Civil Rights issues, the courts and the candidates.

[blm]

Who do you see has the best record in this area?

When I say the courts I mean judicial matters like what type of judges they preferred in the past and what they feel about everyday judicial matters like defendants' rights.

Name as many as you like or if you want to put them in order of strongest to weakest.

[JohnKleeb]

1. this sounds interesting

All the candiates get pretty good grades from the civil rights groups but the courts I dont know.

[blm]

2. Well, I mean judicial issues.

I'll clarify my post.

[mbali]

3. John Edwards

has the best record on this. All of the other candidates are good, but Edwards has been on the front line, fighting Bush's judicial nominees as a member of the Judiciary Committee and working to get good judges who will protect civil rights. Among other things, his brilliant questioning helped to take down Charles Pickering and was instrumental in convincing Senate Democrats to successfully filibuster Estrada.

Edwards hands down.

[JohnKleeb]

5. Hes top of them on this, I agree

Personally I didnt see the debate but I hear he was great. I think I found my second choice now :), it was Kerry but now its Edwards.

[spooky3]

11. way to go John!

[blm]

12. Was anyone fighting on the frontline before Edwards, mbali?

There are other records that are long and good, and some great, aren't there?

I would say that Edwards is right up there, though.

[saltpoint]

4. One of the best posts --

-- in a long time, I thought.

The idea of George W. Bush appointing right-wingers to judicial posts combined with the idea of John Ashcroft/judicial matters/accusatory climate tensions is enough to vote against Bush in and of itself.

Our Democrats would surely do better. Except for wondering if Lieberman would appoint too-far-right judges and foster a too-far-right climate on judicial matters generally, I think Kerry, Edwards, Kucinich, CMB, Dean, Clark, Gephardt and Sharpton would all distinguish themselves (no particular order).

[blm]

6. Actually, Lieberman has a very good record on judiciary issues

and civil rights issues. He was actually at the forefront... actively.

I think it's the corporate law stuff that he is softer on.

[JI7]

7. Kerry, Edwards, Lieberman,

i think all 3 have done a good job in the area of which judges they supported and opposed. also, not sure about the others, but kerry has said he will oppose and never appoint a sc justice that opposes roe v wade.

[blm]

8. Not too many interested in this issue?

Doesn't it matter what type of judges are favored by a nominee?

What kind of track record they have on matters of corporate law?

What about civil liberties and defendants' rights?

[blm]

9. Well, I'll try one more kick and see who cares about civil liberties.

And see who cares what their candidate's history looks like in defense of civil liberties.

[oasis]

10. Kerry voted against the confirmation of both Ashcroft and Clarence Thomas.

I know Lieberman voted against Thomas.