The latest USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll, taken July 7-10, showed overwhelming support for putting another woman on the court. Three of four favored appointing a woman to replace Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the high court.
Two-thirds of those surveyed liked the idea of naming the first Hispanic to the Supreme Court, too.
This is demonstrative of severl things. First, America is not a racist or sexist country. It just isn't. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson can bemoan the plight of African Americans, but by and large Americans are tolerant people when it comes to issues of sex and race. This is clearly the good news.
The bad news, is that I do not think Americans realize what is at stake here. Politically active members of society understand that this appointment could change the comlexion of the high court. Bush should appoint someone who accurately interprets the constitution. End of story. Nominating a woman for women's sake or a Hispanic to play to the Hispanic vote is a disgusting political move. If a female, Hispanic, or even a female Hispanic is the best candidate for the job then rightfully appoint him or her. If the best man for the job is another WASP, so be it. This decision is too important for a childish voter outreach.
There are perils for Bush underscored in the poll. By 68%-29%, those surveyed opposed overturning Roe v. Wade. But evangelical leaders including James Dobson of Focus on the Family and Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council — representing Christian conservatives who played an important role in re-electing the president last year — are demanding a nominee who will do just that.
That's bad news to an extent, but it shouldn't change Bush's mind in all of this. The reality is that most Americans are not constitutional experts. Further, though I myself am not one, it is obvious to me that Roe needs to be overturned because it is an asinine decision.
The time has come to lead Mr. President. Nominate a judge that espouses the values that got you elected. Giving the position to someone for politcal reasons will only hurt you. Nominating Clarence Thomas didn't sway the black vote, and Thomas was a good nomination. Appoint Gonzales and you will neither win the Hispanic vote nor avoid losing the conservatives in the party.
Pretend you're not a politician for once sir, and do the right thing.
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