Why should we have to? The nominee should be able to stand on her own record, not the word of the person who nominated her.
Additionally, why not pick someone in their early 50's?
True enough. However, I don't think the President is nominating a Souter this time around. I can see that many FReepers are unhappy with this choice. I prefer to wait and watch. We may know more about her judicial philosophy in the days to follow.