Winning the Sotomayor Witness Game

2009-07-10T16:02:48Z

Generally, the witnesses in a Supreme Court confirmation hearing take a backseat to the nominee himself. Sure, there was Anita Hill and all of the drama surrounding Clarence Thomas's extraordinary confirmation hearings. But can you remember anything about those who testified for or against Sam Alito or Ruth Bader Ginsburg? I couldn't. In general, it's the interplay between the senators and the nominees themselves that attracts attention. But this time it could be different. Both sides have tapped big guns for and against the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to be the first Hispanic and only the third female associate justice in the history of the Supreme Court. I'd give a slight edge to the GOP, for sheer cleverness in designing their witness list. Here's why.
The Democrats hauled in some good names. Mike Bloomberg will be there offering some swagger and independent elan to the proceedings. Former Mets pitcher David Cone will extol Sotomayor's role in ending the 1995 baseball strike. He probably won't get much air play but I think the decision to haul in former FBI Director Louis Freeh might even sway some wavering Republicans. Freeh, an acclaimed federal judge and prosecutor in New York, was made FBI director by Bill Clinton and became a White House nemesis on everything from Monica Lewinsky to that pseudo-scandal about Chinese missile technology. He has a lot of cred with Republicans, and I think he could make it easier for the likes of Orin Hatch or Lindsey Graham to vote for Sotomayor.

The rest of those testifying, from various professional legal groups and law school faculties, won't stir much interest. New Yorkers may find it interesting to hear the account of legendary Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, for whom Sotomayor worked, but others probably won't.

Still, it's the most interesting list for a Surpeme Court nominee in almost 20 years since Americans sat riveted to the Thomas hearings.
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Comment from Andy in Texas on 2009-07-10

2009-07-10T17:03:53Z

Five bucks says Frank Ricci cries.

Comment from James Bond on 2009-07-11

2009-07-11T10:08:16Z

Where is Robert Boark when you need him??

Comment from ottovbvs on 2009-07-12

2009-07-12T14:02:53Z

I suppose you have to do something to generate excitement about Supreme Court confirmation hearings but this is going to be a snoozer. The Republican aren't going to lay a glove on her and everyone knows it. Ricci may not even turn out to be the five of clubs the Republicans think he is since apparently he has something of a history as a serial litigant.

Comments for Winning the Sotomayor Witness Game

Winning the Sotomayor Witness Game

Comment from Andy in Texas on 2009-07-10

Comment from James Bond on 2009-07-11

Comment from ottovbvs on 2009-07-12