First thoughts: To fight or retreat?

Posted: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:24 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** To fight or retreat? While Washington gears up for a Supreme Court fight, do remember this: Sonia Sotomayor wouldn't change the court's ideological make up. After all, swapping a reliably liberal vote in Souter for an apparently liberal vote in Sotomayor is a wash. Perhaps realizing that -- as well as looking at the polls and the selection’s historic nature -- Republican senators were very measured with their statements yesterday. Their response was essentially the same: Sotomayor deserves a fair hearing where they can scrutinize her record. In fact, Mitch McConnell's office this morning sent an email to reporters hitting President Obama on job creation, not Sotomayor. That may be the most telling response. But the reaction coming from the conservative base is MUCH different. The National Republican Trust PAC, for instance, called Sotomayor a “radical nominee,” adding: “Republican senators should strongly oppose her nomination. The NRT PAC and their constituents will hold them accountable if they do not.” Also, Rush said she was a “reverse racist,” and Mitt Romney called her nomination “troubling.” This divide between the base and the senatorial establishment presents a potential quandary for Republicans: The GOP base wants a fight, while their elected officials want to hold off -- for now.

Video: TODAY’s Natalie Morales talks to NBC’s Chuck Todd about how Republicans and Democrats are responding to President Obama’s Supreme Court pick, Sonia Sotomayor.

*** A 2012 litmus test? Also remember that John Roberts and Samuel Alito became Democratic presidential primary litmus tests -- explaining why anyone with White House ambitions (Obama, Hillary Clinton) voted against them. The Sotomayor vote for Republicans thinking about 2012 might play out similarly. If you are wondering who is pondering a presidential run in 2012 among GOP senators, our guess is that the "no" vote roll call will be a good starting place.

*** Roll out the barrel, we’ll have a barrel of fun: For Supreme Court nominations, Rollout Day is always important. And -- to borrow a metaphor from Sotomayor’s favorite sport -- yesterday was a homerun for the Obama White House. In fact, it was as good as the Roberts rollout. A misty-eyed mom? Check. Multiple references to Sotomayor’s humble background? Check. Adding that she saved Major League Baseball? Check. The only thing that seemed to be missing was the apple pie. Also, the Democratic responses yesterday were measured, as were the GOP ones (it probably helped that Obama waited until Congress was on recess to unveil his pick). In short, with 60 Senate Democratic votes in reach, Sotomayor’s odds of being confirmed are extraordinarily high. Then again, as we learned with Tom Daschle’s HHS nomination, nothing is ever a sure thing in American politics.

Video: President Obama announces federal appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor as his pick to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice David Souter.

*** Avoiding the culture wars: Here’s another thing that caught our eye about Sotomayor, courtesy of the New York Times: “Judge Sotomayor ... has issued no major decisions concerning abortion, the death penalty, gay rights or national security.” So even with his SCOTUS pick, Obama has found a way to downplay or avoid direct debates on hot-button cultural issues – although race and affirmative action will certainly be topics surrounding the Sotomayor selection. Still, it’s striking that Sotomayor has avoided dealing with any cases on abortion or guns or gay marriage. And as we have pointed out before, the president has gone out of his way to avoid gun issues (see credit card bill), gay issues (see Prop. 8 in California) abortion (his flip-flop on that abortion legislation), and immigration (he simply wants to enforce the laws on the books first). Somewhere, Heath Shuler is thanking Rahm…

*** Let the TV ads begin! One day after Sotomayor’s nomination, the liberal-leaning Coalition for Constitutional Values (made up of the Alliance for Justice, People for the American Way, and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights) announced that it will begin airing a six-figure TV ad on national network and cable news praising the Sotomayor pick. The spot highlights her qualifications and her personal story. Dems seem to be borrowing a page from the GOP playbook. Remember how quickly Republican legal groups had ads up praising Roberts and Alito?

Video: Karl Rove Tuesday questioned the intellect of Sonia Sotomayor.

