If the SC Shortlist is accurate, I hope Obama picks Diane Wood

[liberalpragmatist]

The rumored shortlist for the Supreme Court seat left vacant by Steven's retirement comprises three names: Elena Kagan, Diane P. Wood, and Merrick Garland. (Some other names reportedly on the "long" list include Harvard Dean Martha Minow, former Georgia Supreme Court member Leah Ward Sears, and Jennifer Granholm.)

If the speculation on the top three is accurate, the seeming "frontrunner" is Kagan, who has already been confirmed as solicitor general and has a reputation as being fair to conservatives and relatively centrist. I'm not quite as down on her as a lot of liberals are - Glenn Greenwald, for example, argues that her positions on executive power are too lenient. While that gives me pause, I do think it's important to note that she is representing her client, the White House, and that it doesn't necessarily reflect the views she would espouse as a Supreme Court justice.

Still, my own hope is that Obama picks Diane Wood. Wood is, by all accounts, one of the premier Appeals Court judges in the country. She is an excellent writer, adept at building consensus, and has widespread acclaim from her conservative colleagues. She also appears to be the most liberal of the three short-listers. She would also add a little religious diversity and some academic diversity to the court, as a Protestant and as a graduate of U. Texas Law School.

The main concern about Wood seems to be her age - she would be 60 when seated. But I really don't see this as a major concern, because so long as she can serve for about 15-20 years she'll be able to retire when another Democrat is president.

[Captain Hilts]

1. As is the case with Hillary, I think we want someone younger. nt

[liberalpragmatist]

3. Like I said, so long as she can serve 15-20 years...

... I really don't see why it's a problem. We just want someone to be able to serve through a Democratic administration.

[asjr]

2. I think it would be great if it was Anita Hill!

[karynnj]

4. Isn't it ironic that being a Protestant adds diversity

Woods does sound really good - thanks for your insight.

[totodeinhere]

5. What makes you think that there will be a Dem president in 15 to 20 years?

Your crystal ball must be better than mine.

[maxsolomon]

6. yeah, everyone knows the president will be Green Party by then!

and the GOP won't even exist.

wishful thinking...

[Thrill]

7. Kagan and Garland

Are not inspiring choices. You would have to think Obama will want more of a legacy for himself than those two choices. Jesh

[Tutonic]

8. If he picks the rightwing go-to-girl Kagan he won't get my support

in 2012. Just sayin.

[Sebastian Doyle]

9. Yeah, about the only name mentioned that could be worse than Kagan

would be ASS Sunstein. And no, that wasn't a typo. That guy's such a fucking neocon shit for brains he makes Lieberman look Liberal by comparison. I can't believe I've seen his name mentioned on this board as worthy of consideration. :puke: