Souter's replacement will be a woman. period.

[cali]

Obama is a savvy politician. He knows that women are a big part of his base and that he needs them. If he appoints a man, when there are so many qualified women, and in light of the fact that there have only been 2 women ever appointed, one of whom is in her seventies and ill, the other who was replaced by a man, he'll seriously piss off a lot of women and women's groups.

He won't take that chance. It's completely unnecessary when there is such a large pool of qualified women.

[hlthe2b]

1. I agree...

the intense imbalance, both currently and historically, makes "gender-blind" decisions on the the nomination irresponsible. To have to say that saddens me, because it says how incredibly far we have to go--for WOMEN.

There is simply no justification for not picking one of the many highly qualified women....

[cali]

2. and I believe that Obama is keenly aware of this.

I'm confident he'll nominate a woman.

[Solomon]

3. Pre-poutrage.

Souter's replacement should be liberal/progressive first. A woman would be icing on the cake. Of course he could hit the trifecta if he appointed a liberal/progressive non-white female. But please, liberal/progressive first.

[wyldwolf]

4. ha ha. That's good.

[cali]

5. no. just analysis. no poutrage at all.

anyone with two or more functional brain cells can see why he'll nominate a woman. And I already explained it to you in very simple terms.

[Solomon]

40. And you're all ready for a temper tantrum if he doesn't.

[lazer47]

6. Is it any better for you to be sexist ? than it would be for a male

to state the same thing??

[cali]

7. This is called analysis. It has fuck all to do with sexism

and you sound just like folks on a certain site. As there are certainly qualified women and as there have only been two women on the court, and as the last three appointments have been men and the only woman currently on the court is in her seventies and ill, all else being equal, why wouldn't he appoint a woman?

[lazer47]

8. Then use the "analysis", and judge legal opinions, not gender

or race or ethnic background,,

[cali]

12. Sorry, part of the analysis is why he'll choose a woman.lik

like it or not there are political considerations that Obama will take into account.

[Phx_Dem]

49. I agree. Insisting on one sex over another is gender bias.

I'm sure he'll definitely lean toward a woman, and I hope he picks one but it's definitely not a deal-breaker. The most important thing is to pick the right person. Let's not forgot there will need to be very heavy vetting to make sure no tax or other problems exist. He can't just eliminate men from the running simply because of their gender. There might be a great Hispanic or Asian man that is above-and-beyond anyone else in terms of legal knowledge and vetting.

Here we go, throwing down the markers at DU before the White House even has a formal resignation from Souter.:puke:

[TheCowsCameHome]

9. The subject line wording is kind of amusing.

But yes, it will be a woman.

[razorman]

10. She will also be African-American.

[cali]

11. I don't think there's any guarantee of that

just as likely to be a hispanic woman or some other woman.

[AngryAmish]

30. And be physically handicapped

preferably blind or in a wheelchair - imagine how inspiring that would be!

[cali]

32. what a silly comment.

good for you for thinking that all white male institutions are a great thing. Why don't you take a look at the repuke party> They seem to match your philosphy.

[AngryAmish]

33. I'm not sure what you are saying - I want to inspire people to do better.

[oviedodem]

34. I DOUBT he will do that, I suspect Sotomayor but I want a PRO_LABOR; PRO-CHOICE

strong justice in that seat.

[Supersedeas]

35. and young and from the Fourth Circuit....Allyson Duncan, maybe.

Note that her confirmation was UNANIMIOUS.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allyson_Kay_Duncan

[dsc]

13. gee what a difference whose Ox is getting gored makes

When I wanted a qualified gay cabinet member I was asking for something which was evil, now not so much.

[cali]

14. this isn't about wanting. it's called analysis. duh.

If Obama nominates someone like Harold Koh, I actually won't have any problem with that, though I do think a qualified woman is better for the court. I certainly wouldn't dream of whining a la dsc. I wouldn't dream of having ridiculous fits about it.

I'm trying to point out the political exigencies which make it clear that Obama will nominate a woman.

[dsc]

16. oh please

if a woman gets the job under these circumstance you find it wonderful but god forbit that MORE QUALIFIED GAYS get cabinet positions.

[cali]

22. Oh can the baloney.

I'm all for more qualified gays and lesbians in the upper eschelons of government, but I recognize the particular political exigencies surrounding this appointment. And as you obviously know, Obama is a politician.

[Lilith Velkor]

52. I want a lesbian

Interpret that whichever way you like. :evilgrin:

[Old Michigander]

54. Yes, a lesbian would be fine

but why not find one who is also black, physically or mentally challenged, and a Marxist? Angela Davis comes to mind, but I don't think she's handicapped and I'm not sure about her sexual preferences.

[Upton]

15. Who cares?

As long as it's a liberal.

[cali]

18. rightly or wrongly, lots of powerful political groups will care

and Obama will get some withering criticism if he chooses a man.

[Upton]

26. Sounds like sexism to me

I mean, if he chooses a man, who are these 'powerful political groups' going to vote for next time...a Republican? I don't think so. Obama can put with some women's groups running their mouths, it went on during the campaign.

