Spring Break
Sotomayor nomination a political win for Obama
Brandon Southward
Issue date: 5/27/09 Section: Forum
Yesterday President Obama nominated federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to be Justice David Souter's replacement on the Supreme Court. If confirmed, Sotomayor would be the first Hispanic and third woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice.
This was a unique situation, in that Obama was a constitutional lawyer and professor and realistically could have been a Supreme Court nominee himself.
In the end, Sotomayor beat a small group of serious candidates and Monday night, Obama called Sotomayor and informed her that she will be his choice to become the first Latino and third woman on the Supreme Court.
Sonia Sotomayor's story in some ways mirrors Obama's own life story. She grew up with humble beginnings; her father died when she was nine and was raised by her mother. She graduated from Princeton and then Yale Law School, receiving high honors.
She is known for being blunt but bright, and writes very good opinions. At 54, she will be the second-youngest justice on the court after Chief Justice Roberts if confirmed. She will also allow Obama to start shaping the liberal side of the court.
As news trickled in, reaction was quick to follow. Conservative groups called Sotomayor a bully and an activist; Mike Huckabee claimed Sotomayor would turn the Supreme Court into the "Extreme Court."
Liberals and minority groups were generally happy with the selection, with many Hispanic groups rejoicing over the prospect of having one of their own on the bench. Liberals, although slightly disappointed Obama did not select a more progressive judge, were happy with the selection nonetheless. They see her as someone who can hopefully stand up to the more dominating conservative figures on the court.
It was interesting to watch the Republicans hold their fire on Sotomayor, realizing how difficult it will be to attack a Latina. Browbeating would alienate not only women but more importantly Hispanics, who represent the fastest growing minority in America. Outside conservative groups and voices must be measured in their tone, otherwise Republicans will face more backlash from Hispanic groups of being anti-Hispanic; many in the party are still sensitive considering the bad blood left from the immigration fight from a few years ago.
This was a unique situation, in that Obama was a constitutional lawyer and professor and realistically could have been a Supreme Court nominee himself.
In the end, Sotomayor beat a small group of serious candidates and Monday night, Obama called Sotomayor and informed her that she will be his choice to become the first Latino and third woman on the Supreme Court.
Sonia Sotomayor's story in some ways mirrors Obama's own life story. She grew up with humble beginnings; her father died when she was nine and was raised by her mother. She graduated from Princeton and then Yale Law School, receiving high honors.
She is known for being blunt but bright, and writes very good opinions. At 54, she will be the second-youngest justice on the court after Chief Justice Roberts if confirmed. She will also allow Obama to start shaping the liberal side of the court.
As news trickled in, reaction was quick to follow. Conservative groups called Sotomayor a bully and an activist; Mike Huckabee claimed Sotomayor would turn the Supreme Court into the "Extreme Court."
Liberals and minority groups were generally happy with the selection, with many Hispanic groups rejoicing over the prospect of having one of their own on the bench. Liberals, although slightly disappointed Obama did not select a more progressive judge, were happy with the selection nonetheless. They see her as someone who can hopefully stand up to the more dominating conservative figures on the court.
It was interesting to watch the Republicans hold their fire on Sotomayor, realizing how difficult it will be to attack a Latina. Browbeating would alienate not only women but more importantly Hispanics, who represent the fastest growing minority in America. Outside conservative groups and voices must be measured in their tone, otherwise Republicans will face more backlash from Hispanic groups of being anti-Hispanic; many in the party are still sensitive considering the bad blood left from the immigration fight from a few years ago.
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