"Executive Branch"? What's that? Retired S.C. Justice Souter calls for civic education

By GottaLaff

"Branching" out:

Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter urged the nation's lawyers to help revitalize civic education, warning that the failure of many Americans to understand how the government works poses a serious threat. [...]

Souter pointed to a poll showing that two-thirds of Americans can't name the three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial. He said that must change to keep judges independent of political pressures.

Souter nailed this one. The ignorance of many Americans is astounding and harmful to our democracy. It's as big an enemy as anyone we are currently at war with. Time to wise up, America.

Poll- Majority want Sotomayor confirmed

But the Republicans are going to go in armed for bear and be as contentious as they can. Kiss the Hispanic vote goodbye...

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Just three days before the start of Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearings, a new national poll indicates that by a narrow margin, Americans would like the Senate to confirm her as the next Supreme Court justice.

In a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey released Friday morning, 47 percent of people questioned would like to see the Senate vote in favor of Sotomayor's confirmation, with 40 percent opposed and 13 percent unsure.

Supreme Court Announcement At 1015 EST Today

Just announced on MSNBC. Let the games begin!

***AP says it's Sotomayor. YEAH!!!!! Link when I get it. Link here.

Obama Seeks No Leaks on Supreme Court Nominee

Well, he's been pretty good so far at keeping secrets, so this should be easy. Won't stop the speculation though (some of it highly questionable).

The Washington Post has details on how President Obama will pick a new Supreme Court nominee.

"The selection of a small and very senior group of administration officials to help manage the nomination is designed, in part, to avoid the kinds of leaks that angered several Cabinet nominees during Obama's transition."

"Running the selection are White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, counsel Gregory B. Craig and deputy counsel Cassandra Q. Butts, a classmate of Obama's at Harvard Law. Obama has reached out to Republican and Democratic Senate leaders, seeking their recommendations. But the chance that he would veer from his own list, which began taking shape in December, is slim."

Speculation of the day: Gore for SCOTUS?

Ain't gonna happen, but it sure would make Scalia and Thomas squirm.

Pat Robertson says Republicans "ought to filibuster every single one" of Obama's judicial nominees

GOP, please, please, please listen to Robertson?!

President Breaks Into Gibbs Presser To Talk About Souter

EDITED- to add complete video, including joking around.

WASHINGTON - The retirement of a veteran Supreme Court justice will give President Barack Obama his first opportunity to fill a vacancy on the highest U.S. tribunal.

Making a surprise appearance in the White House press room, Obama said, "I will seek someone with a sharp and independent mind."

(snip)

"He consistently defied labels and rejected absolutes," said Obama of the retiring justice.

"I am incredibly grateful for his dedicated service," he added.

Souter informed Obama of his plans in a brief letter Friday. He wrote that he intends to retire when the current term ends — "when the court rises for its summer recess."

Obama says he wants Souter's replacement seated by first Monday in October.

What does Obama want in a Supreme Court nominee?

Video from the CNN Democratic Debate. Via Think Progress. NOTE- Video fixed.

VP Biden Heads Up Team to Choose New Justice

Good move, Joe knows what to look for and what could cause problems.

Vice President Biden has been charged with drawing up a list of possible nominees to replace Justice David Souter on the Supreme Court, the Washington Post reports.

Five current members of the Supreme Court were confirmed by the U.S. Senate when Biden was chair of the Judiciary Committee.

Bloomberg: "By making his plans known now, rather than waiting until the end of the term as other justices have done, Souter gives Obama extra time to choose a successor and ensure Senate confirmation before the next term starts in October. Souter could stay on the court until his successor is confirmed by the Senate, which is controlled 59-40 by Democrats."

The AP reviews the process for filling a Supreme Court vacancy.

Doocy claims that "Obama would really have to appoint an outright Socialist for him to find somebody more to the left of Justice Souter"

Keep on saying that Douchey, it just makes it easier for us.

Justice Souter plans to retire

By GottaLaff

I posted about it earlier. Confirmed by Rachel Maddow now. Officials have told MSNBC that Justice Souter intends to retire.

This won't change the tenor of the Supreme Court much, although appointed by Bush 41. He tends to vote more "liberal".

The Rushpublics will kick up a fight, but they'll, what's the word? LOSE.

The case of the missing law clerks: Souter signals?

By GottaLaff

Whyohwhy couldn't it be Scalia or Thomas?

"The case of the missing law clerks is this spring's most-watched mystery at the Supreme Court," the AP reports.

Eight justices are known to have hired the four law clerks who will work with them in the Supreme Court term that begins in October, but Justice David Souter appears to be the lone holdout.

"Why does this matter? Under the scenario that counts, Souter, 69, would not be hiring clerks because he isn't planning to be in Washington in the fall. A retirement would give President Barack Obama his first chance to nominate a justice and the next few months would bring Senate confirmation hearings."

So who would Prez O nominate? Any ideas?