I have to laugh at Lindsey Graham’s suggestion that Obama appoint “somebody that is genuinely believed to be acceptable to a wide range of people” to the Supreme Court or forget about passing climate change legislation. What a bunch of baloney!
Not as stupid as Charlie Crist’s suggestion that Obama nominate someone like Roberts or Alito, however.
I think I like Diane Wood the most for the position of the names I’ve heard so far. I think a Wood nomination would become a major abortion fight, but that’s not why I recommend her. Certainly, some other candidates would be less controversial and do a lot less to rile up the Republican base. But when it comes to lifetime appointments, you really have to put short-term politics aside. I think Wood would be the closest candidate to Stevens, and she has a good record of maintaining productive personal relationships with conservatives on the court. Aside from being strongly pro-choice, she seems strong across the board. I have too many questions about Elena Kagan’s position on executive power and detainees to support her. Garland seems inoffensive, but he’s the darling of the right for a reason. My second choice is Leah Ward Sears.