*** What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas? At 2:00 pm ET today, in Las Vegas, Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid tour a solar photovoltaic array (translation: a solar farm) at Nellis Air Force. And then 40 minutes later, the president will deliver comments marking the 100th day since his stimulus package became law. By the way, the likely reason the White House changed today’s event from a town hall to just straight remarks is so Obama could avoid questions about his comment about Vegas in February, when he said that U.S. companies receiving bailout money shouldn’t be taking trips to Las Vegas on taxpayers’ dimes. Locals are still mad about that Vegas remark (though we believe that 99% of America agrees with it), and we bet he tries to fix that today.

*** Obama and Prop. 8: Later this evening, Obama travels to Los Angeles, where he attends another fundraiser -- this time for the DNC. Just askin’, but with Obama in California, is he going to comment on yesterday’s Prop. 8 ruling?

Video: NBC's Pete Williams reports on the Calif. Supreme Court upholding Proposition 8.

*** Another em-Burris-ing revelation: Remember Roland Burris? Well, last night, his office announced that he is embarking today on a two-day swing through downstate Illinois. But he’s got much bigger things to worry about. As the papers are reporting, he's ON TAPE saying that he'd be willing to throw a fundraiser for Rod Blagojevich, and discusses trying to do it at his law firm under someone else's name so that he's not implicated if the news ever gets out.

*** Elsewhere today: Vice President Biden delivers the commencement address at the U.S. Air Force Academy at 10:00 am ET… Secretary of State Clinton lunches with Egypt's foreign minister and intelligence chief… And National Security Adviser Jim Jones speaks at 5:30 pm ET before the Atlantic Council; it's his first speech on the administration's approach to national security.

Countdown to NJ GOP primary: 6 days
Countdown to VA Dem primary: 13 days
Countdown to Election Day 2009: 160 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 524 days

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Comments

Yesterday on First Read I noted several hostile comments from I assume our conservative friends. The called her a racist. They did not like her legal decisions. They did not like her proactive style on the bench. None of the people making negative comments have ever met the judge, spoken to her abut any issue, or questioned her logic in making judicial decisions. Most have read or watched “second-hand something” about her. This leaves me to believe that those making hostile comments are simply projecting their own biased views.

A foundation of our legal system is that we have the option of being tried by a jury of our peers. As an older white guy, the Supreme Court would fit my definition of “peers”: As well as the vast majority of conservatives in the Republican Party. And this is the crux of the issue for Republicans.

America has become culturally diverse and it is like a big surprise to the conservatives. For years this nation has been a white male driven country, but in the mid-1960’s the women’s movement and the civil rights movement began to push for a greater voice in shaping our country. Fifty years later we are seeing the fruits of those movements. All the while, conservatives have been content and asleep. They now wake up and see the time has come for cultural diversity to be represented on the Supreme Court. The time has come for the Supreme Court to mirror the cultural diversity of America.

Maybe instead of two women on the Supreme Court, there should be 4 or 5. Maybe there should be diversity that goes beyond the white, AA, and Hispanic groups. This notion may be threatening to conservatives, but the point is that the Constitution can be a living, breathing document and NOT EVERYONE VIEWS THE CONSTITUTION LIKE YOU DO. It could be that our President will make two, three, or more picks during his two terms. Don’t be surprised if they are all women and none of them are older white guys.

BTW, the “best qualified” is in the eye of the beholder. Remember, Bush 43 thought Harriet Meyers was qualified.

My view is there are several Appellate Court judges who are equally qualified and Obama has made a pick from that pool. Is politics involved in that decision? You bet it is. Sotomayor will be approved with 68 Senators voting for her appointment.

You get a break tomorrow as I do have a life beyond First Read. I’ll be back Friday.

Ron Indiana (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:33 AM)

Laura Lynn, Chicago (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:34 AM)

The RePUKES can fight if they want but if they do they shrink their base even more. They have already started with their nonsense like she is not smart enough???
ARE YOU KIDDING ME????
Top of her class and Yale Law review editor..
She is a racist??? HUH???

