President Explains Plan For Choosing Scalia’s Replacement, Says He ‘Expects’ Senate To Vote On Nominee
President Barack Obama today said no one should assume he will choose a moderate – or make any other assumptions – to replace the late ultra-conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
The President told reporters he is “going to present someone who is indisputably qualified for the seat.”
“We’re going to find somebody who has an outstanding legal mind, cares about democracy, and the rule of law,” the President promised. He added he will choose a candidate that “any fair minded person would say would serve with honor and integrity on the court.”
He also said he would not have a specific litmus test issue for the potential nominee, but that he would present someone who, regardless of their past record, should be confirmed by the Senate.
Asked by a reporter if we should interpret his comments to mean he will choose a moderate, the president quickly responded.
“No. I don’t know where you found that, you shouldn’t assume anything,” the President said, “other than they’re going to be well-qualified.”
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The President also noted that the “Constitution is pretty clear about what is supposed happen. When there is a vacancy on the Supreme Court, the president is supposed to nominate someone, the Senate is to consider that nomination and either they disagree or that nominee is elevated to the Supreme Court.”
“Historically, this has not been viewed as a question.”Â
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