RSSWhat Kind of Leader for the High Court?
As President Obama seeks to steer the Supreme Court in a new direction, what sort of leader should he look for in his first appointee? An unwavering jurist, like Antonin Scalia, who will articulate a new liberal judicial philosophy? Or a judge who will nudge the court from the center, like Sandra Day O'Connor, winning over swing votes?
A Conservative Rut
The President must choose someone with the leadership ability, intellectual heft, and personal confidence to pull the court out of its conservative rut
A Listening Heart
President Obama should not ignore the leadership qualities of his nominee, as other presidents have done. An influential Justice is one who can not only apply strong logical analysis but who can also make compelling arguments from the heart.
Legal Leadership
The best jurists are able to consider different points of view as opposed to working from an agenda.
A Consensus-Builder
President Obama sees himself as a healer, not a divider, and will nominate someone whose most important qualification beyond competence is having demonstrated the courage and skill to perform a consensus-building role.
The Junior Justice
It is hard to imagine a junior justice with no Supreme Court experience influencing, in the near term, the experienced jurists. This means the person should be chosen for the power of her mind, rather than her political skills.
Don't Be Too Cautious
This is the appointment of yours that is likely to have the longest term impact, so please be sure to select someone who is young, healthy, of steady and sound temperament.
National Consequences
In the Michigan affirmative action case, Justices Kennedy or O'Connor showed flexibility, taking into account the national consequences of the decision. A new Supreme Court justice should be able to straddle principles and consequences.
Law First, Leadership Second
Leadership in a legislative or executive position is one thing; leadership on a court of law, with its more narrowly defined mission, is something quite different.
Liberal-Minded Convincer
Whoever is appointed will not be able to shift the views of the four hardcore conservatives.
The Sensible Center
The duty of a judge is to make decisions based by applying the facts to the law and in a manner consistent with the Constitution.
jslivesay: We need a Supreme Court Justice who will apply the law as written as long as it is constitutional. Justices are not empowered by the constit...
surfer-joe: The next Supreme needs to be wiser rather than political. The constitution and bill of rights were not written to be politically interpreted...
brucemgr: I'm amused by those who ask for great intellect as a requirement when Republican presidents choose partisans. Scalia,Thomas, Roberts, Alito ...