I say GO FOR IT GOP. I for one want the GOP to go away. Women, Latinos and Latinas and the Dems are ready for this.
Make a fool out yourself GOP
I cant wait

Nj (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:34 AM)

It’s a splendid Wednesday morning… so ‘let the games’ begin! My sides are still hurting from listening the right wing whack jobs marching out in lock step with the parroting points of their Lord Limballs as to why Sotomeyer shouldn’t be confirmed! The ignoramus on The Ed Schultz Show last night – I think his name is Scott Wheeler was the absolute finest at their pathetic attempt to disrupt the confirmation hearings… What a numbskull… Nice job there Ed in tying the moron in a nice tight knot!

The best part is that President Obama has a game plan – and the opposition doesn’t even have any players! They’re so busy with the Game of No that they’ve taken their eye off the ball and aren’t even aware they haven’t made the playoffs! Losers!
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And from yesterday… I’m running behind…

Feisty Redhead, you are a hoot, and SPOT ON! Couldn't possibly agree more with your post. The proudly ignorant, teabagging GOOPers on here are dumber than a bag of ball-peen hammers. Keep up the great work!
Gandolph Fitch (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 4:45 PM)
Thanks for the shout out!

Although I have to respectfully disagree – you’re giving ball-peen hammers a bad name… after all they do come in handy when needed… which is something we can’t say of the GEENOPEE! Dumber than dirt seems more appropriate dontcha think? You know the old saying of how you just can’t fix stoooopid! (Spelling intended!)

Just a thought…

Keep on posting – we love & welcome lefties around here!
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Bad Chihuahua Now go get your flea dip...hadn't noticed any world colliding lately...have you? I'll still keep my news paper handy to spank your butt with. LOL!

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama
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My advice to you and everyone else is to JUST snub the ignorant ill-mannered little critter! He seems to be running around in circles & pi$$ing all over the place more than usual upon his unsolicited return here to FR. Instead of spanking his widdle butt (which he no doubt would enjoy as long as you used the muzzle too… after all the GEENOPEE’s appetite for some kink has been well documented!) Just skip over his BS… because we all know what happens when you don’t ‘feed’ the animals…

They either go somewhere else to scavenge i.e.: Faux & Freaks… or they’ll eventually starve to death!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:35 AM)

Now we see what a political lighwight Obama is. Appointing someone like Sotomayor to the SC is really the last straw for Obama. Sotomayor makes Bush appointment Harriet Miers look like a pure genius in comparison. Obama makies appointments on what people are (woman, black, hispanic, etc.) not on what ever they accomplished. Sotomayor has accomplished little in her career. Most of her controversal argruments have been overruled by higher courts. She also appears to be a bigot with her statement about "wise Hispanic woman making better decisions then a white male".

Poor choice. Very poor choice.

Anne Kinstson, FLD (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:39 AM)

Scotus leads the news-but, I'm wonering-

have any of you heard anything at all about North Korea? The happen to have had three nuclear tests, threatened South Korea with all-out war, withdrawn from the truce that has been in place for over fifty years-

anybody?

It seems to me that, had this been the Bush administration, given the time available, you would have been excoriating them for distracting from an international crisis by making this announcement at this time. You would have accused them of taking their eyes off the ball by not delaying the announcement-and I would have been with you. She will not be named to the court, (or not, depending how the confirmation hearings go) until OCTOBER-and if Obama doesn't get his act together, we may have much more important things to worry about before then-like the place on the continent where Hawaii or California USED to be-before the North Koreans nuked them off the planet.

Wake up, people. The problem doesn't go away because you ignore it.

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:40 AM)

Sotomayor voted with conseratives most of the time, that is her record, what is Obama thinking? We need to balance the Supreme court; Not hand it over to the conservative nutcases. Did't they do enough damage already.

gepa (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:41 AM)

The republicans have chosen to let there cheerleaders do there talking for them on this issue of Sotomayor's approval.Today the Gusher will be a spewing about how racist she is,how she thinks she is a better judge then a white male judge,after they took her comments out of context,but who would expect less.I/m sure Cheney the co- leader of there party will chime in with his mega neo-con spew,along with the usual defense of the torture partys excuses why they did it.So the Boners,Cantors,A one and a two Mitch,will be keeping there distance as to not appear in agreement with the cheer squad.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:42 AM)

I want to know who's gonna be Feisty's mount in the Belmont?

