Posted on 11/15/2007 3:48:24 PM PST by SmithL
In a blistering rebuke, President Bush said Thursday that the Senate's procedure for approving federal judges has become too political and discourages qualified nominees from being considered.
"The Senate is no longer asking the right question, whether a nominee is someone who will uphold our Constitution and laws," Bush said in excerpts of a speech he was to deliver Thursday night to The Federalist Society, a conservative group that emphasizes legal matters.
"Instead, nominees are asked to guarantee specific outcomes of cases that might come before the court. If they refuse — as they should — they often find their nomination ends up in limbo instead of on the Senate floor."
Bush said the confirmation process unfairly tarnishes the reputations of good candidates.
"Lawyers approached about being nominated will politely decline because of the ugliness, uncertainty and delay that now characterize the confirmation process," the president said.
Also speaking at The Federalist Society meeting, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas joined in the criticism of the confirmation process. His nomination was nearly derailed by a Democratic-controlled Senate in 1991.
"We're doing great damage. I fear how much damage we will do to our judiciary over time," Thomas said in response to a question in a crowded hotel ballroom where he talked about and signed his new book.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
A little late Sir to be playing tough guy I think.
Who is the President’s new adviser? First the brilliant Thanksgiving airline speech and actions, now this forceful critique. I like this new Bush. Better late than never. Hope he keeps it up. How about releasing oil from the Strategic Reserve just for the holidays? It will drive the RATs insane and boost the GOP.
What's the strategic emergency?
The last guy to take the big pot in poker wins. W has played his cards very well. It’s never too late until the clock runs out.
“A little late Sir to be playing tough guy I think.”
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REALLY?! He’s kept your whiney butt safe for almost 7 years (and saved our economy in the process!
[. . . I know, I know, if only the President were as ‘brave’ and prescient as the keyboard commandos here at FR . . . blah, blah, blah!]
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