[Miss Marple]

If she has been a judge since 1991, she must have a reasonable written record. She is NOT a Souter. She belongs to the Federalist Society, not exactly a harbinger of liberal leanings.

I am fascinated by how everyone predicts all sorts of poor choices by the President, given his track record, which is very good on judicial appointments and the fact that he keeps his word.

[Iwo Jima]

Clement was a district court (trial court) judge until 3-4 years ago. I follow 5th Circuit judges pretty closely and I have no idea what Clement's judicial philosophy is (see my post #427). She simply has no decipherable paper trail. Hence, she is a "Souter," meaning someone with no documented judicial philosophy. A pig in a poke.

As far as belonging to the Federalist Society, people belong to that/ go to its meetings for many different purposes. It is a good sign but hardly definitive of one's judicial views.

I don't think that anyone is saying that Clement is liberal so much as no one really knows what she is, and we refuse to accept her on faith that it may all turn out right somehow. Too much is at stake.

[jwalsh07]

I am fascinated by how everyone predicts all sorts of poor choices by the President, given his track record, which is very good on judicial appointments and the fact that he keeps his word.

You've seen no criticsm of President Bush from me. You have seen commentary on why Edith Clement should not be picked. W was around during his Dads mistakes, he doesn't repeat them. He'll be nominating a rock ribbed conservative with an extensive appelate record and thats not Edith Clement.