[governsleastgovernsbest]

Today Show/NewsBusters ping.

[SerpentDove]

>>Matt sought to pour gasoline on the feminist fire, suggesting there might be "sexism" in the criticism of Miers. Concurred Laura: "that's possible. I think that's possible."<<

My respect for Laura just took a major hit.

[GarySpFc]

Do you know who is considered by almost all to be the greatest justice to ever serve on SCOTUS? Did you realize this person had only briefly studied law? Did you know he did not have any judicial experience when he was appointed chief justice, and yet he is considered the person who had the most influence on Constitutional Law? Have you ever heard of John Marshall? His single greatest attribute, which has been lacking in many of the recent justices to SCOTUS was character.

John Marshall-Biography

Experience: No prior judicial experience. Marshall held many political offices at the state and national levels.

John Marshall was born in a log cabin on the Virginia frontier, the first of fifteen children. He was a participant in the Revolutionary War as a member of the 3d Virginia Regiment. He studied law briefly in 1780, and was admitted to practice the same year. He quickly established a successful career defending individuals against their pre-War British creditors.

Marshall served in Virginia's House of Delegates. He also participated in the state ratifying convention and spoke forcefully on behalf of the new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.

Marshall contemplated several offers to serve in the Washington and Adams administrations. He declined service as attorney general for Washington; he declined positions on the Supreme Court and as secretary of war under Adams. At Washington's direction, Marshall ran successfully for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives but his tenure there was brief. Adams offered Marshall the position of secretary of state, which Marshall accepted. When Ellsworth resigned as chief justice in 1800, Adams turned to the first chief justice, John Jay, who declined. Federalists urged Adams to promote associate justice William Paterson to the spot; Adams opted for Marshall.

Marshall's impact on American constitutional law is peerless. He served for more than 34 years (a record that few others have broken), he participated in more than 1000 decisions and authored over 500 opinions. As the single most important figure on constitutional law, Marshall's imprint can still be fathomed in the great issues of contemporary America. Other justices will surpass his single accomplishments, but no one will replace him as the Babe Ruth of the Supreme Court!

http://www.oyez.org/oyez/resource/legal_entity/13/overview

[jla]

Matt sought to pour gasoline on the feminist fire, suggesting there might be "sexism" in the criticism of Miers. Concurred Laura: "that's possible. I think that's possible."

How is it "possible" if those same Conservatives opposing Miers almost simultaneously voice their approval of Janice Rogers Brown, Priscilla Owen, and other conservative female federal judges?

I support Harriet, but I can't see why the White House is sinking to these desperate levels to gain favor for their nominee.

[beyond the sea]

W then delved into feminism, referring to Miers as having broken "the glass ceiling"

Not to be contrary, but did Janet Reno break "the glass ceiling"?

***

Let's just wait for the hearings. After all Arlen Sphincter told George Stuffingenvelopes on Sunday that he's going to get to the truth of what Dobson and Rove know. ;-)

Then we'll ask dear Arlen to confirm that Jack Ruby was just trying to spare Jackie Kennedy the pain of a trial by shooting Oswald.

;-)

[PGalt]

"judicial monastery."

Hooray President Bush!

[kittymyrib]

In other words, if Miers were not a woman and not a friend of the Bushes, she would not have been nominated. What a thing to admit on national TV!

[soloNYer]

I cringed when I heard Laura acknowledge sexism as a possible reason for conservatives to question the Miers pick. I was hoping Bush would step in to downplay that statement, but he didn't. This should not even be a question of sexism. Isn't it obvious that conservatives would have jumped at he chance to have a Janice Rogers Brown on the court? However, the sexism charge is a way for the media to gloss over the real reasons behind the consternation by many on the right...shifting focus from the interpretation of the Constitution...and it was disheartening to see Laura buy into that reasoning.

I did enjoy Bush saying "You're quoting a lot of Democrats today, aren't you Matt?"

[jackieaxe]

>>Matt sought to pour gasoline on the feminist fire, suggesting there might be "sexism" in the criticism of Miers. Concurred Laura: "that's possible. I think that's possible."<<

What bull. The conservatives (I consider myself one) have throw out the names of Janice Rogers Brown and Edith Jones as better picks than Harriet Miers. Matt or the dumbass who writes his cue cards had no business asking that question.

[Cboldt]

-bump-

A really good piece. Thank you so very much for the fair and extended desrciption and commentary.