Today marked the beginning of a truly important democratic process atthe United States Capitol. Sonia Sotomayor–only the third woman, and the first Hispanic Supreme Court nominee–began her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Beyond all of the political ruminations of the Senate, which will certainly be seen, this is an opportunity for Americans and the entire world to witness the confirmation process.
The hearing began with opening statements by the members of the US Senate Judiciary Committee, consisting of twelve Democrats, including Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and seven Republicans. Following the statements by all committee members, Judge Sotomayor was introduced with statements from her home-state Senators, (D-NY) Chuck Schumer and (D-NY) Kirsten Gillibrand. After two compelling introductions, Sotomayor was sworn in by Chairman Leahy, and then offered her own statement, which was a brief summary of her journey to this point. It was her first opportunity to speak publicly since her nomination.
After today’s hearing, I heard most media pundits declare that Republican committee-members were very tame and respectful. I don’t know whichSupreme Court confirmation hearing those people were watching, but the one that I watched was one in which Republican members were setting the precursors for an attack. This will not only be an attack upon Sotomayor, but an attack upon President Obama, most importantly.
Despite the filth of some partisan politics that will be on display for the rest of the hearing, I encourage everyone to watch as much of this process as possible. It’s not quite Haley’s Comet, but there are only nine Supreme Court Justices, and they all have lifetime appointments.
*This seat became available with Justice David Souter’s retirement.
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