Antonin Scalia Defends Miers

Newsmax ^ | 10/9/5

[Crackingham]

In an interview set for broadcast on Monday, leading conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia appears to be defending Harriet Miers against critics who say she doesn't have the qualifications to sit on the High Court.

"I think it's a good thing to have people from all sorts of backgrounds [on the Court]," Scalia tells CNBC's Maria Bartiromo, as the debate rages over Miers' lack of judical experience.

Without mentioning the Bush nominee by name, the conservative legal icon said that the High Court needed someone who had never served as a judge to take the place of the late Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

"There is now nobody with that [non judicial] background after the death of the previous chief," Scalia laments to Bartiromo.

"And the reason that's happened, I think, is that the nomination and confirmation process has become so controversial, so politicized that I think a president does not want to give the opposition an easy excuse [to say] 'Well, this person has no judicial experience.'" Scalia concludes: "I don't think that's a good thing. I think the Byron Whites, the Lewis Powells and the Bill Rehnquists have contributed to the court even though they didn't sit on a lower federal court."

[ilovew]

I didn't say I didn't like him. I just like him a lot more out of office than in office.

[Oklahoma]

I'm not sure if it is correct. It was posted in a FR Forum. (LOL) I think we would both agree that O'Connor and Kennedy were disappointments, not to the degree Souter is one, but certainly when compared to Scalia and Thomas. Levin may have learned a lesson but then again maybe he doesn't have the talent to be advising anyone when it comes to picking SC Justices. The point I would make is that some of the conservative chattering class, whining so much about the current pick, have been involved with many decisions that didn't turn out that well in the past. Bill Kristol in particular has really begun to annoy me. I think he has some kind of personal agenda working. Maybe it goes back to his supporting McCain in 2000.

[Map Kernow]

Either way, I don't really have much choice in the matter.

Now you know why some of us are so upset... ;)

[gpapa]

Read my lips. "No new taxes." Read my lips. "David Hackett Souter". Read my lips, 1992. "Billary Clintoon."

[gpapa]

Sadly. Yes.

[onyx]

You don't trust Bush. At least you're honest about it.

[Map Kernow]

Was that off the cuff? Very eloquent.

As far as I know. But I can't claim the point is original.

[Map Kernow]

revealing.

Or just fun. Loosen up---it's only a political discussion.

[gatorbait]

think what he's saying is accurate, but it doesn't necessarily reflect on Miers. As a general statement, he's right--people criticizing Miers for her lack of judicial experience are off-base. This doesn't mean that she's a good pick, otherwise.

It also does not mean she is a bad one, either.

[Stellar Dendrite]

mommy's gonna put you in time out.

LOL

[Map Kernow]

The point I would make is that some of the conservative chattering class, whining so much about the current pick, have been involved with many decisions that didn't turn out that well in the past.

That is true and I accept your point. But I still think Levin has made some points this time around that need to be considered. No one here has leveled criticism at Levin's opinions before on the basis that he was mistaken about judicial picks (if what you say is right) in the '80's.

[Howlin]

Because the gang of 14 ONLY agreed on them for the positions that they were nominated on.

They won't go for SC.

[Map Kernow]

mommy's gonna put you in time out. LOL

Well, if it gives her any satisfaction, it isn't the first time I've been called out by "mommy" for being insolent. To that extent, I guess my posts have been "revealing." ;)

[Republic of Texas]

Didn't Mark Levin have something to do with recommending O'Connor and Kennedy while working in the Reagan Administration? If he was wrong about them why would his judgment be any better now concerning the current SC pick?

He learned from his mistakes? OU picked John Blake as a head coach a few years ago, should we believe they will always choose that poorly? In fact, they learned from their mistake, and they are the better for it. Except for this week of course.

Everyone on the right has learned from the mistakes of the past, that's why this is such a crucial time. We don't get many shots at the SCOTUS, and no one wants to "F" it up with another Souter or Kennedy. We also don't want the disappointment of another Bork. Hence, the disagreement.

[gpapa]

Are you suggesting the Senate would filibuster Brown or Owen?

[xsmommy]

yes, it is somewhat revealing that rather than address the substance of my point you attempt to patronize me. thanks, i am done playing with you.

[jdm]

Levin (on his radio show) claimed that Kennedy lied on his resume, during interviews, etc. Said he was pro-life when he really was pro-choice.

[ilovew]

Yes, it is always easier to blame your mistakes on other people.

[Republic of Texas]

Levin (on his radio show) claimed that Kennedy lied on his resume, during interviews, etc. Said he was pro-life when he really was pro-choice.

Ok, everyone who has NEVER lied on your resume may now torch Levin. *crickets*

[Map Kernow]

yes, it is somewhat revealing that rather than address the substance of my point you attempt to patronize me.

Well, that's a slap in the face I didn't see coming. I thought I had replied to the "substance" of your post by commenting that plenty of Bush supporters proudly call themselves "Bushbots." Sure, I put it into a "mommy-child" dialogue form, but I thought you had said you found that "endearing." Not until now have you expected me to know that you instead found it "patronizing."

thanks, i am done playing with you.

[Sadly] 'Bye, mommy...sorry you don't have a sense of humor.