Category Archives: the hill

Alright, I know.  It’s “old news” (old being about two days), but I still wanted to weigh in.

In case you haven’t heard, my boy Barack named Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee to replace David Souter on the Supreme Court.  First things first, how do you say her name?  Mallory tackled that one!  Click here.  And now, my thoughts.

I’ve had a few days to digest this now, and I must admit, I’m a little let down.  I see the pragmatism, but I don’t see the promise of change.  I was really hoping for a strong logical and liberal voice on the court, and it seems that we are getting a left-leaner.  So the court remains 5-4, but barely leaning left.

Her record on choice is thin, and while I’m sure she will uphold Roe v. Wade, I’d like to see someone on the court who has demonstrated more conviction in her career.  Sure, she saved baseball, but what about our reproductive rights?  Hopefully she bats lefty. (GET IT?! HA!)

GOP hip hop gangsta Michael Steele had this to say about her (from CNN’s Political Ticker):

Indeed, Steele was mild in his initial jabs, calling Sotomayor an “interesting pick” with “overwhelming political overtones to it.”

Funny, Michael Steele.  That’s what most people would say about you!  SNAP!  But quite bluntly, B played it safe with this one.  The GOP is searching for something to hold on to that justifies them not voting for confirmation, and the fact that nobody really knows anything about her is making their task more difficult.

From what I’ve read, Sonia Sotomayor is one heck of smart lady.  She has an inspirational story of success (the projects in the Bronx to a SCOTUS nomination) and has an excellent reputation as a judge.  She was first appointed to Federal District Court in New York by George H.W. Bush and the Court of Appeals by Bill Clinton, so she’s had bipartisan support in the past.  Not too shabby.  And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention she’d be the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice!  And just the third woman to ever sit on the bench.

I have no doubt in my mind that she will be a great judge, I was just hoping for a little more, I suppose.  I wanted him to make a statement.  Perhaps that’s for next time.  I trust you, B!

[Posted by Kathleen]