President Bush's Supreme Court Nominee Faces Partisan Scrutiny

Strategic Insights -

President Bush's selection of Judge John G. Roberts as the nation's first Supreme Court nominee in 11 years has set off a heated debate in the Senate, with Republicans praising the judge's strong legal credentials and Democrats demanding a thorough review of his record.

The Senate's Democratic leader, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, acknowledged Judge Roberts' impressive resume but emphasized the need for a thorough examination of his commitment to core values such as freedom, equality, and fairness. Meanwhile, Republicans see Judge Roberts as an outstanding nominee who will make America proud, with Majority Leader Senator Bill Frist of Tennessee calling him "an outstanding nominee who will make America proud."

Despite initial optimism that the Senate would avoid partisan rancor, the debate has devolved into a series of partisan attacks and counterattacks. Democrats have questioned Judge Roberts' willingness to answer certain questions in his earlier confirmation hearings, while Republicans have defended his record as an appeals court judge.

Key Takeaways:

  • Judge John G. Roberts has been an appeals court judge for just two years, leaving Democrats to question his experience.
  • Despite initial support, Democrats now acknowledge that they must review Judge Roberts' record to determine if he has a demonstrated commitment to core values like freedom, equality, and fairness.
  • Republicans have praised Judge Roberts as a distinguished, intelligent jurist who deserves quick confirmation.
  • The Senate is expected to begin scrutinizing Judge Roberts' record in earnest on Wednesday, with members of both parties trying to set the stage for what will be one of the most closely watched events in recent Senate history.
  • Democrats have vowed to keep the party's response coordinated, with prominent committee members like Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois and Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York warning that the president's failure to share names with them could complicate the confirmation process.
  • The Gang of 14, a group of Republicans and Democrats who reached agreement in May to avert a showdown over Bush's judicial nominees, may hold the key to Judge Roberts' confirmation. If Democrats in the group decide to join Republicans in supporting Judge Roberts, it will eliminate the prospect of a filibuster, ensuring his confirmation.
  • Senator Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut has been cautious in his reaction, saying he would engage in "a searching review."

Statistics:

  • Judge John G. Roberts has been an appeals court judge for 2 years, earning him a relatively short record.
  • Since his confirmation in May 2003 without a roll-call vote, Judge Roberts has drawn some opposition in the Judiciary Committee.
  • In his earlier confirmation hearings, Judge Roberts answered 183 of 184 questions (98.4%) submitted by committee members.

Sources:

  • "The president has chosen someone with suitable legal credentials, but that is not the end of our inquiry," said Senator Harry Reid of Nevada.
  • "It's tabula rasa that way," Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York said of the Senate's new approach to Judge Roberts' nomination.
  • "I think that the atmosphere has changed around here," said Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi, the former Republican leader.
  • "This is a different ballgame altogether," said Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Democrat and a member of the Judiciary Committee.