[cali]

27. "women's groups running their mouths"? YOU are the sexist

your contempt for women is clear as a bell. And sorry, the political backlash he'd get for not appointing a woman in this context is clear. Sorry you can't grasp politics 101, dearie.

[CTyankee]

37. Let me remind you that women are in the majority in the U.S. population.

If you can't understand how that can matter when it comes to the make up of the Supreme Court, I sure can't spell it out for you.

Maybe you'd like to explain what you meant about "women's groups running their mouths." I think all of us on DU would like to know more about your views regarding women's political activity in this country.

Tell us what you REALLY think, Upton.

[NorthCarolina]

17. I'd love to see him nominate Michelle Obama

as I think she has the temperament and value set necessary to make an outstanding SC Justice. Of course this idea is a non-starter because (a) the kids, and (b) the GOP who would have a hey day with nepotism talk. It's a shame though as she seems exceptionally qualified to me.

[cali]

19. there are many more qualified women than Michelle.

And it would be a ridiculous conflict of interest. Silly.

[olkaz]

48. I've seen some ridiculous ideas over the past couple years, but wow.

That is a particularly loony one.

[LostinVA]

51. Oh Gawd

[cherish44]

20. I agree that he'll be under pressure to nominate a woman or minority

I think it's b.s., but you're absolutely right. I'm more concerned about their philosphy and intellect than I am their gender or skin color. If the person is smart, liberal and fair, I'll be happy.

[cali]

25. there are plenty of smart, liberal and fair minded women to choose from

so why shouldn't he choose a woman. The composition of the court is important.

[cherish44]

29. The composition of philophies is important definitely

Gender and race, not so much (in my humble opinion).

[cali]

31. fine. but clearly it wouldn't be hard to find a woman

with the qualities you find important. Glad you're OK with all white male institutions. I'm not.

[SuperTrouper]

21. It will be Nydia Sotomayor from NYC and Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand

will sponsor her.

[cali]

23. uh, I think you mean Sonia Sotomayer

and she's certainly a possibility but by no means a certainty.

[SuperTrouper]

24. You're right, SONIA Sotomayor.

[jesus_of_suburbia]

28. I'm hoping for a young, liberal woman.

minority would be nice too.



I'll gladly take whatever we get so long as the person is liberal and young.

[NYC_SKP]

36. It could be Hillary. It would be the biggest smack-down ever.

I don't happen to think she's the best choice, but damn, if he picked her the exploding heads would change the tilt of the earth.

:P

[CTyankee]

38. Hillary is best as SoS. We need a woman justice who is young enough to be on the Court

a LONG time.

[NYC_SKP]

41. The tilt of the earth will shift.

From the sudden movement of brain matter from simultaneous explosions of Freeper heads.

But I didn't say I want her there.

There must be hundreds of younger, more qualified women.

Women with experience in constitutional, not corporate, law.

:patriot:

[CTyankee]

45. Their heads are already exploding over the possibility of Sonya Sotomayor.

I think it will be SHE who will drive them completely over the edge...and a lovely thing to behold it will be...

[Solomon]

39. This is what I thought he was going to do rather than make

her Secretary of State. Would have definitely exploded a lot of heads.

[RoadRage]

42. She's serving us better as SOS

There are better choices that are more knowledgeable in constitutional law, etc. Hillary is a great ambassador, and is doing a great job as SOS.. I say we leave her there.

Lets leave the SCOTUS nomination to a woman who has been sitting on a bench for the last few years.. not the campaign trail and a senate seat. ;)

[CTyankee]

44. Yep, and Obama gets to appoint another progressive to the federal court system to

replace the one he picks to go on the High Court...

[NYC_SKP]

46. I'm with you.

But if he does choose her their will be a most serious code brown in Freepertown.

:P

[RoadRage]

50. Give Obama some credit...

with the whole Specter ordeal this week... he's given them enough reason for heads to explode for a month.. ;)

I kinda like the small weekly doses he lobs their way all while continuing to ask for bi-partisianship. ;)

Plus, he's frankly going to nominate someone to the bench who's probably further to the left then Clinton would be anyway.. she still has some corporate tendencies.. and more then a few Republican friends (McCain). I think Obama will slide in someone no one knows much about.. who is pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, etc.

[TTUBatfan2008]

43. A woman makes more sense from a strategic standpoint...

Women have longer average lifespans. :)

[Phx_Dem]

47. I think he should lean toward a woman, but ultimately pick the best legal

mind. DU is going to be a nightmare over this.

[Mudoria]

53. I hope he picks the best candidate

I couldn't care less about their sex or color.

[Hekate]

55. We are two-plus generations into producing highly qualified female lawyers and judges. Believe me...

... there is a deep pool of qualified women, including women of color.

There are an amazing number of DUers who buy into the sexist and racist arguments of the RW -- that any candidate who is not a white male must be super-scrutinized to make sure they are not a dreaded political appointment. (Or God forbid, an affirmative action appointment -- another worthy concept demonically reframed by the RW.)

People, get this straight! Supreme Court appointments are political appointments! Of COURSE we want a super-qualified person. We just want one of OUR super-qualified people.

Never fear, President Obama will find her.

Hekate