Bad Chihuahua (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:43 AM)

No word on North Korea throwing their weight around? Well, we still wait for Obama to respond to the NKorean missile launch BACK IN APRIL, the North Koreans now explode yet another nuclear weapon AND fire off a few more missiles. Maybe North Korea didn't get the message that Mr. Wonderful is nor President of the United States and that they should no longer behave the way they have been beahving?

Of course Obama will feign outrage, condemn this, and condemn that, and UN this and UN that. But the North Koreans just keep pushing aroung the young new president like he was a rag doll.

Lester Archchambeau, Randolph, MS (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:44 AM)

Geez, now we are picking on diabetic's. That is just plain ole stupid. I come from a family with quite a few of them. And how do you know how many cigs she smokes a day, if any. Let me guess, cuz the media says so?!? It must be true. This woman has more experience in Judiciary court then all of the now people on the supreme court. I'm convinced no matter who our CIC picked, the right would hate and abuse.

cindy, las vegas, nv (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:44 AM)

"Still, it’s striking that Sotomayor has avoided dealing with any cases on abortion or guns or gay marriage. And as we have pointed out before, the president has gone out of his way to avoid gun issues (see credit card bill), gay issues (see Prop. 8 in California) abortion (his flip-flop on that abortion legislation), and immigration (he simply wants to enforce the laws on the books first). "
- First Read
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This sentence strikes me as too politically cynical.

How could Judge Sotomayor "avoid" these issues? Don't judges hear the cases that come before them? Do they get to pick and choose the topic?

Also, President Obama is still in the first half of the first year of his Presidency.

The fact that he has not addressed all of the issues you listed is not a sign of avoidance, but rather a sign that other things have taken priority: namely the economy and foreign policy.

Doesn't mean these issues will not be addressed however.

P.S. I don't have a problem with people opposing Judge Sotomayor, but all the folks questioning her intelligence and implying that she is an affirmative action pick?

That's pretty ridiculous. She has the qualifications, and then some, so those repeating these talking points are only demonstrating that THEY are not the sharpest tools in the shed.

Kind of sad really. (Pat Buchanan, I'm looking at you.)

P.S.S. Can somone get Maria Bartoromo a cup of decaf? The more she talks, the more unhinged she sounds.

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:45 AM)

Harriet Miers now has someone she can feel superior to. Sototmayor is as much of a lightweight as has ever been appointed to the SC.

T Holmes, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:46 AM)

Burris wasn't forthcoming on his Senate nomination? I'm shocked! He was so well qualified and there was absolutely nothing to suggest that Blago would select someone that had to "pay to play."

I'm not sure what should be done about Burris. I see no way he gets re-elected, or even does well in a primary.

I've been letting my state representatives know that they need to fix the problems in Illinois and support political reform in Illinois. I suggest everyone else on here from Illinois do the same. Our elected representatives seem to think they can continue to do "Illinois politics as usual" and I don't think we should stand for it. Both republicans and Democrats have a long history of corruption in Illinois and its time to change the way things are done.

Anyone that doesn't support reform will not get my vote! It's that simple and that important.

Chris - IL (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:46 AM)

Siegfried, Central Illinois (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:46 AM)

To fight or retreat?

The remarks of Rush Limbaugh and right wing republican Senators surrounding the Supreme Court Nominee Sonia Sotomayor, were laced with unfounded statements and half truths. For instance these two statements that are in the media; “Leading conservatives outside the Senate, however, did not hold back, targeting a pair of speeches in which Sotomayor said appellate courts are where "policy is made" and another in which she said a Latina would often "reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life."

The first statement was incomplete and should be reprinted by the media to reflect the entire meaning of what was said in both statements. Statements taken out of context without the benefit of complete statements are misleading to the public. The second statement is totally without merit, because the subject matter is totally missing.

