is to make sure another woman is on the court, or a partcular minority is on the court, or a particular "party affilation" is on the court, then you do this to the detriment of the Constitution.

You either understand that or you don't. As my college finance professor once said after explaining a simple but critical financial formula, "If you don't understand this, the story is over for you, go home."

TheAudacityofGovernment (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:43 PM)

Cjake~ I don't get it...The "Palin" crowd is sexist? Huh? What are you talking about? That doesn't even make sense.

And, for the record...where are your examples of racism or sexism on the part of Palin? And, don't quote something from Colbert, Stewart, or Fey. What did Palin say HERSELF that was either sexist or racist?

By the way, it was Obama who referred to his own grandmother as a "typical white person". Give me a break. Guess that didn't bother you though.

TheAudacityofGovernment (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:54 PM)

To all you posters who think only white people can be racist. I give you Idi Amin. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idi_Amin

This woman is a racist. Period. Obama is a racist. Period. YOU are the ones who need to get used to it. YOU VOTED FOR A BUNCH OF RACISTS. To call people "racist" who call out their racism is a ridiculous and baseless argument. Lame, lame, lame.

I am a woman. I am not a Republican. But, I am NOT falling for this "Democrat=not racist. Republican=racist" LIE.

Effie, Jensen Beach, Florida (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 1:03 PM)

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