[anglian]

Given judges’ traditional longevity on the Court, it’s important to understand that Obama’s presidency could affect every aspect of American life — criminal law, civil law, trade agreements, college admissions, abortions, managed care, anything you can think of — for a good thirty or forty years.

[CottonBall]

Given judges’ traditional longevity on the Court, it’s important to understand that Obama’s presidency could affect every aspect of American life — criminal law, civil law, trade agreements, college admissions, abortions, managed care, anything you can think of — for a good thirty or forty years.

Actually, barring an illness, your scenario is not likely. The oldest justices are the libs. Obama would just replace one with another. The youngest justices are the conservative ones - unless one gets ill, one will not be replaced for at least another decade or more.

Using the stats of when justices retire, the likelihood of even one getting appointed in the next 4 years is slim. However, the following 8 years will be the crucial ones if we want to replace the older libs with conservatives.

I fear a McCain presidency could doom conservatism by having his liberal agenda associated with it. And impacting the 2012 election in the same way. However, if Obama and the Dem Congress (likely) pull a Carter (even more likely), we just might get a real conservative in 2012. It's a weak hope, but it's all we got. McCain already said he would not appoint a conservative (like Alito, the 'sleeve' comment is pretty telling of his mindset).