If Sonja Sotomayor ‘s appointment is blocked by the republicans, or they continue to assault her character, calling her racist and sub their noses at her accomplishments--they are only driving the final nail into their coffins and furthermore, next election they can forget about the Hispanic voters. Face facts guys, Latina’s are no longer stereotyped as being your “housekeepers and nannies” to your brats”, they are hard working, educated professional citizens of this country. So suck it up and do your jobs, or better yet, don’t bother to do your jobs and we won’t have to worry about the party of “NO”, because you won’t exist.
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Feisty; you're right, he is an ill-manered critter and a spanking for him would no doubt give him a cheap trill, I'll ingnore the yelp...for now! LOL

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:47 AM)

Nj (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:49 AM)

Anne- comparing Harriet Meyers to Sotomayor is quite the joke. If you will notice Meyers isn't a member of the Supreme Court. You need to get over your anger on that one. Meyers doesn't have half the experience Sotomayor does, but that doesn't matter does it. You lost, get over it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Snark, Snark

cindy, las vegas, nv (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:49 AM)

"This divide between the base and the senatorial establishment presents a potential quandary for Republicans: The GOP base wants a fight, while their elected officials want to hold off -- for now."
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It's time to see what the GOP "leadership" is really made of. Are they going to convince the base mouthpieces to stand down on the Sotomayor nomination? I don't think the GOP has any dry powder left, but apparently McConnell and Co. think they can salvage something by being reasonable. Let's see who emerges as the point-man for the GOP in the next few days: McConnell, Cornyn, or Newt "Party like it's 1994" Gingrich? The irony being that Newt does not currently hold elected office- yet that won't stop him from getting out in front of the cameras as much as possible.

Of course, my favorite scenario would involve Senators Snowe and Collins offering positive comments re: Judge Sotomayor, and watching El Rushbo go off on a misogynistic rant- as he then wonders why his numbers among females aren't better. That would be fun to watch.

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:50 AM)

Healthcare and jobs sure has fallen along the way side...watch the drug companies start needing bailouts...then the HMO's...now that we solved the question of driving our selves to the doctor..we need repair the roads and bridges too

BJ, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:51 AM)

Dear no joe:

Do you think it is possible that the President is working behind the scenes on the North Korea issue and that there is not really a need to make daily announcements on the topic?

Do you think the U.S. Military can sustain three wars right now? Do you think our economy can?

What do you suggest we do about North Korea?

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:52 AM)

Show me the money ! Just show me the money ! Consumer confidence soars, you bet ya !

Warren (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:52 AM)

Why do so many of you folks on the left resort to such childish name calling? i.e. repukes, reslugs, repugnant. You claim to despise Rush for his hateful speech, yet you turn around and use it yourselves. But, I guess it's OK when you do it b/c it's directed at people you don't agree with. All it really does is show how weak your argument really is. I must admit though, i do find it rather amusing, kind of like Kieth O's show. I sometimes tune in just to get a laugh. How sad when you have to base your show on attacking other people. No wonder FOX dominates them in the ratings.

B, La. (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:52 AM)

I want to know who's gonna be Feisty's mount in the Belmont?
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Silly question... Calvin Burrell of course... I always ride with the winners...:0) And with this little filly's legs I certainly can go the distance!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:53 AM)

Sorry Ron in IN, but there was nothing "second-hand" forming my views when I watched the video and researched direct quotes out of her mouth. Sotomayor is no doubt a racist.

KLM in MI (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:53 AM)

Another em-Burris-ing revelation:

I really do fault the Attorney General in Illinois for not allowing this tape to be released before this clown was seated. All of the drama and BS could have been avoided. What difference did this one tape have to do with Blavo's indictment? this is just plain Inexcusable.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:54 AM)

Is North Korea walking all over Obama or what? No respect for the current prez.

Bad Chihuahua (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:54 AM)

Anne-
Read more than right-wing blogs. Sotomayor has over 300 rulings, of which only 3 have been overturned. She's also got 11 years on the appelate bench and another 7 on the federal bench--compared with how much for Miers? Oh right--none.
Siegfried, Central Illinois

Learn to read. "Controversal" rulings. And so much for that "diversity" Obama talked about. Diversity to a liberal means the color of ones skin and their gender. Sotomayor is a lifetime judge, and a poor one at that. She's been very limited in her career path.

