I just...
Okay, as a law clerk for a state supreme court, I just have to point something out. I keep seeing references to arguments that a win for Obama equals a "liberal" Supreme Court, and that bugs me, because it's patently untrue. Here's the scoop, y'all. I'm leaving this unlocked, so if you want to link, feel free.
If you're worried about having a "liberal" Supreme Court, please don't be. Don't let that be a factor that influences your decision regarding who to vote for. Want to know why? Here it is:
There are nine justices on the US Supreme Court. Currently, four are considered conservative: Scalia, Thomas, Roberts, and Alito. Four are considered liberal: Stephens, Souter, Ginsburg and Breyer. One is considered the moderate or swing vote: Kennedy.
Scalia, Thomas, Roberts, and Alito range in age from their early 50's to early 70's. Most Supreme Court Justices stay on the court into their 80's. Kennedy is also unlikely to go anywhere anytime soon. The justices most likely to be replaced are Stephens, Breyer, Souter, and Ginsburg, based on age and rumored desire to retire.
So, even if Obama is elected and is able to appoint 1-4 justices, the makeup of the Supreme Court is likely to stay EXACTLY THE SAME. And, let's face it, we don't want either an uber-conservative or uber-liberal Supreme Court because balance is always good. And the Court doesn't always split on an ideological basis. Just FYI.
If you're worried about having a "liberal" Supreme Court, please don't be. Don't let that be a factor that influences your decision regarding who to vote for. Want to know why? Here it is:
There are nine justices on the US Supreme Court. Currently, four are considered conservative: Scalia, Thomas, Roberts, and Alito. Four are considered liberal: Stephens, Souter, Ginsburg and Breyer. One is considered the moderate or swing vote: Kennedy.
Scalia, Thomas, Roberts, and Alito range in age from their early 50's to early 70's. Most Supreme Court Justices stay on the court into their 80's. Kennedy is also unlikely to go anywhere anytime soon. The justices most likely to be replaced are Stephens, Breyer, Souter, and Ginsburg, based on age and rumored desire to retire.
So, even if Obama is elected and is able to appoint 1-4 justices, the makeup of the Supreme Court is likely to stay EXACTLY THE SAME. And, let's face it, we don't want either an uber-conservative or uber-liberal Supreme Court because balance is always good. And the Court doesn't always split on an ideological basis. Just FYI.