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[video, round-up] Sotomayor so not image of GOP’s generic opposition

Posted by JILL MILLER ZIMON in At TMV.
May 26th, 2009 | Comments

A list of what you might consult to learn more about President Obama’s nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor:

Let’s start with the RNC’s talking points, released by The Hill (hattip to this tweet from Brad Baumann)

Video of Sotomayor accepting nomination (major hattip to Cleveland Leader):

SCOTUSblog: For those who are not familiar with SCOTUSblog, it is the place to start your reading. There are several entries there worth reading. It does not appear that they have a tag for the judge so here are a few posts to read:

Sotomayor’s Record: The Ricci Effect

The Dynamic of the Nomination of Sonia Sotomayor

And if you want to get wonkier, here’s a search on “sotomayor” at the SCOTUSblog which brings up several posts that analyze her decisions.

From the White House

Follow the Twitter chatter

Change.org on significance for women

My thoughts?

As a woman, I’m glad the nominee is a woman.

As a freelance writer, I’m glad that higher courts overturned her decision on Tasini.

As a lawyer, I’m thrilled with her legal education and range of experience.

As a sociologist and social worker, I’m very pleased to know of her variety of life experiences that contribute to who she is today.

As an American, I’m excited to see the composition of the country’s highest judicial authority have a chance to come more into line with the demographics of this country.

Finally, as a political blogger, I find this kind of statement by Mike Huckabee to epitomize a weak, unoriginal and blind opposition from those who oppose all things Obama. And that is a shame for democracy because we can’t have a thoroughly incisive review of Judge Sotomayor without credible critics from across the aisle. Of course, that’s the least of their worries across the aisle but still, it’s just unfortunate.

If you find commentaries you like, please feel free to include links.

Adapted from Writes Like She Talks.

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asty

President Obama will nominate Judge Sonia Sotomayor
If confirmed by the Democratic-controlled Senate, Judge Sotomayor, 54, would replace Justice David H. Souter to become the second woman on the court and only the third female justice in the history of the Supreme Court. She also would be the first Hispanic justice to serve on the Supreme Court.
See details of her biography:Judge Sonia Sotomayor-news-online

jwest

Jill,

Is there anything in the RNC talking points you disagree with?

Jillmz

asty - what is that link? It won't open for me and something from a place called "malecafe" - can you say more about it? Thanks.

Jillmz

jwest -

It's in code, you know it's in code, I know it's in code. Let's not waste each other's time trying to be cute - which is exactly what the GOP is about to start doing, given that they know how many of them voter for her in the past, some twice.

I disagree with the generic ideological objections reflected in the talking points which is, of course, part of what make them talking points. That's what defines talking points. That's why bloggers often reject talking points - because they are generic and not original.

Substance - give us substance. We've known for days now that the GOP was preparing to object to and paint as "Radical" and "hard left" pretty much any nominee. I'm expressing exasperation with the continued failure to pick on things that really could be picked on.

I suspect she will be confirmed and she will be very good. I also know that I don't agree with everything. If there are to be hearings, then let the hearings be about more than posturing. But based on those talking points, it does not appear that the GOP is interested in anything more. That is very unfortunate.

jwest

At the risk of looking cuter than I already am, here are the cleverly “coded” talking points:

o President Obama's nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court is an important decision that will have an impact on the United States long after his administration.

o Republicans are committed to a fair confirmation process and will reserve judgment until more is known about Judge Sotomayor's legal views, judicial record and qualifications.

o Until we have a full view of the facts and comprehensive understanding of Judge Sotomayor's record, Republicans will avoid partisanship and knee-jerk judgments - which is in stark contrast to how the Democrats responded to the Judge Roberts and Alito nominations.

o To be clear, Republicans do not view this nomination without concern. Judge Sotomayor has received praise and high ratings from liberal special interest groups. Judge Sotomayor has also said that policy is made on the U.S. Court of Appeals.

o Republicans believe that the confirmation process is the most responsible way to learn more about her views on a number of important issues.

o The confirmation process will help Republicans, and all Americans, understand more about judge Sotomayor's thoughts on the importance of the Supreme Court's fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law.

o Republicans are the minority party, but our belief that judges should interpret rather than make law is shared by a majority of Americans.

o Republicans look forward to learning more about Judge Sotomayor's legal views and to determining whether her views reflect the values of mainstream America.

Could you possibly pick one or two and “decode” it for me?

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