Anne Kinstson, FLD (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:54 AM)

Anyone calling Sotomayor a light weight having accomplished very little, has no credibility in anything they've said in the past, or will say going forward on this subject. Her resume is far fuller than Alito, Scalia, and Thomas. As for the quality of her decisions and opinions, unless you are a lawyer and unless you've read them, you have no basis to commenton them...and that includes idiot gas bags such as the non-college educated GED Lush Limpbough. I just don't understand why the media is giving this wack job an outlet to spew his lies and nonsense.

My only concern with Sotomayor is that as a proud latina and a catholic, where does she stand on gay marriage? That's my biggest fear with her...because latino-americans are historically anti-gay-rights.

pat huntington ny (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:55 AM)

One more thing...about North Korea.

North Korea has the world by the you know what. It is a schizophrenic country and quite frankly, short of nuking the entire penninsula off the map, there's nothing we can do about it.

pat huntington ny (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:57 AM)

I caught about 3 minutes of Olbermann the other night.

Now THERE'S a dude who needs a muzzle.

I say Feisty loses by three lengths.

Bad Chihuahua (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:57 AM)

Nice to see Obama selected someone like Sotomayor that has the same radical leftwing abortion beliefs he does. I guess this is Obama making an effort to find "commonground" with people that disagree with him.

Karen J., Ohio (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:57 AM)

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:57 AM)

Wake up, people. The problem doesn't go away because you ignore it.

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:40 AM)
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It's just too bad that W didn't do something about North Korea when they did their nuke test in 2006! Or perhaps, he realized, like the rest of the intelligent world, that there really isn't much that can be done. They are already the most isolated country in the world. Their behavior is finally starting to eliminate the support of China. Other than more isolation, there isn't much that can be done - immediately.

We could attack them. But then they would pour their third largest army in the world into South Korea and tens or hundreds of thousands would die - and we would again be the big bully in the neighborhood and North Korea would re-gain China's support. That would be a no-win situation.

But by letting them continue to bluster and show unprovoked aggressiveness, we are gaining more international support and building to a point where we might even be able to get China and Russia to agree that something needs to be done. Then we could have a true international response - rather than a bullying pre-emptive strike condemned by most of the rest of the world that would build support for North Korea and erode support for us.

Chris - IL (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:58 AM)

The graduates at the Air Force Academy will get a treat as they get to listen to Joe Biden give them a rousing commencement speech. I am so glad that Obama and Biden now control our military rather than those deadbeat warmongers who couldn't even get rid of a third world third rate terrorist group in over 7 years.

Just because Sotomayor hasn't rendered decisions on abortion, gay rights or any of the other worthless culture war causes doesn't mean the repugnant ones won't try to make them up. The UnCulture Wars are just a figment of Billo the Clown's imagination. I doubt that Sotomayor dodged making decisions on those issues, she probably just didn't get any running through her court.

A Black Day in California yesterday as the CA SC made a split decision to uphold Prop Hate while allowing those gay couples already married to keep their status. Just shows that we need more Democratic governors who will pick smart Liberal Justices to our Supreme Court.

In Obama We Trust!
Go Lakers!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:59 AM)

Anne K States that Sotomayor has not accomplished anything to deserve SCOTUS......YOU'RE AN IDIOT! She graduates top of her class in Ivy league schools and you have the audacity to say that. Keep drinking the right wing kool-aid. FYI-Florida is not appreviated that way.DUH!

Juan,FT Lauderdale,Fl (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:59 AM)

Poor choice. Very poor choice.
Anne Kinstson, FLD

Pray tell, what makes you such an expert other than fear. Your statement has no merit.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:00 AM)

and if Obama doesn't get his act together, we may have much more important things to worry about before then-like the place on the continent where Hawaii or California USED to be-before the North Koreans nuked them off the planet.

