2016 GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee wants the Supreme Court justices to be term-limited.
The President of the United States is a single individual with more power over the nation and the world than any other person on earth. That power includes day-to-day decisions of great consequence, and implementation of policies that can have longstanding effects for years. Some presidents also have what arguably is the most long-term, farthest reaching power of his entire tenure: nominating a Supreme Court justice – or possibly a few.
President Barack Obama nominated and successfully oversaw the confirmation of two Supreme Court justices: Sonia Sotomayor in 2009, and Elena Kagan in 2010.
Currently, the Court has several justices who some believe will resign or retire in the next few years, including 79-year old Antonin Scalia, 78-year old Anthony Kennedy, and 82-year old Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The next president America elects, especially if they are re-elected, likely will have the honor and ability to impact the course of the nation for decades, if not a centuries, based upon having their nominees confirmed.
Mike Huckabee says he’d like to be president, and he’d also like the ability to replace more than just a few Supreme Court justices, along with many federal court judges.
According to Article III of the U.S. Constitution, all federal judges are appointed for life, unless they are impeached.
Today, Mike Huckabee held a Facebook Q&A, during which he gleefully answered questions from supporters.
In fact, one “supporter” asked Huckabee, “Are you a closeted homosexual?,” to which the ordained Southern Baptist preacher replied, “No, what a very odd question. I’m sorry I’m not available–happily married for 41 years; 3 children; 5 grandchildren. Keep looking.”
When asked, “What would your first act be after being named President?,” Huckabee responded, “Get on my knees and ask for wisdom.”
And several times he mentioned his unwavering support of the Constitution.
In response to a question about NSA spying, Huckabee responded, “We have to abide by the Constitution. Franklin said that if we give up liberty for security, we will have neither. Government needs probable cause and a warrant. On that, the Constitution is quite clear.”
Explaining why he refused to take a side on the issue of South Carolina’s Confederate flag, Huckabee said, “I take the Constitution seriously.”
But when asked, “What is your opinion on term limits for Congressmen?,” Huckabee said, “I support term limits for all 3 branches of government.”
Translation: If I become president, I’d like to get rid of all the liberals on the Supreme Court bench, and across the nation in every federal court.
That’s not inconsistent with his prior statements. Huckabee just last week called for Christians to choose civil disobedience, rather than biblical disobedience if the Supreme Court rules in favor of marriage equality.
And in a letter to supporters last week, Huckabee railed against these “nine, unelected Supreme Court justices,” stating, “I also refuse to surrender to the false god of judicial supremacy, which would allow black-robed and unelected judges the power to make law and enforce it, which upends the separation of powers so very central to our Constitution. Too much power concentrated in the courts is a threat to our Republic. I will fight judicial tyranny and return power to the people.”
But remember, Mike Huckabee says, “I take the Constitution seriously” and “We have to abide by the Constitution.”
Apparently, only when it suits him.
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Image by The White House via Flickr