He’s gotta do it before Congress goes home for the campaign. Otherwise, his successor will have to contend with a GOP Senate.
When a Republican appoints a SC Justice, there’s a 50-50 chance the nominee will turn out to be a conservative. When a Dem appoints a justice, there’s a 100% chance he/she will be a liberal.
Liberal out, liberal in. No big whoop.
If Obama adds more of his buddies to the court, those court challenges to “health care reform” may be doomed.
It is obvious that Obama is using Toobin to push Steven out before the 2010 election.
And in 2011 Obama will get to pick a replacement for Ginsburg and if he wins a second term, he will likely get to replace Scalia.
Stevens is the most liberal member of the court, with the possible exception of Ginsberg, who is very stupid. Stevens is smart. If they are this anxious to get rid of him, they must have a real marxist in mind as his replacement.