Wake up, people. The problem doesn't go away because you ignore it.
no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:40 AM)
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Again you ask questions that ou have no answer to, not even a suggestion as to what can should be done.
By your comment we should attack. All we need is a third war when we can't support the 2 we are in.
I'm sure you remember the reports from April that stated North Korea has 400,000 troops on the South border. Just what do you want done?
no joe, no bo, nj. NO is the key. No answer, NO suggestion, NO clue!!

Sub Sailor (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:00 AM)

Is North Korea walking all over Obama or what? No respect for the current prez.
Bad Chihuahua

Starting to look just like when the muslim extremeists walked all over Clinton throughout the 90's. Obama doesn't have a clue on what to do. None. So he choices to ignore it, just like Clinton did in the '90s' We saw the end result of that inaction. It will be worse this time around now that we're having to deal not with hijacked planes, but with nukes.

Hans Lawton, NYC (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:01 AM)

Ron, as always an excellent post. I read several of the opinions that she authored or co-authored and my opinion is that she appears to be a very pragmatic judge. I think she is probably MORE moderate than what I personally had in mind. Those on the right were already primed for a fight and they won't let facts get int he way of their perfectly insane rants. The reverse discrimination crazies really should read that opinion. The facts seem to be that New Haven had a test that minorities were able to pass and the test was changed. Apparently several of the testors hired tutors and took time off and then passed the new test AND no minorities passed the new test. The opinion that was handed down was to AVOID minority litigation. Or at least that was how I read it. At any rate, I think she will be confirmed by a fairly wide margin. Her confirmation hearings will be predictable. This is just not a hill the G"NO"P should want to die on given that it isn't changing the existing make up of the court.
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Alan, NJ (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 3:43 PM) I used the smallest words and sentences possible; but I guess you need it S-P-E-L-L-E-D O-U-T? Yes, when “W” was president he selected two white males, giving ZERO concern or thought for diversity or the inclusiveness of a diverse America. It is refreshing that our current President is able to find talented people who are also diverse. I have now studied this pick; and I am okay endorsing her, although I would have preferred someone significantly more liberal. I am 100% okay with his effort to find someone qualified AND diverse. I spent the weekend in middle Missouri with a historically Republican family. They all voted for President Obama because he was the best candidate for the job. I think it is easy to say, with her credentials, she is a top candidate on merit who happens to bring diversity. Elections have consequences, your side really needs to learn to deal with that.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:03 AM)

Certainly the Republicans should bring up Sodmayor's health issues. Obama certainly was reckless in appointing a heavy smoker and a diabetic to the SC. It's only fair that the health issue be brought up, the Democrats did it all the time with McCain.
Laura Lynn, Chicago

When did "Democrats" bring up McCain's health issues, let alone "all the time". McCain's multiple bouts with skin cancer wasn't an issue in the campaign. I did hear pundits remark on his age, especially when he would forget names of countries, et cetera.

If Judge Sotomayor has a shortened life expectancy because she's a smoker, and other health concerns conservatives should rejoice, that would make it unlikely for her to be on the bench for 30-40 years. Why would her health (other than mental health) be an issue? She's already a federal circuit judge, so the government is already picking up her healthcare tab.

Also First read and others make much of her lack of abortion decisions. Before the pundits continue to determine she intentionally avoided such issues, why don't you actually do some investigative reporting. 1. Find out the number of socially contriversial cases (abortion, gun control) that went before the 2nd circuit while she's been on the circuit court.

2.Then assuming there are a number of such cases (which there actually might not be, as certain areas of decided law don't come up again in every circuit)see if the case was before her panel, or if she did anything to avoid deciding the case. If there is no evidence of avoiding these types of cases, or there were very few abortion cases before the 2nd circuit, then back off the claim that she avoided such cases to try and get on the Supreme Court!

Mike, Chicago (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:04 AM)

States Rights (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:04 AM)

Geez, now we are picking on diabetic's.
cindy, las vegas, nv (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:44 AM)
Cindy,
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Keep in mind these are the same morons that feigned outrage at Wanda Sykes joke about Limpballs kidneys failing!

