Thinking about the Supreme Court

The appointment of a new Supreme Court Justice is always a big news event, but this year's nomination is being more closely watched than ever before. At least it seems that way. According to a CBS/NYTimes poll, most Americans (55%) trust President Obama to nominate a good candidate, but there are lots of different ideas about what kind of candidate is a "good candidate". Many womens groups and some government officials, such as Senator Barbara Boxer, have pleaded with President Obama to nominate a woman. Other groups urge the naming of a Latino or a "strong liberal". A majority of Republicans (66%) are anxious about the choice, while the overwhelming majority of Democrats (80%) believe whoever Obama chooses will be someone they can support. Perhaps its time for all of us to take a deep breath and let the process move ahead without so much scrutiny and worry.