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Thomas is supported by black lobbies, while Scalia not! This is a first reason to appoint Scalia. Besides, Thomas has a not very clear personal past. The debate about the Thomas nomination polarized both Washington and much of the country, for the Anita Hill case, and we actually don't know much about his personal faith (he divorced too).
Antonin Scalia is very intelligent and very opinionated, a combination that soothes those who agree with his views and which is troublesome to those who disagree with his views; an intellectual goal that Thomas will never achieve. Sen. Reed is right when he say that Thomas is not an incisive writer of opinions.

Hi Paleo,

Which Thomas opinions do you think are not well written?

Also "we actually don't know much about his personal faith"? Remember that we're the side that thinks there should NOT be a religious test (or anti-religious test) for high office.

Thomas is a convert to Catholicism, but as Scalia is very fond of saying, if a justice does his job according to the contitution his personal opinions should be irrelevant. Remember, it's the OTHER side that says someone who is pro-life should eb excluded from the court.

Thomas is supported by black lobbies,

You're kidding me right? Those organizations are very much against him. I think Scalia is the most brilliant justice on the Supreme Court, but he is getting a bit old to be elevated to Chief Justice. I would rather have someone who is young enough to be able to choose the timing of his retirement. If President Bush is suceeded by a DemocRAT who serves eight years, Scalia would have to stay on till at least 2017 when he would be 81 to be able to let a Republican president choose the next Chief Justice. It is also possible President Bush could nominate someone who is not even currently on the Supreme Court to be the next Chief Justice.

Actually, both Scalia and Thomas are active in their Catholic Faith.

I have read or heard of many of Clarence Thomas's speeches; he speaks as a man of deep faith and conviction. I would not be worried about him being elevated to Chief Justice, I would enthusiastically support it!

The difference between Scalia and Thomas was described thus: While Scalia might pen an decision that is more lengthy and wordy, Thomas will have written decisions that are extremely concise and succinth. If brevity is the soul of wit, Thomas is a master. Scalia has perhaps become a bit bitter over the rampant liberalism from the other side, the total abandonment of trying to look to the intent of the Constitution, and has become verbose in his criticisms of the judical activis that is taking place.

Both men are brilliant. But when it comes to the bottom line, Thomas is 12 years younger, and might serve for another 20+ years as a Chief Justice, and the mark that he would leave on the political landscape might be impressive!

Mike