As long as it suits THEIR agenda then it’s fine… They’ve taken double talk to a WHOLE new level!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:57 AM
===============================================
But it's perfectly ok for Obama to make fun of special needs people???

Spare Me (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:04 AM)

Lester & NJNB think that President Obama can singlehandily correct the Temper tantrums being thrown by Kimjong Ill. As Mika's dad said this morning, Let Newt lead the way, & I'll add, maybe you 2 can be his (newt's) Wingmen. I'm sure our President has been talking with China (who holds the key here, not America)about the best response to Ills latest tempertantrum, (Hey look at Me, i'm still here).But you 2 continue on as ill is doing, throwning Your own version of the ill temer tantrum.

It is quite Comical !

Laughadays all day long, courtesy of the GOP !

Whata Hoot !

Rick,Ky (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:05 AM)

Again you ask questions that ou have no answer to, not even a suggestion as to what can should be done.
By your comment we should attack. All we need is a third war when we can't support the 2 we are in.
I'm sure you remember the reports from April that stated North Korea has 400,000 troops on the South border. Just what do you want done?
no joe, no bo, nj. NO is the key. No answer, NO suggestion, NO clue!!

Sub Sailor

You're right SS. This problem is way too tough for Obama to solve. Obama should first apologize to North Korea, and then surrender.

JJT- MI (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:06 AM)

Nashville fan-I am not the commander in chief-I did not run for the office, was not elected, and have no desire to earn the job, because i know that I am not qualified to tackle all of the problems that face our nation.

Which makes me a more thoughtful person than the man who currently holds the job.

he is being paid to face the issues facing our nation, and he is busy distracting us with announcements that SHOULD have been delayed, and going to fundraisers.

Can you honestly tell me you would have given Bush a free pass had he conducted himself this way under these circumstances? You may say you would have, but it would not be true.

Obama seems to believe that if he ignores the problem, it will go away. It won't-but perhaps pieces of our planet will, if he does not engage in this.

As clever as the DNC talking point may seem, right now, Obama appears to have as many solutions to the North Korean problem as I have-and that, my friend, is a disaster waiting to happen.

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:07 AM)

Chris-IL it's bascially a waste of time when it comes to no jo no bo in nj when it comes to rational thought process ie., North Korea. He and the other right wing apologists are like the three monkies when it comes to foreign policy and has been for decades.

Juan, Ft Lauderdale,FL (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:07 AM)

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:07 AM)

If any of the repugnant ones with presidential ambitions in 2012 think that voting against Sotomayor will help then they're dumber than I think they are. Honking off women and Hispanics will be the recipe for their defeat in 2010 and 2012.

"have any of you heard anything at all about North Korea? The happen to have had three nuclear tests, threatened South Korea with all-out war, withdrawn from the truce that has been in place for over fifty years-
Wake up, people. The problem doesn't go away because you ignore it."
no joe, no bo, nj

Hey no joe, no bo, no job - We Liberals don't live in a vacuum like you repugnant ones do so yes we've heard of the North Korean nonsense. Too bad you seem to have conveniently forgotten that Warmonger Bush ignored Little Kim of NK for too many years and allowed him to build a nuclear arsenal on his watch. Wake up Boy and smell the reality that you clowns allowed Little Kim to go ballistic.

In Obama We Trust!
Go Lakers!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:07 AM)

I'm just glad the conservative PAC's, blogs, and forums have quit sending their foot soldiers to post racist and uninformed comments on first read. No wonder their base has shrunk, the dialouge btw movement conservatives these days area absolutely acidic and resentfull. When was the last time you heard anything remotely encouraging or positive from their talk radio venues, fox news, or Drudge/Malkin. Even Dems weren't that angry during the heyday of the Bush years. About that 2012 litmus test for conservatives, it will be so, although unfounded. There is just enough residual bigotry(strong word, but we all saw the comments yesterday) and conservative dogma for them to dismiss Sotomayor as nothing more than a token appointment. This is the same conservative grassroots that overreached on illegal immigration. They did it to the black voter in the 80's, I guess it's inevitable that they completely alienate Hispanics too.

Cjake (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:07 AM)

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